Harris County, Texas Public Records

Harris County has two main court records systems: the Harris County District Clerk (hcdistrictclerk.com) handles all 59 district courts, felonies, civil cases over 00K, divorces, and family law. The county Clerk (harriscountyclerk.net) handles the 16 county courts at law, misdemeanors, civil cases 00 - 00K, probate, and mental health cases. Search both portals for a complete picture. Justice of the Peace court records (Class C misdemeanors, small claims) require contacting the individual JP precinct.

Texas statewide background checks are processed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). A name-based criminal history check costs 5 and returns results in 2, 3 business days at txdps.state.tx.us. For a fingerprint-based check (5), use a Live Scan location. Harris County employers often use a combination of DPS records and a local courthouse check at hcdistrictclerk.com for felonies and harriscountyclerk.net for misdemeanors.

The Texas Sex Offender Registry is maintained statewide by Texas DPS at txdps.state.tx.us/SexOffenderRegistry. You can search by name, ZIP code, city, or map. Harris County has one of the largest registered offender populations in Texas due to its size. High-risk offenders (Risk Level 3) are subject to active community notification by HCSO.

To register to vote in Harris County, you must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and a county resident. Complete a voter registration application available at www.texas.gov or from the Harris County Voter Registrar at 1001 Preston Street, Houston (phone: 713-274-8683; website: www.harrisvotes.com). Your application must be submitted at least 30 days before Election Day. You can check your registration status online at www.harrisvotes.com, and the same office administers mail-in ballot applications for voters 65+, disabled, confined, or absent from the county during the election period.

Property records in Harris County can be searched free online through the Harris County Clerk's Official Public Records Search at www.hcclerk.hctx.net for recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps dating back to the 1800s. For property tax information, valuations, and exemptions, use the county Appraisal District website at www.hcad.org or the Tax Assessor-Collector site at www.hctax.net. Both provide free searches by owner name, address, or account number, along with GIS mapping tools. Certified copies of recorded documents can be ordered online or in person from the County Clerk at 201 Caroline Street, Houston, for $10 first page and $3 each additional page.

Birth and death certificates for events in Harris County can be requested from the Harris County Clerk, 201 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77002 (phone: 713-755-6411; website: www.cclerk.hctx.net). Fees are $22 for the first birth certificate copy and $21 for death certificates. You must provide valid photo ID and prove direct and tangible interest (family member or legal representative). Online ordering is available through the Texas Department of State Health Services via VitalChek at www.texasvitalrecords.health.texas.gov with additional service fees; processing takes 7-10 business days by mail or same-day for walk-in requests.

For assumed name (DBA) filings in Harris County, search free online through the Harris County Clerk's website at www.cclerk.hctx.net or visit the office at 201 Caroline Street, Houston (phone: 713-755-6411). For formal business entity records (LLCs, corporations, partnerships), use the Texas Secretary of State's free SOSDirect search at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda. Local business permits in incorporated areas are issued by individual cities; in unincorporated areas, contact Harris County Community Services (phone: 713-274-3100). Professional licenses are regulated by state agencies accessible through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.