Collin County Court Records Search
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Collin County, situated in the rapidly growing northern suburbs of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex with its county seat in McKinney, operates one of the larger court systems in Texas. The county’s judicial infrastructure includes 13 district courts, six county courts at law, a dedicated statutory probate court, four justice of the peace precincts, and numerous municipal courts serving cities such as Plano, Frisco, Allen, and McKinney. Court records from these tribunals are maintained by two primary custodians: the Collin County District Clerk’s Office (for district court civil, family, and felony criminal matters) and the Collin County Clerk’s Office (for county court at law cases, misdemeanor criminal matters, probate filings, and recorded documents).
For those seeking Texas court records, several pathways exist beyond contacting a local clerk’s office. The TexasStateCourts.us website offers statewide court information and links to search tools maintained by the Office of Court Administration. Collin County also provides its own free online judicial search applications, public access terminals at courthouse locations, and mail-based record request procedures. The statewide re:SearchTX portal aggregates case data from district, county, and probate courts across Texas, offering another avenue for locating Collin County records remotely.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Collin County?
Collin County offers robust online tools and in-person access options for searching court case records.
Online Search Tools
- Online Judicial Search — The Online Judicial Search is Collin County’s primary all-in-one tool. It allows users to search court cases across all case types (traffic, criminal, civil, family, probate), look up current inmates and mugshots, check bond amounts, and review active warrants. The system is mobile-friendly and updated around the clock.
- Case Search — The Case Search feature provides a unified search interface covering active cases in all Collin County courts and historical records dating back to 1984 for civil and justice court cases, 1988 for district court criminal cases, and 2000 for county court at law criminal cases. Case data is updated daily at 6:00 p.m.
- Case Record Inquiry — The Case Record Inquiry system provides real-time case data but requires users to select a single case type before searching. This portal also includes defendant mugshots when available for criminal cases.
- re:SearchTX — The re:SearchTX platform lets users search civil case records from Texas district and county courts statewide, including Collin County. A free subscription covers basic searches; full document access may require a paid tier.
- Official Public Records Search — The Collin County Official Records Search portal covers recorded documents such as property deeds, liens, and plats. Searches can be conducted by name, instrument number, or volume/page.
In-Person Access
Both the District Clerk and County Court at Law Clerk offices are located at the Collin County Courthouse complex in McKinney. Visitors may search records on public access terminals or request copies from staff during business hours.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Clerk | 2100 Bloomdale Rd., McKinney, TX 75071 | (972) 548-4320 | Mon.–Fri., 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| County Court at Law Clerks (Civil) | 2100 Bloomdale Rd., Suite 12165, McKinney, TX 75071 | (972) 548-6423 | Mon.–Fri., 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| County Court at Law Clerks (Criminal) | 2100 Bloomdale Rd., Suite 12165, McKinney, TX 75071 | (972) 548-6420 | Mon.–Fri., 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| County Clerk (Main) | 2300 Bloomdale Rd., Suite 2106, McKinney, TX 75071 | (972) 548-4185 | Mon.–Fri., 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
Requesting Records by Mail
Both offices accept written record requests. When requesting by mail, provide the individual’s complete name and date of birth, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the search fee. The District Clerk also provides a downloadable Record Request Form. The County Court at Law Clerk’s office offers an online records request form for misdemeanor and county-level civil records.
Copy and Search Fees
- Record search: $5.00 per search (both District Clerk and County Court at Law Clerk offices)
- Non-certified paper copy: $1.00 per page
- Non-certified electronic copy: $1.00 for the first 10 pages
- Certified copy: $5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page
Payment may be made by check, money order, or cash. Neither office provides record searches by phone. Searches are typically processed within one to two business days of receipt.
Historical Case Searches
Online databases have the following coverage limits. Records outside these ranges require a manual search, in person or by mail, using the Record Request Form:
- District Court criminal: 1988 to present (pre-1988 requires manual search)
- County Court at Law criminal: 2000 to present (pre-2000 requires manual search)
- Civil cases (District and County Court at Law): 1984 to present (pre-1984 requires manual search)
- Justice Court cases: 1984 to present
Are Court Records Public in Collin County?
Court records in Collin County are generally open to public inspection under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), codified in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. Any person may request existing records without stating a reason.
Several categories of records are restricted or exempt from public disclosure:
- Sealed records — Courts may seal files by order; access requires judicial authorization.
- Juvenile records — Proceedings involving minors under Title 3 of the Texas Family Code are confidential.
- Adoption records — All filings related to adoption proceedings are sealed.
- Mental health evaluations — Emergency mental health evaluation records and involuntary commitment proceedings are restricted.
- Guardianship records terminating parental rights — Certain documents within these proceedings may be confidential.
