Texas Criminal Records Search — Official DPS, Court & County Methods
Complete step-by-step guide to searching Texas criminal records through the three official channels: the Texas DPS Conviction Name Search (online), fingerprint-based personal record review through FAST, and direct county court record lookup via re:SearchTX. All URLs verified, all fees current, no third-party paywalls.
⚡ Quick Answer: The 3 Official Ways to Search Texas Criminal Records
1. Public conviction name search — Online at the Texas DPS Secure Website. Name-based, $3 per search credit ($1 + 2.25% fee + $0.25), limited to public conviction and deferred-adjudication records.
2. Your own complete criminal history — Fingerprint-based through FAST/IdentoGO. $25 total ($10 print + $15 record). Mailed in ~10 business days. Required for accuracy under Texas Government Code §411.083.
3. Court case records (charges, filings, dispositions) — re:SearchTX (statewide, free basic access) or county District/County Clerk portals.
Start DPS Name Search → Open re:SearchTX →📋 What This Guide Covers
- What “Texas Criminal Records” Actually Includes
- The 3 Official Search Methods Compared
- Method 1 — DPS Conviction Name Search
- Method 2 — Fingerprint-Based Personal Review
- Method 3 — Court Records via re:SearchTX
- County-Level Court Record Portals
- Texas Jail & Prison Inmate Searches
- Mugshots & Arrest Photos
- Employment Background Checks in Texas
- Correct or Seal Your Criminal Record
- Avoid Fake “Free” Texas Records Sites
- Frequently Asked Questions
What “Texas Criminal Records” Actually Includes
In Texas, “criminal records” is an umbrella term covering several distinct record types held by different agencies. Knowing which type you actually need saves hours of wrong searches.
Record Type | What It Contains | Where It Lives | Public Access? |
|---|---|---|---|
Computerized Criminal History (CCH) | Arrests, charges, dispositions, sentences submitted by Texas criminal justice agencies | Texas DPS Crime Records Division | Public (convictions & deferred only) |
Court Records | Case filings, motions, orders, judgments, dockets | District Clerk, County Clerk, OCA re:SearchTX | Public (except sealed) |
Jail Roster / Booking Records | Current inmates, booking photos, charges at intake | County Sheriff’s Office | Public |
TDCJ Prison Records | State prison inmates and former offenders | Texas Department of Criminal Justice | Public (inmate search) |
Sex Offender Registry | Registered sex offenders in Texas | TxDPS Sex Offender Registry | Fully public |
Complete Criminal History | All arrests including non-convictions, juvenile data if open | TxDPS + FBI (fingerprint match) | Subject only (yourself) |
The 3 Official Search Methods Compared
DPS Online Name Search
$3 per search Instant resultsOnline conviction name search through the Texas DPS Secure Website. Best for employers, landlords, and general public lookups.
- Shows: convictions + deferred adjudications
- Does NOT show: arrests without conviction
- Requires name + DOB minimum
Fingerprint Personal Review
$25 total ~10 business daysComplete criminal history on yourself, including non-conviction arrests. Requires an IdentoGO FAST appointment and fingerprint capture.
- Shows: all Texas + FBI fingerprint-matched records
- Only available to the record subject
- Service Code 11FT12 for personal review
re:SearchTX Court Records
Free basic access Instant resultsStatewide court case portal operated by OCA & Tyler Technologies. Covers civil, criminal, and probate filings from all 254 Texas counties.
- Shows: case filings, dockets, judgments
- Requires a free account to register
- Document downloads may carry fees
Method 1 — Texas DPS Conviction Name Search (Online)
This is the official public-facing Texas criminal records search. It runs through the TxDPS Secure Website and returns only convictions and deferred adjudications authorized for release under Texas Government Code §411.135.
Step-by-Step DPS Name Search
Go to the DPS Secure Website
Open securesite.dps.texas.gov/DpsWebsite/CriminalHistory/. The system runs on DPSWEB servers and shows the current server and date at the top.
Create a CRD Secure Website account
First-time users register with a valid email, create a password, and confirm. No corporate or qualified-entity status is required for the public conviction search.
