Bowie County Court Records Search
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Bowie County occupies the northeastern corner of Texas, sharing a border with Arkansas along the state line in Texarkana. The county seat is New Boston, where the Bowie County Courthouse at 710 James Bowie Drive houses the District Courts, the Constitutional County Court, and the County Court at Law. The county also operates six Justice of the Peace precincts spread across its geography and several Municipal Courts. Court records produced across these tribunals cover criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law proceedings, probate and guardianship matters, and traffic cases.
Individuals looking for Bowie County court records can begin with the resources maintained by the state judiciary. The Texas court system, accessible through TexasStateCourts.us, provides statewide information on court structure, rules, and legal forms. Locally, the District Clerk’s office and the County Clerk’s office each maintain distinct categories of records. The District Clerk handles filings for the District Courts and the County Court at Law, while the County Clerk manages probate, vital records, and real property recordings. Both offices accept in-person visits, written requests, and some inquiries by phone. An online case search portal, administered through the Tyler Technologies Odyssey system, also provides remote access to docket information for civil, criminal, and family cases.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Bowie County?
Several methods are available for locating case information in Bowie County.
Online Case Search
The Bowie County Case Records Search is hosted on the Tyler Technologies Odyssey Public Access platform. The portal allows the public to search by selecting a case category:
- Civil and Family Case Records
- Criminal Case Records
- Court Calendar
Within each category, users can enter a party’s name, a case number, or a date range. The system returns docket information, parties’ names, case status, and hearing dates. According to the District Clerk’s office, the portal does not permit viewing of scanned documents. To obtain actual copies of pleadings, orders, or judgments, a request must be made directly to the clerk.
In-Person Search
The District Clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Bowie County Courthouse. Visitors can inspect case files and request copies during business hours. The miscellaneous fee schedule lists a record search fee of $5.00 per name. Printed copies cost $1.00 per page, electronic copies are $1.00 for up to ten pages and $0.10 per additional page, and a certified copy carries a $5.00 certification fee per document.
Bowie County District Clerk
710 James Bowie Drive
New Boston, TX 75570
Phone: (903) 628-6750 or (903) 628-6766
Fax: (903) 628-6761
Bowie County Clerk
710 James Bowie Drive
New Boston, TX 75570
Phone: (903) 628-6740
Fax: (903) 628-6729
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00–1:00 p.m.)
Mail Requests
Written requests for records can be mailed to either clerk’s office at the courthouse address. Include the full names of the parties, the case number (if known), the type of document sought, and a check or money order covering the applicable fees. The District Clerk’s office accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for in-person transactions, with a convenience fee of $2.00 minimum or 2.9% of the total.
Are Court Records Public in Bowie County?
Court records in Bowie County are presumed open to the public under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act, codified in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, establishes that information collected or maintained by a governmental body is available for public inspection unless a specific statutory exception applies. Access to judicial records specifically is governed by Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, which provides that judicial records are open to the general public for inspection and copying unless otherwise restricted.
Records generally open to the public include:
- Civil case filings, pleadings, motions, and judgments
- Criminal case docket sheets, indictments, and dispositions
- Probate filings, including wills admitted to probate and estate inventories
- Family law filings, except where specific protective orders apply
Records that may be restricted or sealed:
- Juvenile case records, which are confidential under Texas Family Code Chapter 58
- Adoption records sealed under Texas Family Code § 162.006
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records placed under a court-ordered seal or protective order
- Documents revealing trade secrets, the identity of confidential informants, or the identity of sexual assault victims (Government Code § 552.101 et seq.)
- Cases involving Child Protective Services (CPS) are often subject to confidentiality rules
Sensitive personal identifiers, including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth of minors, may be redacted from otherwise public documents under Rule 12 and applicable statutes. The Texas Supreme Court retains authority to determine what court records remain accessible and under what conditions sealing is appropriate.
Bowie County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Bowie County are distributed across three District Courts and the County Court at Law based on the severity of the offense.
Courts handling criminal matters:
| Court | Jurisdiction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5th District Court | Felonies, lesser-included offenses, certain misdemeanors | 710 James Bowie Dr, New Boston, TX 75570 |
| 102nd District Court | Felonies, lesser-included offenses, certain misdemeanors | 710 James Bowie Dr, New Boston, TX 75570 |
| 202nd District Court | Felonies, lesser-included offenses, certain misdemeanors | 710 James Bowie Dr, New Boston, TX 75570 |
| County Court at Law | Class A and B misdemeanors, appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts | 710 James Bowie Dr, New Boston, TX 75570 |
All courts share the District Clerk phone line at (903) 628-6750. The General Sessions and Municipal Courts also handle traffic citations and ordinance violations at their respective locations.
