Getting a Copy of Your Texas Criminal Record
Which Texas agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Records Service is the repository for Texas criminal history. Texas DPS, Crime Records Services FAQs
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Records Service is the repository for Texas criminal history. For a fingerprint-based "personal review" of your own record, schedule an appointment at a DPS FAST fingerprint location through IdentoGO (online or 1-888-467-2080, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Central) and bring a driver's license or other valid ID and payment; the record check is $15 plus a $10 FAST fingerprinting fee. Results may take about 10 business days. DPS also offers an online name-based conviction search. Status questions: 512-424-2365, option 6, or fingerprint.service@dps.texas.gov. DPS covers Texas records only; FBI records are handled by the FBI CJIS Division. |
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| What relief the state offers | Texas has two main remedies. "Expunction" erases arrest records and files, mainly when there was no conviction, plus a few conviction situations such as a pardon. It is governed by Chapter 55A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, effective January 1, 2025. An "order of nondisclosure" seals criminal history from the public. Criminal justice agencies and some other government agencies can still see it. Nondisclosure is available after deferred adjudication and for some first-time misdemeanor and DWI convictions. The Governor can grant pardons on the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. |
Where to get help in Texas
More Texas expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Texas
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Texas
- How to File for Expungement in Texas
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Texas
- All Texas expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in Texas?
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Records Service is the repository for Texas criminal history. For a fingerprint-based "personal review" of your own record, schedule an appointment at a DPS FAST fingerprint location through IdentoGO (online or 1-888-467-2080, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Central) and bring a driver's license or other valid ID and payment; the record check is $15 plus a $10 FAST fingerprinting fee. Results may take about 10 business days. DPS also offers an online name-based conviction search. Status questions: 512-424-2365, option 6, or fingerprint.service@dps.texas.gov. DPS covers Texas records only; FBI records are handled by the FBI CJIS Division.
Can you get a criminal record expunged in Texas?
Texas has two main remedies. "Expunction" erases arrest records and files, mainly when there was no conviction, plus a few conviction situations such as a pardon. It is governed by Chapter 55A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, effective January 1, 2025. An "order of nondisclosure" seals criminal history from the public. Criminal justice agencies and some other government agencies can still see it. Nondisclosure is available after deferred adjudication and for some first-time misdemeanor and DWI convictions. The Governor can grant pardons on the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.