Howard County, Texas Court Records
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Howard County's multi-tiered court system is anchored in Big Spring, the county seat. The courts operating at this level produce a continuous body of records covering felony prosecutions, civil disputes, family law proceedings, probate matters, and misdemeanor cases. Whether you need to verify a judgment, locate a divorce decree, research a property lien, or confirm a criminal case outcome, those documents are held by specific offices with defined access procedures. Knowing which clerk maintains which records — and what fees and identification requirements apply — makes the difference between a productive search and a wasted trip.
Texas court records are maintained at the county level, and access policies vary by record type. For a broad overview of how Texas courts are organized, TexasStateCourts.us can help you understand the state's court structure and identify which courts handle particular case types. Official records can also be researched through clerk's offices, in-person courthouse visits, public-access terminals, and county-maintained online case portals.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Howard County?
Howard County provides two primary online portals for searching court records. The Odyssey Public Access system handles judicial and jail records for the District Court, letting you search civil case records, court calendars, and jail and bond information. For records held by the County Clerk — including probate filings, real property instruments, and vital records — the Howard County Clerk Self-Service website allows online searches and document purchases.
For in-person or mail requests, records are split between two offices:
Howard County District Clerk
Address: 118th District Court Building, 312 Scurry Street, Big Spring, TX 79720
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 528, Big Spring, TX 79721
Phone: (432) 264-2225
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Howard County Clerk
Address: 300 S. Main Street, Room 104, Big Spring, TX 79720
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1468, Big Spring, TX 79721
Phone: (432) 264-2213 | Fax: (432) 264-2215
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Both offices require a $5.00 per name search fee for civil, family, criminal, and probate record searches, paid in cash or money order before the search is conducted. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for search fees.
Are Court Records Public in Howard County?
Under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552, most government records are presumptively available to the public. Texas courts also follow Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, which specifically covers public access to judicial records. As a general rule, case filings in civil, family, and criminal courts are open to inspection and copying unless a specific statute, court order, or rule exempts them from disclosure.
The following categories of records are commonly restricted or require redaction before release:
- Juvenile delinquency and child protective records
- Adoption case files
- Sealed or expunged criminal records (governed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55)
- Mental health commitment records
- Family violence protective order applications in some circumstances
- Confidential law enforcement investigatory records
- Medical records contained within court filings
- Personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers) subject to mandatory redaction
When a record contains both public and confidential information, clerks must redact the restricted portions and release the remainder. Any request denied in whole or in part must cite the specific legal authority for withholding. For guidance on making open records requests in Texas, the Texas Attorney General's Public Information Act Handbook is the authoritative reference.
Howard County Criminal Court Records
The 118th District Court, sitting in Big Spring, handles all felony-level criminal cases in Howard County under the jurisdiction defined by Texas Government Code § 24.220. That jurisdiction extends to Howard, Martin, and Glasscock Counties. Felony indictments, arraignments, guilty pleas, jury trials, sentencing records, and appellate transfer documents are all filed with the District Clerk and indexed by defendant name and case number.
To search criminal case records, visit the District Clerk's office in person or submit a written mail request. The $5.00 per-name search fee applies. One important note: the Odyssey Public Access portal currently excludes criminal case records from its online search — criminal record searches must be handled directly with the District Clerk's office. For expunction requests (sealing of arrest records), the District Clerk's office maintains a list of local agencies that must be notified as part of the expunction process.
For jail and bond records, the Odyssey Public Access system does include inmate search and jail bond records. Howard County's jail is administered by the Sheriff's Office:
Howard County Sheriff's Office
Address: 300 Main Street, Big Spring, TX 79720 (P.O. Box 1149, Big Spring, TX 79721)
Phone: (432) 264-2244
For statewide criminal history checks, the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division handles name-based and fingerprint-based background checks. The County Clerk's office directs criminal history inquiries to the DPS at (512) 424-5079. The fee for a fingerprint-based record check through DPS is $15.00, with an additional fee when using the FAST fingerprinting service.
Howard County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Howard County are divided between the 118th District Court and the Howard County Court, depending on the dollar amount at issue and the nature of the claim. The District Court handles large-scale civil litigation — contract disputes, personal injury claims, and real property matters. The Howard County Court functions as a constitutional county court with concurrent jurisdiction in many civil matters.
