AUSTIN PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Austin Public Records?

According to the state Public Information Act, Austin public records include all information generated, prepared, used, or retained by government agencies in the city. Public records may be in written form (handwritten or typed) such as letters, memos, reports, papers, or spreadsheets. Other forms include photographs, films, CDs, cards, tape recordings or their reproductions, and information transmitted by electronic means such as emails, text messages, social media handles, and websites. However, there are records or certain portions of records that are restricted from public view by law. Such records are usually redacted or sealed from public access, especially records that contain vital and confidential information. Examples include:

• Information on pending litigation
• Information that may threaten local or national security
• Health reports, privileged physician-patient communication, and hospital records
• Records of an ongoing investigation by law enforcement agencies
• Information on individual tax reports.
• Preliminary drafts, notes etc
• Records of complaints or security tips made to, or investigations conducted by the City’s law enforcement agencies.

Austin Crime Statistics

The Federal Bureau of Investigation provides citywide statistics on crimes recorded in Texas state. Data released for 2019 reveal that the city of Austin recorded a total of 40,541 crimes. Violent crimes accounted for 3,953 of the crimes, while property crimes accounted for 36,588. Larceny was the most common property crime with 29,216 cases, followed by burglary with 4,344 reported cases. Motor vehicle theft, the third most occurring, accounted for 3,028 crimes, while 103 cases were reported for arson. There were 2,416 reported incidents of aggravated assault, 971 incidents of robbery, 534 cases of rape, and 32 cases of murder for violent crimes in the city that year. Compared to 2018, the city experienced a 10% increase in total crimes. Property crimes grew by 5%, while violent crimes increased by 1.51%.

Are Austin criminal records public?

Not all criminal records fall within the purview of public records in Austin city. Some records can only be accessed by authorized persons. For example, criminal history information and juvenile criminal records are restricted to a select group of employers or individuals, specifically for employment proceedings. Some of these are public utility companies, private and government security guard firms, child care facilities, and law enforcement agencies. Also authorized to request access are crime victims and offenders, such as individuals who have been arrested by the Austin Police department.

How to Obtain Austin Police Reports and Arrest Records

The Austin Police Department provides access to public records online through its Public Record Request portal. Requesting parties are expected to open an account on the portal to be able to use it. Users can also sign in to check the status of submitted requests online. The APD also provides free access to the disclosable portion of incident reports in Austin City through the APD Incident Report Database. The database provides information on all crimes that occurred in Austin and other cities in the state. Searches can be done using the Single Case Number search which requires users to provide the case number, or the Advanced search which requires information such as, address, city, or zip code to find records.

Austin city police reports can also be obtained by requesting copies from the Report Sales Unit, in person, or by mail. To request in person, download and complete the public request form, or apply through a written request. State the case number exactly as presented, offender's full name, description of the record, date, location, and other information needed for the search. The department charges 10 cents a page for police reports payable by cash or check. Send requests with payment to:

Austin Main Police Headquarters
Sales Unit
715 E 8th Street
Austin, TX
(512) 974-5499

The office opens from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

How to Find Sex Offenders Information in Austin

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the central registry for sex and violent offenders in the state. To access the registry online, log on to the Public Sex Offender Registry online, it provides general information on registered sex offenders residing in Austin and other parts of Texas. Available information includes offender's names, physical description, photograph/mugshots, date of birth, phone number and zip codes, and the offense convicted for. The registry also provides visual illustration of sex offenders addresses through the mapping component embedded in it. Users may query the database using Address, Name, or Institution of Higher Education.

How to Find Austin Inmate Records

The Travis County Sheriff's Office administers Austin city's correctional facility. The department maintains the local repository on inmate records, the location of correctional inmate facilities, and daily population statistics. Requesters can search online for inmates currently in custody with the Inmate Search tool. To search for inmate information, query the portal using the inmate's first, middle, and last names. At the state level, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice provides public access to inmate information via the online inmate information search. Interested members of the public can search for inmate records using the first and last names of the intended inmate. Requesters can also contact the jail in person, by phone, or by mail at:

Phone: (512) 854-9770, (512) 974-5750
P.O. Box 1748
Austin, TX 78767

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Austin City Jail?

