FORT WORTH PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Fort Worth Public Records?

Under the Public Information Act (Government Code Sec. 552.002), Fort Worth public records refer to official information produced, written, received, collated, retained or maintained by government agencies while conducting public business, regardless of its form or characteristics.

Typically, records may be handwritten or typed, and include letters, memos, reports, papers, or spreadsheets. Other formats include photographs, films, CDs, cards, tape recordings, microfiche, and information transmitted by electronic mails, text messages, social media handles, and the Website.

However, under the same law, some records or certain information in a record must be redacted/removed before making them available to the public. This occurs when the record has the following:

• Information on health reports, privileged physician-patient communication, and hospital records
• Information on pending litigation.
• Information that borders on local or national security.
• Information about an individual's tax reports
• Preliminary drafts, notes.
• Records of complaints, security tips, or investigations made to or conducted by city law enforcement agencies.

Fort Worth Crime Statistics

The Fort Worth Police Department releases annual and quarterly reports of the department’s activities and crime statistics for the city. In 2017 the city averaged 10.34 daily crimes per 100,000 residents. This rate was 26% higher than the state average and 38% higher than the national average. In actual figures, a net total of 32,963 crime incidents was reported for Fort Worth in 2017. This was made up of 28,072 property crime cases and 4,891 cases of violent crime. Larceny-theft was the most common, accounting for 61.2% of the total number of incidents. At 15.4%, 9.0%, and 8.2% respectively, burglaries, assaults, and auto-thefts came in as the second, third, and fourth most committed crimes in the city.

However, by 2018, the city experienced an 8% reduction in total crime rates. Fast forward to 2019, the city’s total crime rate was 26% higher than the national average (with a 17% increase in violent crimes and 27% for property crimes). The breakdown shows a total index crime rate of 28,673, which is 3,133 crimes per 100,000 people. Violent crimes accounted for 4,068 of these, with aggravated assaults (2,557) being the most common. Murder was the least committed crime, at 69 occurences. A total of 24,605 property crimes were reported in the year, with larceny-theft as the most prevalent, at 17,301 occurrences.

Are Fort Worth Criminal Records Public?

Fort Worth criminal records are accessible to authorized requestors only. These include witnesses or victims of a crime, insurance carriers, and legal representatives of victims. For criminal history information compiled in the city, the Fort Worth Police Department grants access to individuals and groups who need the information for employment purposes. Eligible entities include child care facilities, law enforcement agencies, security guard firms, and public utility companies. Record owners can also request access to their criminal records by contacting the Police Department’s records division.

How to Obtain Fort Worth Police Reports and Arrest Records?

Requesting parties may obtain copies of Fort Worth Police reports and arrest records by contacting the records division of the Police Department. Requests may be made online, by mail, or in-person. The Police Department provides online access to disclosable police records via the Report Search. The search tool provides access to records from October 1, 2018. For earlier records, interested parties may use the Legacy RMS Report Search online. To request certified copies, each requester must submit a duly completed online request form. Applicants may also make walk-in requests at the City Hall office or submit written requests by mail. A mail request should include a check for the required processing fees, a copy of a valid photo ID, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Applicants may send requests to:

Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex
Fort Worth Police Department
505 W. Felix
Fort Worth, TX 76115
OR
Fort Worth Police Department
1000 Calvert St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102

Accident reports are accessible online. A requester must provide an incident date and report number to facilitate the search. The platform is operated as a paid service and each record search costs $11.00. Interested persons can also obtain certified copies of a Fort Worth accident report by mailing a completed request or submitting an application in person at:

Police Records Division
1000 Calvert Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Fort Worth

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a regularly updated online registry that lists registered sex offenders in Fort Worth and other parts of Tarrant County. The registry allows residents to get updated information about the status of sex offenders in their neighborhood. Search results include the offender’s name, physical description, height and weight, photograph, and date of birth. Requestors can search for registrants using their names, addresses, or proximity to institutes of higher learning. Searches can also be made using a zip code or mapping tool that allows residents to search for offenders within a particular address zone.

