Texas People Search
Texas keeps a wide range of public records that can help you find people and learn more about them. The state has 254 counties, and each one holds its own set of court files, property records, and vital documents. State agencies like the Department of Public Safety and the Secretary of State run their own search tools too. You can look up criminal history, check court cases, find property ownership, and verify professional licenses all from your home. Many of these Texas people search tools are free to use. Others charge a small fee. This guide shows you where to search and what you can find at every level of Texas government.
Texas People Search Overview
Texas People Search and Public Records Law
The Texas Government Code Chapter 552, known as the Public Information Act, gives everyone the right to access government records. The law says all government info is presumed public unless a specific statute makes it confidential. That means most records held by state agencies, counties, cities, school districts, and police departments are open for you to see. You don't have to be a Texas resident. You don't have to give a reason for your request.
Under Government Code Section 552.021, public records must be made available during normal business hours. An agency can't ask why you want the records. They can only ask you to show ID, narrow a broad request, or clarify what you need. Agencies must respond within 10 business days. If they want to hold back any info, they have to ask the Attorney General for a ruling under Government Code Section 552.275.
Copy fees are set by law. The standard rate is $0.10 per page under Government Code Section 552.261. When charges go past $40, the agency must give you an itemized statement. Officials who knowingly refuse to release public info can face criminal penalties under Government Code Section 552.353. The Open Records Hotline at 512-478-6736 can help if you run into problems with a request.
Texas People Search for Criminal Records
The Texas Department of Public Safety runs the Computerized Criminal History system, which holds over 25 million records. This is the main state database for criminal conviction data. You can search by name and get results that show public conviction records and deferred adjudications. Each name search costs $10. You need to set up an account and buy search credits first.
The DPS criminal history search only shows public conviction data. Non-conviction info stays protected. You can narrow results by adding a date of birth. The site works in both English and Spanish. Customer service is at 1-855-481-7070 for account issues. Search results stay in your account for 7 days. You can download them from the message center for up to 30 days.
The DPS Crime Records Division is the state control terminal for eight criminal justice programs. It runs the Texas Crime Information Center, which gives law enforcement 24/7 access to records on wanted persons, missing persons, sex offenders, and protective orders. For a more thorough check, fingerprint searches are offered through the Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas program for $15 plus a $10 fingerprinting fee.
The Texas Sex Offender Registry is another key people search tool. You can search by name, address, or zip code. Results show the legal name, date of birth, and home address of registered offenders. Profile pages include photos, physical descriptions, and offense details. The DPS also keeps a "Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders" list with mug shots, rewards, and last known spots. A special search finds offenders near Texas colleges too.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate search lets you find current and former state inmates. Search by name, SID number, or TDCJ number. You just need a last name and first initial at minimum. Results show date of birth, race, gender, projected release date, and current facility. Click a name to see offense history, case numbers, visitation eligibility, and parole info. Use an asterisk for partial matches. TDCJ Austin office: 209 West 14th Street, Austin, TX 78701, phone (512) 463-9988. Huntsville office: 861-B I-45 North, Huntsville, TX 77320, phone (936) 295-6371.
Texas People Search Through Vital Records
Vital records are a key part of any Texas people search. The Texas Vital Statistics Section under the Department of State Health Services keeps birth and death certificates, marriage applications, and divorce records. The state office holds records going back to 1903. Birth records open to the public after 75 years from the birth date. Death records become public after 25 years, as set out in Health and Safety Code Chapter 191.
Certified birth certificates cost $23. The first death certificate is $21, with extra copies at $4 each. You can order online through Texas.gov, by mail, or in person. Only qualified applicants can get certified copies. That includes the person named, immediate family, or someone with legal authority. You need a valid ID like a driver's license, passport, or state-issued photo ID. Contact the Vital Statistics Section at (888) 963-7111 or by mail at P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040.
Corrections to birth certificates use Form VS-170. Death certificate fixes use Form VS-172. Processing times depend on the record type and how you order.
