How to Search Harris County Records (Start Here)
Harris County splits courts three ways — District, County Criminal, and JP. Property runs through HCAD and the County Clerk separately. Here's where each search lives:
- District Court (felonies, major civil, family, juvenile): hcdistrictclerk.com — Party Inquiry search by name. Returns case details, costs, documents, and file location.
- County Criminal Courts (misdemeanors): County Clerk criminal search at cclerk.hctx.net — separate from the District Clerk.
- JP Courts (small claims, evictions, traffic): jpwebsite.harriscountytx.gov — search by case number, name, or DOB across all precincts.
- Property values: HCAD direct search at hcad.org/property-search — by account, address, or owner. The map tool at arcgis.hcad.org shows parcel boundaries.
- Recorded deeds and liens: County Clerk real property at cclerk.hctx.net — separate search from criminal. Account needed for copies.
- Jail: Sheriff inmate search at harriscountyso.org — current bookings by name, SPN, or SSN.
- Tax: hctax.net — property tax payments, statements, and vehicle registration.
Start your search with the databases listed here.
Criminal & Court Records
Jail & Inmate Records
Property & Tax Records
Vital Records
Business, Voter & Other
Frequently Asked Questions
Which court do I search for Harris County criminal cases? ▼
Depends on the charge level. Felonies: District Clerk at hcdistrictclerk.com. Misdemeanors: County Clerk criminal search at cclerk.hctx.net. Traffic and small claims: JP Courts at jpwebsite.harriscountytx.gov. These are three completely separate systems.
What is HCAD and why are there two property searches? ▼
HCAD (Harris Central Appraisal District) sets property market values — search at hcad.org/property-search. The County Clerk at cclerk.hctx.net has the actual recorded documents — deeds, mortgages, liens. Values are at HCAD; documents are at the Clerk.
Where do I search Harris County jail inmates? ▼
The Sheriff's inmate search at harriscountyso.org. Search by name, SPN, or SSN. Shows current bookings, charges, and court dates.
Where are Harris County marriage records? ▼
County Clerk vital records search at cclerk.hctx.net. The Clerk handles marriage licenses, birth certificates, and death certificates.
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