How to Find Fort Worth Inmate Records

The Tarrant County Sheriff's office is charged with keeping inmate records for the county. The office provides an online public access inmate search tool. Requestors may use the tool to obtain Fort Worth inmate information. Searches can be conducted using inmates’ names and CID numbers (if known). The search result includes the status of the inmate (in custody or released), the offense charged for, mug shot etc. Previous inmates may also obtain letters of incarceration in person or by mail at:

Tarrant County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
200 Taylor Street, 6th floor
Fort Worth, TX 76196

How Do I Visit an inmate in Fort Worth Jail?

Fort Worth is home to the Tarrant County's Detention Bureau. The Jail is a maximum-security facility with a capacity for approximately 5,000 prisoners. The County Sheriff’s Office administers the day-to-day operations of the jail. The Detention Bureau operates five facilities, with the main facility located at:

Tarrant County Corrections Center
100 N. Lamar
Fort Worth, TX 76196
Phone: (817) 884-3000

Intending visitors are required to register and book a visit 30 minutes before visiting time. All five facilities have the same visitation schedule, which is divided into two parts. First, inmates with names starting from letters A to L can have visitors on Fridays (9am to 3pm) and then Saturdays and Mondays (9am to 9pm). Inmates with names starting with letters M to Z may be visited on Fridays (3pm to 9pm), then on Sundays and Tuesdays (9am to 9pm). On the allotted visiting days for each group, visitors will not be processed 30 minutes to the end of visitation. For instance, no visitor will be processed after 8:30pm on Fridays.

All adult visitors must present government-issued photo IDs, while children/minors must be accompanied by parents or legal guardians. Arrival for processing is 30 minutes before the start of visitation. Each inmate will be limited to one 30-minute visit per day and a maximum of three visits per week, excluding attorney, law enforcement, or professional visits.

A maximum of two adults and two children will be allowed to visit at any one time. Visitors who reside further than 150 miles from Fort Worth city limits are allowed 40-minute visits. In contrast, local visitors are restricted to 30-minute visits each day. Attorneys may visit whenever needed, while hospital visits are scheduled throughout the week from 5pm through 9pm.

Inmates in intensive care units or other special care units may be visited by immediate family members, as directed by the hospital policy.

The facility enforces general regulations, including a conservative dress code that must be strictly adhered to. Visits may be terminated at any time when the conduct of the visitor or inmate threatens the safety, security, and orderly operations of the facility. Ex inmates of a Tarrant County detention facility released within the past six months will not be granted permission to visit. Inmates may also be contacted by correspondence. The jail will only accept mails delivered by the US Postal Service. All correspondence to inmates should be addressed as follows:

Sender’s name and address
Inmate full name and CID number
C/O Tarrant County Jail
100 N Lamar,
Fort Worth, TX 76196

Court Records

The Tarrant County District Clerk's office retains and issues records of court cases filed in Fort Worth. These records can be requested online, in person, by mail, or by phone. At the city level, the Fort Worth Municipal Court handles all Class C misdemeanor criminal cases such as traffic infractions, city code, and ordinance violations, and other cases punishable by fine only. The Court Clerk maintains court records and processes public requests for them. Access to information on cases filed at the Fort Worth Municipal Court can be obtained by signing into the court's public platform. Users can also request records by contacting the clerk or submitting a court records request form.

Location of Courts in Fort Worth

Fort Worth city is home to Tarrant County courthouses. The County Court system consists of Civil Courts, Criminal Courts, Family Courts, Juvenile Court, Probate Courts and the Justice of the Peace Courts. There are 10 Criminal District courts for felony cases and 10 County Courts in charge of misdemeanor criminal cases.

The County Courts are housed in the Tarrant County Courthouse, the Tim Curry Justice Center, the Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building, and the Family Courts Center. The courts and their locations are as follows:

Criminal Courts
Criminal District Court No. 1
Tim Curry Justice Center - 5th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0213

Criminal District Court No. 2
Tim Curry Justice Center - 6th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0214

Criminal District Court No. 3
Tim Curry Justice Center - 7th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0215

Criminal District Court No. 4
Tim Curry Justice Center - 8th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0216

213th District Court
Tim Curry Justice Center - 5th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0217

297th District Court
Tim Curry Justice Center - 5th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0229

371st District Court
Tim Curry Justice Center - 5th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0213

