The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Records Division serves as the state’s central hub for criminal justice information, managing over 30 million records and supporting more than 1,200 local law enforcement agencies. This division operates eight major state and federal programs, including the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), and Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system. Every day, it processes around 5,000 data uploads and issues real-time alerts for stolen vehicles, missing persons, and active warrants. Its analytical team produces monthly crime trend reports that help state leaders make informed decisions about public safety resources.
How the Criminal Records Division Supports Law Enforcement
The division acts as Texas’s main control terminal for critical criminal justice databases. It supplies daily transactional data to police departments, sheriff’s offices, task forces, and federal partners like the FBI and DEA. These systems let officers check for warrants, verify identities, and track criminal activity across state lines. The division also maintains the Statewide Integrated Fingerprint Identification System (SWIFT), which links fingerprint data to criminal histories. This ensures accurate identification even when names change or aliases are used.
One key function is the Criminal Justice Rap Back Program. It continuously monitors the FBI’s fingerprint database and sends instant alerts when a person with Texas records is arrested elsewhere. Since 2012, this system has generated over 12,000 notifications, helping agencies respond quickly to new threats. The program handles about 250,000 fingerprint submissions each year from jails, courts, and licensing agencies.
Accessing Criminal History Records: Public Portal and Search Tools
The public can search conviction records through the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system online. This database holds more than 14 million records dating back to 1975, including felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile adjudications. Users must create a prepaid account and pay $0.25 per record retrieved. Searches can be filtered by name, offense type, conviction date, and jurisdiction. Each result is cross-referenced with SWIFT to ensure accuracy.
All searches are logged for audit purposes. Only non-confidential data is available—sealed records, ongoing investigations, and certain juvenile cases are excluded by law. The system supports up to 10,000 users at once and returns results in under three seconds for 99% of queries. For help, call the Access and Dissemination Bureau at 512-424-2474 during business hours.
https://publicsite.dps.texas.gov/DpsWebsite/CriminalHistory/
Secure Access for Authorized Agencies and Employers
Law enforcement, courts, and licensed employers use a secure login portal to access sensitive data. This site requires multi-factor authentication and encrypts all sessions with TLS 1.3. Every login records the user’s IP address, timestamp, and authentication method. Sessions expire after 30 minutes of inactivity for guests or 12 hours for registered users who re-authenticate.
Unauthorized access is strictly prohibited. Texas law mandates automatic lockout after three failed login attempts. Violations may lead to felony charges under Texas Penal Code §33.02, including fines up to $10,000 and five years in prison. The system undergoes quarterly security reviews to meet NIST standards.
Sex Offender Registry and Public Safety Tools
The division also manages the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry. Anyone can search this database by name, location, or offense type. Users can download county-specific reports in CSV format for further analysis. The registry includes photos, addresses, and conviction details for registered offenders. It is updated daily and linked to the national sex offender database.
This tool helps communities stay informed and supports compliance with federal laws like the Adam Walsh Act. Schools, daycare centers, and neighborhood groups often use it to screen volunteers or monitor nearby residences. However, the division warns against harassment or vigilante actions—only official use is permitted.
Fingerprinting Services and Identogo Locations
Fingerprints are required for background checks, licensing, and employment in many fields. The division partners with Identogo to offer digital fingerprinting at 12 regional offices across Texas. Appointments can be scheduled online, and results are sent directly to the requesting agency. This reduces errors compared to traditional ink cards.
Common uses include teacher certification, nursing licenses, firearm permits, and volunteer clearances. The process takes less than 15 minutes and meets FBI standards. Fees vary by provider but typically range from $30 to $50. Results are usually available within 72 hours.
Data Integrity and Compliance Standards
Accuracy is critical. CJIS Field Auditors conduct quarterly inspections to verify data quality. They check for missing entries, duplicate records, and formatting errors. If discrepancies exceed 0.2%, corrective action reports are issued. The division must resolve issues within 30 days to maintain certification.
All staff undergo background checks and training on privacy laws. Records are retained according to state and federal schedules—some permanently, others for 75 years or until the subject turns 100. Disposal follows strict protocols to prevent unauthorized access.
Contact Information and Office Details
The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Records Division is located at P.O. Box 4143, Austin, TX 78765. For general inquiries, email [email protected]. The main phone line is 512-424-2474, available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM Central Time.
Visitors should call ahead—the physical office does not accept walk-ins for record requests. Mailed applications must include a completed form, payment, and proof of identity. Processing takes 10 to 14 business days. Expedited service is not available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how to use the Criminal Records Division’s services, what data is available, and how to stay compliant with Texas laws. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on official policies and recent updates.
How do I request my own criminal history record from Texas DPS?
You can request your own criminal history through the CCH public portal or by mail. Online requests require a prepaid account and cost $0.25 per record. For mailed requests, submit Form CR-200 with a $15 fee, two fingerprint cards, and a copy of your ID to P.O. Box 4143, Austin, TX 78765. Processing takes 10–14 days. Only you or an authorized employer with your signed consent can receive the report. Juvenile records are not released unless you were certified as an adult. The division does not provide certified copies for immigration—use the FBI’s Identity History Summary instead.
Can employers access criminal records for job applicants in Texas?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. Employers in licensed fields (healthcare, education, childcare) may request FBI-level background checks through approved vendors. They must get written consent from the applicant and follow Fair Credit Reporting Act rules. General employers cannot access the CCH system directly—only law enforcement and government agencies can. Some cities like Austin and Dallas ban asking about criminal history on initial job applications (“ban the box” laws). Always check local regulations before screening candidates.
What happens if someone tries to access the system without permission?
Unauthorized access is a serious crime in Texas. The system logs every login attempt and triggers an automatic lockout after three failures. Suspicious activity is reported to the Office of the Attorney General. Penalties include felony charges under Texas Penal Code §33.02, with fines up to $10,000 and up to five years in prison. Even accidental access—like clicking a wrong link—can lead to account suspension. Only trained personnel with proper credentials should use secure portals.
How often is the sex offender registry updated?
The Texas Public Sex Offender Registry is updated daily. Offenders must report changes in address, employment, or vehicle within three days. Local law enforcement verifies these updates and uploads them to the state system. The website reflects changes within 24 hours. However, not all offenders are listed—only those required by law. Some low-risk individuals may be removed after 10–15 years. Always verify information with local police before taking action.
Why was my background check rejected or delayed?
Common reasons include incomplete forms, poor-quality fingerprints, or name mismatches. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, include legal documentation. Fingerprint rejections happen if prints are smudged or incomplete—schedule a new appointment at an Identogo location. Delays may occur during peak periods (back-to-school season) or if additional verification is needed. Call 512-424-2474 for status updates. Do not resubmit without checking first—it may cause further delays.
Are juvenile records available to the public in Texas?
Generally, no. Juvenile adjudications are confidential under Texas Family Code. They do not appear in public CCH searches unless the minor was certified to stand trial as an adult. Sealed or expunged records are never disclosed. However, certain agencies (like schools or licensing boards) may access them with a court order. Parents can request their child’s records through the mail process, but third parties need written permission from the juvenile or a judge.
How does the Rap Back program protect public safety?
Rap Back monitors FBI fingerprint submissions from jails nationwide. If a person with Texas criminal history is arrested in another state, the system instantly alerts Texas law enforcement. This helps catch repeat offenders, track parole violators, and prevent identity fraud. Since 2012, it has generated over 12,000 alerts, leading to arrests in drug trafficking, domestic violence, and fugitive cases. Participation is mandatory for all Texas jails and licensing agencies. The program operates 24/7 and integrates with NCIC for real-time coordination.