What Are the Key Differences Between Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Burglary?
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Texas State Public Records Search Online
Texas has internal rules governing public records created in the Texas Public Information Act (PIA) and Rule 12 in the Rule of Judicial Administration. These policies give citizens insight into government actions.
Each request goes through different government agencies with unique filing processes and fees.
Texas also has several unique protections, such as blocking information on peace officers and their families. Even standard information like birth and death dates are more restricted in Texas than in some other states.
Despite the convolution, knowing what information is available and how to access it helps check on job applicants, learn about a property owner, or confirm the authenticity of a sales listing.
What Records are Public in Texas?
The average citizen's information is available through thousands of records collected by law enforcement, courthouses, vital records departments, and many other places. Federal and state-level exemptions exist; some agencies can seal information under certain conditions.
What is Considered Public Information in Texas?
All federal and Texas agencies are required to disclose generated records upon request. This mandate applies to all branches and levels of government, from the Texas Supreme Court to local workforce development boards.
Commonly searched public records include:
- Criminal histories
- Court case records
- Vital records
- Vehicle reports
Public record laws also extend to education agencies and private organizations receiving public funding. However, the law only requires private organizations to release information about the official business of a government agency.
Texas Public Records Laws
Texas public records are governed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Texas Public Information Act (PIA). These are collections of laws dictating what information is available and under what circumstances.
What is the Texas Public Information Act (PIA)?
The Texas Public Information Act (PIA) ensures the public's power to request and inspect government records. It is designed to increase government transparency and accountability, allowing the people to police for corruption or bias.
Government-generated records are considered public by default under the PIA. Upon request, the issuing agency verifies that the information does not fall under any exemptible categories.
Information deemed exempt is sent to the Open Records Division (ORD) for review. The ORD is managed separately from any agency to avoid corruption and has the final say on whether to withhold a records request.
What is the FOIA in Texas?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) functions similarly to the PIA (Public Information Act), allowing citizens to request records created by government agencies. However, FOIA is federal law and does not cover Texas agencies.
FOIA has nine exemptions. Most of these exemptions protect citizens' privacy and maintain national security.
Some records only partially meet one of these exemptions. Upon approval, Federal agencies have the right to redact the responsible portions when fulfilling the records request. The Office of Information Policy monitors this power at the Department of Justice.
Who Can Access Public Records in Texas?
In Texas, public records are open to anyone. Agencies must also respond to verbal and written requests without asking for the reason. Many records do not require the requester's identification.
Exceptions include information on some court cases and vital records, which are only available to a select few. In these cases, the requester must prove their relationship to the record, such as being a legal representative or family member.
Texas Public Records Search
The police station does not distribute court records, and the tax office cannot find a driving record. Requests must be made to the appropriate government agency. Depending on the record type, this process can be done online or in person.
The PIA (Public Information Act) or FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) binds all local, state, and federal agencies. These agencies must abide by specific rules, such as responding promptly and offering uniform methods of requesting information.
How to Find Texas Public Records Online
There are two options for online record searches: making a request to the record's custodian or finding it through a third-party service. Both have pros and cons.
Requesting through the official government agency is typically done via email or dedicated web pages. The latter includes detailed fields for the necessary information to complete the request.
Follow these steps to submit an online request:
- Identify the record's custodian agency.
- Find the agency's email address.
- Optionally, search the agency's website for a request template by Googling the "agency's name + public records request form".
- Write a detailed email including a description of the desired information, the approximate date of the record's creation, identification numbers related to the record (case numbers, driver's license numbers, badge numbers), and the names of the involved parties.
- Pay requested fees.
The agency must update the requester if the process will take longer than ten days or if a delay occurs. However, requests must be specific, or the agency's search might fail to return results.
Third-party search tools help locate records with minimal information. Users fill out known fields on the subject, and the service returns all relevant and publicly available information.
How to Find Texas Public Records Offline
Individuals can find Texas public records in person or through physical mail. For mail requests, follow these steps:
- Find the agency's mailing address on their website.
- Write or print a letter stating the desired information, the approximate date the record was created, identification numbers related to the record (case numbers, license numbers, etc.), and the names of involved parties.
- Attach the correct postage and exact payment.
FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) and PIA (Public Information Act) require government agencies to respond promptly, but communication is limited to the mail carrier's speed. Mail orders are incompatible with time-sensitive queries.
The process may also be delayed significantly if the ORD (Open Records Division) reviews the information.
However, requesting records in person also presents unique challenges. Some agencies have multiple locations that independently file and store records. Requesters may have to visit the exact locations where the desired record was filed, making the process location-dependent.
People who live close enough or are willing to make the trip can ask one of the agency's clerks for assistance. Physical offices will provide request forms and guidance regarding the required information.
Each agency searches its databases with different filters. Before making a request, it is safest to call the respective office and ask what is required.
Types of Public Records in Texas
Government agencies track countless records from birth to death. These records may be from significant life events or a random form filled out at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some of the most searched Texas records include:
- Criminal records
- Sex offender information
- Vital Records
- Court records
- Property records
State of Texas Public Court Records
Neither the PIA (Public Information Act) nor FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) has power over Texas courts or its Judicial Branch. Instead, these records are made available to the public under Rule 12 of the Rules of Judicial Administration.
Texas court records encompass the docket sheet, transcripts, evidence, briefs, and judgments throughout the case. They can be requested through the court that heard the case by mail, online order, or in-person visit.
Texas Public Bankruptcy Records
Texas bankruptcy records include broad financial information, such as the filing individual's income sources and net worth. These records may also provide information about their debts and how their remaining assets will be used to pay off outstanding creditors.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court maintains these records and filters out sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank account numbers. Requesters can locate bankruptcy records through the federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) service.
The Voice Case Information System (VCIS) is a service that provides access to bankruptcy records over the phone. Callers need the case number and the filing party's name. VCIS is free to use but supplies limited information.
In-person access is also an option, but it requires visiting the courthouse responsible for the case. Requesters only need to walk in and explain their requests to court clerks.
County Court Records in Texas
Contacting county-level courts can be tricky. It is difficult to know precisely where a marriage license or divorce case was filed, and some courts require different information and processing fees.
Court clerks can remotely confirm if a record was filed with their location. Calling over the phone before sending a request or going in person will eliminate many potential problems. They can also confirm what must be included in a mail request.
The following are the top five Texas counties by population and the district clerk's phone number:
- Harris County: 832-927-5800
- Dallas County: 214-653-7307
- Tarrant County: 817-884-1240
- Bexar County: 210-335-2113
- Travis County: 512-854-9487
Texas Criminal Records
Criminal records detail an individual's journey from arrest to criminal conviction. These records are publicly available unless expunged or sealed through a nondisclosure order. However, both situations are rare in Texas, typically requiring a false charge or minor status.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains criminal records for the state. These records may include some or all of the following information:
- Full name and known aliases
- Police reports
- Notable physical descriptors
- Criminal convictions
- Vital information (age, gender, ethnicity, etc.)
Texas Public Arrest Records
Arrest records provide context for what the law enforcement officer observed, the reason for the charge, and other contextual information. These reports are often referenced in criminal trials and are open to the public to ensure that law enforcement acts reasonably and within protocol.
Arrest records include details like:
- Information on the arrested person (full name, age, race, gender, etc.)
- Date and time of the arrest
- Arrested person's fingerprints and mugshot
- Charged offense
- Timeline leading up to the arrest
- Location of the arrest
- I.D. of witnesses and complainants
- Property or vehicles involved
- Description of the surroundings during the arrest
- Names of arresting officers
Typically, the front page of a police report is always open to the public. However, information that would hinder an ongoing investigation or trial is sealed until it can no longer harm those proceedings.
Arrest records are located at the Texas Department of Public Safety or the arresting station. Searches require the arrested person's name or other details specific to the case.
Texas Vital Records
Texas is more protective of vital records than many other states. There is a waiting period before birth and death records are available to everyone.
Texas Public Birth Records
The Texas Vital Statistics Division maintains birth records. However, records are only available for people born starting in 1903.
Also, Texas birth certificates younger than 75 years old are protected records. These records can only be ordered by the listed person, immediate family, or someone with legal proof of interest in the birth certificate.