Purchase search credits
Each credit costs $1.00. A 2.25% fee per credit plus a flat $0.25 transaction fee applies. Credits work out to roughly $3 for a minimum search after fees. Pay by credit card or ACH. Credits do not expire.
Enter search parameters
Enter the subject’s last name, first name, middle name (if known), full date of birth, sex, and race. More information produces better matches — the system uses a Soundex algorithm to match similar-sounding names.
Submit and review results
Results return in seconds. A credit is charged whether or not matches are found. Matches show conviction offenses, dates, case dispositions, and sentencing info as submitted by Texas reporting agencies.
Request certification if needed
You can request certification of an open-record check at no additional charge — useful for official HR or licensing submissions.
💰 DPS Online Search — Real Cost Breakdown
Search credit: $1.00 each
Per-credit processing fee: 2.25%
Per-transaction fee: $0.25
Typical single search total: ~$3.00 after all fees (including Soundex variations)
Payment methods accepted: Credit card, ACH electronic check
What the Public DPS Search Shows
- Adult convictions reported by Texas criminal justice agencies (age 17+)
- Deferred adjudication records
- Offense type, date, disposition, and sentence
- Arrests that led to the conviction or deferred adjudication
- Class C arrest records if reported by the agency
What It Does NOT Show
- Arrests that did not result in conviction
- Juvenile records (sealed under Family Code §58.253)
- Expunged records (destroyed under Chapter 55A)
- Sealed records under an Order of Nondisclosure
- Federal criminal records (use FBI channels)
- Records from other states
Method 2 — Fingerprint-Based Personal Criminal History Review
This is the complete record of your own Texas criminal history, including arrests without conviction. Texas Government Code §411.083 gives every individual the right to access their own Criminal History Record Information (CHRI).
Step-by-Step Fingerprint Review
Schedule an IdentoGO FAST appointment
Go to uenroll.identogo.com/servicecode/11FT12 — Service Code 11FT12 is the unique code for personal record review. Or call 1-888-467-2080 between 8 AM and 9 PM Central. Service Code 11BRXN is used in some other contexts.
Gather your required items
Bring a valid government photo ID (driver’s license, passport), the IdentoGO scheduling confirmation, and your method of payment. No fingerprint card is required — prints are captured electronically.
Attend the appointment
IdentoGO operates FAST locations statewide. Appointments typically take 10–15 minutes. The enrollment agent captures rolled fingerprints electronically and submits them directly to DPS.
Pay the fees at the appointment
Total cost: $25 — that’s $10 for the fingerprint capture plus $15 for the criminal history record information (CHRI). Some law enforcement agencies can fingerprint you for up to $10 if you need paper cards, but electronic submission through FAST is the DPS-preferred method.
Wait approximately 10 business days
Results are mailed to the address you provide at the appointment. DPS cannot guarantee USPS delivery times. Check status by calling (512) 424-2365 option 6 or emailing fingerprint.service@dps.texas.gov.
Review for accuracy and dispute errors
If your record contains errors or includes records that should have been expunged or sealed, you have the right to challenge the accuracy under federal and state law before any final determination.
What the Fingerprint Review Includes
- Complete Texas Computerized Criminal History (CCH)
- FBI Next Generation Identification (NGI) matches if federal prints exist
- All arrests — including those without conviction
- Deferred adjudication records
- Class C arrest records (permanent in the system)
- Disposition data submitted by courts
Method 3 — Texas Court Records via re:SearchTX
re:SearchTX is the official statewide court records portal operated by the Texas Office of Court Administration (OCA) in partnership with Tyler Technologies. It covers civil, criminal, family, and probate cases from all 254 Texas counties that have adopted eFileTexas.
Step-by-Step re:SearchTX Case Lookup
Open the portal
Go to research.txcourts.gov. This is the official URL operated by OCA, not a third-party aggregator.
Register a free account
Click Register. Create an account with a valid email and password. A payment method may be required to verify the account or for document downloads, but basic case searches across all counties are free.
