Texas Arrest Records

Texas Public Records /Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Texas?

Yes. Arrest records in Texas are generally considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552), which ensures the public’s right to access government records. This means certain arrest and booking details—such as inmate rosters, jail logs, and court dockets—can be viewed by the public through county sheriff’s offices, municipal police departments, and the Texas court system.

However, full criminal history records, including non-conviction data, are restricted. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) makes conviction records available online through its Computerized Criminal History (CCH) System, but non-public information may only be released to the individual involved or authorized entities such as law enforcement, licensing boards, or certain employers. Additionally, juvenile records and arrests sealed or expunged by court order are not open to public inspection.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Texas?

Access to arrest records in Texas is primarily governed by the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), codified in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. This law establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those related to arrests and criminal history.

The TPIA operates with a presumption of openness, meaning that all government information is considered public unless specifically exempted by law. For arrest records, relevant exemptions may include:

Information related to ongoing criminal investigations
Records that might interfere with law enforcement proceedings
Information that could endanger an individual's life or physical safety
Records concerning juveniles (governed by separate statutes)

Additionally, the Criminal History Record Information Act (Chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code) regulates how criminal history information, including arrest data, is collected, maintained, and disseminated by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly Articles 55.01-55.06, governs the expunction and sealing of arrest records under certain circumstances.

What Information Is Included in a Texas Arrest Record?

A typical Texas arrest record contains comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. These records generally include:

Personal identifying information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Address at time of arrest
- Social Security Number (often partially redacted in public versions)
Arrest details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Charges filed
- Statute citations for alleged violations
- Case or incident number
Booking information:
- Booking date and time
- Detention facility information
- Bail or bond amount (if applicable)
- Court appearance dates
Case disposition (if available):
- Whether charges were filed, reduced, or dismissed
- Court proceedings information
- Conviction information (if applicable)
- Sentencing details (if applicable)

The completeness of information may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the agency maintaining the record.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Texas in 2025

There are several official channels through which individuals can obtain arrest records in Texas:

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) - The primary state agency responsible for maintaining criminal history records.

Texas Department of Public Safety
5805 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 424-2000
Texas Department of Public Safety

The DPS Crime Records Service provides criminal history record information for a fee. Requestors can submit applications in person, by mail, or online through the Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) program.
County Sheriff's Offices - Maintain records of arrests made within their jurisdiction.
Local Police Departments - Provide arrest records for arrests made by their officers.
County and District Clerk Offices - Maintain court records related to arrests that proceeded to court cases.

To obtain records, you typically need to:

Complete a request form specific to the agency
Provide identification
Pay applicable fees
Specify the records you're seeking with as much detail as possible (full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)

For the most comprehensive records, fingerprint-based searches through the DPS are recommended, as name-based searches may not capture all relevant records or may return records for individuals with similar names.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Texas

Texas offers several online resources for accessing arrest records:

Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search The DPS provides an online criminal history search for public access. This system provides name-based searches of the computerized criminal history database for a fee.
County and District Court Records Many Texas counties offer online access to court records, which often include information about arrests that led to court cases. For example:
County Sheriff's Office Websites Many sheriff's offices maintain online inmate lookup tools or arrest logs:
- Travis County Current Inmates
- Harris County Inmate Search
Texas Judiciary Search Portal The Texas Judicial Branch website provides access to case information from participating courts across Texas.
Texas Public Sex Offender Registry For sex offense-related arrests and convictions, the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry provides searchable information.

When using online resources, it's important to note that:

Information may not be complete or up-to-date
Some systems require registration or fees
Name-based searches may return records for people with similar names
Some online systems may only show recent arrests or current inmates

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Texas?

Under Texas law, various individuals and entities can access arrest records, though the level of access may vary:

General Public Most adult arrest records are available to any member of the public through proper request procedures, though some information may be redacted.
The Arrested Individual People have the right to access their own criminal history information, including arrest records.
Law Enforcement Agencies Police departments, sheriff's offices, and other law enforcement agencies have comprehensive access to arrest records for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
Courts and Prosecutors The judicial system has access to arrest records for case processing and decision-making.
Licensed Attorneys Attorneys may access records relevant to cases they're handling.
Government Agencies Various government agencies may access records for licensing, employment, or regulatory purposes.
Employers and Licensing Boards With proper authorization and in compliance with applicable laws, employers and licensing boards may access arrest records for background checks.
News Media Journalists can access public arrest records for reporting purposes.

