Free Access to Galveston County Public Records

X

Free Galveston County Public Records Search

Access Galveston County Records: marriage, divorce, warrants, arrests, probation, criminal, court, background checks, and all public records.

First Name

Last Name

City (Optional)

State ALAKAZARCACOCTDEDCFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMIMNMSMOMTNENVNHNJNMNYNCNDOHOKORPARISCSDTNTXUTVTVAWAWVWIWY

Free Galveston public records — on both the city and county levels — are available for anyone to access, review, and obtain.

Under both the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Texas Public Information Act, public records hosted by official agencies are transparent; these can be efficiently found once searchers know where to look.

Public information that can be looked up or requested online, by mail, and in person abounds. Records available to residents include documentation of marriages, divorces, warrants, arrests, criminal history, court cases, property information, prisoner details, probation records, and more.

This streamlined resource provides anyone interested with the guidance and links to assist in their public records search, whether through single record requests or comprehensive background check reports. Use our streamlined resource below to learn how to obtain public records in Galveston County, Texas.

How To View Arrest Logs, Mugshots & the Reason for Detainment in Galveston County Texas

The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail, and they provide free information on county bookings online.¹

When someone is arrested by the sheriff’s office or one of the local police departments in Galveston County, they are brought to the county jail for processing. Whichever police department made an arrest will have a record of it.

If an interested person is looking for Galveston County arrest records, they can contact the sheriff’s office or one of the local police departments nearest the incident and provide a detainee’s name to learn more about the arrest.

Inquirers should not contact the Texas Department of Corrections to find out if someone has been arrested; that agency maintains the state prison system, which is separate from the county jail system.

Learn how to access arrest logs, mugshots and the reason for detainment below.

Search for Recent Arrest Records via the Galveston County Jail

Searching arrests on the county level offers members of the public the broadest search since it encompasses all cities, towns, and boroughs. The Galveston County Jail maintained and operated by the sheriff’s office, provides jail records and allows anyone to find someone’s mugshot if they’ve been arrested.

The County Jail provides two online directory lists. The first is a Recent Arrest Database. This display allows researchers to see those who have been recently arrested and booked in the county jail.

It shows an arrestee’s name, age, race, sex, and offense. Mugshots may or may not be updated on this database.

The display only shows one arrestee at a time, so users must click the arrows at the bottom of the page to cycle through all of the recent arrests.

The other directory is the Inmate Inquiry. The initial page of this directory displays a list, in alphabetical order, of every current inmate in the Galveston County jail that has been added to the database.

It shows a detainee’s name, charge, arrest date, and the booking agency. For additional information like mugshots and bond amount, simply click on the row containing the detainee you are researching.

For additional arrest records maintained by the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, submit a written request to the Records Department at [email protected], or via mail or in-person to:

Galveston County Sheriff’s Office
Records Department
601 54th St.
Galveston, Texas 77551

Phone: 409.766.2320

Contact the sheriff’s office at 409.766.2300 if you have additional questions. Contact the Galveston County Jail at 409.766.2315.

Galveston County Jail
5700 Ave. H
Galveston, Texas 77591

Look Up Arrest Details & Obtain Reports From Local Police Departments Throughout Galveston County

In addition to the sheriff’s office, there are several local law enforcement agencies that can help interested persons look up Galveston County public records like police and arrest reports.

None of these departments provide online arrest directories, but they may be contacted, and requests may be submitted to obtain records.

The Galveston Police Department services residents located within the city limits.⁴ The police department is part of the city government, and they offer interested persons a convenient Online Records Request. After creating an account, users can fill out the request form and pay the associated fees to obtain police records.

This is the only method for obtaining records.

For more assistance, contact the city Public Information Officer at 409.797.3546. You may also contact the police department at 409.765.3702.

Galveston Police Department
823 Rosenberg
Galveston, TX 77553

The Bayou Vista Police Department does not offer instructions on how to request police records.⁵ Interested persons may contact the department at 409.935.0449 or [email protected] for more information.

The Clear Lake Shores Police Department also does not offer instructions on how to make an open records request. The department may be contacted at 281.595.9303. The City of Clear Shores may be contacted at 281.334.2799.

Interested persons should reach out to both the police department and city government to find out how to obtain police records.