Run a case search
Search by case number, party name, attorney name, filing date range, or case type. Refine by county or court level (District, County, Justice, Municipal, Appellate) to narrow results.
Preview case index and documents
Matches show case number, court, filing date, parties, and docket entries. Many documents can be previewed for free; full downloads may carry a per-page or per-document fee set by the court.
Contact the clerk for official copies
re:SearchTX is an unofficial copy. For certified or official documents, contact the District Clerk or County Clerk directly — they are the legal custodian of the court’s records.
Other Official Court Search Tools
Texas Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, 14 Courts of Appeals.
TAMES Search →Official hub at txcourts.gov with rules, forms, and county portal links.
txcourts.gov →Free research guide to finding state and federal court records.
SLL Court Records →State agency running re:SearchTX and statewide case data.
OCA →County-Level Court Records Portals (All 254 Counties)
Many Texas counties run their own search portals in addition to re:SearchTX. For local matters — misdemeanors, traffic, justice court — the county portal is often faster and more complete.
Major County Court Record Portals
Texas Jail & Prison Inmate Searches
Criminal records searches frequently overlap with inmate lookups. If the person is currently in custody, these official tools give the fastest current-status answer.
Current state prison inmates, sentence info, parole status.
TDCJ Search →Houston-area county jail roster.
Harris JIMS →Dallas County jail inmate search.
Dallas Sheriff →Fort Worth-area official jail search.
Tarrant Search →San Antonio jail roster.
Bexar Search →Austin-area official inmate roster.
Travis Search →Federal prison inmates — not covered by TDCJ.
BOP Locator →Official public registry from TxDPS.
TX Registry →Texas Mugshots & Arrest Photos
Booking photos are separate from the Computerized Criminal History. Under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), mugshots become public records when a person is booked, though SB 509 (effective 2023) limits publication of mugshots tied to sealed or expunged records.
Where to Find a Texas Mugshot Officially
Start at the arresting county’s sheriff site
Every major Texas county publishes its current jail roster with booking photos. Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, and Travis all update within hours of intake.
Check the court clerk for case-related exhibits
Clerks in the county of prosecution maintain mugshots as part of the court file.
Request via Texas Public Information Act if needed
For older or non-indexed records, submit a TPIA request to the custodian agency. Response required within 10 business days.
Texas Employment Background Checks
Employers running formal background checks in Texas typically use FCRA-regulated consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) that pull from federal and state sources. Your own review of your record ahead of an application can prevent surprises.
What FCRA-Regulated Texas Background Checks Show
Record Type | Typically Shown? | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
Felony convictions | ✓ Yes — most reports | Indefinite in Texas |
Misdemeanor convictions | ✓ Yes — most reports | Indefinite in Texas |
Deferred adjudication (completed) | ✓ Yes unless sealed | Remains until nondisclosure granted |
Non-conviction arrests | ✗ Limited — FCRA prohibits reporting arrests 7+ years old for most purposes | 7 years for most uses |
Expunged records | ✗ No — legally destroyed | N/A |
Sealed records (nondisclosure) | ✗ No — sealed from public/commercial | N/A |
Juvenile records | ✗ No — sealed by default | N/A under Family Code §58.253 |
Correct, Expunge, or Seal Your Texas Criminal Record
If your search turns up records that should not be there, Texas gives you three remedies: challenge inaccuracies, petition for expunction, or petition for nondisclosure.
The Three Remedies
Challenge inaccurate records
Under federal and state law, you can dispute inaccuracies in your CHRI before any final determination. Contact the reporting agency (usually the arresting sheriff or court) to request correction or removal of the inaccurate entry.
Petition for expunction (destruction)
Under Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55A (renumbered effective 1/1/2025), file a Petition for Expunction in the District Court of the arrest county. Filing fee ~$307. Eligibility: charges not filed, dismissals, acquittals, pardon, mistaken identity, or Class C deferred adjudication completion.
Petition for nondisclosure (sealing)
Under Government Code §411 Subchapter E-1, file in the court where the conviction or deferred was entered. Filing fee ~$280. Seals from public view but government and licensing agencies retain access. Applies to certain deferred adjudications and some convictions after waiting periods.