Access may be restricted for:

Juvenile records (with exceptions)
Expunged or sealed records
Records related to ongoing investigations
Certain deferred adjudication cases

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Texas?

Yes, obtaining arrest records in Texas typically involves fees that vary by agency and request type:

Texas Department of Public Safety
- Name-based criminal history search: $3.00 per name
- Fingerprint-based criminal history search: Approximately $37.00
- Certified criminal history record: Additional fees may apply
County and District Clerks Fees vary by county but typically include:
- Copy fees: $1.00-$5.00 per page
- Certification fees: $5.00-$10.00 per document
- Research fees: Some offices charge for time spent researching records
Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments
- Local arrest record: $5.00-$25.00 depending on the agency
- Incident reports: $5.00-$15.00
- Booking photos: $5.00-$10.00
Online Access Fees
- Commercial databases: Subscription fees vary
- County record portals: Some are free, others charge per search or document

Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances, such as:

Indigent status (for individuals who cannot afford to pay)
Requests by certain government agencies
Requests for an individual's own records for specific purposes

All agencies are required to provide fee schedules upon request, and many publish their fee structures on their websites.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Texas

Texas maintains arrest records for extended periods, often permanently, unless specific legal actions are taken to remove them:

State Repository Records The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains criminal history records, including arrests, indefinitely unless:
- A court orders expunction
- The record is sealed under an order of non-disclosure
- The record qualifies for automatic sealing under certain provisions
Local Law Enforcement Records Sheriff's offices and police departments typically retain arrest records for:
- Felony arrests: Permanently
- Misdemeanor arrests: 75 years or more
- Juvenile arrests: Until the individual reaches age 21, unless certified as an adult
Court Records Court records related to arrests generally follow these retention schedules:
- Felony cases: Permanently
- Misdemeanor cases: At least 5 years after final disposition
- Dismissed cases: At least 5 years after dismissal

These retention periods are governed by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission records retention schedules for law enforcement and court records.

When physical records might be purged after retention periods, digital records may be maintained longer, and information that has been published or distributed may continue to exist in various databases.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Texas Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released to the public in Texas, certain sensitive information is typically redacted or restricted:

Personal Identifying Information
- Social Security Numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Personal phone numbers and email addresses
- Home addresses (in some circumstances)
Sensitive Case Information
- Information about confidential informants
- Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
- Victim information in certain cases (particularly sexual assault or family violence)
- Medical and mental health information
Juvenile Information
- Records of arrests for individuals under 17 years of age are generally confidential
- References to juvenile co-defendants in adult cases
Family Code Protections
- Information about child abuse investigations
- Family violence details that might identify victims
Expunged or Sealed Information
- Any information subject to an expunction order
- Information covered by an order of non-disclosure
Witness Protection Information
- Details that might endanger witnesses

These redactions are governed by various provisions in the Texas Public Information Act, particularly Sections 552.101-152, which outline specific categories of information exempt from public disclosure.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Texas

Texas law provides several mechanisms for sealing or destroying arrest records under specific circumstances:

Expunction (Erasure of Records) Under Article 55.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, individuals may qualify for expunction if:
- They were arrested but never charged
- Charges were dismissed or quashed
- They were acquitted at trial
- They were convicted but later pardoned or otherwise proven innocent
- They completed certain pretrial diversion programs
The expunction process involves:
- Filing a petition with the district court in the county of arrest
- Paying filing fees (typically $200-$400)
- Attending a hearing (in some cases)
- Obtaining a court order directing all agencies to destroy records
Orders of Non-Disclosure (Sealing Records) Under Chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code, individuals who successfully completed deferred adjudication may petition for an order of non-disclosure, which:
- Seals records from public view
- Allows access only by law enforcement and certain government agencies
- Permits the individual to legally deny the arrest in most circumstances
Eligibility depends on:
- The type of offense
- Waiting periods (ranging from immediate to 5 years)
- Clean record during the waiting period
Automatic Non-Disclosure Recent changes to Texas law provide for automatic non-disclosure for certain low-level, non-violent offenses after successful completion of deferred adjudication, without requiring a petition.
Juvenile Record Sealing Under the Texas Family Code, juvenile records may be sealed:
- Automatically for certain non-violent offenses
- By application after a waiting period for other offenses

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for these processes, as requirements are complex and mistakes can result in denial of relief.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Texas?

