About Webb County
Webb County is located in the southernmost region of Texas along the United States-Mexico border, with Laredo serving as both Webb County Seat and its largest city. Established in 1848 and named after James Webb, who served as Attorney General, Secretary of State, and later as a United States Senator from Texas, Webb County includes approximately 3,376 square miles of semi-arid terrain in the Rio Grande Valley. As of the 2020 Census, Webb County had a population of over 267,000 residents, making it one of the most populous border counties in Texas.
Webb County is internationally significant as the location of the Laredo Port of Entry, one of the busiest commercial trade crossings in North America, helping with billions of dollars in international commerce annually between the United States and Mexico. Major landmarks include Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, and the historic San Agustin Cathedral. Webb County Courthouse, located at 1000 Houston Street in Laredo, houses numerous county offices including the County Clerk, District Clerk, and County Commissioners Court.
Webb County Tax Assessor-Collector operates from 1110 Washington Street, Laredo, TX 78040, managing property tax assessments and collections. Webb County Clerk's office at the courthouse maintains vital records, property records, and is the official recordkeeper for Webb County. Webb County's unique position as a major international gateway, combined with its rich borderland culture and economic vitality driven by trade, distinguishes it as one of Texas's most strategically important counties.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Webb County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Webb County, particularly in unincorporated areas. It oversees Webb County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community outreach programs and has specialized divisions such as narcotics and criminal investigations. The sheriff's office is key to making sure of public safety and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies in Webb County.
Police Departments
In addition to Webb County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Webb County is provided by several municipal police departments. The Laredo Police Department is the largest city department, handling law enforcement within the city limits of Laredo. Other smaller cities and towns in Webb County may have their own police departments, which collaborate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and regional safety initiatives. These agencies work together to ensure full coverage and response to incidents throughout Webb County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Webb County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 401 Marcella Avenue, Laredo, TX 78040, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Webb County and operates Webb County Jail. The Sheriff's Office can be reached, and maintains a website at webbcountytx.gov/sheriff for public information. Inmates housed in Webb County Jail can be located through the online inmate search system available on the Sheriff's Office website, which provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through Webb County Jail's online inmate lookup system, displaying recent bookings with photographs when available.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest records, and certain information may be redacted or withheld if it pertains to ongoing investigations or protected individuals.
Municipal law enforcement within Webb County is primarily provided by the Laredo Police Department, serving the city of Laredo, which comprises the vast majority of Webb County's population. The Laredo Police Department operates from multiple stations throughout the city and maintains full records of arrests and criminal activity within city limits. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records are generally considered public information, and citizens may request arrest reports, incident reports, and booking records by submitting a written public information request to either the Sheriff's Office or Laredo Police Department.
Webb County does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Webb County. The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains a presence in Webb County, with Highway Patrol troopers enforcing traffic laws and assisting local agencies with major criminal investigations and border security operations.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Webb County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Webb County District Clerk's Office maintains these records, providing access to the public under Texas law. Background checks can be conducted through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which offers a statewide criminal history database. The Texas Bureau of Investigation also supports local agencies in managing and accessing criminal records, making sure of a thorough and efficient process for background checks and legal inquiries.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Webb County are maintained by Webb County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, subject to the Texas Public Information Act. An arrest record in Webb County typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the offense, and the arresting agency. The records provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities within Webb County.
Jail & Inmate Records
The primary detention facility in Webb County is Webb County Jail, located in Laredo. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of arrestees. Inmate information can be accessed through Webb County's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules at the jail require visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to specific guidelines regarding conduct and dress code. The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial upon payment of bail set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Webb County are taken and retained by Webb County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases. Texas does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for expungement under certain conditions. Mugshots are often used by law enforcement for identification and investigative purposes.