Interested and eligible parties can request a certified birth certificate by mail by filling out this application form (including a copy of I.D.) and including a check or money order for $22. There are two addresses available depending on the desired processing speed:
Regular Processing
Texas Vital Statistics
Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
Expedited Processing
Texas Vital Statistics
MC 2096
Department of State Health Services
1100 W. 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
Expedited requests must be sent through an overnight mail service. Options include FedEx, LoneStar, and UPS. Requests must be sent with additional payment for expedited return shipping and an extra processing fee.
- Expedited – Overnight Mail within USA - $16
- Expedited – USPS Express Mail - $22.95
- Expedited Processing Fee - $5
Another option is to order online through Texas.gov. This website makes various vital records more accessible and provides order-tracking services at any time.
Death records legitimize a person's death in government databases. The Texas Vital Statistics Division keeps these records and documents the person's name, date of death, and county in which they died.
Like birth certificates, death records have a waiting period before they become widely accessible. Any deaths that occurred in the past 25 years are protected and only accessible to immediate family or with the court's permission.
Death records are also available for online orders through Texas.gov. The mail process is largely the same as requesting a birth certificate.
Applicants must complete this form and attach a photocopy of their passport or driver's license. The base fee for a certified death certificate is $20, but each additional copy in the same order costs another $3.
Mail the application, I.D. photocopy, and payment method to the following addresses:
Regular Processing
Texas Vital Statistics
Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
Expedited Processing
Texas Vital Statistics
MC 2096
Department of State Health Services
1100 W. 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
Expedited requests must be sent through an overnight mail service. Options include FedEx, LoneStar, and UPS. Requests must be sent with additional payment for expedited return shipping and an extra processing fee.
- Expedited – Overnight Mail within USA - $16
- Expedited – USPS Express Mail - $22.95
- Expedited Processing Fee - $5
Texas Public Marriage Records
Texas marriage records legitimize a union in the government's eyes. Like all Texas vital records, marriage records are only available to spouses, direct family, or those with court approval.
The marriage certificate is necessary for performing post-marital tasks like legal name changes or adding social security beneficiaries. A marriage certificate includes the following information:
- Full names of the married parties prior to name changes
- The ceremony date
- County the ceremony took place
- Witness signatures
Most counties also include the officiant's name, but it is not guaranteed.
A complete marriage record is more than a certificate. It also includes the marriage license application, which permits couples to wed. If the marriage occurred after 1966, this application is often found through the Texas Vital Statistics Section (VSS).
These marriage license applications include identical information to the marriage records but add the spouse's ages. Their ages are recorded to ensure that no age gap laws are broken.
Certificates cannot be found in this index and are solely held by the county court that filed the couple's marriage license. In some counties, requests can be made through online portals. Fees vary depending on location but typically max out at $30.
Ordering online requires:
- Photocopy of driver's license, passport, or military I.D.
- Acceptable payment method (varies by county)
- Proof of relation or court order
Marriage record orders can be made in person with the court clerk. The office will provide the correct request forms, with a likely same-day turnaround time. Going in person is ideal when requesting a certified marriage certificate with a raised seal.
Texas Public Divorce Records
The case files cover all documents used throughout the trial process Contentious cases can last months as each side repeatedly submits briefs on financial information, children's personal information, and environmental details.
Although court cases are technically publicly available court records under Rule 12 of the Rules of Judicial Administration, divorce case information is often difficult to access. These cases contain potentially dangerous personal and sensitive information on minors.
The second part of divorce records is the divorce decree. The judge signs this document to void the marriage certificate officially. The divorce decree is the most sought-after document since it is required for remarriage and frequently revisited in court.
The decree includes information about child support payments, asset distribution, custody agreements, and more. It also describes each ex-spouse's responsibilities to the other, acting as a postnuptial agreement.
The Texas Vital Statistics Division manages divorce decrees. The certified copy is only available to the ex-spouses, immediate family, and legal representatives. Requests are made through the county clerk's office that terminated the marriage and requires the following information:
- Full names of the ex-spouses
- Date and county of divorce
- Payment method
The request process is most easily done in person, but county courts can also mail certified copies. The mailing address and exact fees are on each county's website.
Texas Property Records
Texas property records include blueprints, deeds, and tax reports. These records help determine a property's valid owner. Additionally, local Texas governments charge property taxes, allowing anybody to learn a property's approximate value.
