What are Tyler Public Records?
As defined by the TPRA, Tyler public records include any document whether physical or electronic, generated, maintained, transmitted, or received, in relation to official public endeavors. Such documents may be paper, film, devices that can store an electronic signal, tape, mylar, and any physical material on which information can be recorded. Generally, books, letters, e-mail, pictures, sound recording, tape, map, and recording can be public records in Tyler. Notwithstanding, not all records are open to public access in Tyler. Records may be excluded if they contain:
- Confidential information;
- Confidentiality of certain personnel information;
- Information that the disclosure will infringe the privacy of a person;
- Litigation or settlement negotiations involving the state or a political subdivision;
- Information related to competition or bidding;
- Information related to the location or price of the property for public purpose prior to the public announcement of the project or the formal award of the contract;
- Certain legislative documents, such as a draft or working paper about proposed legislation or an internal bill analysis or working paper for the purpose of evaluating proposed legislation;
- Certain legal matters, such as where a court prohibits the public disclosure of certain information;
- Information relating to the confidentiality of sensitive crime scene image;
- Information about student records;
- Birth and death records;
- Records or documents exempted from public disclosure by law.
Tyler Crime Statistics
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides statewide crime statistics for Texas. In 2019, Tyler reported a total number of 3,606 crimes, including 400 violent crimes and 3,206 property crimes. Violent crimes reported include no murders, 71 rapes, 58 robberies, and 271 aggravated assaults. Property crimes reported include 439 burglaries, 2,597 larcenies, and 170 auto thefts. The 2019 crime statistics show a minimal reduction in the number of crimes reported in the city in the previous year. Between 2018 and 2019, there was a decline in four out of seven crimes. Murder, rape, robbery, and larceny rates declined by 100%, 13%, 33%, and 2% respectively. At the same time, assault, burglary, and auto theft rates increased by 1%, 12%, and 2% respectively.
Are Tyler Criminal Records Public?
Tyler criminal records are considered public records in line with Texas laws. These records are publicly accessible both at the state and the county level. At the state level, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) attends to statewide requests for background checks and criminal records. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office provides copies of Tyler city criminal records for interested persons at the county level.
How to Obtain Tyler Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Tyler arrest records and police reports are maintained by the Tyler Police Department. To obtain these records, interested residents will need to contact the front desk of either of the Tyler Police Department offices located at:
Tyler Police Department - Downtown Location
711 West Ferguson
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 531-1064 (Records)
Tyler Police Department - Faulkner Park Station
574 W. Cumberland Road
Tyler, TX 75703
Phone: (903) 533-2030 (Records)
The front desks operate from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday through Friday.
The Tyler Police Department also provides crash reports to interested residents. To obtain Tyler crash reports, contact any of the offices mentioned above to make an in-person or mail request. Any person requesting crash records must be able to provide two out of the four determiners – location of the accident, name of the driver, date of the accident, or case number. Mail requests are to contain a self-addressed envelope with a stamp. A Tyler crash report costs $6 per copy. Payment can be made in cash, through credit cards, money orders, and business checks. Personal checks are not acceptable.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Tyler?
The Texas DPS maintains and provides sex offender information in Tyler and other parts of the state via an online sex offender registry. Interested residents can search the registry by name, location, or proximity to particular locations, especially higher institutions. Residents can also download the list of sex offenders on the registry. There is the additional option of receiving updates on sex offender locations and activity within Tyler and other cities. To access this service, residents must sign up for the Public Sex Offenders Subscription Service.
How to Find Tyler Inmate Records?
Tyler inmate records are maintained by the office of the Smith County Sheriff. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office provides an online inmate search feature that members of the public can use to find Tyler inmates and other inmates within the county. It provides general information such as the name and booking status of each inmate. Interested persons may also make inquiries at each of the Smith County Jails located at:
The Main Downtown Jail
206 East Elm Street
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-2800
Low-Risk Facility
2811 Public Road
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-2800
Smith County Juvenile Services
2630 Morningside Drive
Tyler, TX 75708
Phone: (903) 535-0850
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Tyler Jail?
Interested persons can visit inmates in Tyler via a video link provided by the Smith County Sheriff in the Low-Risk Facility Jail located at:
Low-Risk Facility
2811 Public Road
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-2800
Visitation days for women inmates fall on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Male inmates can only be visited on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. The visitation period for each day is from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m, and inmates are only entitled to a 20 minutes visitation. Visitors are to sign up at the Low-Risk Facility on the visitation day between the time of 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Proof of identification is required.
Court Records
Cases emanating from Tyler City are usually adjudicated under the Smith County court system. The Smith County court system comprises district courts, constitutional courts, courts at law, justice courts, and municipal courts. There are classes of cases that fall within the jurisdiction of each of these courts. For example, municipal courts have exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate cases bothering on ordinance violation and class C misdemeanors. The courts also provide public access to both their case and administrative records.