372nd District Court
Tim Curry Justice Center - 6th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0213

396th District Court
Tim Curry Justice Center - 6th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

432nd District Court
Tim Curry Justice Center - 6th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0219

County Criminal Court No. 1
Tim Curry Justice Center - 5th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0256

County Criminal Court No. 2
Tim Curry Justice Center - 6th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

County Criminal Court No. 3
Tim Curry Justice Center - 7th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

County Criminal Court No. 4
Tim Curry Justice Center - 5th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0239

County Criminal Court No. 5
Tim Curry Justice Center - 6th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0239

County Criminal Court No. 6
Tim Curry Justice Center - 8th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0275

County Criminal Court No. 7
Tim Curry Justice Center - 8th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0276

County Criminal Court No. 8
Tim Curry Justice Center - 7th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

County Criminal Court No. 9
Tim Curry Justice Center - 8th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-7678

County Criminal Court No. 10
Tim Curry Justice Center - 6th Floor
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-7679

Civil Courts
17th District Court
Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building - 3rd Floor
100 North Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

48th District Court
Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building - 4th Floor
100 North Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

67th District Court
Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building - 4th Floor
100 North Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

96th District Court
Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building - 4th Floor
100 North Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

141st District Court
Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building - 3rd Floor
100 North Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

153rd District Court
Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building - 3rd Floor
100 North Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 761965

236th District Court
Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building - 5th Floor
100 North Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

342nd District Court
Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building - 5th Floor
100 North Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

348th District Court
Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building - 3rd Floor
100 North Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

352nd District Court
Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building - 4th Floor
100 North Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

County Court At Law No. 1
Tarrant County Courthouse - Room 490
100 West Weatherford
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0240

County Court At Law No. 2
Tarrant County Courthouse - Room 240A
100 West Weatherford
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0240

County Court At Law No. 3
Tarrant County Courthouse - Room 290A
100 West Weatherford
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0240

Family Courts
231st District Court
Family Law Center - 5th Floor
200 East Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0240

233rd District Court
Family Law Center - 5th Floor
200 East Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0227

322nd District Court
Family Law Center - 4th Floor
200 East Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0230

324th District Court
Family Law Center - 4th Floor
200 East Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0232

325th District Court
Family Law Center - 5th Floor
200 East Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0233

360th District Court
Family Law Center - 4th Floor
200 East Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0290

Probate Courts
Probate Court No. 1
Tarrant County Courthouse - Room 260A
100 West Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0242

Probate Court No. 2
Tarrant County Courthouse - Room 220A
100 West Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0242

Justice Of The Peace Courts
Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1
Tarrant County Courthouse - Room 450
100 Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0242

Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2
Arlington Sub Courthouse - Ste 200
700 E. Abram Street
Arlington, TX 76010

Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3
Southlake Government Complex - Ste 220
1400 Main Street
Southlake, TX 76092

Justice of the Peace, Pct. 4
Northwest Sub-Courthouse - Room 201
6713 Telephone Road
Lake Worth, TX 76135

Justice of the Peace, Pct. 5
Fort Worth Police Administration Bldg. - Room 112-C
350 W. Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0247

Justice of the Peace, Pct. 6
Southwest Sub-Courthouse
6551 Granbury Road
Fort Worth, TX 76133

Justice of the Peace, Pct. 7
Mansfield Subcourthouse - Suite 202
1100 E. Broad Street
Mansfield, TX 76063

Justice of the Peace, Pct. 8
Poly Sub-Courthouse
3500 Miller Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76119

Magistrate Court
Tim Curry Justice Center - Basement
401 W. Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

Auxiliary Trial Room
Tim Curry Criminal justice center - 7th Floor
401 W.Belknap
Fort Worth

2ND Court Of Appeals
Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center - Suite 9000
401 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0211

Juvenil Court
Scott D. Moore Juvenile Justice Center
2701 Kimbo Road
Fort Worth, TX 76111

Are Fort Worth Court Records Public?

Not all Fort Worth court records are open to the public. Texas laws restrict public access to records that may violate a citizen's right to privacy. Some of these are:

• Records bearing names, addresses, and phone numbers of victims
• Civil harassment cases
• Criminal history information
• Medical information, probation reports
• Child custody cases
• Protective orders for domestic violence.
• Juvenile delinquency cases (involving a minor)
• Juvenile delinquency cases (when a minor is charged with committing a crime)
• Juvenile dependency cases (separation of children from parents)
• Certain divorce cases

These records can only be obtained by authorized persons.

