Amarillo Background Check Records
Searching for background check records in Amarillo means looking at the city's police department, municipal court, and the Potter County courts. Amarillo is the largest city in the Texas Panhandle and sits mainly in Potter County, with part of the city in Randall County. City-level records stay with the Amarillo Police Department and Municipal Court. County-level criminal history, felony cases, and jail records are handled by the Potter County courts and sheriff. This page explains each source and how to access records from them.
Amarillo Overview
Amarillo Police Department Records
The Amarillo Police Department Records Division handles public requests for offense reports, accident reports, and other police documents generated within Amarillo city limits. Reports are available once they've been reviewed and cleared for release, which typically takes 5 to 7 business days after an incident. The Records Division can be reached at 806-378-9305.
You can request records in person at the Records Division located at 200 SE 3rd Ave. Mail and online request options may also be available. Check the city's website at amarillo.gov for the latest request process and fee information. Incident reports for matters like accident claims or insurance are among the most commonly requested. Fees for accident reports are typically $8 per report, and incident report fees may vary.
The department follows the Texas Public Information Act. Most police records are public unless they involve active investigations, juvenile offenders, or specific exemptions under the law. If part of a record is withheld, the department must explain what exemption applies.
| Address | 200 SE 3rd Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101 |
|---|---|
| Records Phone | 806-378-9305 |
| Non-Emergency | 806-378-3038 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | amarillo.gov |
Amarillo Municipal Court
Amarillo Municipal Court handles Class C misdemeanor cases, traffic tickets, and city ordinance violations. These cases are kept separate from the county court system. If someone received a traffic citation in Amarillo, that record is at the municipal court. You can check case status, look up warrants, and find out what fines are outstanding by contacting the court at 806-378-9300. The court is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
Municipal court records are public and can be requested in writing or reviewed in person. The court at 201 SE 4th Ave serves as the main location. Felony charges and Class A and B misdemeanors from Amarillo are not handled here. Those go to the Potter County District Court and County Court respectively. If you're unsure which court has the records you need, the municipal court staff can often point you to the right office.
| Address | 201 SE 4th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 806-378-9300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Potter County Criminal Records
Amarillo is the county seat of Potter County. The Potter County District Clerk maintains felony court records and civil case files. The County Clerk handles misdemeanor criminal records, probate matters, and property documents. Both offices are in Amarillo. If you need a felony background check on someone from Amarillo, the Potter County courts are the primary source for county-level records.
Potter County does not have a widely promoted online case search portal. You may need to contact the offices directly or visit in person to search for specific cases. The statewide re:SearchTX portal covers some Potter County court cases. For jail records, contact the Potter County Sheriff's Office, which manages the county detention facility. Keep in mind that Amarillo also extends into Randall County, so if the person's address is in a Randall County zip code, you may need to check Randall County records as well.
Texas State Records for Amarillo
The Texas DPS Crime Records Service runs the official statewide criminal history database. You can search by name at records.txdps.state.tx.us. Name-based results show arrests and dispositions reported to DPS by courts and law enforcement agencies across Texas. If you need the most reliable result, use the fingerprint-based search option, which links records to a person's fingerprints rather than just their name.
The Texas Sex Offender Registry is searchable at records.txdps.state.tx.us/SexOffender/. You can look up offenders by name, zip code, or county. This registry is free and public. TDCJ manages a statewide offender search for incarcerated individuals and parolees at tdcj.texas.gov. The FACT Clearinghouse at DPS handles fingerprint-based applicant background checks for jobs requiring state licensing.
The City of Amarillo's website at amarillo.gov connects residents to city departments including the police records unit and open records contact information. The screenshot below shows the city portal.
From the city site you can find links to police department services, public information request forms, and municipal court case lookup tools.
Amarillo Open Records Requests
Amarillo city offices follow the Texas Public Information Act, which requires a response within 10 business days of a written records request. You can submit a request by email, mail, or in person to the office that holds the records you want. Be clear and specific. State the type of record, the approximate date range, and any names or case numbers you have. The city will let you know if there's a fee or if any information must be withheld.
If your request is denied or partially withheld, you can ask the Texas Attorney General's office to review whether the exemption was properly applied. The AG's open government division handles these reviews and provides guidance at texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government. The Public Information Act Handbook, also at the AG's site, is useful if you're unfamiliar with the rules. Most records requests are resolved quickly, especially for things like police reports and court case status.
Note: Requests sent by certified mail with a clear description of the records tend to get the fastest responses from city departments.
Nearby Cities
Other Texas Panhandle and nearby cities with public record resources include:
Potter County Records
Amarillo is the county seat of Potter County. Felony cases, misdemeanor court records, and sheriff data for Amarillo residents flow through the Potter County court system. Visit the Potter County background check page for more on local court offices and how to access criminal history records at the county level.