How to Search Texas Criminal Records (Start Here)
Texas criminal records come from two main sources: the Texas Department of Public Safety criminal history database and individual county court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.
What this page covers: Texas state-level criminal history searches, county court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.
Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the District Clerk (felony/civil) / County Clerk (misdemeanor/probate) in the county where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.
Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a county court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. County courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.
Statewide criminal-history agency
Public name-based search
Fingerprint-based screening
Sex offender registry
Open records statute
Number of counties
254 counties
Population
31,290,831
Households
11,099,400
Median Income
$75,780
Median Home Value
$260,400
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by Sam Rokni — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: Texas repository URL, fee, and statute verified against the official Texas DPS - Crime Records Division (CRD) publisher on review date. 6 primary .gov sources cited below.
Texas Criminal Records — Key Numbers (2026)
Texas CCH is the cheapest public state check in the U.S. at $3 per name-based search. FACT Clearinghouse also operated by CRD.
$3 name / $25 fingerprint
Public access fee
Per state-only check
Online via CCH Computeri
Primary method
How to submit
Texas DPS
Issuing agency
Statewide repository
Texas Gov't Code §411
Governing statute
State law citation
June 04, 2026
Last reviewed
By SearchSystems
State-only check (State Identification Bureau): Returns arrests, dispositions and convictions reported to that one state's repository. It does not include arrests from other states or most federal cases. See the FBI's directory of state agencies: State Identification Bureau Listing.
Multi-state / federal check (FBI Identity History Summary): Returns records contributed by federal, state, local, and tribal agencies through the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III). See FBI Identity History Summary FAQs and Interstate Identification Index (III).
What state repositories miss: The FBI's national survey of state criminal-history information systems documents known reporting gaps (missing dispositions, delayed updates, sealed/expunged handling). See BJS: Survey of State Criminal History Information Systems.
What Changed in 2026 — Texas Criminal Records
2026
Texas state-only check active
The Texas DPS - Crime Records Division (CRD) continues to process state criminal history checks via crimerecords.dps.texas.gov.
2026
Texas background check fee structure
Current fee for a Texas state-only check: $3 name / $25 fingerprint. Method: Online via CCH Computerized Criminal History.
2026
Texas statutory framework
Texas criminal history records are governed by Texas Gov't Code §411 and disseminated through Texas DPS - Crime Records Division (CRD).
2026
FBI Identity History Summary (federal complement)
For records that may exist outside Texas, the FBI Identity History Summary at fbi.gov complements the state-only result.
The 4-Step Texas Criminal Records Pathway
1
Step 1 — Confirm what you need
For most non-employment uses, a Texas state-only check from the Texas DPS - Crime Records Division (CRD) is sufficient.
2
Step 2 — Choose your method
Online via CCH Computerized Criminal History. Current fee: $3 name / $25 fingerprint.
3
Step 3 — Submit your request
Use the official portal at crimerecords.dps.texas.gov — never a third-party data broker.
4
Step 4 — Add federal coverage if needed
For pre-employment FCRA screening or out-of-state coverage, add an FBI Identity History Summary check ($18) — fingerprint required.
Five Things People Get Wrong About Texas Criminal Records
❌ Myth: "Texas background check shows everything."
✓ Truth: False. The Texas DPS - Crime Records Division (CRD) check covers ONLY Texas arrests/convictions. Out-of-state and federal records are NOT included.
❌ Myth: "Free third-party 'instant' checks are accurate."
✓ Truth: False. Only crimerecords.dps.texas.gov (the official Texas repository) is authoritative. Data brokers often have stale data.
❌ Myth: "Sealed records will show on a check."
✓ Truth: False. Records sealed or expunged under Texas law are removed from public-facing checks. Law enforcement may still access them.
❌ Myth: "Arrest = conviction on my record."
✓ Truth: False. An arrest is not a conviction. Most Texas public checks distinguish arrests, dispositions, and convictions; the FCRA bars non-conviction arrests older than 7 years from employer checks.
❌ Myth: "State and FBI checks return the same data."
✓ Truth: False. The Texas state check shows Texas-only records. The FBI check is fingerprint-based and shows records reported by all agencies nationwide.
