Texas Criminal Records at a Glance
Texas criminal records are maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Crime Records Services division. The Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system provides online name-based criminal history searches. The FACT Clearinghouse is a repository of DPS and FBI fingerprint-based criminal history results. Court records are searchable through individual county clerk s
1Texas Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Completing deferred adjudication in Texas does not remove the record from public view. Under Texas law, both deferred adjudication and conviction records are considered public information and can appear in a DPS criminal history search.
- TxDPS, Criminal History Name Searchsecuresite.dps.texas.govSearch for individuals in the Computerized Criminal History System (CCH). Updated for more thorough results.
- TxDPS Crime Records Divisioncrimerecords.dps.texas.govTxDPS Crime Records Division secure website. CCH search and criminal history services.
- DPS Crime Records Serviceswww.dps.texas.govOverview of Crime Records Services programs collecting information from local criminal justice agencies throughout Texas.
- Criminal History Records, DPSwww.dps.texas.govCriminal history record information subject to nondisclosure orders. Public Information Act details.
- FACT Clearinghousesecuresite.dps.texas.govRepository of DPS and FBI fingerprint-based criminal history results for applicant tracking.
- Texas Sex Offender Registration Programwww.dps.texas.govDatabase of all sex offenders required to register in Texas, provided to local law enforcement.
- TDCJ Inmate Searchinmate.tdcj.texas.govSearch for offenders in TDCJ custody. Updated on working days; information at least 24 hours old.
- TDCJ, Inmate Informationwww.tdcj.texas.govOnline inmate search, sex offender absconder search, email and telephone request options, definitions and FAQs.
- Texas VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch offenders in Texas custody and register for automated victim notification.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Texas's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Texas state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The Department of Justice's single national search across every state, territory, and tribal registry. Authoritative for offender status but does not include every historical conviction.
https://www.nsopw.gov/ (nsopw.gov)
How to request your own FBI rap sheet (CJIS Identity History Summary) under Title 28 CFR § 16.30, 16.34. $18 fee, fingerprint submission required.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks (fbi.gov)
The FBI's aggregate crime statistics program. Useful for context on offense frequency but not a record of individual persons.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/ (ucr.fbi.gov)
Texas Criminal Records, FAQ
Is there a single nationwide criminal record search?
No public one. The FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) is nationwide but is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and approved employers under Public Law 92-544. Individuals can order their own rap sheet through the CJIS Identity History Summary service.
What is the difference between state and FBI record checks?
A state check searches one state's conviction database. The FBI III check searches every state that participates in III. Both are fingerprint-based.
Can arrests without conviction appear on a background check?
Yes, on some. State BCI responses vary, a few states return arrests without disposition for up to seven years, others redact non-conviction arrests. The FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c) caps non-conviction arrests on consumer reports at 7 years.
How long does an expungement take?
It is a court process governed by state statute, typically 60 - 180 days from petition to order, plus another 60 - 90 days for agency updates.