Lubbock County Court Records Search
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Lubbock County, located in the South Plains region of West Texas and anchored by the city of Lubbock, is served by a multi-tiered court system that generates a substantial volume of legal records each year. From felony prosecutions in the district courts to probate filings handled by the County Clerk, understanding where and how to access these records is essential for attorneys, researchers, journalists, and members of the public. This guide walks through the practical steps for locating court records in Lubbock County, including the offices responsible for maintaining them, the fees involved, available online search tools, and any restrictions on public access.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lubbock County?
Residents of Texas can begin researching court case information through official state and county resources. The state judiciary maintains information at TexasStateCourts.us, which may help users locate publicly available case data across multiple courts. At the county level, Lubbock County provides several direct methods for looking up cases — through online portals, in-person visits to clerk offices, and public access terminals inside the courthouse.
Online Search Through the Lubbock County Public Access Portal
The primary online tool is the Lubbock County Public Access portal. This system allows attorneys, outside agencies, justice partners, and citizens to search unrestricted civil, family, and criminal court records maintained by both the District Clerk and the County Clerk, as well as Justice of the Peace records. To use this system:
- Visit https://publicrecords.lubbockcounty.gov/Portal and create a free registered user account.
- After submitting your registration, validate your email address within 3 days.
- Once logged in, search by party name, case number, or attorney name.
A registered account provides access to the case index, including general case details, party information, attorney assignments, and scheduling data. Document images are not available through the free registered account. Attorneys may request elevated access to view additional records.
re:SearchTX — Statewide Electronic Record Access
For cases filed electronically, the re:SearchTX platform provides another avenue for viewing filed documents. This system works in tandem with eFileTexas, the mandatory statewide electronic filing system. Once a document is filed and accepted through eFileTexas, it becomes visible in re:SearchTX based on user permissions. Attorneys should register with re:SearchTX, as the Lubbock County District Clerk’s Office no longer individually e-serves orders and notices under TRCP Rule 21(f)(10).
In-Person Access at the Courthouse
Public access computer terminals are available inside the Lubbock County Courthouse at 904 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401. These terminals allow users to search court records, view documents (including some that may be restricted from online viewing), and request copies from the custodian of record.
The two primary clerk offices are:
| Office | Location | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Clerk | 904 Broadway, Room 105, Lubbock, TX 79401 | (806) 775-1322 | dcarchives@lubbockcounty.gov |
| County Clerk | 904 Broadway, Room 207, Lubbock, TX 79401 | (806) 775-1076 | Countyclerk@lubbockcounty.gov |
For questions about online access, users may email onlineaccess@lubbockcounty.gov.
Are Court Records Public in Lubbock County?
Texas law establishes a strong presumption of public access to government records. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552), records held by government bodies — including court documents — are generally open to the public. This means that most filings, dockets, judgments, orders, and motions in Lubbock County courts can be inspected and copied by anyone.
There are, however, notable exceptions. Records submitted solely for in-camera review to determine discoverability are not accessible. Certain categories of records are sealed or restricted by statute or court order. These include:
- Juvenile case records
- Adoption records
- Documents filed under seal pursuant to a protective order
- Records subject to nondisclosure orders under Government Code Chapter 411
- Documents filed ex parte or in camera, which must be submitted over the counter rather than through e-filing
Birth and death certificates maintained by the state are classified as confidential under Texas law and may only be accessed by qualifying relatives or authorized individuals. For vital records inquiries, the Texas Department of State Health Services handles orders for birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage and divorce verification letters.
It is worth noting that the County Clerk’s office does not perform name-based searches for the existence of a case. As referenced in Attorney General Opinion WW-607 (1959), the County Clerk has no statutory duty to search records and guarantee their correctness. Searches authorized by statute are limited to Federal Tax Liens under Texas Property Code Section 14.004(d).