Primary Sources and Official Record Portals
- crimerecords.dps.texas.gov — Texas DPS - Crime Records Division (CRD) — Official Texas criminal history portal
- fbi.gov — Identity History Summary — FBI fingerprint-based federal check ($18)
- fbi.gov — State ID Bureau listing — FBI listing of every state's repository
- ftc.gov — FCRA basics — Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act rules
- ftc.gov — Background Checks employer guide — FTC + EEOC employer guidance
- bjs.ojp.gov — Bureau of Justice Statistics — Federal stats on state criminal record systems
Related Criminal Records Resources
📍 Other Texas records:
- Texas Court Records →
- Texas Property Records →
- Texas Vital Records →
- Texas Voter Records →
- Texas Wants & Warrants →
- Texas Licenses →
- Texas Recorded Documents →
🇺🇸 Criminal Records in other states:
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National: U.S. Criminal Records hub →
Related Public Records
More Texas records: Court records · Wants & warrants · Property records · Vital records · Voter records · Licenses · Recorded docs
National view of this topic: All states: Criminal records
Criminal Records Databases
67 official Texas criminal records sources.
Criminal Records
Criminal History Records | Department of Public Safety
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Individual Identity File: Government Code § 411.0421 allows a person to file a declaration with the sheriff of the county in which they reside stating the person’s identity was used by another to frustrate proper law enforcement without their consent. Upon receipt of a declaration from the sheriff, the Department of Public Safety will create a record of the misused identity along with a unique password to used by the person to verify their identity to law enforcement.
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THP Violation Column Names · NOTE: Due to changes in race/ethnicity codes in the THP database, all code options are listed below with notations as to when they were implemented and/or removed and those that are currently utilized
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General Information Guide for Families of Inmates (PDF), Spanish (PDF) GO KIDS · Offender Orientation Handbook (PDF), Spanish (PDF) Chaplaincy and Volunteer Services Division · Rehabilitation and Reentry Division · Resolution Support/Ombudsman · Review & Release Processing (E-mail) Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles ·
Death Row Information
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A total of 361 inmates were electrocuted in the State of Texas. When capital punishment was declared "cruel and unusual punishment" by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 29, 1972, there were 45 men on death row in Texas and seven in county jails with a death sentence.
Correctional Institutions Division - Death Row
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The TDCJ CID is charged with confining these inmates and carrying out punishment once an execution date is set by the sentencing court. Male death row inmates are currently confined at the Polunsky Unit and female death row inmates are confined at the O'Daniel Unit.
Death Row Information
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Texas
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Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking or another appropriate federal agency or office the accuracy of the list of reportable convictions or ... Under Art. 62.403(b), a person with a single reportable adjudication or conviction may apply to the Council on Sex Offender Treatment ...
iDocket Summer 2020 Newsletter Letter from the President
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Court · case information resides on the iDocket.com server, not your system. ... No charge to the County, and the County shares in subscription revenue. ... Ability to put images online with redaction software. Copy fees are paid ... Onyx and Emerald make an unbeatable team. Emerald service is free to clerks · and allows them to display property record information on the internet.
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SeaTac FDC Seattle RRM Sheridan FCI South Central RO Southeast RO Springfield MCFP St Louis RRM Talladega FCI Tallahassee FCI Terminal Island FCI Terre Haute FCC Texarkana FCI Thomson FCI Three Rivers FCI Tucson FCC Victorville FCC Waseca FCI Western RO Williamsburg FCI Yankton FPC Yazoo City FCC · All Prison Types · RRM - Residential Reentry Management Offices · FCC - Federal Correctional Complexes ·
🌐 bop.gov
Welcome to Bell County, Texas
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Bell County Jail: (254) 933-5400 1-800-234-3277 Visitor Information: Monday through Friday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Identification Required: Visitors must have a photo ID and be on the inmate's approved visitors list. Children 16 years old and younger must ...
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Government Code Section25.0232 dictates that the district clerk's office shall be the clerk of the district courts and the county courts. Therefore, in Brazos County, all filings and documents for misdemeanor and felony cases are the responsibility of the district clerk's office .
Court Dockets | Brazos County, TX - Official Website
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Jail Division - Cameron County
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ONLY money orders or certified checks will be accepted through the mail. No cash will be accepted and will be returned to sender. All money orders or certified checks need to be mailed to the address below and made payable to the inmate. CAMERON COUNTY JAIL DIVISION CO Inmate Trust Fund Inmate Name/Inmate ID # P.O.