- Income tax returns and certain financial statements — When filed as exhibits or attachments, these may be withheld from public access.
- Certain marriage license information — Specific identifying details may be restricted.
- Expunged and nondisclosed records — Criminal records subject to expunction or an order of nondisclosure are removed from public access.
Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration further exempts internal court materials, including judicial deliberation notes, security strategies, and personal information about judicial personnel.
Before releasing documents, clerks may redact Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other personally identifiable information consistent with applicable Texas statutes. Administrative fees for copying and retrieval apply to all requests.
Collin County Criminal Court Records
Criminal prosecutions in Collin County are divided between the district courts (felony cases) and the county courts at law (Class A and Class B misdemeanors). Class C misdemeanor offenses are handled by the justice of the peace courts and municipal courts.
Record Custodians
Felony case records — including indictments, plea agreements, judgments, and sentencing orders — are maintained by the Collin County District Clerk. Misdemeanor case records are held by the County Court at Law Clerks division of the Collin County Clerk’s Office.
Searching Criminal Records Online
The Online Judicial Search tool provides a consolidated search across all criminal case types, active warrants, and inmate records. Searches can be conducted by name, case number, SID, or traffic citation number. Results display party names, court location, charge information, financial obligations, and court orders.
The Case Record Inquiry portal provides real-time data and includes mugshots where available for criminal defendants.
In-Person and Mail Requests
For felony records, contact or visit the District Clerk’s Office. For misdemeanor records, contact the County Court at Law Clerks office. Both offices charge $5.00 per search and $1.00 per page for copies.
Collin County Sheriff’s Office Open Records
The Collin County Sheriff’s Office processes open records requests for law enforcement records such as offense reports, mugshots, and dispatch logs. The Sheriff’s Office does not release court records — those must be obtained from the appropriate clerk’s office.
Requests may be submitted through the Sheriff’s online open records portal or by mail to:
Collin County Sheriff’s Office
ATTN: Open Records
4300 Community Avenue
McKinney, TX 75071
Phone: (972) 547-5199
Common Sheriff’s Office records fees:
- Offense report: $5.00
- Inmate mugshot photo: $5.00
- Dispatch incident log: $3.00
- Accident report: $6.00
A $5.00 search fee applies when the offense number, call number, or jailing date is not provided. The lobby is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with payments accepted until 4:30 p.m.
Statewide Criminal History
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains the state’s centralized criminal records repository. A public name-based search is available online for $3.00. Fingerprint-based personal reviews require scheduling through IDEMIA’s FAST system by calling (888) 467-2080 or visiting a FAST enrollment location. The fingerprinting fee is $10.00 and the criminal history access fee is $15.00. Applicants must use Texas Fingerprint Service Code 11FT12 and present valid identification.
Collin County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Collin County is distributed among the district courts (cases exceeding $200 in controversy), the county courts at law (civil jurisdiction from $500 to $325,000), and the justice of the peace courts (small claims, evictions, and debt cases within their monetary limits).
Record Custodians
District court civil records are maintained by the District Clerk’s Office. County court at law civil records are held by the County Court at Law Clerks. Justice of the peace records are maintained at each precinct location.
Online Access
Civil cases can be searched through the Case Search application, which covers active and historical civil cases from 1984 to the present in both district and county courts at law. The Case Record Inquiry system provides real-time civil case data. For recorded documents such as deeds, liens, and abstracts of judgment, the Collin County Official Records Search portal is available.
Filing Fees
Civil filing fees in Texas district courts include mandatory statewide components. Per the Texas Office of Court Administration’s fee schedule, the base fees for a new civil case (excluding probate, guardianship, and mental health) are:
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Local Consolidated Civil Fee (new case) | $213.00 |
| State Consolidated Civil Fee (new case) | $137.00 |
| Combined minimum base | $350.00 |
| Subsequent filing (local + state) | $80.00 |
| Jury demand fee | $10.00 |
Actual total fees in Collin County may include additional local optional components. Contact the District Clerk at (972) 548-4320 or the County Court at Law Clerks at (972) 548-6423 for a precise fee estimate before filing.
E-Filing Requirement
The Texas Supreme Court requires all civil, family, and probate cases to be filed electronically through eFileTexas. Criminal e-filing is also mandatory for attorneys in Collin County’s statutory county courts. The District Clerk offers a Guide and File program that allows self-represented individuals to create certain legal forms using step-by-step templates for electronic submission.
Copy and Search Fees
Non-certified copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page. Property record searches through the County Clerk’s deed search portal cost $10.00 per search, with copies at $1.00 per page.
Collin County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Collin County — including divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, domestic violence protective orders, paternity, and spousal support — are adjudicated by the district courts. All family case filings are processed through the Collin County District Clerk’s Office.
