OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Texas Public Records

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

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 254 counties, each with its own clerk
  • Federal courts: 4 U.S. District Courts (Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western)
  • Background checks: Texas DPS — Criminal History Name Search
  • Records law: Texas Public Information Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

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

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through DPS
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
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

Texas has 254 counties, each with its own clerk's office that maintains court records. You can search many of them in one place using re:SearchTX, the statewide court records portal run by the Texas Judicial Branch. Enter a name or case number to find civil, criminal, and family case records.

County-level court records include district courts, county courts at law, and justice of the peace courts. Availability varies by county — some have full online records, others require an in-person visit or written request.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Texas are handled by four U.S. District Courts:

  • Northern District — Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene, San Angelo, Wichita Falls
  • Southern District — Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Laredo, Victoria, McAllen
  • Eastern District — Tyler, Beaumont, Sherman, Texarkana, Lufkin, Marshall
  • Western District — San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Midland-Odessa, Waco, Del Rio, Pecos

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ re:SearchTX — Statewide Court Records Search 🏛️ Texas Judicial Branch Website

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

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Texas are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either a city police department, county sheriff's office, or state agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly. Most agencies accept requests in writing, by email, or through a public records portal.

For statewide criminal history, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates the Computerized Criminal History System. You can request a name-based search online. There is a fee for the search.

🔍 Texas DPS — Crime Records Division 📋 Criminal History Name Search (DPS)

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

Other Public Records

Texas operates under the Texas Public Information Act. Any person can request government records in writing. Requests go to the agency that holds the records. Agencies must respond promptly — there is no specific number-of-days deadline in the statute, but the Attorney General's office oversees disputes.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Texas

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's district clerk or county clerk. Criminal history is centralized through the Texas DPS. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Texas

Texas has 254 counties. Select a county below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Major Counties

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Texas state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Texas for free?
Use re:SearchTX, the official statewide search tool. It covers records from all 254 counties, though data availability varies by county. A free subscription plan is available.
Are arrest records public in Texas?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Texas Public Information Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Texas?
The Texas DPS offers a criminal history name search through their Crime Records portal. There is a fee for the search.
What is the Texas Public Information Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. You can submit a written request to any state or local government body. The Texas Attorney General's office handles disputes about access. More info at texasattorneygeneral.gov.
How many court systems does Texas have?
Texas has a multi-level court system: justice of the peace courts, municipal courts, county courts at law, district courts, courts of appeals, and two supreme courts (one for civil, one for criminal). Each county has its own clerks who maintain records for that level.
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