Dawson County

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Requests should be submitted in writing to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, identifying the records sought with reasonable specificity.
• Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest records and booking photographs.
• Response time for public information requests is typically ten business days under Texas law, though extensions may be requested by the custodian if additional time is needed to compile records.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial under certain conditions.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• Fees for copying court documents typically follow the schedule established by the Texas Local Government Code, generally $1.00 per page for standard copies and higher fees for certified copies.
• Some Texas counties participate in re:SearchTX.gov or county-specific online case management systems, though availability varies.
• Requests for court records should specify case number, party names, and type of document sought.

• Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee, typically $1.00 per page plus an additional fee for certification.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Death certificates cost $21.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
• Processing time is typically 6-8 weeks for mail orders, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• Couples applying for a marriage license must appear together in person, provide valid identification, and pay the license fee (typically $81.00, or $21.00 if couples complete a Texas premarital education course).
• Certified copies of marriage licenses and divorce decrees can be requested from the County Clerk's office for a fee.
• Online ordering of vital records is available through VitChek and the Texas Department of State Health Services authorized vendors, providing a faster alternative to mail requests for those who qualify.