Harris County District Clerk

Open the public records search portal

Go to hcdistrictclerk.com/edocs/public/search.aspx. This is the official free public search tool. No login required for basic case lookups.

Select the Court Type

Choose from the dropdown: Civil (lawsuits, injury claims), Family (divorce, custody — documents restricted), or Criminal (felony charges, background checks). This selection filters available case types and courts.

Enter your search criteria

You can search by:

• Party Name — Enter first and last name (and date of birth for more precise criminal results)
• Case / Cause Number — Enter the full cause number if you have it
• Attorney Name — Useful for attorneys looking up their own cases

Review case results

Results show the cause number, court, case type, filing date, parties, and current status. Click any result to see detailed information: documents, court costs, hearing dates, and case location within the DCO.

Add to basket or request certified copy

For background check purposes, click “ADD TO BASKET” to save case data. For certified copies of documents, proceed to the document request process (see certified copies section below).

Go to the public records search

Visit hcdistrictclerk.com/edocs/public/search.aspx.

Select “Criminal” as Court Type

This filters the search to criminal cases only — felonies and other offenses tried in Harris County District Courts.

Enter First Name, Last Name, AND Date of Birth

Adding the date of birth is critical for accuracy. Common names without a DOB return many false matches. The more criteria you enter, the more reliable the results.

Review results carefully

Results show offense type, case status (pending, convicted, dismissed), court number, and dates. Cases with “DISMISSED” or “NOT GUILTY” outcomes are shown alongside convictions — note the status carefully before drawing conclusions.

If no results found — request a Certified Letter of Disposition

If the person has a common name and no results appear, or if you need official documentation that no record exists, you can request a Certified Letter of Disposition from the DCO by providing additional identifying information. This is the official way to document a “no record” finding.

Search for the record first

Use the public records search to locate the exact case/cause number. Note the cause number — you’ll need it for your request.

Choose your request method

You have three options: (1) Online through the portal, (2) In-person at 201 Caroline St, Suite 420, Houston, TX 77002, (3) By mail. Fees apply for all certified copies.

Submit request with cause number and payment

Provide the full cause/case number, document type requested, and payment. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Make checks/money orders payable to Harris County District Clerk.

Receive your certified copy

In-person requests are typically fulfilled same day. Online and mail requests processing times vary. The certified copy bears the official raised seal of the Harris County District Clerk’s Office.

Choose and register with a certified EFSP

Visit eFileTexas.gov and select a certified Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) of your choice. Register your account through your chosen provider — each EFSP has its own interface and fee structure, but all are connected to the same court system.

Prepare your documents in accepted format

Documents must be in PDF format. Ensure all exhibits, attachments, and proposed orders are included. Review Harris County’s local rules for formatting requirements before filing.

Submit filing through your EFSP

Select the court type (Civil, Family, or Criminal), select the cause number, choose the filing type, upload your document, and submit. You will receive a confirmation with a filing timestamp.

Monitor for acceptance or rejection

The District Clerk’s office reviews filings. You will receive an email notification of acceptance or rejection. If rejected, the reason will be provided and you can correct and resubmit.

Set up case notifications (optional but recommended)

Through the DCO’s online portal, attorneys of record can subscribe to automatic email notifications for: docket changes, new document filings, judgment signings, and new petitions naming your clients. Up to 30 active case notifications and 50 client/party notifications are supported.

Determine the correct court

Harris County has multiple civil district courts. The type of case (general civil, personal injury, commercial, etc.) and dollar amount at issue determines which court has jurisdiction. Consult the DCO Online Services page or speak with an attorney to confirm the correct court.

Prepare your petition or filing

Download the appropriate forms from the DCO forms page. Attorneys must file via eFileTexas.gov. Self-represented parties (pro se) may file in person at the main office.

Pay the filing fee

Civil filing fees vary by case type. If you cannot afford filing fees, complete a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs (TRCP Rule 145) — this waives filing fees for qualifying individuals.

Receive your cause number

Upon filing, the DCO assigns a cause number to your case. All subsequent filings must reference this cause number. Keep it in a safe place.

Track your case online

Use the public records portal to monitor your case docket, view documents filed by all parties, and check upcoming hearing dates.

Read your summons carefully

Your jury summons includes your reporting date, the reporting location (usually 1201 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002), and instructions for responding. Read every line — the instructions and exemptions vary.

Respond online, by phone, or by mail

Visit hcdistrictclerk.com and navigate to Jury Services, or call 713-755-6392. Confirm availability, request a postponement, or claim a legal exemption online. You do NOT need to go in person just to respond to a summons.

Know your exemptions and disqualifications

Texas law provides several exemptions — over age 70, sole caretaker of a child under 10, medical condition, student status, etc. You must claim these formally online or in writing — do not simply not show up.

Report on your assigned date

Jury Assembly is at 1201 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002. Arrive on time. Bring your summons and a valid photo ID. Parking is available in nearby paid garages — plan extra time for downtown Houston parking and security screening.

Participate in voir dire (jury selection)

You’ll be assigned to a courtroom for voir dire — the questioning process where attorneys select jurors. Answer all questions honestly. If you are not selected, you are typically released by midday or end of day.

Receive juror pay

Juror pay was increased under District Clerk Burgess. You receive payment for reporting, and additional daily pay if selected for a trial. Payment is typically issued by check after your service.

Download and complete Form DS-11

Download Form DS-11 from travel.state.gov. Fill it out completely but do NOT sign it — you must sign in the presence of the acceptance agent at the DCO.

Gather required documents

• Proof of U.S. citizenship: original birth certificate (with raised seal) OR previous U.S. passport
• Government-issued photo ID: driver’s license, state ID, or military ID
• Photocopy of your ID (front and back)
• Passport photo (2×2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months)
• Completed DS-11 form (unsigned)
• Payment for applicable fees

Get your passport photo

The Canal Street (East End) location can take your passport photo for $12. At the downtown location, you must bring your own photo. Nearby options: CVS at 300 Milam Street also offers passport photos.

Visit your chosen location

Downtown: Call 832-927-5690 or email passport@hcdistrictclerk.com to book an appointment (required from May 1, 2025). East End Canal St: Walk in between 8:30AM–3PM Monday–Friday — arrive early, as walk-in slots can fill up.

Present documents and sign DS-11

The acceptance agent verifies your documents, witnesses your signature on Form DS-11, and administers the required oath. Do not sign the form before this step.

Pay the fees

Fees consist of: Application fee (paid to U.S. Department of State — check or money order only, payable to “U.S. Department of State”) + Acceptance fee (paid to Harris County District Clerk). For expedited processing, add $60 to the application fee. Current fee amounts: check travel.state.gov/fees.

Track your passport application

After submission, your application goes to a federal processing center. Track status at travel.state.gov. Processing times: routine ~12–13 weeks; expedited ~7–9 weeks (additional $60 fee).

Determine if a PIA request is needed

PIA requests are not needed for public court records viewable online. They are needed for: non-public internal records, administrative records, records not in the online system, or bulk data not in the public datasets.

Submit your request in writing

Phone requests are NOT accepted as official PIA requests. Submit via the online form at hcdistrictclerk.com/edocs/secure/openrecreq.aspx, or mail to: Marilyn Burgess, Harris County District Clerk, PIA Request, PO Box 4651, Houston, TX 77210-4651.

Include your identifying information and record description

Your request must include your name, address, phone number, email, and a clear description of the specific records you are requesting. The more precise your description, the faster the response.

Be prepared for potential costs

If the estimated cost of fulfilling your request exceeds $100, you may be required to post a cash bond before records are released. The DCO will notify you of estimated costs before proceeding.