Clear Lake Shores Police Department
1006 South Shore Dr
Clear Lake Shores, Texas 77565

The Dickinson Police Department, through the City Secretary, allows members of the public to submit a public records request.⁶ Users must create an online account and fill out the request form. There are fees associated with this request. For more information contact the police department at 281.337.6300.

Dickinson Police Department
4000 Liggio Street
Dickinson, Texas 77539

The City of Hitchcock Police Department provides interested persons with an open records request form. Inquirers must complete the incident/offense report portion of the request and submit it to [email protected] (email), or 409.986.9246 (fax), or via mail or in-person to the Records Department at:

Hitchcock Police Department
Records Division
6815 Second St.
Hitchcock, TX 77563

The fees are identified on the request form. For more information, contact the department at 409.986.5559.

The City of Jamaica Beach Police Department, through its City Secretary, allows members of the public to make a public information request. Interested persons can fill out a public information request to receive a police report by detailing the request specifics of the incident or arrest.

The form can be submitted to [email protected] or via mail or in-person to the addresses below:

City of Jamaica Beach Police Department
16628 San Luis Pass Road
Jamaica Beach, TX 77554

Mailing address:
5264 Jamaica Beach
Jamaica Beach TX 77554

Contact the agency at 409.737.1142 for more information.

The City of Kemah Police Department provides its residents with a records request form.⁸ Users should fill out this form and submit via fax or email or mail/in person to:

City of Kemah Police Department
1401 Highway 146
Kemah, Texas 77656

Fax: 281.334.4873
Email: [email protected]

Contact the Kemah Police Department at 281.334.5414 for more insight.

The La Marque Police Department maintains an online public records center where interested persons can request police records. Users must create an account before filling out a police records request. There are associated fees.

Interested persons may also submit a written request to the La Marque City Clerk at [email protected], or via mail or hand-delivered to:

City of La Marque
City Clerk
1111 Bayou Rd
La Marque, TX 77568

The League City Police Department offers members of the public multiple options for viewing police report details.⁹ The first option is through the police request for public information online form. There may be a fee for using this service.

Interested parties may also submit a written request to the police department at [email protected] or via fax to 281.338.4124.

Requests may also be submitted via mail or hand-delivered at:

League City Police Department
555 W. Walker St.
League City, Texas 77573

Additionally, interested parties can use the event search to locate public police records. Users can search by name, when the incident occurred, or where the incident occurred. For more help, contact the agency at 281.338.4152.

The Santa Fe Police Department allows inquirers to make an open records request by filling out a police records form.¹⁰ Submit the form via fax to 409.925.4806 or to the Records Office at:

Santa Fe Police Department
3650 FM 646 North
Santa Fe, Texas, 77510

Contact the police department at 409.925.3092 for assistance.

The Texas City Police Department allows anyone to make police records request online. Users must click on records requests, fill out the form, and electronically sign the bottom of the form. This is the only method the police department provides for requesting records.

If you have additional questions concerning police records, contact the department at 409.643.5720.

Texas City Police Department
1004 9th Avenue N.
Texas City, Texas 77590

How To Access Criminal History Information in Galveston County TX

There are several types of criminal records, from charges, probation, warrants, and background check reports, to sex offender registries and more.

If you want to look up someone’s criminal record, you must first determine which type of record you are searching for. There are many different types of criminal records, including warrants or charges, probation, background check reports, and sex offender registries.

Galveston County criminal records can be found by utilizing the County Clerk. This agency can help you learn more about a person’s past and current situation. Find out how to conduct a free criminal record check in Galveston County using the information below.

Conduct a Criminal Record Search via the Galveston County & District Clerks

The Galveston County Clerk and District Clerk maintain all official county court records. If a criminal case is filed in a Galveston County Court or Judicial District Court, the Clerks’ Office will have a record of it.

The Clerks offer members of the public with a Free Case Search Tool. Interested persons only need to type in an individual’s last name followed by a comma and then the first name. Every case, criminal or otherwise, will be displayed in the initial results.