Courts & Case Records
Webb County's judicial system includes the 49th, 111th, 341st, and 406th District Courts, which handle felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, family law cases, and juvenile matters. These courts are located in Webb County Courthouse at 1000 Houston Street, Laredo, TX 78040, and Webb County Justice Center. Webb County Clerk's office, reachable, maintains records for all district court proceedings and provides public access to case information.
- Webb County Court at Law handles Class A and B misdemeanors, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, appeals from Justice Court, and probate matters.
- Court records can be searched through the District Clerk's office, with online case lookup available through Webb County's e-filing portal and case management system.
- Research fees typically apply for extensive searches, and certified copies of court documents cost approximately $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- Webb County Law Library, located in the courthouse, provides public access to legal research materials.
Webb County operates multiple Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1 through 4) that have jurisdiction over small claims cases up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, evictions, and serve as magistrate courts for initial appearances and warrant issuance. Under Texas Government Code Section 552.002 and Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, court records are presumed to be public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. Online access to some court records is available through re:SearchTX and Webb County's official website, though certain sensitive cases involving juveniles, mental health commitments, and sealed records remain confidential under Texas law.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Webb County are maintained by Webb County Clerk's office at 1000 Houston Street, Laredo, TX 78040, phone. Webb County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds, maintaining an extensive archive of property transactions including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, property tax liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, and subdivision plats.
- The office has indexed property records dating back to Webb County's formation in 1848, with many historical documents available on microfilm and increasingly digitized for online access.
- Webb County provides a free online property records search through the County Clerk's website, allowing users to search by grantor, grantee, document type, recording date, and legal description.
- Recording fees for new documents vary by document type and page count, generally starting at approximately $25 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the County Clerk for $5.00 plus $1.00 per page.
- The online Webb County Appraisal District database is freely accessible and provides parcel maps, aerial photography, and property tax payment history.
Vital Records
Vital records for Webb County are managed by Webb County Clerk's office, located at 1000 Houston Street, Laredo, TX 78040, which maintains birth and death certificates for events occurring within Webb County. Birth certificates can be requested in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail with proper identification and documentation, or through authorized third-party vendors.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and can be obtained by qualified applicants including family members, legal representatives, and individuals with a direct tangible interest.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the state's official vendor at texas.gov or through VitalChek, though expedited service fees apply.
- All requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate eligibility to receive restricted vital records.
The fee for a certified birth certificate is $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, with processing times typically ranging from 1-2 weeks for mail requests and immediate issuance for in-person requests when records are readily available. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, birth records are restricted for 75 years and death records for 25 years, with access limited to authorized individuals who must provide valid photo identification. Marriage licenses are issued by Webb County Clerk's office, requiring both parties to appear in person with valid identification, proof of age, and payment of the $81 license fee ($21 if couples complete a state-approved premarital education course).
Marriage records are public and can be searched at the County Clerk's office. Divorce decrees are filed with the District Clerk's office after court proceedings conclude. For people unable to obtain records locally, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin is the central repository for all Texas vital records and can process requests for events occurring anywhere in the state.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Webb County are accessible through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Webb County Clerk's office at 1000 Houston Street, Laredo, TX 78040, maintains Assumed Name (DBA - Doing Business As) filings for businesses operating under names other than their legal entity names. These fictitious name certificates must be filed with Webb County clerk in Webb County where the business primarily operates, with filing fees typically around $26 for the initial filing.
- This free online database allows searches by entity name, file number, or registered agent, providing formation dates, current status, registered office addresses, and authorized person information.
- The Laredo Chamber of Commerce, accessible at laredochamber.com, provides business support services, networking opportunities, and economic development information for the business community throughout Webb County.
For full business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the statewide business registry accessible through SOSDirect at sos.state.tx.us. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, while professional licenses for occupations such as cosmetology, plumbing, electrical work, and medical professions are regulated by their respective state licensing boards. Local business licensing and permits, including health permits for food establishments and occupational licenses, are administered by the City of Laredo for businesses operating within city limits.