Searching criminal case records. The Bowie County Case Records Search portal offers a “Criminal Case Records” search option. Users can look up cases by defendant name, case number, or filing date. Results display the case number, charges, court assignment, and status. The portal does not provide document viewing, so copies must be requested through the District Clerk.
Criminal history records through DPS. Statewide criminal history information is maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The DPS operates a Criminal History Name Search that covers convictions for Class B misdemeanors and above. To use the system, a person must register and provide their name and date of birth. Each search costs $3.00, plus a 2.25% processing fee per credit. For records not available online, the DPS can be reached at (512) 424-2474.
Bowie County Sheriff’s Office. Arrest records and booking information may be requested through the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office, located at 100 North State Line Avenue, Texarkana, TX. The Sheriff can be reached at (903) 798-3149 (fax: (903) 792-0959). The office also provides an online inmate search tool accessible from its webpage.
Expungement. A petition for expunction filed with the District Clerk carries a base filing fee of $350.00. Each agency notification sent by mail incurs an additional $25.00 charge, as detailed in the District Court civil filing fee schedule effective January 1, 2026. Orders of non-disclosure filed under Government Code § 411.072 cost $28.00.
Bowie County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Bowie County is handled at multiple levels depending on the amount in controversy and the subject matter of the dispute.
District Courts. The 5th, 102nd, and 202nd District Courts handle civil lawsuits involving claims exceeding the jurisdictional minimum of other courts, including personal injury, breach of contract, land disputes, election contests, slander, and defamation cases. Civil docket calls are typically scheduled throughout the week, with the calendar published on the District Clerk’s website.
County Court at Law. The Bowie County Court at Law has civil jurisdiction concurrent with the District Courts in some matters, as defined by the Texas Legislature. The County Court at Law’s civil docket includes a broad range of cases and is heard at the Bowie County Courthouse. Phone: (903) 628-6781
Justice Courts. Six Justice of the Peace precincts handle small claims, forcible entry and detainer (eviction) actions, and civil matters within their monetary jurisdiction. Locations include:
- Precinct 1, Place 1 — 100 N State Line Ave, #13, Texarkana, TX 75501 — (903) 798-3006
- Precinct 1, Place 2 — 100 N State Line Ave, #14, Texarkana, TX 75501 — (903) 798-3038
- Precinct 2 — 710 James Bowie Dr, New Boston, TX 75570 — (903) 628-6812
- Precinct 3 — 902 W Front St, De Kalb, TX 75559 — (903) 667-3891
- Precinct 4 — 4844 US Hwy 67 W, Simms, TX 75574 — (903) 543-2279
- Precinct 5 — 508 Broadway, P.O. Box 189, Maud, TX 75567 — (903) 585-5428
Civil Filing Fees (District Court and County Court at Law, effective January 1, 2026):
| Filing Type | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil or family case (all cases) | $350.00 |
| Action within existing civil/family case (counterclaim, cross-action, intervention, contempt, motion for new trial, etc.) | $80.00 |
| Action within existing SAPCR (modification, enforcement, contempt, etc.) | $80.00 |
| Motion to transfer into county | $80.00 |
| Protective order (respondent pays) | Base fee + $16.00 issuance |
| Workman’s compensation (base + forms to Austin) | $360.00 |
| Writ of habeas corpus (civil) with bond | $355.00 |
Issuance fees for citations, abstracts of judgment, subpoenas, and other process are $8.00 each, except for writs of withholding termination ($15.00). Service by the Bowie County Sheriff costs $100.00 for citations and subpoenas, or $125.00 for writs of attachment, garnishment, possession, and similar writs.
Property records. Real property records, including deeds, liens, and plats, are recorded and maintained by the County Clerk. The Bowie County Clerk Self-Service portal provides online searches for real property filings and marriage records. The Bowie Central Appraisal District maintains property valuations and ownership data, and its search portal can be used to find property addresses, owner names, and account numbers. The appraisal district office is at 122A Plaza West, Texarkana, TX 75501 — Phone: (903) 793-8936
Bowie County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Bowie County are adjudicated by the District Courts, which handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, paternity, and suits affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR). The County Court at Law also hears CPS docket cases and juvenile matters.