Austin City is home to some of Travis County correctional facilities, specifically the Travis County jail and Travis State jail. Travis County Jail (TCJ) was opened in 1986 to house 286 pre-trial detainees. Visitors can contact the jails at the following locations:

Travis County Jail/Central Booking
500 West 10th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: (512) 854-9033

Travis County State Jail
8101 FM 969,
Austin, TX 78724
(512) 926-4482 (118)
Location: Two miles east of Hwy 183 on FM 969,

Travis County
Austin City Jail
715, E 8th Str,
Austin, TX 78724

Visitation to the county jail is either via face-to-face meeting or by video visit. Visitors must pre-schedule a visit at least 24 hours before the intended date. Face-to-face visits occur on weekends and during official holidays, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. Visits may be pre-scheduled online (remotely) or by using the laptop provided at the jail lobby.

Face-to-face visits are restricted to three persons per visit including children. Visitors must check in 30 minutes prior to their visit to allow time for the inmate to be brought down for visitation. Lateness may cause the visit to be canceled, and one will need to re-register for the terminated slot.

Adult visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license, while minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Visiting rights can be denied because of improper conduct, as such visitors are advised to adhere to all jail protocols, especially the facility's dressing rules, to be granted access to the facility.

Video visitation is divided into on-site and home video visits. Inmates must qualify for visitation to be granted either face-to-face visits or video visits. On-site videos are free and administered during normal regular visitation hours at the center. While home video visitation is done remotely. It affords users the convenience of video visitation from home using their personal devices. Each visit lasts 20 minutes, it is paid for by the visitor and is available seven (7) days per week, including holidays.

Additionally, loved ones may contact inmates via mail by following the procedure below;

Inmate Name,
Inmate ID
Travis County Jail/Central Booking,
500 W. 10th St. Austin
Texas 78701
Return address from the sender

Ensure the mail or package sent falls under the list of approved items and use only regular US mail. For further clarification on inmate visitation, contact the prison administration directly on (512) 974-5750.

Court Records

A part of the Texas Judicial Branch, the Travis County District Court maintains the City's court records. The Clerk's office is responsible for providing public access to disclosable court records including civil, criminal, probate, small claims, traffic, and administrative records.

Location of Courts in Austin City

Austin city, being the county seat, is home to most of the courts in the county. Located in the city are District courts, Constitutional courts, County Courts at Law, Justice Courts, and Municipal Courts. The addresses and contact information of the courts are as follows:

District Courts in Travis County
Travis County 53rd District Court - Civil
1000 Guadalupe St, 4th Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9308
Fax: (512) 854-9332

Travis County 98th District Court - Civil
1000 Guadalupe St, 5th Floor,
P.O. Box 1748, 5
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9307
Fax: (512) 854-9338

Travis County 126th District Court - Civil
1000 Guadalupe St, 4th Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9313
Fax: (12)854-9332

Travis County 147th District Court - Criminal
509 W 11th, 7th Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9420
Fax: (512) 854-6495

Travis County 167th District Court - Criminal
509 W 11th, 8th Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9310
Fax: (512) 854-6425

Travis County 200th District Court - Civil
1000 Guadalupe St, 5th Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9306
Fax: (512) 854-4523

Travis County 201st District Court - Civil
1000 Guadalupe St, 3rd Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9305
Fax: (512) 854-2268

Travis County 250th District Court - Civil
1000 Guadalupe St, 4th Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9312
Fax: (512) 854-2469

Travis County 261st District Court - Civil
1000 Guadalupe St, 3rd Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9309
Fax: (512) 854-9332

Travis County 299th District Court - Criminal
509 W 11th, 8th Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9442
Fax: (512) 854-6494