People Search for Business and Professional Records
You can find a lot about people through business and professional records in Texas. The Secretary of State's SOSDirect system lets you search business entities by name, registered agent, officer, or director. That means if you know a person's name, you can find any company they are tied to. The database covers corporations, limited partnerships, LLCs, assumed names, trademarks, and more. Both active and dead entities show up. You can view and print filed documents. Electronic filing fees start as low as $5 for UCC documents. Business organization fees follow state statute. Contact the Corporations Section at (512) 463-5555. Social security numbers, credit card numbers, and bank account numbers are redacted from public filings as required by law. These filings fall under Business and Commerce Code Section 9.502.
SOSDirect also has UCC filing searches and trademark searches. Web filings take about 2 business days to process. All users must reset passwords every 90 days for security.
The Texas Medical Board license lookup checks physicians, physician assistants, acupuncturists, and other medical professionals. License data updates daily. You can see the year of birth, license number, issue date, expiration date, status, disciplinary actions, specialties, and school of graduation. The Board also runs DocFinder and a Search Board Action tool. Pop-up blockers must be off for the lookup link to work. Licensing rules fall under Occupations Code Chapter 155.
The Texas Board of Nursing runs a license search by license number, NCSBN ID, or name. Partial name searches work too. Texas takes part in Nursys, the national nursing license database. Nursys QuickConfirm gives real-time license status and discipline info for free. Texas is also part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses from other member states can practice here.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation covers 39 industries. That includes electricians, barbers, cosmetologists, auctioneers, and many more. You can verify any TDLR license online, check for complaints, and see disciplinary actions. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts oversees taxes including sales tax, property tax, and franchise tax. The Comptroller also runs the Unclaimed Property Program and the TexStats Regional Dashboard for demographics data. Contact tax help at (512) 463-4600 or (800) 252-1381.
Texas People Search in Court Records
Court records are some of the most useful tools for a Texas people search. The Texas Courts portal is the central hub for the state court system. Many counties use the Odyssey case management system. Public access to court records varies by county. Some give full online access. Others need in-person requests.
At the county level, District Clerks and County Clerks manage the court files. District Courts handle felonies, divorces, and civil cases over $200. County Courts handle misdemeanors and smaller civil matters. Each clerk can pull records by name or case number and make copies. Certified copies typically cost $1 per page plus a certification fee. Many clerks now offer online search portals. You can find case parties, docket entries, hearing dates, and case status without leaving your home.
The Texas State Bar attorney search helps you verify that an attorney has an active license. Profiles show license status, practice areas, and disciplinary history. The Bar oversees admissions, licensing, and professional conduct across Texas. Anyone can search the directory for free.
Texas People Search Through Voter and Government Data
The Texas Voter Registration Lookup lets you check if someone is registered to vote. You can find their polling location, early voting sites, and sample ballot info. Registration status includes precinct and district details. The Secretary of State keeps voter rolls for the whole state under Election Code Chapter 13. Voter ID requirements are listed on VoteTexas.gov.
The Texas Ethics Commission tracks lobbyist registrations and campaign finance reports. Lobbyist compensation is reported in set ranges. The Commission publishes searchable records of political contributions to candidates and officeholders. Public officials must file personal financial statements with the Commission. The Attorney General's Open Government division handles Public Information Act disputes and provides guidance. The AG hotline at 512-478-6736 or toll-free at 1-877-673-6839 can answer questions about records access.
Property tax records also help with a people search. The Comptroller of Public Accounts reviews appraisal standards for school districts every other year through the Methods and Assistance Program. County appraisal districts set property values, and those records are public. You can often search by owner name to find who owns what and where. The Comptroller also runs the Unclaimed Property Program and the TexStats Regional Dashboard for demographics data. Contact tax help at (512) 463-4600 or (800) 252-1381. Driver's license records fall under Transportation Code Section 521, though personal details have restricted access.
Browse Texas People Search by County
Each of Texas's 254 counties has its own clerk offices that handle public records. County Clerks manage property records, vital records, and misdemeanor court files. District Clerks handle felony cases, civil suits, and family law matters. Pick a county below to find local contact info and people search resources.
People Search in Major Texas Cities
Texas cities don't run their own court systems for most records. Instead, the county handles court files and vital records. But cities do have municipal courts, police departments, and local resources that tie into a people search. Pick a city below to find out where to go.