Texas Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in Texas

Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), warrants are considered public records in Texas. This legislative framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and provides citizens with access to information regarding law enforcement activities. The statute specifically designates warrant information as public record unless explicitly sealed by judicial order under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.26.

The Texas Crime Records Division maintains comprehensive databases of warrant information that may be accessed by authorized parties. Members of the public seeking warrant information should be aware that while most warrant records are accessible, certain exceptions exist to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and matters of public safety as outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.108.

Texas law enforcement agencies are required to maintain accurate warrant records and make non-confidential information available to the public. This transparency serves multiple public interests, including:

Facilitating public awareness of law enforcement activities
Enabling individuals to verify their own legal status
Supporting the judicial system's accountability
Assisting in the apprehension of wanted persons
Promoting public safety through information sharing

The Texas Office of the Attorney General provides oversight regarding public information requests and can issue opinions on disputed access to warrant records under Texas Government Code § 552.301.

What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Texas?

Warrant records maintained by Texas jurisdictions typically contain specific information as mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.02. Standard warrant documentation includes:

Full legal name and identifying information of the subject
Physical description including height, weight, race, gender, and distinguishing features
Nature of the alleged offense with statutory citation
Case number and jurisdiction of issuance
Date of warrant issuance and expiration (if applicable)
Bond amount (for applicable warrants)
Name and signature of the issuing judicial authority
Executing agency information
Service status (active, executed, or recalled)

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains that warrant records must contain sufficient identifying information to prevent misidentification while balancing privacy concerns. Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27, warrant information must be entered into state databases within 72 hours of issuance.

How to Check For Warrants in Texas For Free

Texas residents may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established under Texas Government Code § 552.021, which guarantees public access to governmental records. The following resources are available:

County Sheriff's Offices throughout Texas provide free warrant verification services during regular business hours. Many maintain public terminals for self-service searches.

Texas Department of Public Safety
5805 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78752
512-424-2000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records

Many county and municipal court clerks offer warrant verification services at no charge. The Travis County District Clerk provides online case information that includes warrant status for cases within their jurisdiction.

Travis County District Clerk
1000 Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78701
512-854-9457
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Individuals seeking to verify warrant status should be prepared to provide proper identification. Texas Administrative Code § 61.1 requires government agencies to verify the identity of requestors seeking personal information to prevent unauthorized disclosure.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Texas in 2025

For the 2025 calendar year, Texas has implemented enhanced systems for warrant verification pursuant to Senate Bill 346 (86th Legislature). Individuals may determine warrant status through the following official channels:

The Texas Criminal History Database provides authorized users with access to warrant information. Public access terminals are available at:

Texas Department of Public Safety Headquarters
5805 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78752
512-424-2000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

County justice information systems maintain current warrant data. Most Texas counties offer online portals or in-person services for warrant verification:

Harris County District Clerk
201 Caroline St.
Houston, TX 77002
832-927-5800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Dallas County Sheriff's Office
133 N. Riverfront Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207
214-653-3450
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Texas State Law Library provides resources for understanding warrant procedures and verification methods. Legal research assistance is available at:

Texas State Law Library
205 W. 14th St.
Austin, TX 78701
512-463-1722
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.16, individuals with active warrants may be subject to immediate arrest. Therefore, prompt verification and resolution of warrant status is advisable.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Texas

Texas residents seeking to verify outstanding warrant status may utilize several official channels established under Texas Government Code § 552. The following procedures are available:

Direct inquiry with the Texas Crime Records Division provides comprehensive warrant information. The Computerized Criminal History System (CCH) contains statewide warrant data accessible through:

Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
PO Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
512-424-2474
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Local law enforcement agencies maintain warrant databases specific to their jurisdictions. In-person inquiries may be made at:

Bexar County Sheriff's Office
200 N. Comal St.
San Antonio, TX 78207
210-335-6000
Hours: 24 hours daily

El Paso County Sheriff's Office
3850 Justice Dr.
El Paso, TX 79938
915-546-2280
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The FACT Clearinghouse provides fingerprint-based warrant verification for enhanced accuracy. This service requires fingerprint submission and proper identification pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27.

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants issued within Texas jurisdiction require specific search procedures distinct from state warrant verification. The following federal resources are available:

United States District Courts in Texas maintain federal warrant records pursuant to Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4. Public terminals for warrant verification are available at:

United States District Court, Northern District of Texas
1100 Commerce St.
Dallas, TX 75242
214-753-2200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

United States District Court, Southern District of Texas
515 Rusk St.
Houston, TX 77002
713-250-5500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The United States Marshals Service executes federal warrants and maintains warrant information. Inquiries may be directed to:

United States Marshals Service, Western District of Texas
655 E. Durango Blvd., Suite 315
San Antonio, TX 78206
210-472-6540
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Federal warrant information may also be accessed through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) by authorized law enforcement agencies. Public access to NCIC is restricted under 28 CFR § 20.33.