Howard County Court
Address: 300 Main Street, Room 211, Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2226
Howard County Magistrate Court
Address: 300 Main Street, Room 211, Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2226 | Fax: (432) 264-2227
For smaller claims, Howard County has Justice of the Peace courts in each precinct. JP courts in Texas handle civil cases with claims up to $20,000 and serve as the first tier for eviction (forcible detainer) proceedings.
To search civil records online, the Odyssey Public Access system supports civil case record searches for the District Court, including case filings, docket entries, and scheduled hearing dates. In-person searches at the District Clerk's office require the $5.00 per-name fee, payable in cash or money order.
For e-filing civil cases in District Court, attorneys and authorized filers may use the E-File Texas portal. Pro se litigants can find procedural guidance at Texas Court Help and Texas Law Help, both of which offer free, plain-language explanations of civil court procedures without constituting legal advice.
The Big Spring Municipal Court handles civil traffic-related matters and Class C misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits, with maximum fines capped at $500.00 plus court costs for most violations.
Big Spring Municipal Court
Address: 300 S. Main Street, 3rd Floor, Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2530
Judge: Mandy Haynes
Howard County Family Court Records
Family law matters — including divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption proceedings — are filed in the 118th District Court and maintained by the District Clerk's office. The District Clerk indexes family cases under the civil/family search category. If you're searching for divorce decrees, custody orders, or child support modification records, you'll need to submit the $5.00 per-name fee before a search is initiated.
Divorce records in Howard County can be located through two channels. The District Clerk holds the actual case file — including the original petition, agreed orders, final decree, and any post-decree modifications. At the state level, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit maintains indexes of divorce certificates filed with the state. DSHS issues verification letters confirming whether a divorce was recorded; the fee for a divorce certificate verification is $15.00. You can order records online through the Texas Vital Records application.
Marriage licenses in Howard County are issued by the County Clerk's office. Current fees are:
| Marriage License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard License | $85.00 |
| With Twogether in Texas Certificate | $21.00 |
| Certified Copy of Marriage License | $21.00 |
Couples seeking the reduced-fee license must complete a qualifying marriage education program. The Twogether in Texas website lists approved providers by ZIP code, city, or county. A Marriage License Request Form is available on the County Clerk's website.
Birth and death certificates are issued by the County Clerk's office, which acts as the local custodian of vital records. Fees and payment requirements are:
| Record Type | Fee | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate (certified copy) | $23.00 | Cash or money order only |
| Death Certificate (first copy) | $21.00 | Cash or money order only |
| Death Certificate (each additional copy) | $4.00 | Cash or money order only |
A Birth and Death Request Form is available on the County Clerk's website. Birth and death records are confidential under Texas law; certified copies are restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and other authorized persons.
For protective orders and domestic violence matters, filings are made through the District Court. Legal self-help resources for protective order procedures are available at Texas Law Help. The Texas OAG Child Support Division handles enforcement and modification of child support orders, providing services separate from the court filing process.
Howard County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Howard County sits with the Howard County Court, presided over by County Judge Randy Johnson. Probate filings — including original wills, applications for administration of estates, guardianship petitions, and trust matters — are filed with and maintained by the County Clerk's office. The County Judge also handles mental health commitment proceedings and other statutory matters assigned to constitutional county courts under Texas law.
Probate record searches through the County Clerk's office carry the same $5.00 per-name fee as other record searches. You can also search online through two systems:
- The Howard County Clerk Self-Service website lets you search the Clerk's official records database, pay for copies, and print documents. For certified copies, contact the office directly by phone at (432) 264-2213 for payment and delivery instructions.
- TexasFile provides online access to Howard County Clerk records — including probate and deed instruments — for registered users.
Probate proceedings involving real property require that any transfers be recorded with the County Clerk. Recording fees for instruments filed with the Clerk are:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First page of any instrument | $25.00 |
| Each additional page | $4.00 |
| Each name in excess of five (per name) | $0.25 |
The County Clerk's office does not conduct real property searches directly. For property ownership information and appraisal records, the Howard Central Appraisal District — located at 315 Main Street, Suite D, Big Spring, TX 79721, Phone: (432) 264-2232 — supports searches by owner name, address, and property ID and is a useful resource for verifying property interests in estate matters. Appeals from probate rulings in the County Court go to the Eleventh Court of Appeals, which serves Howard County.