Requests should be made to the county clerk's office where the property resides. Searches require either the homeowner's name or the property address.
Most large counties require in-person requests, which require presenting a photo I.D. and paying a fee. The fee averages between $15 and $25, with added charges for extra pages. Some counties, like Harris County, also charge based on search difficulty.
Texas property records include deeds, building sketches, and maps. Under the PIA (Public Information Act), these records are open to the public and can be accessed through county appraisal district websites or in person.
Texas Inmate Records
The state PIA (Public Information Act) makes inmate records available through the official website of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), email, or telephone. Regardless of the chosen method, requests must include the following information:
- Inmate's Last Name & First Initial
- TDCJ Number
- SID (State Identification) Number
Knowing one of these three fields is the minimum required to use the online search engine. The results fill in the above fields and display the following additional information:
- Gender
- Race
- Age
- Current Facility
- Projected Release Date
- Parole Eligibility Date
- Visitation Eligibility
License Plate Lookup in Texas
License plate lookups provide information about a vehicle and its driver. Lookups uncover the vehicle's make, model, and age. However, the service also reveals hidden aspects like outstanding liens, accident records, repairs, or the owner's spotty driving record.
Car shoppers should always verify listings through a license plate lookup. Otherwise, shoppers risk spending thousands of dollars on a car with a history of breaking down or a voided warranty due to replacement parts. The report will also show if the person selling the vehicle is the owner.
Lookups are pulled from records kept by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The tool needs only the plate number and the issuing state.
What Information is Exempt from the Public Information Act in Texas?
The Texas PIA (Public Information Act) has mandatory and discretionary exemptions. The former blocks all requests for qualifying information types. The latter gives government agencies leeway in deciding whether certain information is dangerous on a case-by-case basis.
Mandatory Exemptions include:
- Living person's birth dates
- Driver's license numbers
- License plate information
- Payment information
- Insurance policy numbers
- Juvenile offender court records
- Child abuse investigations
- Peace officers physical addresses
- Peace officer's family information
Requests that are often subject to discretionary exemption include:
- Attorney communications
- Policymaking drafts
- Pending litigation records
Other Public Records in Texas
Other types of public records available in Texas include:
- Texas Sex Offender Registration Program: These records allow the public to defend themselves against prior sex offenders. The registry stores the individual's name, address, photograph, and their exact offense.
- Texas Election Results: Voting transparency and results are cornerstones of a fair election. Texas tracks both parties' candidates in federal and district races, updating the results every few hours.
- Environmental Quality Reports: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality publishes research measuring the impact of programs like the Texas Clean Rivers Program. These public records show that public funding is having its intended impact.
- Texas Health Data: The Texas Department of State Health Services tracks rates for birth, death, addiction, disease, and mental health.
Individuals willingly submit significantly more information online than what is in government reports. Social media, blog posts, and email newsletters offer insight into users' lifestyles and relationships and are easily found through dedicated search tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Find Free Public Records in Texas Using Third-Party Sites?
Many third-party services offer free public records scans. These free scans return large amounts of data, but comprehensive analysis may require an additional fee.
RecordsFinder is home to an aggregate of record search tools, accessing billions of records across the web. We help you find all arrest records, social media pages, associated emails, and vital records.
How To Find out if Someone Has a Warrant Online for Free in Texas?
RecordsFinder has a criminal records search tool that will reveal any warrants associated with a first and last name. Other information you'll find are felony arrests, misdemeanors, DUIs, and previous jail sentences. Searchers can also add the city and state to narrow down the search.
What Happens if I Am Refused a Public Records Request?
Under the Public Information Act, Texas agencies cannot refuse a public records request. They may decide that the requested information falls under one of the exemptions, but they must refer it to the Attorney General within ten business days for review.
A request may also fail if the information is confidential by statute or is being used in an ongoing investigation or trial. Outside these circumstances, you may file a complaint with the Open Records Division of the Office of the Attorney General.
You may also file a complaint if the information is not promptly communicated or the agency charges unfair and exclusionary fees.
How Much Do Public Records Cost in Texas?
The cost of public records varies depending on the county, state department, number of copies, and type of record requested. Many counties also charge additional fees if you don't provide enough information for a quick search.