Lubbock County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Lubbock County are divided between two offices based on the severity of the offense. Felony cases are filed with the District Clerk, while misdemeanor criminal cases are maintained by the County Clerk. The four Justice of the Peace courts also maintain their own criminal records for Class C misdemeanor offenses.
Felony Records (District Clerk)
District court felony records can be searched through the Lubbock County Public Access portal or by contacting the District Clerk’s archives department at (806) 775-1322 or dcarchives@lubbockcounty.gov. When searching for felony cases through the e-filing system, the case number format is DC-2023-CR-XXXX (using hyphens). For magistrate cases, the format is PFF-2023-MAG-XXXX. Questions about locating a case number can be directed to (806) 775-1577 or (806) 775-1578.
Misdemeanor Records (County Clerk)
To obtain copies from a misdemeanor criminal case through the County Clerk:
- Contact the office at (806) 775-1046 with the case number and case name to verify copy costs.
- Submit your request by mail to: Lubbock County Clerk, 904 Broadway, Room 207, Lubbock, TX 79401. Include the case number and parties involved, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Pay by cashier’s check or money order payable to Lubbock County Clerk. No personal checks are accepted for criminal records.
- Copies cost $1.00 per page plus $5.00 for certification if requested.
For credit card payments, contact the office at (806) 775-1044 and submit payment through the online payment portal. Credit card transactions incur an additional vendor fee of $2.50 or 2.95%, whichever is greater. Requests received after 10:00 a.m. will be mailed the next business day.
Misdemeanor court cost and fine payments can also be made online through the same portal. Pursuant to Article 102.072 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, $2.00 from every payment transaction is applied toward an administrative fee.
Criminal History Through the Texas DPS
For broader criminal background information, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers two options:
- Fingerprint-based search: Schedule an appointment through IdentoGO/FAST or call (888) 467-2080. Fees are $10.00 for fingerprinting and $15.00 for processing.
- Name-based conviction search: Use the DPS Criminal History Conviction Name Search tool online. Results include convictions and deferred adjudications for Class B misdemeanors and above.
Sheriff’s Office Resources
The Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office maintains an active jail search tool where users can look up current inmates by name, booking number, or Sheriff’s Office number. A downloadable jail roster is also available in PDF and Excel formats on the county website.
Lubbock County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Lubbock County are handled by district courts (for matters involving larger sums or general jurisdiction disputes) and the three County Courts at Law (for cases exceeding $200 but not more than $200,000). The District Clerk serves as custodian for district court civil files, while the County Clerk’s civil division maintains records for cases filed in the County Courts at Law.
District Court Civil Filing Fees
Based on the District Clerk’s published fee schedule:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Civil Suit | $377.00 |
| Expunction | $350.00 |
| Nondisclosure | $350.00 |
| Subsequent Civil Filing | $80.00 |
| New/Transferred-In Civil Suit | $377.00 |
| District Clerk Issuance (citation, subpoena, etc.) | $8.00 |
| Paper Copies | $1.00/page |
| Digital/Electronic Copies | $0.10/page (minimum $1.00) |
| Certified Copy (additional) | $5.00 |
The District Clerk’s Office does not accept personal checks over $30.00. Accepted payment methods include cash, credit card, cashier’s check, and money order.
Requesting County Court Civil Records
To request copies of civil case records from the County Clerk:
- Call (806) 775-1048 with the case number to verify copy costs.
- Mail your request to: Lubbock County Clerk, P.O. Box 10536, Lubbock, TX 79408-3536.
- Include payment of $1.00 per page plus $5.00 for certification if needed. Personal checks are accepted under $30.00 with a copy of the writer’s driver’s license and a phone number.
- Alternatively, request copies online and pay by credit card. The vendor charges $2.50 or 2.95% (whichever is greater) on credit card transactions.