Official Texas Expunction & Nondisclosure Resources
Official form updated January 2026 for Chapter 55A.
OCA Forms →Official petition forms and instructions for sealing.
Nondisclosure →Plain-language self-help guide to both processes.
SLL Guide →Free legal self-help articles and forms for expunction.
TexasLawHelp →Avoid Fake “Free” Texas Criminal Records Sites
Hundreds of third-party sites promise “free” Texas criminal records searches. Most are lead-generation funnels that either charge at the end, sell your search query, or return outdated data scraped from public sources.
Red Flags of a Bad Third-Party Site
- Promises a “nationwide” search for a flat fee — DPS only covers Texas
- “Unlimited searches” subscription billed monthly
- Requires credit card before showing any preview
- Claims to have expunged or sealed records available
- No visible business address or Texas registered agent
- Pressure language like “records found” before you’ve paid
- Not an FCRA-regulated consumer reporting agency but used for hiring decisions
Safer Alternatives
- Texas DPS Public Conviction Search for most quick-lookup needs
- re:SearchTX for court filings and dockets
- County sheriff or clerk websites for local records
- Licensed FCRA background-check providers for employment screening
- Texas attorney for expunction, nondisclosure, or disputed records
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official Texas criminal records search?
The official Texas criminal records search is operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division. The public name-based search runs at securesite.dps.texas.gov/DpsWebsite/CriminalHistory/ and shows convictions and deferred adjudications. For a complete personal record, individuals use the fingerprint-based review through IdentoGO FAST service code 11FT12.
How much does a Texas criminal records search cost?
The online DPS name-based search costs about $3 per search — $1 per credit plus 2.25% per credit and a $0.25 transaction fee. A fingerprint-based personal review costs $25 total: $10 for the fingerprint capture at IdentoGO plus $15 for the criminal history information. Offline mail-in name searches cost $10 payable by check or US money order to the Texas Department of Public Safety. re:SearchTX court record searches are free for basic access.
Is Texas criminal record information public?
Yes, but only conviction and deferred adjudication records are public under Texas Government Code §411.135. Arrests that did not result in conviction are not disclosed in the public name search. Expunged records are destroyed. Sealed records under an Order of Nondisclosure are inaccessible to the public but remain available to certain government and licensing agencies.
How do I get my own complete Texas criminal history?
Under Texas Government Code §411.083, you have the right to access your own Criminal History Record Information. Schedule an IdentoGO FAST appointment using service code 11FT12 at uenroll.identogo.com/servicecode/11FT12 or call 1-888-467-2080. Total cost is $25. Results are mailed to your address in approximately 10 business days.
What is re:SearchTX and is it free?
re:SearchTX is the official statewide court records portal operated by the Texas Office of Court Administration in partnership with Tyler Technologies. It covers civil, criminal, and probate cases from all 254 Texas counties. Basic searching and case index viewing is free with a registered account. Document downloads may carry per-page or per-document fees set by the court. Access it at research.txcourts.gov.
How long does a Texas criminal record stay on file?
Indefinitely, unless expunged or sealed. Criminal arrest information remains on a criminal history record permanently under Texas policy. Even completed deferred adjudication probation stays on file — the arrest and probation both remain visible. Class C arrests are also retained if reported. The only way to remove a record is expunction under Chapter 55A or an Order of Nondisclosure under Government Code §411.
Can I search Texas criminal records by name only?
Yes for public conviction records through the DPS online search — you enter a name plus date of birth, sex, and race. The system uses Soundex matching. However, Texas DPS explicitly warns that “the only way to positively link someone to a criminal record is through fingerprint identification.” Name-based searches return possible matches that may need further verification.
Do Texas background checks show arrests without conviction?
The public DPS name search does not show arrests without conviction. A fingerprint-based personal review of your own record does show all arrests. FCRA-regulated commercial background check companies generally cannot report non-conviction arrests older than seven years for most employment, insurance, and housing decisions under federal law.
What’s the difference between a DPS search and a court record search?