Travis County 331st District Court - Criminal
509 W 11th, 9th Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9443
Fax: (512) 854-9140

Travis County 345th District Court - Civil
1000 Guadalupe St, 5th Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9374
Fax: (512) 854-4540

Travis County 353rd District Court - Civil
1000 Guadalupe St, 5th Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9380
Fax: (512) 854-9332

Travis County 390th District Court - Criminal
509 W 11th, 7th Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: ((512) 854-4885
Fax: (512) 854-4680

Travis County 403rd District Court - Criminal
509 W 11th, 2nd Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9808
Fax: (512) 854-4683

Travis County 419th District Court - Civil
1000 Guadalupe St, 3rd Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-4023
Fax: (512) 854-2224

Travis County 427th District Court - Criminal
509 W 11th, 3rd Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-3663
Fax: (512) 854-2227

Travis County Associate Civil Court
1000 Guadalupe St,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-2484
Fax: (512) 854-9332

Travis County Magistrate Criminal Court
509 W 11th, 2nd Floor,
P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9099
Fax: (512) 854-3824

Constitutional County Courts in Travis County
Travis County Constitutional Court
1000 Guadalupe St,
P.O. Box 149325,
Austin, TX 78714
Phone: (512) 854-9188

County Courts at Law in Travis County
Travis County Civil Court at Law No. 1
1000 Guadalupe St,
P.O. Box 149325,
Austin, TX 78714
Phone: (512) 854-9188

Travis County Civil Court at Law No. 2
1000 Guadalupe St,
P.O. Box 149325,
Austin, TX 78714
Phone: (512) 854-9188

Travis County Criminal Court at Law No. 3
1000 Guadalupe St,
P.O. Box 149325,
Austin, TX 78714
Phone: (512) 854-9188

Travis County Criminal Court at Law No. 4
1000 Guadalupe St,
P.O. Box 149325,
Austin, TX 78714
Phone: (512) 854-9188

Travis County Criminal Court at Law No. 5
1000 Guadalupe St,
P.O. Box 149325,
Austin, TX 78714
Phone: (512) 854-9188

Travis County Criminal Court at Law No. 6
1000 Guadalupe St,
P.O. Box 149325,
Austin, TX 78714
Phone: (512) 854-9188

Travis County Criminal Court at Law No. 7
1000 Guadalupe St,
P.O. Box 149325,
Austin, TX 787148
Phone: (512) 854-9188

Travis County Criminal Court at Law No. 8
1000 Guadalupe St,
P.O. Box 149325,
Austin, TX 78714
Phone: (512) 854-9188

Statutory Probate Courts in Travis County
Travis County Probate Court
1000 Guadalupe St,
#217, P.O. Box 1748,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9258
Fax: (512) 854-4418

Justice Courts in Travis County
Travis County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
4717 Heflin Lane,
#107, Austin, TX 78721
Phone: (512) 854-7700
Fax: (512) 929-3047

Travis County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
10409 Burnet Rd,
#180, Austin, TX 78758
Phone: (512) 854-4545
Fax: (512) 854-4535

Travis County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
8656-B W Hwy 71,
Austin, TX 78735
Phone: (512) 854-6763
Fax: 5(12)854-2197

Travis County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
4011 McKinney Falls Pkwy, #1200,
0Austin, TX 78744
Phone: (512) 854-9479 (Criminal)
Fax: (512) 854-9480 (Civil)
Phone: (512) 854-9478 (Civil)
Fax: (512) 854-9480 (Civil)

Travis County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5
1000 Guadalupe,
#112, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 854-9049 (Criminal)
Fax: (512) 854-9640 (Criminal)
Phone: (512) 854-9050 (Civil)
Fax: (512) 854-4020 (Civil)

Municipal Courts in Travis County
Austin Downtown Community Court
719 E 6th St,
P.O. Box 13464,
Phone: (512) 974-4879
Fax: (512)0974-4693

Austin Municipal Court
700 E 7th St,
P.O. Box 2135,
Austin, TX 78768
Phone: (512) 974-4800
Fax: (512) 974-4882

The Heaman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse
1000 Guadalupe St. Austin,
Texas 78701

Blackwell/Thurman Criminal Justice Center
509 W. 11th St. Austin,
Texas 78701

Are Austin Court Records Public?

