Texas Criminal Records

For Texas criminal history, start with the DPS public conviction search. For a specific charge or case outcome, use the court that handled the case. TDCJ provides a separate route for state custody information. These sources answer different questions, so choose the record you need before paying for a search.

Sources and review dates · Find your county

Where do I start a Texas criminal records search?

The Texas DPS criminal history FAQs links to the Criminal History Conviction Name Search. DPS makes conviction and deferred-adjudication information available to the public. Follow its online search link and review the current charges before buying credits. This is a Texas record search, not a nationwide report.

How do I find a Texas criminal case by name?

Use the Texas Judicial Directory to find the court or clerk in the county where the case was filed. Ask for its criminal case search and the procedure for obtaining a disposition or case documents. Have the name, county and approximate filing year ready; a case number helps narrow the request.

For a local example, the Harris County District Clerk record search has a Criminal tab and requires a registered login to view public case information. Its background-check search covers Harris County only and excludes municipal and justice-of-the-peace Class C misdemeanor records. Use the Texas county guides below to find the relevant local starting points.

Can I search Texas criminal records for free?

The Harris County clerk says public case information can be viewed free after login. That does not make every Texas record service free. DPS directs visitors to its current online search fees, and copies or certification may have separate charges. Confirm the cost with the agency before submitting a request.

Where do I request Texas arrest records or a mugshot?

Start with the agency that made the arrest or holds the booking record. Choose the relevant county guide for local sheriff and police sources. For records held by DPS itself, use its Texas DPS public information requests. Specify the record you want and any incident or booking number you already have. Ask the custodian what can be released; a search result does not establish guilt.

How do I find someone in Texas state custody?

The TDCJ inmate information page links to the online inmate search and gives telephone and email options. It describes available information such as location, offenses and projected release date. If the person is in a county jail, use that county's custody source instead. A state-prison lookup is not a complete list of local arrests.

What if a name search returns the wrong person?

A name match can belong to someone else, and a name search can miss a relevant record. DPS identifies fingerprint comparison as the more accurate method and provides a personal-review route in its criminal history FAQs. Check identifying details and the court's actual disposition before drawing conclusions from a match.

Sources and review scope

The links and procedures in this guide were checked against the official sources below on September 11, 2026. This was an AI-assisted source review, not an attorney review or a check of any individual's record. Confirm current access rules and fees with the agency.

• Texas DPS criminal history FAQs. Reviewed September 11, 2026.
• Texas Judicial Directory. Reviewed September 11, 2026.
• Harris County District Clerk record search. Reviewed September 11, 2026.
• Texas DPS public information requests. Reviewed September 11, 2026.
• TDCJ inmate information. Reviewed September 11, 2026.

Disclosure: Criminal.com may earn a commission from its TruthFinder partner search. The official agency links in this guide are separate from that paid service. Partner reports are for personal research and must not be used for employment, tenant, credit or insurance screening.