A DPS search pulls from the Computerized Criminal History database — arrests, charges, convictions, and sentences submitted by Texas criminal justice agencies. A court record search through re:SearchTX or a county clerk pulls filings, motions, dockets, and orders from the courts themselves. DPS shows the outcome; court records show the entire case paper trail. Both are needed for a complete picture.
How fast do I get Texas criminal search results?
DPS online name searches return instant results once the credit is purchased. re:SearchTX court case searches are instant. IdentoGO fingerprint-based personal reviews take approximately 10 business days for mailed results. Offline mail-in requests to DPS also take about 10 business days plus postal delivery time.
Are juvenile records included in Texas criminal records searches?
No. Texas Family Code §58.253 provides for automatic sealing of qualifying juvenile records. The DPS Computerized Criminal History system only includes adult arrest reports — persons age 17 and older at the time of arrest. Juvenile records maintained by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department are generally not accessible to the public.
Can employers in Texas run their own DPS search?
Employers can use the public online DPS conviction search for $3 per search. For regulated positions like childcare, teachers, security, and other licensed occupations, Texas law requires fingerprint-based checks through DPS FAST using agency-specific service codes. Employers running FCRA-covered background checks typically use licensed consumer reporting agencies rather than direct DPS searches.
What if I find errors in my Texas criminal record?
You are entitled under federal and state law to obtain a copy of your record and challenge any inaccuracies before any final determination. Contact the reporting agency (usually the arresting law enforcement agency or court clerk) to request correction. If the record relates to an arrest that was later dismissed, acquitted, or expunged, file a Chapter 55A expunction petition in the District Court of the arrest county.
How do I remove a conviction from my Texas record?
Full removal requires either an expunction (for eligible non-convictions under Chapter 55A) or an Order of Nondisclosure (sealing under Government Code §411 Subchapter E-1). Convictions are generally not eligible for expunction unless you received a Governor’s pardon. Certain first-time misdemeanor convictions and successfully completed deferred adjudications qualify for nondisclosure after statutory waiting periods. Filing fees: $307 for expunction, $280 for nondisclosure.
What’s the phone number for Texas DPS criminal history questions?
Call the Texas DPS Access and Dissemination Bureau at (512) 424-2474 for questions about the DPS Secure Website, Criminal History Search, FACT Clearinghouse, Criminal Justice Rap Back Program, Secure Site account issues, or billing. For fingerprint service status, call (512) 424-2365 option 6 or email fingerprint.service@dps.texas.gov. IdentoGO scheduling: 1-888-467-2080.
Does the DPS search show federal criminal records?
No. The Texas DPS Criminal History database only contains records submitted by Texas criminal justice agencies. For federal criminal records, use the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator at bop.gov/inmateloc/ for current federal inmates or PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov for federal court filings. A fingerprint-based FAST personal review does include FBI Next Generation Identification matches if federal prints exist on file.
Can I search Texas criminal records from outside Texas?
Yes. The DPS online name search at securesite.dps.texas.gov and re:SearchTX at research.txcourts.gov are accessible from anywhere with internet access. Online payment is accepted by credit card or ACH. Fingerprint-based personal reviews require an in-person appointment at a Texas IdentoGO FAST location or submission of paper fingerprint cards through the alternative process.
Are Texas criminal records searchable for free anywhere?
Yes for court records through re:SearchTX (free basic access) and for current jail inmates through county sheriff websites and the TDCJ Inmate Search. The statewide conviction name search through DPS requires a paid $1 search credit plus fees. Any site claiming to offer free Texas criminal records with unlimited searches is typically a lead-generation funnel that will eventually require payment or sell your search data.
Texas DPS Crime Records Division Headquarters
Texas Department of Public Safety
5805 N. Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78752
Access & Dissemination Bureau: (512) 424-2474
Fingerprint Service Status: (512) 424-2365 option 6
Fingerprint Email: fingerprint.service@dps.texas.gov
IdentoGO Scheduling: 1-888-467-2080
Last Updated: April 2026 · Next Scheduled Review: July 2026