Austin city court records are generally accessible by the public. However, the state's open records law prohibits public access to court records involving confidential cases. Examples of such records include:

• Juvenile delinquency cases (when a minor is charged with committing a crime)
• Juvenile dependency cases (where a kid is separated from parents)
• Civil harassment cases
• Certain divorce cases
• Child custody cases

Can you look up an Austin court case online?

Travis County District Court provides online access to some Austin court records, depending on the nature of the records. While requesters can search for information and request access to most court cases through the Online Case Information Portal, a good number of court records can only be accessed by submitting a direct request to the court clerk's office in person or via mail.

How to Obtain Austin Civil Court Case Records

Austin civil court records can be obtained in person, by mail, or online. Requesting parties may search for civil court records using the online Civil Records Search tool on the County Clerk's webpage. Types of search available include, search by party, by company/ agency/ entity, by an attorney, and by cause number. Users must provide full name, date of birth, cause number, type of case, and filing date to facilitate record search. The Clerk's office takes between three to five working days to process online requests.

For mail-in requests, download and complete the records request form stating the cause number and other relevant information to aid the record search. Include a check made payable to the Travis County Clerk, enclose a self-addressed envelope, and mail request to:

Travis County Clerk's Office
1000 Guadalupe St,
P.O. Box 679003,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9457
Fax: (512) 854-4744

The Clerk's office charges $5 per name or case search, $1 per page for certified copies, and $0.50 for each extra copy. Emailed copy costs $.30 per page, and mail delivery is charged at $3. Payments can be made by check or credit card (3% convenience fees charged on the card).

How to Obtain Austin Criminal Court Records

The Travis County Clerk's Office provides online public access to information on misdemeanor cases, felony cases are available at the District Clerk’s office. Interested persons may search for criminal cases from 1981 to date from the Search Case Data Portal. To request a search online, fill the misdemeanor records search form online. After three days, the following information will be made available: Cause number, Birthdate, Participant ID, Full name, Charge description, Attorney name, Current status, and Date of offense. However, the actual document is not available online. To obtain a certified copy of the record in person, fill a request form at the office, with a valid photo ID and required fees. For mail-in requests, download and complete the records request form stating the cause number and other relevant information to aid the record search. Include a check made payable to the Travis County Clerk, photocopy of a valid photo ID, and enclose a self addressed envelope. Mail request to:

Misdemeanor Records Division
Travis County Clerk
P.O. Box 149325
Austin, TX 78714
Phone: (512) 854-9188
Email:misdemeanor@traviscountytx.gov

What are Austin Vital Records?

Austin City's vital records consist of recorded information on vital life events that occurred within the city limits. These are birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. The Austin Public Health registers births and deaths that occur in the city. Marriage and divorce records are maintained and issued at the County level.

Vital records are confidential and certificates are available only to the person named on the certificates, immediate family, or legal representatives with proper documentation. Austin City vital records can be requested in person, by regular mail, email, phone call, or online.

Office of Vital Records
7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. C (corner of Airport and Hwy. 183 on Betty Dunkerley Campus)
Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 972-4784
Fax: (512) 972-5208

Mailing Address:
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767

Where and How to Obtain Austin Divorce Records

Austin city divorce records are retained and issued by the District Court Clerk's office. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online. To obtain divorce records in person, visit the clerk's office and fill out a request application. Make the required payment to obtain a certified copy. Payment can be made in cash or debit card, check, or money order. The court also manages an online service platform for accessing divorce case information. To use the portal, requestors must supply the case number for the relevant divorce case.

