Collin County Court Records Texas — Complete Search Guide 2026
How to search criminal, civil, family, probate, and justice court records in Collin County. Every official link verified. Every step tested on real courthouse systems in McKinney, TX.
Updated April 2026 · 13 District Courts · 6 County Courts at Law · 4 Justice Courts · All official .gov links
| Collin County Court System — At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| County Seat | McKinney, Texas |
| Courthouse Address | Russell A. Steindam Courts Building, 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney TX 75071 |
| District Clerk | Mike Gould · (972) 548-4320 · Fax: (972) 548-4697 |
| County Clerk | Stacey Kemp · (972) 548-4185 · ctyclerks@collincountytx.gov |
| County Court at Law Clerks | Civil: (972) 548-6423 · Criminal: (972) 548-6420 · cclclerks@co.collin.tx.us |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Closed weekends and holidays |
| Online Case Search | cijspub.co.collin.tx.us (Odyssey system) |
| Official Public Records | collin.tx.publicsearch.us |
| Record Search Fee | $5 per search (in-person or by mail) |
| Population (2024) | 1.1 million+ · One of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S. |
| Annual New Case Filings | 25,500+ per year across all court levels |
Collin County Court System — What You Need to Know Before Searching
Collin County sits just north of Dallas and includes the cities of Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and several others. With a population that has surged past 1.1 million, it is one of the fastest-growing counties in the entire United States — and its court system reflects that volume. The courts process over 25,500 new case filings per year across 13 district courts, 6 county courts at law, 4 justice courts, and a magistrate court.
The important thing to understand about searching court records here is that Collin County operates two completely separate clerk offices that handle different types of cases. The District Clerk handles felony criminal cases, major civil lawsuits (over $325,000), and family law matters like divorce and child custody. The County Clerk handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases under $325,000, probate, and official records like deeds and marriage licenses. If you search in the wrong clerk’s system, you will not find what you are looking for.
Collin County Courts Directory
Court Level | Number | What It Handles |
|---|---|---|
District Courts | 13 courts (199th, 219th, 296th, 366th, 380th, 401st, 416th, 417th, 429th, 468th, 469th, 470th, 471st) | Felony criminal, civil over $325K, family law, divorce, child custody |
County Courts at Law | 6 courts | Misdemeanor criminal, civil under $325K, probate, guardianship |
Justice Courts | 4 precincts | Small claims (up to $20K), traffic tickets, evictions, peace bonds, truancy |
Magistrate Court | 1 court | Advising defendants of rights, setting bond, probable cause, issuing warrants |
How to Search Collin County Court Records Online — Step by Step
Collin County provides free online access to court records through the Odyssey Case Search system. This is the same system the courthouse staff uses internally. It covers active cases, historical cases going back to the 1980s for most court levels, and includes criminal, civil, family, probate, and justice court records.
1 Go to the Collin County Courts Records Inquiry (Odyssey System). The direct URL is cijspub.co.collin.tx.us. Bookmark this — do not search Google for “Collin County court records” as several third-party sites that charge fees often appear above the official free tool.
2 Select the case type before you search. This is the step that trips up most people. The system requires you to choose a case type from the dropdown before clicking the search button. Your options are: District Court Criminal, District Court Civil, County Court at Law Criminal, County Court at Law Civil/Probate, or Justice Court. If you pick the wrong type, you will get zero results even if the case exists. If you are unsure, start with District Court Criminal (for felonies) or County Court Criminal (for misdemeanors), then try the civil options.
3 Enter the party name or case number. For a name search, enter last name first. You can also search by attorney name, filing date range, or case number if you have one. Partial name searches work — entering just the last name returns all matches. The system searches one case type at a time, so you may need to run multiple searches across different case types.
4 Click on the case record to view details. Each result shows the case number, parties involved, charges (for criminal), filing date, court assignment, and current status. Click any case number for the full docket — hearing dates, motions filed, judgments entered, attorney of record, and any dispositions.