Under case type, users will be able to view the type of case that corresponds to the case number. For criminal cases, users are looking for misdemeanor or felony cases. When a criminal case is located, it can be clicked on to view the case’s additional information, including:

• Court Date
• Case Type
• Case Status
• Parties
• Defendant DOB
• Defendant Address
• Charge
• Disposition
• Sentencing
• Case History
• Motions & Filings

Users can also view a photographic copy of any documents filed with the court in the case. If you have questions regarding criminal court records in Galveston County, contact one of the Clerks’ Offices using the information below:

Office	Address	Contact
Galveston County Clerk – Main Office	600 59th St., Ste 2001 Galveston, Texas 77551 Mailing: PO Box 17253 Galveston, Texas 77552	Phone: 409.766.2200 Fax: 409.765.3160
Galveston County Clerk and District Clerk – League City Office	174 Calder Rd., Rm 149 League City, Texas 77573	Phone: 281.316.8732 (County) 281.316.8729 (District)
Galveston County District Clerk – Main Office	600 59th St., Rm 4001 Galveston, Texas 77551	Phone: 409.766.2424 Fax: 409.766.2292 Email: [email protected]

How To Determine if Someone Has an Active Warrant Issued Under Their Name in Galveston County

Outstanding Galveston County warrants can be viewed in the Wanted List. This list shows the fugitive’s name, charge, warrant type, address, and the agency responsible for serving the warrant.

For those interested in finding out more information concerning the wanted list, they should contact the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.¹²

Galveston County Sheriff’s Office
601 54th Street
Galveston, Texas 77591

Phone: 409.766.2300

The Warrants Division of the sheriff’s office handles all warrants issued by the various courts in Galveston County. Ask for the Warrants Division when you contact the sheriff’s office to find out about any outstanding felony and higher-level misdemeanor warrants issued by a county court.

In Galveston, County Constable for Precinct 4 processes low-level misdemeanor warrants, traffic tickets, and city ordinance violations.¹³ The map for Precinct 4 can be useful as well. The Constable allows members of the public to look up warrants, tickets and violations through the Texas Department of Public Safety search for warrants using an individual’s license number.

Contact the office or Warrant Deputy if you have questions concerning outstanding warrants in Precinct 4.

County Constable for Precinct 4: 281.316.8711

Warrant Deputy: 281.316.8776

Moreover, if you believe that a warrant may be out for your arrest or the arrest of someone you know, contact the law enforcement agency in the area where you live or where an incident took place.

Refer to the Galveston warrant lookup tutorial for additional insight on the most efficient ways to find details of individuals wanted locally, or check out the Texas warrant search resource for statewide guidance.

How To Look Up Probationers in Galveston County Texas

For criminal defendants who have been placed on pretrial supervision or post-conviction supervision, the Galveston County Supervision & Corrections Department supervises these individuals. This department does not provide the public with a probation offender search.

Interested persons may contact one of the three branch offices to inquire about those currently on probation in Galveston County:

Office	Address	Contact
Galveston	715 19th St. Galveston, Texas 77550	Phone: 409.766.2425 Fax: 409.770.5530
Texas City	2516 Texas Ave Texas City, Texas 77590	Phone: 409.770.5808 Fax: 409.770.5889
League City	131 Pecan Drive League City, Texas 77573	Phone: 409.765.3695

The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office may be able to provide further insight and details on probationers throughout the county. Their contact information can be found in the previous section.

How To Complete a Galveston County Background Check for Any Reason

Anyone can conduct a personal background check on another person for any reason that is not illegal.

You can find out a neighbor or new friend’s criminal history, and you don’t need that person’s consent to do it. However, access to someone’s criminal history does not give you the right to abuse the information you receive or to harass, intimidate, or stalk them.

Generally, personal background checks are name-based and only require a person’s first and last name to obtain results. Unfortunately, Galveston County does not offer background check services. Interested persons can review criminal history information using the county case search function outlined above.

Additionally, researchers can use the Galveston County Public Index. This tool allows researchers to search all criminal case details on another person by inputting their complete name.

On the state level, the Texas Department of Public Safety provides a name-based criminal history conviction search. This public records repository includes all conviction and deferred adjudication information for cases classified from class B misdemeanors to felonies. Users must create an account and pay a search fee for this tool.

For more information, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety at 855.481.7070.

Texas Department of Public Safety
5805 N. Lamar Blvd
Austin, Texas 78752

On the other hand, there are professional background checks. These checks are done for employment, firearms, housing, elder and child care, volunteer work, and more. These background checks do require a person’s consent to be lawful.

The Texas DPS uses the Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) to manage professional background check requests and fulfillment.¹⁴ They have endorsed IdentoGO to assist in this process.

