How to search Texas court records
Online access in Texas currently covers appellate-level dockets and opinions only. Trial-court (circuit or district) case files generally require a written or in-person request to the county clerk. There's no charge and no account required — results are visible to anyone who searches.
appellate only free criminal data
Open the official Texas portal →
What's actually there
Free statewide search covers appellate courts only. Trial-level criminal and civil records are held by each county district or county clerk.
Other official lookups for Texas
Federal cases filed in Texas
State portals don't cover federal court. If the case you're looking for might be a federal criminal prosecution, civil suit, or bankruptcy, use CourtRecordsFree's live federal search — it queries CourtListener/RECAP directly and isn't limited to any one state.
Largest counties in Texas
- Harris County — Covers all 90+ district courts (civil, criminal, family).
- Dallas County — Free, no registration required.
Search tips
- Try both "Last, First" and "First Last" — courts index names inconsistently.
- Middle initials and suffixes (Jr., III) often matter for common names.
- A date of birth or case number is the only reliable way to confirm you found the right person.
- An arrest or charge shown in a docket is not a conviction — read the disposition.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to search Texas court records online?
Yes. Texas's statewide search is free to use, with no account or subscription required.
Does this include criminal records?
Yes. Texas's portal includes criminal case records alongside civil cases, subject to the sealing and expungement rules described below.
Does one search cover the whole state?
Only at the appellate level. Trial-court records in Texas aren't in the online system yet and require contacting the county clerk directly.
Links move. If the Texas portal link above is dead, tell us on the corrections page.