Can you look up a Fort Worth court case online?

Fort Worth court cases are available online. Case information such as case number, type of case, and filing date can be obtained online through the Tarrant County Court Records Search.

How to Obtain Fort Worth Civil Court Case Records

Fort Worth civil case records can be obtained online, in-person or, by mail. Requesting parties may search for civil case information online via the Court Records Search tool. Users may query the search tool using a name, case number, type of case, and filing date. To make requests in person, interested persons must visit the Civil Division at the 9th floor of the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center. Applicants are required to provide the case number, name, title of the document(s) requested, and the filing date.

For mail-in requests, the requestor must submit a completed court records request form specifying their full name, contact address, and the type of record sought. The request should include a check for processing fees, photocopy of a valid photo ID, and a self-addressed, adequately stamped envelope, which should be sent to:

The Civil Division
Criminal District Attorney’s Office
Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center
401 West Belknap, 9th Floor
Fort Worth, TX 76196-0201
E-mail: openrecords@tarrantcountytx.gov
Fax: (817) 884-1675

The court charges $5 per record search, $1 per page for certified copies, and $0.50 for each extra copy. Emailed copies cost $.30 per page, and mail delivery is charged at $3. Payments can be made by cash (in-person), check, or credit card.

How to Obtain Fort Worth Criminal Court Records

The District Court Clerk handles all felony crime and serious misdemeanor cases filed in Fort Worth. Copies of felony criminal cases can be obtained by requesting the Clerk’s Office online, in person, or by mail.

The court provides a web-based access service that allows attorneys, employers, and the general public to access the county’s criminal court records database online. It also allows interested persons to perform background checks. This service requires users to sign a digital subscriber agreement with the County District Clerk’s office after payment. The court charges a $120 subscription fee. This includes a $50 non-refundable processing fee and a two-month payment of a $35 monthly fee for 1-5 users. Interested persons may visit the subscriber access page for more information. After payment, send the signed agreement with a copy of a driver's license or Bar ID to the court’s web manager for processing at:

100 N. Calhoun St., 2nd Floor
Fort Worth, TX 76196
Attn: Office Manager.

To request in person, an applicant should visit and submit a request for the court reporter's records, stating the case number, filing date, and type of criminal case required. For mail-in requests, download and complete the record request form, include the photocopy of a valid photo ID, and a certified check for the required processing fees. Charges include a $5 basic records search (performed by the clerk), 50 cents per page for non-certified copies, and $1 per page for certified copies. The requestor must enclose a stamped, self-addressed, and standard sized envelope and mail the request to:

Tarrant County District Clerk's Office
100 N. Calhoun St.,
Fort Worth, TX 76196

The Fort Worth Municipal Court Clerk maintains court records for all Class C misdemeanor criminal cases filed in the city. These include traffic infractions, city code, and ordinance violations, and other cases punishable by fine only. To access information on such records, interested residents may use the court’s public service online portal or request the Clerk’s Office in person. A third option is to submit a completed request form by mail to:

Clerk of the Court
A.D. Marshall Public Safety & Courts Building
1000 Throckmorton Street
Fort Worth, 76102
Phone: (817) 392-6700
Fax: (817) 392-6723

What are Fort Worth Vital Records?

Fort Worth vital records are official records of vital life events that occurred in the city. Vital records include birth and death records, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees.

Fort Worth does not have the jurisdiction to issue vital records. Instead, these records are retained and issued by the Tarrant County District Court Clerk. Some vital records are only obtainable by eligible persons, such as the subject of the record and authorized representatives.

Where and How to Obtain Fort Worth Divorce Records?

Fort Worth divorce records are issued by the Tarrant County District Clerk’s Office. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. To request in person, visit the Clerk's Office and fill out a request application. The court also manages an online service platform for accessing divorce case information. To use the portal, requestors must supply the case number and the names of the involved parties.