Searching Family Court Records
Family case information is available through the Online Judicial Search and Case Search applications. The Case Record Inquiry system also covers family cases with real-time data.
Requesting Family Court Records
Copies of family court records can be requested using the District Clerk’s Record Request Form. Each search costs $5.00. Mail requests must include the individual’s full name, date of birth, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment by check or money order. Records concerning felonies, family law, child support, divorce, and civil suits exceeding $325,000 are handled exclusively by the District Clerk — not the County Clerk’s office.
Restricted Family Records
Adoption records are sealed and inaccessible without a court order. Children-in-need-of-assistance cases and records involving Child Protective Services proceedings have confidentiality protections under the Texas Family Code. Certain guardianship records terminating parental rights may also be restricted.
Marriage Licenses and Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Collin County Clerk’s Office at both the McKinney and Plano locations. Both applicants must appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID and their Social Security number.
- Marriage license without a premarital education certificate: $80.00
- Marriage license with a Twogether in Texas certificate: $20.00
- Informal marriage license: $36.00
- Duplicate formal marriage license: $30.00
- Certified copy of marriage license: $6.00
No checks are accepted for license fees; credit and debit cards are accepted with a convenience fee. The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit issues verification letters for marriages and divorces statewide but does not issue certified copies of the license itself.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees are filed with the District Clerk upon finalization. Certified copies can be obtained from the District Clerk’s Office. The DSHS Vital Statistics Unit maintains Marriage and Divorce Indexes that can be searched by year.
Birth and Death Certificates
The Collin County Clerk issues certified copies of birth and death certificates. Online requests can be placed through the Collin County Vital Records portal. Applications are also available for in-person or mail submission using the DSHS Birth Certificate Application and Death Certificate Application forms. Fees are:
- Certified birth certificate: $23.00 per copy
- Additional birth certificate copies (same order): $4.00 each
- Certified death certificate: $21.00
Mail-in applicants must provide a notarized application, a photocopy of acceptable ID, and payment by check or money order. Only qualified individuals may obtain certified copies of vital records.
Collin County Probate Court Records
The Collin County Probate Court is a dedicated statutory probate court with exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters, including will probate, estate administration, guardianship proceedings, conservatorships, and involuntary mental health commitments. The Probate Court is located at the Collin County Courthouse, 2100 Bloomdale Rd., Suite 12360, McKinney, TX 75071, and can be reached at (972) 548-6463.
Record Custodian
Probate case records are maintained by the County Clerk’s probate division. In an effort to operate as a paperless office, all probate cases can be viewed on public computers in the Probate office. If a paper file review is necessary, appointments can be scheduled by calling (972) 548-6461.
Searching Probate Records
Probate docket information can be searched through the Case Search application (historical probate cases from 1984 to present) and the Case Record Inquiry system. The re:SearchTX portal also includes probate records from Collin County.
Probate Filing Fees
Probate filing fees in Collin County are governed by Section 118.052 of the Texas Local Government Code and related statutes. Based on the Collin County Proposed Fee Schedule and the County Clerk’s probate fee information, key fees include:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Base filing fee (new probate case, statutory probate court) | Approximately $400–$500 (includes all mandatory components) |
| Filing fee — pending probate action | $25.00 |
| Annual or final account of estate | $25.00 |
| Annual or final report of guardian (person) | $10.00 |
| Application for sale of real or personal property | $25.00 |
| Application for guardianship | $40.00 |
| Administering oath | $2.00 |
| Certified papers | $5.00 per document |
| Non-certified copies | $1.00 per page |
| Abstract of judgment | $8.00 |
The base probate filing fee includes numerous statutory components such as the clerk’s fee, judge’s signature fee, court records preservation, appellate judicial system fund, statewide e-filing system fee, security fee, records management, and other mandated charges.
E-Filing and Original Wills
All probate cases must be filed electronically through eFileTexas. However, original wills must be physically delivered to the Clerk’s Office within three days of e-filing the application for probate, per Rule 21(f)(12) of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. A hearing will not be scheduled until the original will is received.
Guardianship Requirements
All guardianship cases in Texas must be registered with the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC). Applicants must submit information to the JBCC guardianship registration system before a hearing can proceed. Guardianship of the estate cases exceeding $50,000 require applicants to submit fingerprints through Identogo. Additional information is available on the Probate Court’s Guardianship page.
Legal Representation
Texas Government Code Chapter 81 requires a licensed attorney to represent any person serving as administrator or executor of an estate. The Probate Court cannot appoint a person to these roles without attorney representation. Self-help legal resources are available through Texas Law Help and the Texas State Law Library.