Employers, agencies, or other eligible organizations must provide an individual with a service code. Then the individual can schedule a fingerprint session at the local IdentoGO locations.

IdentoGO
2501 Palmer Highway, Suite 250
Texas City, Texas 77590

There are several legal constraints concerning professional background checks. For example, the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires an applicant’s written consent before requesting a background check. Additionally, under Texas Law, employment positions that pay $75000 or less cannot include criminal arrests and convictions on the consumer report if they are more than seven years old.

More information on these constraints is contained in the concluding section of this resource. Ensure complete compliance with all laws when accessing someone’s criminal history, whether for personal or professional purposes.

How To View Texas Criminal Records via State & Federal Agencies

Galveston County public records can be found using the local resources detailed in the sections above, but in addition to using county resources, state and federal agencies also provide a free public records search. Texas public records can be found using the resources below.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice – provides a free inmate search function for those currently located in Texas prisons.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice – also offers a free statewide parole sex offender absconder search.

Texas Department of Public Safety – allows members of the public to search the statewide conviction database for a fee and provides the public with a free Texas sex offender registry search.

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) – the BOP inmate locator allows the public to search people currently imprisoned in federal prisons around the country.

U.S. Department of Justice – uses the national sex offender registry to locate people convicted of federal sex crimes.¹⁸

How To Run a Galveston County Court Case Search

One of the best ways to check public records is by searching court case information.

The lowest level court in Galveston County is the Municipal Court. This court has jurisdiction over low-level misdemeanors and city ordinance violations that carry small fine sentences only. There is no way to check Galveston County Municipal Court cases online.

Interested persons looking for Municipal Court case records should check with the Municipal Court in their respective city or town.

The next level of court is the Galveston County District Courts. These courts have jurisdiction over criminal felony cases, civil cases or lawsuits, and property disputes. The Galveston County Family Court and Probate Court are also District Courts.

As described above, these courts allow members of the public to view court case details by using the Galveston County judicial records search.

Researchers may also use the Galveston County records search for District Court case information. Users can locate criminal, civil, family, and other case records by inputting an individual’s name.

Additionally, interested persons may contact the District Court Clerk to learn how to obtain physical copies of Galveston County court records.¹⁹ It’s unclear whether there are fees associated with obtaining records.

All appeals from the Municipal Courts and District Courts are heard by the Galveston County County Courts. Those interested in obtaining records from the County Court should contact the Galveston County Clerk who is the custodian for these records.

All District and County Courts in Galveston are located within the county courthouse:

Galveston County Courthouse
600 59th St.
Galveston, Texas 77550

The United States Southern District of Texas has jurisdiction over federal cases that originate out of Galveston County. Interested parties can fill out a copy request form to view federal court records. This form may be submitted via email to [email protected] or fax to 409.766.3549.

For more information contact the Clerk of Court at 409.766.3530.

United States Courthouse
601 Rosenberg, Rm 411
Galveston, Texas 77550

How To View & Acquire Galveston County Vital Records: Marriage, Divorce, Birth & Death Records

The primary vital records such as marriage, divorce, birth and death records are used to check if someone is married, obtain copies of divorce decrees, genealogy, property transfers, name changes, adoption, inheritance, citizenship, and so much more.

In Texas, certified copies of marital records may only be obtained through the County or District Clerk. Those interested in obtaining marriage certificates must contact the Galveston County Clerk’s Office. Those interested in obtaining divorce decrees must contact the Galveston County District Clerk’s Office.

A certificate of birth or certificate of death may be obtained through the Galveston County Health District.²⁰ These records and other vital records may also be obtained through the state agency Texas Health and Human Services.

Find out how to obtain these records below.

Acquire Marriage & Divorce Records or Certificates Through the Galveston County & District Clerks

You can find out if someone is married or divorced by looking up Galveston County public records that pertain to them; residents can do so by searching the County Clerk’s free marital records search. Users must input the last name followed by a comma and then the first name for the search to yield results.

Results will display a list of cases that involve the name of the individual you inputted. Under the document type column, users can find marriage and divorce case information. When the case is clicked on, a display of the parties and all associated document filings is revealed.

The court documents may be viewed by clicking on the document number.

The Galveston County case search allows members of the public to look up divorce case information. This tool provides more case details than the marital records search.