Case Records | Chambers County, TX
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It includes case details, legal documents (pleadings, motions), court orders, transcripts, evidence, and sentencing information . Case records are vital for tracking legal cases, conducting research, and maintaining transparency in the justice system. Note: The case search portal is not offered ...
COLLIN COUNTY TEXAS
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the appropriate District Clerk, County Court at Law Clerks, or Justice Court office for assistance.
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Coryell County, Texas Criminal Records | CoryellRecords.us
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These records encompass a comprehensive chronology of a person's criminal history as maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Coryell County. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.082, criminal history record information is defined as information collected about a person by a criminal justice agency that consists of identifiable descriptions and notations of arrests, detentions, indictments, and other formal criminal charges and their dispositions.
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ECTOR COUNTY PORTAL - District, County & Justice Court Records
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County of El Paso Texas - Official Public Records
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Indexes to El Paso County records are provided as a service to and for the convenience of the community.
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You can search for case records using the public access website. If you wish to perform a search, follow the steps below: · 1. Select the appropriate area that you would like to search from the search menu. The different search areas include the following:
122nd Judicial District Court | Galveston County, TX
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The County of Galveston Courts do not warrant the accuracy of the information contained herein nor are they responsible for any errors or omissions and assume no liability for its use. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents. They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer · 122nd District Court 600 59th Street Suite 3305 Galveston, TX 77551 (409) 766-2275 (409) 770-6265 Fax
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Local Rule for 212th (PDF) Regional Rules of Administration (PDF) Civil Discovery & Docket Control Order (PDF) Criminal Docket Control & Discovery Order (PDF) District Court Docket Settings for Criminal Cases (PDF) Texas Lawyer's Creed (PDF) Senate Bill 7 Rules & Related Documents (PDF) Application for Criminal Appointments (PDF) Application for Approval as Qualified Counsel in Death Penalty Cases (PDF) Protocol for Discovery of Electronically Stored Information (PDF) 2013-2014 Criminal Justice Community Plan (PDF) Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
Records Search | Galveston County, TX
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For County Court inquiries, please call (409) 770-6044. For District Courts inquiries, please call (409) 770-5230.
Galveston County Sheriff's Office P2C
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An additional variable number of volunteer employees brings the overall employment to around 105 employees at any given time. The Hardin County Sheriff's Office provides 24-hour law enforcement services to the citizens of Hardin County. The Office provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process, mental health and court security services as well operation of the County Jail.
Office of Harris County District Clerk - Marilyn Burgess | Home Page
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Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts
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Index—Harris County Texas Sheriff's Office
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Thank you for your partnership, and for joining us on this journey. ... Emergency: 9-1-1 Non Emergency: (713) 221-6000 Incarcerated Person Information: (713) 755-5300 Information Line: (346) 286-1600 · Media Relations Community Engagement File A Commendation File A Online Complaint Inmate Care ...
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Index for Criminal Cases Filed in District Court for Jefferson County, Texas District Clerk.
Lamar County Court Records Portal
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Welcome to the Lamar County Portal. If you would like to make a payment on a criminal or traffic case, please click on the "Make Payments" button below.
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Testified before the Texas State Legislature to prevent the abolishment of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards that would have placed regulatory control over county jails under the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Hearing Lists | McLennan County, TX
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View a list of current detainees in the Midland County detention Center.
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Smart Search - Parker County, Texas - Public Portal
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Smith County, Texas Arrest Records | SmithRecords.us
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Note that this system only displays current inmates, not historical arrest records · Smith County Judicial Records Search · Access the Smith County District Clerk's online records portal · Create a user account if required · Search by defendant name or case number · Review case information related to arrests, including charges and court proceedings · Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search ·
TARRANT COUNTY 2 0 2 1 T R A N S P O R TAT I O N B O N D P R O G R A M
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This map was prepared by Tarrant County for general reference purposes only, and may be revised at any time without notification to any user. Tarrant County does not guarantee the correctness or accuracy of any features on this map.
Criminal Docket Search
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Tarrant County provides the information contained in this web site as a public service. Every effort is made to ensure that information provided is correct. However, in any case where legal reliance on information contained in these pages is required, the official records of Tarrant County ...