Texas law imposes several important limitations on how arrest records can be used:

Employment Restrictions Under the Texas Workforce Commission guidelines and Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code:
- Employers must show that an arrest record is job-related before using it to deny employment
- Arrests that did not lead to conviction cannot be the sole basis for employment denial
- Certain licensed professions have specific guidelines about considering arrest records
Housing Limitations
- Public housing authorities must follow HUD guidelines on the use of arrest records
- Private landlords may consider arrest records but must apply policies consistently to avoid discrimination claims
Educational Considerations
- Educational institutions have varying policies on considering arrest records for admission
- The Texas Education Code provides some protections for students
Commercial Use Restrictions Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Texas law:
- Background check companies cannot report arrests older than seven years (with exceptions)
- Companies must ensure accuracy of reported information
- Individuals must be notified if arrest information is used adversely
Non-Disclosure Protections
- Records subject to an order of non-disclosure cannot be disclosed by government agencies to the general public
- Individuals with sealed records may legally deny the arrest in most circumstances
Expunged Record Protections
- Once expunged, records cannot legally be used for any purpose
- Using or disclosing expunged records may constitute contempt of court

Violations of these limitations may lead to civil liability, administrative penalties, or in some cases, criminal charges.

Lookup Arrest Records in Texas

State Repository for Criminal History Records
Texas Department of Public Safety - Crime Records Service
5805 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 424-2000
Texas Department of Public Safety

Texas Department of Corrections
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
861-B I-45 North
Huntsville, TX 77320
(936) 295-6371
Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Texas Court System
Office of Court Administration
205 W. 14th St., Suite 600
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 463-1625
Texas Judicial Branch

Texas Supreme Court
Supreme Court Building
201 W. 14th St., Room 104
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 463-1312
Supreme Court of Texas

Texas Attorney General's Office
Office of the Attorney General
300 W. 15th St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 463-2100
Texas Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices
Harris County Sheriff's Office
1200 Baker St.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 221-6000
Harris County Sheriff's Office

Dallas County Sheriff's Department
133 N. Riverfront Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-3450
Dallas County Sheriff's Department

Tarrant County Sheriff's Office
100 N. Lamar St.
Fort Worth, TX 76196
(817) 884-3099
Tarrant County Sheriff's Office

Bexar County Sheriff's Office
200 N. Comal St.
San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 335-6000
Bexar County Sheriff's Office

Travis County Sheriff's Office
5555 Airport Blvd.
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 854-9770
Travis County Sheriff's Office

Collin County Sheriff's Office
4300 Community Ave.
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 547-5100
Collin County Sheriff's Office

El Paso County Sheriff's Office
3850 Justice Dr.
El Paso, TX 79938
(915) 538-2200
El Paso County Sheriff's Office

Denton County Sheriff's Office
127 N. Woodrow Ln.
Denton, TX 76205
(940) 349-1600
Denton County Sheriff's Office

Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office
1840 Richmond Pkwy.
Richmond, TX 77469
(281) 341-4665
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
1 Criminal Justice Dr.
Conroe, TX 77301
(936) 760-5800
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Municipal Police Departments
Houston Police Department
1200 Travis St.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 884-3131
Houston Police Department

Dallas Police Department
1400 S. Lamar St.
Dallas, TX 75215
(214) 671-3001
Dallas Police Department

San Antonio Police Department
315 S. Santa Rosa Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 207-7273
San Antonio Police Department

Austin Police Department
715 E. 8th St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 974-5000
Austin Police Department

Fort Worth Police Department
505 W. Felix St.
Fort Worth, TX 76115
(817) 392-4222
Fort Worth Police Department

State Archives
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
1201 Brazos St.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 463-5455
Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Federal Agencies Operating in Texas
Federal Bureau of Investigation - Houston Division
1 Justice Park Dr.
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 693-5000
FBI Houston

U.S. Marshals Service - Northern District of Texas
501 W. 10th St., Room 242
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 978-1444
U.S. Marshals Service

Federal Bureau of Prisons - South Central Regional Office
344 Marine Forces Dr.
Grand Prairie, TX 75051
(972) 730-8600
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. District Court - Southern District of Texas
515 Rusk St.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 250-5500
U.S. District Court - Southern District of Texas