Divorce and dissolution records. Divorce decrees and related filings are maintained by the District Clerk. Interested parties can search for dissolution-of-marriage cases through the online case records portal by selecting “Civil, Family Case Records” and entering a party’s name. Only basic docket information is available online; to obtain copies of the decree, the Marital Settlement Agreement, or other documents, contact the District Clerk’s office at (903) 628-6750. Copies are $1.00 per page, plus $5.00 for certification if needed.
Child custody and protective orders. Custody records, protective orders, and CPS case files often carry confidentiality restrictions. Social Security numbers, names of minor children, and other sensitive details may be redacted from publicly released documents. Access to unredacted records is typically limited to the parties, their attorneys, and individuals with a court-approved legitimate interest, such as grandparents in custody disputes.
Marriage records. Marriage licenses and certified copies of marriage records are issued by the County Clerk. A certified copy of a marriage license costs $7.00; uncertified copies are $1.00 per page. The County Clerk’s self-service website allows searches of marriage records from May 15, 1971, to the present. The office accepts cash, checks, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. Debit and credit cards are accepted until 4:00 p.m. Marriage and vital records are issued from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Birth and death certificates. The County Clerk issues certified copies of birth and death certificates. Fees are $23.00 per birth certificate and $21.00 for the first death certificate ($4.00 for each additional copy). Applicants must complete an Application for Certified Copy of Birth or Death Certificate and present a valid government-issued photo ID. Only immediate family members (self, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or legal guardian) may obtain birth certificates. Mail requests must include a notarized proof-of-identification affidavit and a photocopy of a valid photo ID, along with payment sent to: Bowie County Clerk, 710 James Bowie Drive, New Boston, TX 75570. Applications without the sworn statement and photo ID will not be processed.
Bowie County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Bowie County is shared between the Constitutional County Court and the County Court at Law, with the County Clerk serving as the statutory probate clerk. The County Court at Law holds regular probate docket calls, typically on Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons via Zoom, as reflected in the District Clerk’s published court calendar.
Types of probate matters handled:
- Wills admitted to probate (Letters Testamentary and Letters of Administration)
- Muniment of title proceedings
- Determination of heirship
- Small estate affidavits and applications to open safe deposit boxes
- Guardianships (both for minors under 12 and for adults over 12)
- Conservatorships
- Applications for sale of real or personal property belonging to an estate
Probate Filing Fees
The Bowie County Probate Fees schedule sets out the following totals:
| Proceeding | Total Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary, Administration, or Guardianship (under 12 years) | $472.00 |
| Muniment of Title | $470.00 |
| Determination of Heirship | $478.00 (add $100 if citation by publication to newspaper) |
| Small Estate Affidavit / Open Safe Deposit Box | $362.00 |
| Guardianship (over 12 years) | $480.00 (add $100 if citation by personal service to Sheriff) |
| Adverse Action | $121.00 (add $108 if citation by posting required) |
| Inventory, Appraisement & List of Claims (after 90th day) | $27.00 |
| Final Account | $135.00 |
| Annual Accounting (Guardianship) | $27.00 |
| Annual/Final Report (Guardianship) | $12.00 |
| Application for Sale of Real Property | $135.00 |
| Application for Sale of Personal Property | $27.00 |
| Claim Against the Estate | $10.00 |
| Additional Letters (Testamentary, Administration, Guardianship) | $2.00 |
| Wills for Safekeeping | $16.00 |
Additional miscellaneous fees include $5.00 per name for a probate search, $1.00 per page for plain copies, $5.00 for a certification, and $7.00 for authentication (County Clerk’s signature and Judge’s signature, not including copies or certification). Documents exceeding 25 pages filed after the 120th day of the case or after the inventory approval order incur a $25.00 fee.
How to access probate records. The Bowie County Case Records Search portal includes probate case information, though document viewing is not available online. For copies of wills, letters, inventories, or court orders, visit or contact the County Clerk’s office:
Bowie County Clerk (Probate)
710 James Bowie Drive
New Boston, TX 75570
Phone: (903) 628-6740
Fax: (903) 628-6729
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00–1:00 p.m.)
Payment is accepted by cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. Pro se filers can find information and forms on the County Clerk’s probate and guardianship page, which includes links to pro se instructions, the probate fee schedule, and small estate affidavit forms.