Fort Worth Background Check Records
Fort Worth background check records are maintained by the Fort Worth Police Department, Tarrant County courts, and Texas state agencies. As the fifth largest city in Texas, Fort Worth has a well-developed public records system that includes police reports, criminal case filings, warrant data, and open records from city departments. Many of these records are available online, and others can be obtained in person or by written request.
Fort Worth Quick Facts
Fort Worth Police Department Records
The Fort Worth Police Department handles records requests through its Records Management Unit. For general records inquiries, call 817-392-4222. For police reports and records specifically, call 817-392-4160. The department's reports page at police.fortworthtexas.gov/reports is the main source for getting copies of offense reports, crash reports, and filing open records requests.
FWPD offers several records-related services. You can file a police report, get a copy of an offense report, find a towed vehicle, locate registered sex offenders, submit a tip, or file an open records request. Not all reports are available online immediately after an incident. Some take a few days to process before they are ready for release. Call ahead if you need a specific type of report to confirm availability and what to bring.
Public data for Fort Worth, including filtered crime statistics and map-based information, is available through the city website. The Fort Worth public records page at fortworthtexas.gov/departments/citysecretary/records is where you go for open records requests that involve other city departments beyond the police.
The FWPD reports page provides options for filing reports, requesting copies, and submitting public information requests online.
Fort Worth's public records portal covers requests to city departments beyond the police, including open government records under the Texas Public Information Act.
Fort Worth Municipal Court
Fort Worth Municipal Court processes Class C misdemeanor cases within the city limits. These include traffic citations, parking violations, and minor city ordinance violations. Call the court at 817-392-6700 for information about cases, fines, and court appearances. You can also get information through the city's municipal court page at fortworthtexas.gov/departments/municipalcourt.
Warrant status is tracked through the municipal court system. An active warrant in Fort Worth shows up in public record searches and can affect background check results. The court can tell you if a warrant is open and what you need to do to clear it. Options may include paying fines, appearing before a judge, or setting up a payment plan.
Municipal court records in Fort Worth go back several years. You can search by case number or name in some instances. For anything beyond a Class C misdemeanor, you need to look at Tarrant County court records rather than the city court system.
Note: Fort Worth Municipal Court only handles Class C cases. Felony and higher misdemeanor cases are in Tarrant County District and County Courts.
Tarrant County Criminal Records
Tarrant County handles all felony cases and Class A and B misdemeanor cases for Fort Worth residents. The Tarrant County District Clerk maintains records for district court proceedings. The County Clerk handles county court cases. Both are public record sources and accessible to anyone who wants to search them.
Tarrant County has online case search tools through the District Clerk and County Clerk portals. You can search by name or case number to find criminal filings, case status, and disposition information. For certified copies or access to physical case files, visit the courts in downtown Fort Worth. The county also has information on jail rosters and inmate records through the Sheriff's Office.
For a complete guide to searching Tarrant County criminal and civil records, visit the Tarrant County background check records page.
Texas State Background Check Resources
Texas DPS maintains the statewide criminal history database. You can request a name-based or fingerprint-based criminal history check through the DPS FACT Clearinghouse. This covers arrests and outcomes from Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the rest of Texas.
The Texas sex offender registry is searchable through the DPS Sex Offender Registration Program. For state prison inmate records, use the TDCJ inmate search. Court records from Tarrant County and many other Texas counties are also available through re:SearchTX.
Open Records Requests in Fort Worth
Under the Texas Public Information Act, you have the right to request records from Fort Worth city agencies. This includes FWPD, the Municipal Court, and other city offices. Requests must be in writing, and the city has 10 business days to respond. The City Secretary's office manages the open records process for Fort Worth.
Submit a request through the public records page at fortworthtexas.gov or by contacting the relevant city department directly. The Texas AG's open government page at texasattorneygeneral.gov explains your rights, how to request records, and what exceptions may apply. Fees may be charged for large requests, and digital delivery can reduce costs.
Note: Each Fort Worth department manages its own records. A request to FWPD is separate from a request to another city office, so be specific about what you need and which department likely has it.
Nearby Texas Cities
Other cities near Fort Worth also have public background check records available through local offices and county courts.