5 Note the case number and court assignment. If you need certified copies, need to file a motion, or need to appear in person, you will need the exact case number and which court (e.g., 296th District Court) the case is assigned to. Write both down.
What the Online System Covers
- Active cases in all Collin County District, County Court at Law, Probate, and Justice Courts
- Historical criminal cases — District Courts from 1988 to present; County Courts at Law from 2000 to present
- Historical civil cases — District and County Courts from 1984 to present
- Historical probate cases — County Courts from 1984 to present
- Historical justice court cases — Precinct 1 from May 2009; Precincts 2, 3-1, 3-2, and 4 from August 2009
Other Official Collin County Record Search Tools
📋 County Clerk Public Record Search
Search official public records maintained by the County Clerk — deeds, liens, marriage records, foreclosures, assumed names, and more.
🏛 District Clerk Website
Felony criminal, civil, family law. eFiling portal, record request forms, jury services, passport services.
📜 County Clerk Website
Misdemeanor criminal, probate, civil, marriage licenses, birth/death certificates, deed recordings.
⚖️ Collin County Courts Main Page
Full directory of all District Courts, County Courts at Law, Justice Courts, and Magistrate Court.
🔍 Collin County Sheriff — Inmate Search
Search current inmates in the Collin County Detention Facility. Booking info, charges, bond status.
🧑⚖️ Record Request Form (Mail/Email)
Official form for requesting manual case record searches, certified copies, and historical records.
How to Search Collin County Court Records in Person
If you need certified copies, want to view sealed or restricted records (with proper authorization), or are searching for cases predating the online system, you will need to visit the courthouse in McKinney. Here is exactly what to bring and where to go.
1 Drive to the Russell A. Steindam Courts Building at 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney TX 75071. Parking is free in the lot. Note: no metal drink containers are allowed inside the courthouse — only paper, plastic, and styrofoam.
2 Go to the correct clerk’s office on the first floor. The District Clerk handles felony criminal, family, and major civil cases. The County Court at Law Clerks (same floor, different window) handle misdemeanor criminal, probate, and smaller civil cases. If you are not sure, ask at the information desk — they will point you to the right window.
3 Provide the person’s full legal name and date of birth. The clerk runs the search while you wait. Results typically come back within minutes for recent cases. Searches of historical records (pre-1984 civil, pre-1988 criminal) may take 1–2 business days.
4 Pay the fees. Each record search costs $5. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus $5 for certification. Payment accepted: cash, check, or money order. Some windows may accept credit/debit cards — confirm when you arrive.
📍 Collin County Courthouse Location
Types of Court Records Available in Collin County
Record Type | Handled By | Examples | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
Felony Criminal | District Clerk | Murder, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, robbery, sexual offenses | 1988 to present |
Misdemeanor Criminal | County Clerk (CCL) | DWI, theft under $2,500, assault, marijuana possession, bad checks | 2000 to present |
Family Law | District Clerk | Divorce, child custody, child support, protective orders, adoption | 1984 to present |
Civil (over $325K) | District Clerk | Personal injury, commercial litigation, contract disputes, medical malpractice | 1984 to present |
Civil (under $325K) | County Clerk (CCL) | Contract claims, property disputes, landlord-tenant, debt collection | 1984 to present |
Probate | County Clerk (CCL) | Wills, estates, guardianship, mental health commitments | 1984 to present |
Justice Court | Justice of the Peace | Small claims (up to $20K), traffic tickets, evictions, peace bonds | 2009 to present |
Official Records | County Clerk | Deeds, liens, marriage licenses, foreclosures, assumed names, vital records | Via PublicSearch |
Electronic Filing (eFiling) in Collin County
The Texas Supreme Court requires all civil, family, and probate cases to be filed electronically. This applies to every level of the Collin County court system — Justice Courts, County Courts at Law, and District Courts. As of July 2017, criminal eFiling is also mandatory for all attorneys in statutory county courts.
eFiling is handled through eFile Texas (efiletexas.gov), the statewide eFiling portal. Self-represented litigants can use the Guide and File program, which walks you through creating legal forms using step-by-step templates. This is available to Collin County residents and generates properly formatted documents ready for electronic submission.
