Texas public court records are accessible to the public under the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Rules of Court. Most civil and criminal court records filed in Texas courts are searchable online — either through state-level portals or through individual county clerk websites. Understanding how the Texas court record system is organized and where to search helps you find case information quickly, whether you are conducting a background check, researching a legal matter, or looking up your own history.
How Texas Court Records Are Organized
Texas has a multi-tiered court system with records maintained at different levels depending on case type:
- Justice of the Peace Courts — Small claims under $20,000, Class C misdemeanor traffic violations, eviction cases. Records held at the precinct level by each county.
- County Courts and County Courts at Law — Class A and B misdemeanors, probate, family law, civil cases up to $200,000. Records maintained by the County Clerk.
- District Courts — Felonies, major civil cases over $200,000, divorce, child custody. Records maintained by the District Clerk of each county.
- Courts of Appeals and Texas Supreme Court — Appellate records accessible through the Texas Judicial Branch portal at search.txcourts.gov.
How to Search Texas Public Court Records Online
Texas Judicial Branch Portal – Appellate Records
For appellate court records, use the Texas Judicial Branch Case Search at search.txcourts.gov. This free portal covers the Texas Supreme Court, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, and all 14 Courts of Appeals. Searches can be conducted by case number, party name, or attorney name.
Major County District Clerk Portals
Most Texas counties maintain their own online case search portals for district and county court records. Key portals include:
- Harris County (Houston) — search.hcdistrictclerk.com
- Dallas County — dallascounty.org (District Clerk records)
- Tarrant County (Fort Worth) — access.tarrantcounty.com
- Travis County (Austin) — traviscountytx.gov (District Clerk)
- Bexar County (San Antonio) — bexar.org (District Clerk portal)
For smaller counties, search the county name plus “district clerk” to find that county’s specific portal. Not all Texas counties have fully digitized older records — for cases before the mid-1990s, an in-person visit to the clerk’s office may be necessary.
Searching Texas Criminal History Records
Texas DPS Criminal History Search
The Texas Department of Public Safety offers criminal history record searches through their Secure Site at records.txdps.state.tx.us. Name-based searches cost $3.15. The DPS database contains felony and Class A/B misdemeanor conviction records reported by Texas courts. However, it does not capture all county-level records, particularly older cases from smaller counties with incomplete digital reporting.
County Court Searches for Criminal Records
For the most complete criminal history in a specific county, search that county’s district clerk and county clerk portals directly. County portals typically show all cases filed regardless of outcome — including dismissed charges and acquittals that may not appear in the DPS database. Consequently, county-level searches provide a more complete picture of a person’s court history in that jurisdiction.
What Texas Court Records Are Restricted?
While most Texas court records are public, several categories are sealed or restricted from public access:
- Juvenile records — restricted under Texas Family Code Chapter 58
- Mental health commitment records — sealed to protect patient privacy
- Adoption records — sealed under Texas Family Code Chapter 162
- Records sealed by court order — parties can petition to seal certain records
- Grand jury records — proceedings are confidential in Texas
How to Get Certified Copies of Court Documents
Certified copies are obtained directly from the clerk’s office for the court where the case was filed. Most county clerks accept requests in person, by mail, or through their online portal. Fees typically run $1–$2 per page plus a $5–$10 certification fee per document. Certified copies are commonly required for immigration applications, employment background checks, professional license applications, and legal proceedings in other courts.
For more Texas legal resources, read our guides on common law marriage in Texas, Texas age of consent laws, and Texas Real ID requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Public Court Records
How do I search Texas public court records?
Texas public court records are searchable online through the Texas Judicial Branch portal at search.txcourts.gov for appellate records. District and county court records are maintained by each county’s district clerk and searchable through that county’s online portal.
Are Texas court records public?
Most Texas court records are public under the Texas Public Information Act. Exceptions include juvenile records, mental health commitment records, adoption records, and records sealed by court order.
How do I find criminal court records in Texas?
Texas criminal court records can be searched through the county district clerk’s online portal for the county where the case was filed. The Texas DPS also maintains criminal history records searchable for a $3.15 fee at records.txdps.state.tx.us.
Can I get a free criminal background check in Texas?
Free partial searches are available through individual county clerk portals. The Texas DPS provides comprehensive criminal history for a $3.15 fee. Employers typically use licensed third-party services that aggregate records from multiple counties.
How do I get certified copies of my court records in Texas?
Contact the district clerk’s office in the county where your case was filed. Request certified copies in person, by mail, or through the county’s online records system. Fees vary by county — typically $1–$2 per page plus $5–$10 certification fee per document.