To retrieve Galveston County marriage records, contact the County Clerk at 409.766.2200. To access Galveston County divorce records, contact the District Clerk at 409.766.2424.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) offers public marriage and divorce verification letters. The letters inform interested parties of marriages on file since 1966 and divorces on file since 1968.

Inquirers may either order a marriage verification letter or a divorce verification letter by completing the online form.

It’s unclear whether fees are associated with these requests. Call +1(877)452-9060 for more information concerning marital vital records.

View Death & Birth Records or Obtain Certificates via the Galveston County Health District

Birth certificates and death certificates are not public records in Galveston County and are only available to the person named on the record, immediate family members, or a legal representative.

The Galveston County Health District maintains these records for residents in the county. Records may be obtained by eligible persons when they complete a birth or death certificate application form. The fee for a birth certificate is $23, and a death certificate is $21.

Applications may be mailed to GCHD, PO Box 939, La Marque, TX 77568, or hand delivered to:

Galveston County Health District
9850 A Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Ste. A102
Texas City, TX 77591

The office is open between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday. Additionally, records may be obtained online through VitalChek.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) also offers public ways to obtain birth and death records. Records may be requested online, or birth record application and death record application submitted in person at the Galveston County or District Clerk’s Offices, or via mail or in person at the Austin office.

Mail:

Texas Vital Statistics
Department of State Health Services
PO Box 12040
Austin, Texas 78711

Austin Office:

THHS Central Campus
1100 West 49th St.
Austin, TX 

How To View Property Ownership & Unpaid Taxes in Galveston County TX

The Galveston County Central Appraisal District is the agency that assigns tax values on properties. The office maintains a free property search where members of the public can look up who owns properties in Galveston County.

Interested persons can search by name, address, or parcel ID number. Once a property is located, by clicking on the property ID an expanded view of the property’s information will be revealed, including:

• Owner
• Address
• Legal Description
• Neighborhood
• Geographical ID
• Property Values
• Tax Values
• Property Improvement History
• Deed History

You may also use the interactive map to locate a property and view ownership information. If you have questions or concerns, contact the office at 409.935.1980 or [email protected].

Galveston County Central Appraisal District
9850 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite A101
Texas City, Texas 77591

The Galveston County Tax Assessor Collector maintains all tax records including property taxes. Researchers may use the property tax search by inputting an owner’s name or property address. If using the owner’s name, the last name must be inputted first.

Once the owner or property is located, click on the account number to view the property tax information, including:

• Address
• Legal description
• Current tax levy
• Total amount due
• Last payment received
• Market value
• Land value
• Capped value
• Exemptions

For additional information concerning property taxes, contact the Tax Assessor’s Office at 409.766.2260.

Galveston County Tax Assessor-Collector
722 Moody Ave, 21st St.
Galveston, TX 77550

Using Galveston County Public Records Ethically & Understanding Citizens’ Rights

It is imperative that public records and information obtained through them are maintained in ethical and responsible ways. Because of Texas’ Open Records Law, anyone can obtain public records maintained by a government agency. This means Texas public records are generally just a request away.

However, this does not give anyone the right to use the records for illegal or unlawful reasons.

Anyone can check public records for personal use when learning about a family member or new date. Furthermore, you do not need their consent to look them up. However, you must be careful in how you use the information, as it may end up in the hands of someone who could steal their identity, stalk them, etc.

The professional use of public records must adhere to state and federal laws. For example, the Fair Credit Reporting Act imposes upon employers who request criminal background checks to get an applicant’s written consent.²³ They must also give the applicant written notice if they plan to screen the applicant based on the contents of the report.

Furthermore, they must notify the applicant if they make a final decision not to consider the applicant based on the background check report. If you believe a violation of this law has been committed, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.²⁴

Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) prevents employers from discriminating against potential employees based on their credit, criminal record, or membership in a protected class. It also allows you to dispute or file a claim against anyone you feel has discriminated against you.

The Texas Workforce Commission is the body that governs proper business practices in Texas. They can help with resources for those in need. They have an entire page dedicated to laws and practices that any Texas business owner needs to know regarding background checks and so much more.

By using this resource and the guidance it offers, anyone can learn how to obtain free Galveston public records through county and city agencies in an efficient and responsible way; citizens can also utilize the Texas public information lookup tutorial for links to statewide record repositories.