Collin County Court Contact Directory
| Office | Phone | Address | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Clerk (Mike Gould) | (972) 548-4320 | 2100 Bloomdale Rd Suite 12132, McKinney TX 75071 | District Clerk → |
| County Clerk (Stacey Kemp) | (972) 548-4185 | 2100 Bloomdale Rd Suite 12165, McKinney TX 75071 | County Clerk → |
| County Court at Law Clerks | Civil: (972) 548-6423 Criminal: (972) 548-6420 | Same building, first floor | CCL Courts → |
| Collin County Sheriff | (972) 547-6100 | 4300 Community Ave, McKinney TX 75071 | Sheriff → |
| District Attorney | (972) 548-4323 | 2100 Bloomdale Rd, McKinney TX 75071 | DA’s Office → |
| Metro Line (all departments) | (972) 424-1460 | Dial ext. using last 4 digits of any direct number | |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search Collin County court records online for free?
Go to cijspub.co.collin.tx.us — the Odyssey Case Records Inquiry system. Select the case type from the dropdown (District Criminal, County Criminal, Civil, Probate, or Justice Court), then enter the party’s last name or case number. The system is free to use and covers active and historical cases. Data updates daily at 6:00 PM.
What is the difference between the District Clerk and County Clerk in Collin County?
The District Clerk (Mike Gould) handles felony criminal cases, family law (divorce, custody), and civil cases exceeding $325,000. The County Clerk (Stacey Kemp) handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate, civil cases under $325,000, and official records like deeds and marriage licenses. If you are searching for a felony or divorce, contact the District Clerk at (972) 548-4320. For a misdemeanor or probate case, contact the County Clerk at (972) 548-6423.
How much does a court record search cost in Collin County?
Online searches through the Odyssey system are free. In-person or mail-in searches conducted by the clerk’s office cost $5 per search. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus $5 for the certification. Payment accepted: cash, check, or money order.
How far back do Collin County online court records go?
District Court criminal cases go back to 1988. Civil and probate cases go back to 1984. County Court at Law criminal cases go back to 2000. Justice Court cases go back to 2009. For anything older, you must request a manual search from the clerk’s office ($5 per search) — in person, by mail, or by email using the Record Request Form.
Can I get a certified copy of a Collin County court record by mail?
Yes. Download the Record Request Form from the District Clerk’s website. Include the person’s full legal name and date of birth, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the search fee ($5). Mail to: District Clerk’s Office, 2100 Bloomdale Rd, McKinney TX 75071. Processing takes 1–2 business days after receipt.
Where is the Collin County Courthouse?
The Russell A. Steindam Courts Building is located at 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney TX 75071. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Free parking is available in the lot. No metal drink containers are allowed inside the building. The courthouse also has a passport acceptance facility on the first floor near the District Clerk’s windows.
How do I search for someone currently in the Collin County Jail?
Use the Collin County Sheriff’s inmate search at collincountytx.gov/sheriff. This shows current inmates, charges, bond status, and facility information. The Collin County Detention Facility is located at 4300 Community Ave, McKinney TX 75071. Booking desk phone: (972) 547-6100.
Can I file court documents electronically in Collin County?
Yes. All civil, family, and probate cases must be filed electronically through eFile Texas. Criminal eFiling is mandatory for attorneys since July 2017. Self-represented individuals can use the Guide and File program at texaslawhelp.org for pre-formatted templates.
Does the Collin County Courthouse offer passport services?
Yes. The District Clerk’s office reopened a passport acceptance facility in November 2024. It is located on the first floor of the courthouse next to the District Clerk’s front counter. The office processes DS-11 applications only (first-time applicants and minors 16 and under). DS-82 renewals are not handled here.