Inmate Search
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Tarrant County · Texas · Toggle sub navigation · Sheriff's Office · Inmate Search · Magistration Docket · Public Information Act Media Inquiries Request ADA Accommodation Privacy Policy Accessibility Employee Portal · County Telephone Operator 817-884-1111 ·
Tom Green County, Texas Public Records Lookup | TomGreenRecords.us
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Criminal Docket Search
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The Travis County Criminal Courts provide the following application to search current and future District and County Court Criminal settings. Data is valid as of 7:00 AM each morning · BEFORE COMING TO THE COURTHOUSE IN PERSON, CHECK THIS SITE THE DAY BEFORE TO CONFIRM YOUR COURT DATE AND ...
Find an Inmate | Travis County Sheriff's Office, Texas
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No warranty is expressed or implied as to the accuracy or completeness of the data. Individuals obtaining information from this website should verify accuracy before reliance upon or use of this data. The Travis County Sheriff's Office does not endorse any website that has a link to or from ...
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Download the Order Refunding Cash Bond form from the Forms page and submit it to the Misdemeanor Records Division either by mail or in person. We cannot accept faxed documents. ... All fees due to the County Clerk for misdemeanor cases are paid to the Central Collection Division of the Tax Office in the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center, located at 509 W.
Williamson County Texas - Judicial Records
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You can search for case records using this website. If you wish to perform a search, follow these steps: · 1. Select the appropriate area that you would like to search from the search menu. The different search areas include the following:
Detention | Wise County, TX
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To apply money to the books of an inmate 24/7 days a week: a kiosk is located in the jail lobby, funds can be added by telephone by contacting Correct Solution Group at 877-618-3516 ... Charge will appear on your credit card/checking statement as Inmate Payment Wise County Detention Center’s ...
Wood County Court Records Inquiry
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Copyright 2011 Tyler Technologies. All rights Reserved
Police Department – Jail Inmate List - Arlington
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Arlington Police Department Jail In Custody List
Jail Visitation and Protocol | Baytown, TX
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8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (MALE INMATES) 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (FEMALE INMATES) Visits are for 20 minutes · Each prisoner is allowed one visitation each day which can consist of one adult and up to two children under the age of 17 years old . The adult visitor must be 17 years of age or older ...
Community Crime Map - Neighborhood Watch Unsubscribe
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You have been already unsubscribed from your Neighborhood Watch Report. —The Community Crime Map Team
Texas Counties
254 Texas counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I run an official Texas background check?▼
Texas's official statewide criminal-history check is administered by the Texas DPS - Crime Records Division (CRD). Begin the request at crimerecords.dps.texas.gov. Most state-level checks require submitting fingerprints (live-scan or ink) plus a processing fee, and the response covers convictions and certain non-conviction data permitted by Texas statute.
Are Texas criminal records public?▼
Most adult criminal-history information in Texas is considered public record, but access is restricted depending on the requester (self, employer, government agency) and the data type (arrest, conviction, sealed, juvenile). The Texas DPS - Crime Records Division (CRD) explains who can request what at crimerecords.dps.texas.gov. County-court records are also public and searchable through the trial-court system.
What's the difference between a state and an FBI background check in Texas?▼
A state check from the Texas DPS - Crime Records Division (CRD) (crimerecords.dps.texas.gov) covers only criminal activity within Texas. An FBI Identity History Summary (fbi.gov) is the nationwide check covering federal records and contributing states. Employers and licensing boards often require both.
Can I get someone else's Texas criminal record?▼
Generally, no — only the record subject (with their own ID and signature) or a specifically authorized requester (such as a credentialed employer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a licensing board, or law enforcement) can pull a third-party criminal history from the Texas DPS - Crime Records Division (CRD). The Texas DPS - Crime Records Division (CRD) documentation at crimerecords.dps.texas.gov lists each authorized requester category.
How do I challenge or correct a Texas criminal record?▼
If you find an error on your Texas criminal history, the Texas DPS - Crime Records Division (CRD) offers a record-review and challenge process. Begin at crimerecords.dps.texas.gov — typical steps include fingerprint verification, a written dispute, and supporting court documents (such as a dismissal or expungement order) for each contested entry.