How to Check a Criminal History in Texas

The Texas Department of Safety makes criminal records of all convictions in Texas available to the public.

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a public searchable database of all criminal convictions in the state of Texas. As of 2010, the access fee is $3 per record, and payments can be made via credit card or check. When paying by credit card, records are available instantly, while those paying by check must wait for the check to clear and post to their accounts before they are able to view the records.

Instructions

1. Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety's Crime Records Service Web page (see Resources).

2. Sign into your account. If you do not have an account, you can create an account by clicking on the link labeled "Sign up for an account" below the sign-in box.

3. Click "Criminal History Record Search" on the main page of the Crime Records Search page. Click "Search Individuals" on the right side, and then click "Pay by Credit Card" to immediately access the records.

4. Enter the number of records you would like to view and then enter your credit card information.

5. Enter the name of the party for whom you would like to locate a criminal record and click "Search." Click "Buy" beside the record that you would like to view.

References

• Texas Department of Public Safety: Searching the Criminal History Database

Resources

• Texas Department of Safety: Criminal Records Service