Building permits, zoning compliance, and development approvals are handled by the City of Laredo Planning and Zoning Department and Building Inspections Division for properties within the city, while Webb County Planning Department manages these functions for unincorporated areas.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Webb County are administered by Webb County Elections Department, located at 2402 San Francisco Avenue, Laredo, TX 78040, phone, with information available at webbcountytx.gov/elections. The office is responsible for conducting all federal, state, county, and local elections, maintaining voter registration records, and following Texas election law. Voter registration in Webb County can be completed by submitting a Texas Voter Registration Application to Webb County Elections Administrator or to the Texas Secretary of State.
- Applications are available online at votetexas.gov, at public libraries, county offices, and from volunteer deputy registrars.
The registration deadline in Texas is 30 days before any election, and the state does not offer online voter registration, completed applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered by the deadline. Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling location using the online voter lookup tool at the Texas Secretary of State website or by contacting Webb County Elections Department. Election records that are public under Texas Election Code include voter registration lists (though with certain personal information redacted), precinct-by-precinct election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports filed with Webb County, and records of who voted in each election (though not how they voted, as ballots are secret).
In the November 2024 general election, Webb County reported approximately 47% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with typical turnout for this heavily Democratic border county in presidential election years. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include races for United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, all statewide offices including Governor and other executive positions, the Texas Legislature, and various county and local offices. Texas voters seeking to vote by mail must qualify under one of the state's limited categories: being 65 years or older, having a disability, being confined in jail but otherwise eligible, or being absent from Webb County during the entire early voting period and on election day.
Applications for mail-in ballots (Application for Ballot by Mail) must be submitted to Webb County Early Voting Clerk and received (not just postmarked) by the 11th day before election day. Webb County typically operates numerous early voting locations throughout Laredo and unincorporated areas for the two-week early voting period. Citizens can request copies of election results, voter history records, and other public election documents under the Texas Public Information Act by submitting requests to the Elections Department, though certain voter information is protected under Texas Election Code Section 13.004 to prevent commercial use and protect voter privacy.
Economy & Demographics
Webb County's economy is fundamentally shaped by its strategic position as the largest inland port on the United States-Mexico border, with international trade serving as the dominant economic driver.Major employers include Laredo Independent School District, United Independent School District, Webb County government, City of Laredo, Laredo Medical Center, Doctors Hospital of Laredo, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- The median household income in Webb County is approximately $52,000, below the Texas state average, reflecting Webb County's lower cost of living and the economic dynamics of a border community.
Key economic sectors include retail trade, which benefits from significant cross-border shopping; healthcare services, with multiple hospital systems serving both local residents and medical tourists from Mexico; energy, with Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas activity in the northern portions of Webb County; and warehousing, with numerous distribution centers taking advantage of the location for NAFTA/USMCA trade. The unemployment rate in Webb County has historically tracked slightly above the state average, though Webb County experienced significant growth in warehousing and logistics employment during the 2010s and 2020s. Notable economic development projects include the expansion of World Trade Bridge facilities, development of industrial parks along Interstate 35, and investments in border infrastructure modernization.
Texas A&M International University contributes to workforce development and research, while the Laredo Economic Development Corporation actively recruits businesses to Webb County, offering incentives for companies that create jobs and capital investment in Webb County.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (District Clerk Case Search) | Property: Yes: Free Search (Clerk & Appraisal District) | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State & County DBAs) | Elections: Yes: Online (Voter Lookup & Results) | Overall Score: 8/10, Webb County provides strong digital access to most public records through county and state portals, with property, court, and jail databases available online at no cost.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Webb County, Texas?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Webb County, Texas?
How do I get a criminal background check in Webb County, Texas?
How can I look up sex offenders in Webb County, Texas?
How do I register to vote in Webb County, Texas?
How do I look up property records in Webb County, Texas?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Webb County, Texas?
How do I find business license records in Webb County, Texas?
Cities & Towns in Webb County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Webb County, Texas.