To request by mail, download and complete a record request form. Remember to include a stamped self-addressed envelope for record delivery. Include a check made payable to the "District Court Clerk", and a copy of government-issued photo ID. The Clerk's office charges $10 for a certificate of divorce, $1 per page for certified copies, and $0.50 for each extra copy. Mail delivery is charged at $3. Payments can be made by check or credit card (3% convenience fees charged on the card). Mail request to:

Travis County
The District Clerk’s Office
1000 Guadalupe St,
P.O. Box 679003,
Austin, TX 78767
Phone: (512) 854-9457
Fax: (512) 854-4744
Email: districtclerkhelp@traviscountytx.gov

Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Austin

Austin city’s marriage records are maintained at the county level. The Office of the County Clerk processes requests for certified copies of marriage records. Applicants can request copies in person, by mail, or by phone. All applications must be accompanied by a completed marriage certificate application.

To facilitate record search, requestors must provide the full names of the couple, their parent's names, the date and location of the wedding, and a sworn statement of eligibility. Requesters are also expected to provide a valid government-issued I.D. Submit or mail applications to the County Clerk’s office at:

Travis County
The Clerk’s Office
P.O. Box 149325
Austin 78714-9325
Phone: (512) 854-9188

Alternatively, the Vital Statistics Section of the Texas Department of State Health Services maintains an online marriage index. Requestors can get access to information on marriage records dated as far back as 1966 to date. The indexes contain file numbers, couple’s names, ages, marriage dates, location of marriage, and number of children under 18 years. The indexes are available for public download and can be accessed on Microfiche for a fee of $10/year for the first year and $5 for an additional year.

Where and How to Find Austin Birth Records

Austin Public Health Department, through its Vital records unit, issues copies of Austin birth certificates to eligible individuals. Records of individuals recently born within the state are held by the department. Also, records of births that occurred outside Austin city can be obtained by contacting the county recorder in Travis County.

Obtaining Copies of Austin Birth Certificates

Requestors can order birth records in person, by mail, by phone, or online. Only persons authorized by law are eligible to obtain certified copies of Austin birth records. Namely:

• The registrant
• Registrant's parents
• Legal guardian
• Immediate family members (child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner) of the registrant.
• Anyone legally entitled by a court order
• A licensed adoption agency
• Legal representatives of the registrant
• Government agencies (for official business).

To apply for an authorized copy by mail, download and complete the application form for birth certificates and get it notarized. Include the photocopy of a valid photo ID. Accepted forms of identification include a driver’s license, military identification, and passport. If the current home address is different from the address on the photo ID, include a copy of proof of residence, such as a utility bill, voter registration card, etc.

Incorrect or incomplete information will delay record delivery. Add a $23 check or money order, made payable to the Office of Vital Records for each copy of a birth certificate, and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Personal checks must be signed by the same person who signed the application. Enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope, and mail application to:

Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767-1088

Mailed requests take two to three weeks to get ready. To expedite the process, use an Express form of delivery, such as FedEx, USPS, or UPS, and send the application to:

Office of Vital Records
7201 Levander Loop,
Bldg. C,
Austin, TX 78702

Where and How to Find Austin Death Records

The Austin Public Health issues copies of Austin death certificates to eligible individuals. Records of recent deaths that occurred within the city limits are held by the department. For older records, applicants may contact the Clerk's Office at Travis county or the State Office of Vital Statistics. Certified copies are only released to eligible requestors including;

• A parent or legal guardian of the registrant (the individual named on the certificate),
• A child or grandchild of the registrant, and
• The spouse or domestic partner of the registrant among others.

To apply for an authorized copy in person, requesters must download and complete the application form for death certificates. For mail-in requests, the completed form must be notarized. All requests must be accompanied by a valid government-issued photo ID and a check, money order or cashier’s check made payable to the Vital Records Office. The office charges $21 for a death record and $4 for each additional copy. Enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope and mail request to:

Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767-1088

If express delivery is used such as FedEx, USPS, or UPS, send an application to:

Office of Vital Records
7201 Levander Loop,
Bldg. C, Austin, TX 78702