To request by mail, download and complete the court records 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 a government-issued photo ID. The Clerk's Office charges $10 for a certificate of divorce, $1 per page for certified divorce decrees, 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). Requests should be sent to:

The District Clerk
Family Law Centre
200 E. Weatherford Street,
Fort Worth, TX 76196
Phone: (817) 884-1265
(Attn: Family Court Records)
Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm

Where and How to Get Fort Worth Marriage Records

Fort Worth marriage records are retained and issued to requesting parties by the office of the Tarrant County Clerk. The county issues two types of marriage licenses: Formal license and Informal license (common marriage). Marriage records can be requested online through the CountyFusion search tool. Search criteria include the document number, couple’s names, marriage date and license application date. Certified copies are released to eligible requestors only: the couple, an authorized representative, or legal counsel.

To request a certified license in person, visit the Clerk's Office at the Tarrant County Plaza Building. For a mail-in request, the applicant must prepare a written application stating the groom’s full name, the bride’s name before applying for the marriage license, and the marriage location and year. Also required is a valid government-issued ID, proof of eligibility, and a certified check or money order for the applicable processing fees. The application should be enclosed with a self-addressed and duly stamped envelope, and sent to:

Tarrant County Clerk
Vital Records office
Tarrant County Plaza Building
200 Taylor Street
Suite 301
Fort Worth, TX 76196
(817) 884-1550

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

However, the department does not issue certified copies of marriage records. It only provides marriage verification letters as proof that the marriage was registered. Request verification letters by paying the processing fees and submitting applications in person or by mail at:

Center for Health Statistics
Department of Health State Services
Mail code: 1898
Austin, TX 78741-9347
Phone: (512) 776-7261
Fax: (512) 776-3255

Physical address:

Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3199

Where and How to Find Fort Worth Birth Records

Fort Worth birth records are issued by the Tarrant County Vital Records office. The county issues both abstract and full birth certificates. An abstract certificate is issued if the county is not the local registrar of the birth, while the full certificate is issued if the birth was registered by the county. Both types can be certified.

According to Texas Government Code 552.115 (a) (1), a birth record is only available to the public on or after the 75th year from the date it was recorded with the state or local repository. Before then, only eligible persons are authorized to obtain certified copies. These persons include:

• The registrant (owner)
• Immediate family members, such as children, parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, or the registrant’s legal guardian. A father whose name does not appear on the record is not eligible (TAC, Title 25, Rule 181.1).
• A person legally entitled by a court order
• Legal representative of the registrant
• Any member of the public with certified proof of direct and tangible interest in the record.

To obtain a certified copy of the Fort Worth birth record, each requestor must submit a statement of eligibility, sworn under penalty of perjury. Requests can be made in person or by mail. To request for either type in person, the applicant must download, complete, and submit a birth application form. A non-refundable search fee of $22 is required, plus $1, payable by cash or check. Requestors must submit all required documents to the County Clerk's Office.

For mail-in requests, the requestor must include a legible copy of a valid government-issued ID, sworn statement, and stamped self-addressed envelope. A $23 check or money order made payable to “The County Clerk” is also applicable. Requests should be sent to:

200 Taylor St., Suite 301,
Fort Worth, TX 76196.

From the County Clerk’s date of receipt, processing mail requests take 72 hours.

Where and How to Find Fort Worth Death Records

The office of the County Clerk processes requests for Fort Worth death records and issues certified copies to eligible applicants. Requests can be made in person or by mail. Pursuant to Texas Code, Title 25, TAC 181.1(14), eligible requestors include:

• The registrant’s parents or guardian, spouse, children, siblings, and grandparents
• A funeral director acting on behalf of authorized persons
• A conservator
• Anyone who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest
• An attorney representing the estate of the person named on the record
• Local, state, or federal law enforcement or other governmental agencies (for official business).

To obtain a certified copy of a Fort Worth death record, download and complete the Death Certificate Application form in English or Spanish. The office charges $21 for a certified copy and $4 for each additional copy, payable by check or money order. For mail-in requests, applicants must include a sworn statement, and a valid government-issued ID. Acceptable forms include a passport, driver's license, military ID, Visa, and State ID. Each applicant must enclose a standard, stamped, self-addressed envelope and mail the request to:

The County Clerk
200 Taylor St., Suite 301
Fort Worth, TX 76196