How to Get Your Texas Criminal Record — Complete Guide
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Method 1 — Texas DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH)
Texas DPS offers a public criminal history search through the Secure Site. Process: visit records.txdps.state.tx.us; create account; pay $3 per search; receive instant results. What it shows: Texas-only convictions and arrests with dispositions; sex offender registry status; pending warrants in some cases. What it doesn't show: out-of-state cases; juvenile records (sealed); records sealed under nondisclosure (Government Code § 411.0735) or expunged under CCP Chapter 55. Search methods: name-based search (full name + DOB recommended for accuracy) or fingerprint-based (more accurate, additional fee). Speed: instant for online searches.
Method 2 — FBI Identity History Summary
FBI offers federal-level criminal history through Identity History Summary (IdHS). Process: submit fingerprints through FBI-approved channeler (IdentoGO) or directly to FBI with FD-258 card; pay $18 to FBI ($50-$60 total through channeler); receive results in 3-5 days (electronic) or 4-6 weeks (mail). What it shows: all federally-reported arrests and convictions from any state; federal court records; military service records; some federal employment records. What it doesn't show: state arrests not reported to FBI; civil records; arrests without fingerprinting; juvenile records (sealed). Best uses: professional licensing applications, federal employment, security clearance, international adoption/visa applications.
Method 3 — County court records
Direct county court records access for specific cases. Process: visit the county clerk's office of the county where the case occurred (or their online portal); search by name, case number, or date range; review case documents. Texas counties with online portals: Harris County (hcdistrictclerk.com), Dallas County (dallascounty.org/department/districtclerk), Tarrant County (tarrantcounty.com), Bexar County (bexar.org), Travis County (traviscountytx.gov), and most other counties. Cost: typically free to view records online; $1-$5 for certified copies in person. Speed: instant for online portals; same-day for in-person visits. Best uses: getting certified copies of specific case documents for expunction, nondisclosure, or other proceedings.
Method 4 — Commercial background check self-check
Commercial CRAs offer consumer self-check packages. Process: visit Checkr (checkr.com/consumers), Accurate Background, GoodHire, or similar CRA; complete authorization; pay fee ($25-$75); receive report in 1-7 days. What it shows: what most employers will see in commercial background checks; multi-state criminal databases; address history; sex offender registry. What it doesn't show: commercial CRA reports vary; not the same as official FBI/DPS records. Best uses: seeing what routine employers will see; identifying records that may need sealing or disputing before job applications.
After you get your record — common next steps
Once you have your criminal record, several common next steps. Verify accuracy — compare with your memory of cases; check that dispositions are correctly reported. Identify errors — wrong outcome reported, mistaken identity, expunged records still appearing. Pursue expunction — if you have dismissed cases, acquittals, or completed deferred adjudication for eligible offenses, file expunction under CCP Chapter 55. Pursue nondisclosure — for eligible deferred adjudication and some convictions, file order of nondisclosure under Government Code § 411.0735. Dispute commercial errors — for inaccurate commercial CRA reports, dispute under FCRA § 1681i (30-day investigation requirement). Prepare for job applications — knowing your record helps you address it proactively in interviews.
Have a Texas legal question?
Call L and L Law Group for a free, confidential consultation. We handle criminal defense across Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties.
Call (972) 370-5060In our practice defending Texas criminal cases, we have represented clients in Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant County criminal courts on the full Texas Penal Code and Health & Safety Code spectrum. Reggie's prosecutor background in Dallas County means we know the State's evidentiary playbook; Njeri's trial-trained motion practice anchors the suppression-driven defense work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my Texas criminal record?
Three main methods: Texas DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH) at records.txdps.state.tx.us ($3 instant online); FBI Identity History Summary via fingerprint submission ($18, 3-5 days electronic); direct county court records at county clerk offices (free to view, $1-$5 for certified copies).
Is a Texas criminal record check the same as a federal background check?
No — Texas DPS CCH shows only Texas state records. FBI Identity History Summary shows federally-reported records from any state. The two are complementary; for comprehensive view of your record, get both.
How much does it cost to get my Texas criminal record?
Texas DPS CCH: $3 per search online. FBI Identity History Summary: $18 directly, $50-$60 through channeler. County court records: free to view online, $1-$5 per certified copy. Commercial self-check: $25-$75 depending on depth.
Will my Texas criminal record show juvenile cases?
No — Texas juvenile records are sealed under Family Code Chapter 58 in most cases. Juvenile records are not accessible through DPS CCH or FBI IdHS. Specific access for limited purposes (school enrollment, military service) requires separate procedures.
Will expunged records show on my Texas criminal record?
No — properly expunged records under CCP Chapter 55 should be removed from all state and federal databases. If expunged records still appear, contact Texas DPS for state-level corrections; FBI for federal-level corrections; commercial CRAs for FCRA disputes with certified expunction order.
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