Civil case files are public records. Walk-in visitors may obtain copies at the County Clerk’s office during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Electronic Filing
Since July 1, 2014, all civil documents must be filed electronically through an approved service provider at eFileTexas.gov. Self-represented (pro se) parties may still file paper documents at the District Clerk’s Office in person. Civil case numbers follow the format DC-2023-CV-XXXX (using hyphens). For questions about e-filing, contact (806) 775-1577 or email agongora@lubbockcounty.gov.
District Clerk forms for civil, family, criminal, and miscellaneous matters are available on the county website.
Lubbock County Family Court Records
Lubbock County does not have a dedicated family court. Family law matters — including divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, protective orders, and suits affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR) — are heard in both the district courts and the County Courts at Law. Regardless of which court hears the case, all divorce and family law files are maintained by the District Clerk’s Office, not the County Clerk.
Accessing Family Court Records
Family case records can be searched through the Lubbock County Public Access portal using the party name or case number. For e-filed family cases, the case number format is DC-2023-FM-XXXX. To request copies of family law records, contact the District Clerk’s archives department at (806) 775-1322 or dcarchives@lubbockcounty.gov.
Family Law Filing Fees (District Clerk)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Family Suit | $392.00 |
| Divorce (No Children) | $377.00 |
| Adoption/Adoption with Termination | $365.00 |
| Adult Adoption | $350.00 |
| Application for Protective Order | $350.00 (paid by respondent) |
| Name Change | $350.00 |
| Suit for Writ of Habeas Corpus (Child) | $392.00 |
| New/Transferred-In (Non-SAPCR) | $392.00 |
| New/Transferred-In (SAPCR) | $45.00 |
| SAPCR Subsequent Actions (modification, enforcement) | $30.00 |
| SAPCR Subsequent Actions (contempt, license suspension, etc.) | $15.00 |
| Subsequent Family Filing (Non-SAPCR) | $80.00 |
Marriage and Divorce Verification
For marriage licenses, contact the County Clerk’s marriage license division at (806) 775-1054. The Texas Department of State Health Services issues marriage and divorce verification letters for marriages that occurred in Texas since 1966. Requesters will need to provide a valid driver’s license and marriage date information.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders
Applications for protective orders are filed through the District Clerk and carry a $350.00 filing fee, which is paid entirely by the respondent. These cases may be restricted from public online access depending on the circumstances and any court-ordered sealing provisions.
Lubbock County Probate Court Records
The County Court in Lubbock County exercises general jurisdiction over probate and guardianship matters. This includes probating wills, granting letters testamentary, appointing administrators and guardians, settling accounts of personal representatives, and handling all business related to estates subject to administration. The County Court also provides resources such as the Annual Account for Guardianship of the Estate form, the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims form, and the Guardianship Bill of Rights.
Original wills must be filed with the County Clerk within 3 business days after a probate application is filed. Citations are issued only after the original will has been deposited with the clerk’s office.
Requesting Probate Record Copies
The County Clerk’s office does not perform probate searches and will not search for cases by name. To obtain copies:
- Call (806) 775-1047 with the case number and case name to verify costs.
- Submit your request by mail to: Lubbock County Clerk, 904 Broadway, Room 207, Lubbock, TX 79401. Include case number, case name, and payment.
- Copy fees are $1.00 per page with an additional $5.00 for certification.
- Pay by cashier’s check or money order payable to Lubbock County Clerk. Personal checks under $30.00 are accepted with a copy of the writer’s driver’s license and a contact phone number. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
For credit card payment, contact the same number and submit through the online payment portal (use the Civil tab on the payment screen). Enter case numbers without commas. Credit card transactions carry an added vendor fee of $2.50 or 2.95%, whichever is greater. Requests received after 10:00 a.m. are mailed the next business day.
Probate and guardianship case files are public records. Individuals may visit the County Clerk’s office during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to review files and obtain copies in person. For additional guidance, the county provides a Probate Frequently Asked Questions document explaining basic requirements under the Texas Estates Code. Those who need legal advice about probate matters may contact the State Bar of Texas Legal Referral Service at (800) 252-9690 or 1-877-9TEXBAR.