Location of Courts in Tyler
Below are the Smith County Courts and their respective locations:
Smith County 7th District Court
Smith County Courthouse
100 North Broadway, #204
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-1660
Fax: (903) 590-1661
Smith County 114th District Court
Smith County Courthouse
100 North Broadway, #204
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-1660
Fax: (903) 590-1661
Smith County 241st District Court
Smith County Courthouse
100 North Broadway, #204
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-1660
Fax: (903) 590-1661
Smith County 321st District Court
Smith County Courthouse
100 North Broadway, #204
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-1660
Fax: (903) 590-1661
Smith County Constitutional Courts
Smith County Clerk’s Office
Smith County Courthouse Annex
200 East Ferguson, #300
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-4670
Fax: (903) 590-4689
Smith County Constitutional Court
Smith County Courthouse Annex
200 East Ferguson, #100
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-4616
Smith County Court at Law No. 1
Smith County Courthouse Annex
200 East Ferguson, #300
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-4670
Fax: (903) 590-4689
Smith County Court at Law No. 2
Smith County Courthouse Annex
200 East Ferguson, #300
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-4670
Fax: (903) 590-4689
Smith County Court at Law No. 3
Smith County Courthouse Annex
200 East Ferguson, #300
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-4670
Fax: (903) 590-4689
Smith County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
200 East Ferguson, #501
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-2601
Smith County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
15405 Highway 155 South
Tyler, TX 75703
Phone: (903) 590-4830
Fax: (903) 561-3310
Smith County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
313 East Duval Street
P.O. Box 573
Troup, TX 75789
Phone: (903) 590-4729
Fax: (903) 590-4739
Smith County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
14152 Highway 155 North
P.O. Box 62
Winona, TX 75792
Phone: (903) 590-4870
Fax: (903) 877-4528
Smith County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5
2616 South Main
P.O. Box 1075
Lindale, TX 75771
Phone: (903) 590-4890
Fax: (903) 882-0354
Smith County Municipal Courts
Arp Municipal Court
P.O. Box 68
Arp, TX 75750
Phone: (903) 859-6131
Lindale Municipal Court
105 Ballard Drive
P.O. Box 130
Lindale, TX 75771
Phone: (903) 882-6150
Fax: (903) 882-5305
Noonday Municipal Court
16662 CR 196
Tyler, TX 75703
Phone: (903) 561-3351
Troup Municipal Court
P.O. Box 637
Troup, TX 75789
Phone: (903) 842-3128
Tyler Municipal Court
813 North Broadway Avenue
P.O. Box 895
Tyler, TX 75710
Phone: (903) 531-1266
Fax: (903) 531-1369
Whitehouse Municipal Court
311 East Main
P.O. Box 776
Whitehouse, TX 75791
Phone: (903) 839-4914, extension 2
Fax: (903) 839-9485
Winona Municipal Court
110 Dallas Street
Winona, TX 75792
Phone: (903) 877-3381
Are Tyler Court Records Public?
In compliance with Texas state laws, Tyler court records are considered public records. Nonetheless, the court can preclude a record from being public by making an order to that effect. Like other cities in Smith County, court records pertaining to Tyler City are kept and issued by the Smith County District Court Clerk. The Tyler Municipal Court is responsible for processing Class C misdemeanors, including traffic offenses and ordinance violations. The court also maintains records related to the cases it handles.
Can you look up a Tyler Court Case Online?
The Smith County District Clerk maintains all records of Tyler court cases and other cases within the county. Interested persons can look up a Tyler case online by visiting the Smith County Court Records Inquiry. The online inquiry website provides a separate portal for civil and criminal court records. This search will require users to provide the case number of the court record of interest.
How to Obtain Tyler Civil Court Case Records?
Interested persons can obtain Tyler civil court case records by requesting them from the District Clerk either in person or by mail. To make in-person requests, visit the office of the Smith County District Clerk located at:
Smith County Courthouse
100 North Broadway, #204
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-1660
Fax: (903) 590-1661
The office opens between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday. Attorneys wanting access to the District Clerk documents should fill out the Subscription Agreement and email it back to the Clerk’s Office after payment has been confirmed. Certified copies of Tyler civil court case records cost $1 per page for the first 15 pages and a flat $15 for any document with 16 pages and above.
How to Obtain Tyler Criminal Court Records?
To obtain Tyler criminal court records, interested persons are to request them from the District Clerk. To make requests, contact the office of the Smith County District Clerk located at:
Smith County Courthouse
100 N Broadway, #204
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-1660
Fax: (903) 590-1661
The Clerk’s office opens between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Attorneys requesting access to the District Clerk documents are to complete the Subscription Agreement and mail it back to the Clerk’s office after receiving payment confirmation. Tyler criminal court records cost $1 per page for the first 15 pages and a flat $15 for any document with 16 pages or more.
What are Tyler Vital Records?
Tyler vital records comprise official documents containing details of life events that occur within the city. These records are maintained by the government and they include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce decrees or verification. Tyler vital records are maintained at the county level by the Tyler County Clerk and the Clerk of District Court. At the state level, the records are managed and issued by the Texas Vital Statistics Office. The records repositories also provide for persons that qualify to request these records and relevant payment for copies of each record.
Where and How to Obtain Tyler Divorce Records?
