OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know

Harris County, Texas — Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Harris County. Each section links to the office, online tool, or agency that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • District Clerk: 201 Caroline St, Houston — (832) 927-5800
  • Sheriff / Jail: 1200 Baker St, Houston — (713) 755-5300
  • Online search: hcdistrictclerk.com (civil, criminal, family)
  • County seat: Houston, Texas
How to use this page: Pick a section below — court records, arrest records, or other records. Each one tells you where to go, who to contact, and what tools are available online.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ District and county court case records
🔍 Sheriff jail roster and inmate search
🏛️ Justice of the peace court records
📋 Property records and vital records contacts
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

The Harris County District Clerk maintains records for all cases filed in the Harris County district courts and county criminal courts at law. This includes civil, criminal, and family cases. You can search records online or visit the office in person.

OfficeDetails
District Clerk201 Caroline St, Suite 420, Houston, TX 77002
Phone(832) 927-5800
Online Searchhcdistrictclerk.com — Records Search

For county civil court records, use the Harris County records portal. Justice of the peace court records are available through the JP web portal.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Harris County come from whichever agency made the arrest. The Harris County Sheriff's Office operates the county jail and publishes an online jail roster. The Houston Police Department handles arrests within city limits.

To request a specific arrest report, contact the arresting agency. Most accept written requests or have a public records portal.

AgencyContactOnline
Sheriff's Office1200 Baker St, Houston, TX 77002Sheriff's Office Website
Inmate Search(713) 755-5300Find Someone in Jail
Houston PD1200 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002Submit Records Request (HPD)
🔍 Harris County Sheriff — Jail Information & Inmate Search 🏛️ Harris County Sheriff's Office Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Harris County maintains several other categories of public records. Property records are handled by the County Clerk's office. Vital records (birth, death, marriage) are available through the County Clerk or the Texas Department of State Health Services, depending on the record type.

How to Request Records

Most records are handled by different offices — always contact the office listed in the section above.

In person: Visit the Harris County District Clerk at 201 Caroline St in Houston. Bring a valid ID. The office can provide copies of court filings at the counter.

Online: Use the District Clerk's online records search to view case information. Some documents are available to view online; others require a request.

By mail or email: Submit a written request under the Texas Public Information Act to the office that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of the records you need.

Cities in Harris County

Harris County includes the city of Houston (county seat, largest city in Texas) and several other municipalities. City-level record pages will be added as they become available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Harris County courthouse?
The Harris County Civil Courthouse is at 201 Caroline Street in Houston. The Criminal Justice Center is at 1201 Franklin Street. Both are in downtown Houston.
Can I look up someone's arrest in Harris County online?
Yes. The Harris County Sheriff's Office provides an online jail information tool where you can search by name. You can also call (713) 755-5300.
How do I get a copy of a court record in Harris County?
Search online at hcdistrictclerk.com, call (832) 927-5800, or visit the District Clerk's office at 201 Caroline St in Houston.
What courts does Harris County have?
Harris County has district courts (civil and criminal), county courts at law, county criminal courts, justice of the peace courts, and probate courts. The District Clerk handles records for district and county criminal courts. The County Clerk handles county civil courts.
Is there a fee to search Harris County court records online?
You can search case information for free on the District Clerk's website. Viewing or downloading certain documents may require a fee or an account.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026