Tyler divorce records are one of the case records maintained by the office of the District Clerk. Tyler divorce decrees and case information related to divorce proceedings in Tyler can be obtained from the District Clerk’s office. Interested residents make their requests at:
Smith County District Clerk
100 North Broadway, Room 204
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-1660
Fax: (903) 590-1661
Records are billed at $1 per page for the first 15 pages and a flat $15 for any document with 16 pages and more.
Alternatively, requesters can also obtain divorce verification letters provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). To request divorce verification letters, complete the Application for Divorce Verification, and send it along with a copy of a valid photo ID, and required payment to:
Texas Vital Records
Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78756-3191
Divorce verification letters cost $20 per copy.
Where and How to Get Public Tyler Marriage Records?
Tyler marriage records are kept and issued by the Smith County Clerk. Interested persons can request Tyler marriage records either in form of a certified marriage license or an unofficial Tyler marriage certificate. To request a certified copy of a marriage license, complete the Application for a Certified Copy of a Marriage License. Mail the completed application, payment, and self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Smith County Clerk’s Office
200 East Ferguson Street, Ste 300
Tyler, TX 75702
Payment can be made in the form of a money order or check. Requestors intending to pay through debit or credit card should fill the One Time Credit/Debit Card Authorization Form. Certified copies of Tyler marriage licenses cost $21. Interested persons can also apply for a ceremonial Tyler marriage certificate at the above address. This certificate is not a legal document and each copy costs $25.
Another option open to interested residents is to request Texas state marriage verification letters. The Texas DSHS is responsible for issuing these verification letters at a charge of $20 per copy for marriages that occurred within the state from 1968 to date. Verification letters can only be received by mail. Applicants should fill out the Application for Marriage Verification, and provide a copy of a valid photo ID and payment. Mail all of the aforementioned documents to:
Texas Vital Records
Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78756-3191
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Tyler?
All marriage records in Tyler City are considered public except there is a registrant’s request or court order to make it confidential. When a Tyler marriage record becomes confidential, only the persons named on the record or other persons authorized by the court can access the marriage record.
Where and How to Find Tyler Birth Records?
The Smith County Clerk maintains and issues Tyler birth records dating back to 1926. Only qualified persons may request copies of Tyler birth records. Pursuant to Section 181, Title 25 of the Texas Administrative Code, qualified persons include:
- The registrant;
- Immediate family members by blood, marriage, or adoption. Particularly the following relatives; Father (when listed on the record; if not listed, has a court order stating he is the father), Mother, Grandfather, Grandmother, Brother, Sister, Husband, Wife, Children (including Step-children, Daughters-in-law, Sons-in-law), Parents (including Step-parents, Parents-in-law), Siblings (including Step siblings, half-siblings, sibling-in-law), Grandparents (including Step-Grandparents, Grandparents-in-law);
- Legal Guardian (copy of legal guardianship papers must be provided);
- Legal agent or representative (with proof of attorney-client relationship)
Eligible persons can request copies of Tyler birth records by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Birth Certificate form and submitting it together with payment and notarized proof of identification to:
Smith County Clerk
Attention: Vitals
Vitals Department
200 East Ferguson
Suite 300
Tyler, TX 75702
Requests through mails should include a copy of driver’s license, check or money order payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Checks and money orders are to be made payable to Smith County Clerk. Persons intending to pay by debit or credit cards will be required to complete and include the One Time Credit/Debit Card Authorization Form in their application. A certified copy of a Tyler birth record costs $23.
Alternatively, Tyler birth records can be requested from the DSHS either in person or through the mail. Eligible persons should complete the Texas Birth Certificate Application, then send it together with a valid photo ID and payment to:
Texas Vital Records
Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78756-3191
Where and How to Find Tyler Death Records?
Tyler death records are maintained at the county level by the office of the Smith County Clerk. Only eligible persons are entitled to obtain copies of these records. In line with Section 181, Title 25 of the Texas Administrative Code, these authorized persons include:
- The registrant’s immediate family members by blood, marriage, or adoption. Particularly the following relatives; Father (when listed on the record; if not listed, has a court order stating he is the father), Mother, Grandfather, Grandmother, Brother, Sister, Husband, Wife, Children (including Step-children, Daughters-in-law, Sons-in-law), Parents (including Step-parents, Parents-in-law), Siblings (including Step siblings, half-siblings, sibling-in-law), Grandparents (including Step-Grandparents, Grandparents-in-law)
- Legal Guardian (copy of legal guardianship papers must be provided)
- Legal agent or representative (with proof of attorney-client relationship)
To request copies of Tyler death certificates, complete the Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate form and submit it together with payment and notarized proof of identification to:
Smith County Clerk
Attention: Vitals
Vitals Department
200 East Ferguson
Suite 300
Tyler, TX 75702
Requests through mails should include a copy of driver’s license, check or money order payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Smith County Clerk. To pay by debit or credit cards, complete and include the One Time Credit/Debit Card Authorization Form in the record application. A certified copy of a Tyler death record costs $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy requested at the same time.
Interested persons may also request Tyler death records from the Texas DSHS either in person or through the mail. To do so, fill out the Texas Death Certificate Application, then send it along with a valid photo ID and payment to:
Texas Vital Records
Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78756-3191
