District Clerk
The Tarrant County District Clerk manages important court records, filings, payments, and administrative services for District Courts handling civil, family, and felony criminal cases. This article explains the role of the District Clerk, the services available through the office, how to access court documents, submit filings, request copies, handle payments, and locate the correct division or office for different court matters.
District Clerk Office Role
The Tarrant County District Clerk is responsible for managing many business operations for the county’s District Courts. The office maintains records and manages court-related documents, money collected for court fees and fines, custodial accounts ordered by courts, bail bond forfeitures, and tax lawsuits.
The District Clerk supports courts that hear civil, family, and felony criminal cases. The office also serves as the Magistrate Clerk and performs related administrative duties. Court documents produced and maintained by the office include civil citations, criminal warrants, criminal judgments, sentences, and other official records.
Because the District Clerk maintains records for several types of court cases, users should identify the type of case involved before requesting information or contacting an office location. Civil, family, and criminal felony matters are handled through different divisions within the District Clerk’s Office.
Services Through the Office
The District Clerk provides several services for members of the public, attorneys, and other authorized users. Available services include court document access, copies, criminal background checks, collections and payments, web-based records access, and electronic filing information.
The office divides many services according to the type of court matter involved:
Civil and tax cases
Family law cases
Felony criminal cases
Choosing the correct service area helps users avoid delays caused by contacting the wrong division or requesting records from the wrong location.
Court Records Access
The District Clerk is the custodian of District Court records and maintains documents filed with the office. The District Clerk Court Document Lookup service allows members of the community to view and obtain copies of documents from civil, family, and criminal felony cases.
The document lookup service provides different options depending on how users access records. Self-service document lookup is available onsite without charge, while searches performed by a clerk include a records research fee. Advanced record searches are also available.
Users seeking court documents should have identifying case information available. A case number is required to obtain copies of court records. Without a case number, a records research fee applies.
Copy Requests
The District Clerk provides copies of court records maintained by the office. Copy costs depend on the type of copy requested and whether certification is needed.
Non-certified paper copies: $1 per page
Non-certified electronic copies: $1 for 1–10 pages, plus 10 cents per page for 11 or more pages
Certified paper copies: $1 per page plus a $5 certification/seal fee
Certified electronic copies: $1 for 1–10 pages, plus 10 cents per page for 11 or more pages, plus a $5 certification/seal fee
Requests may be made in person or mailed to the appropriate office. When mailing a request for certified copies, users should include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Requests for non-certified copies should include a valid email address.
The District Clerk does not accept personal checks for copy requests and does not provide FedEx shipping for these requests.
Case Records By Division
The District Clerk has separate divisions that handle different categories of District Court records. Identifying the correct division helps users locate records and contact the appropriate office.
Civil and Tax Records
The Civil/Tax division maintains records for civil matters and tax-related cases handled by the District Clerk. The division is responsible for the care, custody, and control of documents filed in these cases.
For disposed civil and tax records, users requesting copies should provide the case number and direct requests to the Civil/Tax office. The division is located at the Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building.
Family Law Records
The Family Law division maintains District Court records related to family law matters. This includes records for family law cases and disposed family law records.
When requesting family law records, users should provide the case number. Requests may also include party names when contacting the office by email.
Felony Criminal Records
The Criminal Section maintains felony criminal District Court records. The office handles the care, custody, and control of documents filed in felony criminal cases.
Requests for felony criminal court records should include the case number. If mailing a request, users should include a self-addressed stamped envelope for certified copies and a valid email address for non-certified copies.
Electronic Filing Information
The District Clerk provides information about electronic filing through its e-Filing Information page. Criminal e-filing became mandatory for attorneys filing criminal cases in Tarrant County District Courts beginning January 1, 2018.
Information about selecting an Electronic Filing Service Provider, filer training, filing standards, rules, and frequently asked questions is available through the official e-filing resources provided by the District Clerk.
For e-filing questions, the office provides separate contact numbers for different case types:
Family e-filing questions: 817-212-6953
Civil e-filing questions: 817-884-3793
Felony civil e-filing questions: 817-884-2526
Criminal e-filing questions: 817-212-6954
Online Record Services
The District Clerk offers a Web Based Access Service that allows subscribers to access certain court records through an internet connection.
The service provides access to District Court civil, delinquent tax, family, felony, and misdemeanor records. It also includes access to imaged court documents and allows searches from a subscriber’s location.
Users who want subscriber access must complete a Subscriber Agreement and provide required information. The completed agreement is sent to the Tarrant County District Clerk’s Office.
The service includes setup costs and monthly subscription fees. Additional information about subscriber access is available through the District Clerk’s official web-based access information.
Payments and Collections
The District Clerk handles collections and payments for criminal, civil, and family cases. The office provides payment services for fines and court costs through separate sections based on the type of case.
The Collections and Payments information page provides details for criminal felony payments, family case fee collections, civil section services, and tax section services.
Payment questions should be directed to the division connected with the specific case type:
Criminal payments: 817-884-1343
Civil payments: 817-884-1240
Family payments: 817-884-1265
District Clerk Locations
The District Clerk operates from several locations serving different court functions. Office hours for these locations are generally Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Choosing The Right Location
The correct location depends on the service needed and the type of record involved. Criminal background checks, felony payments, family records, and civil records may be handled at different buildings.
Before visiting an office, users should identify whether their matter involves civil, family, or felony criminal records. This can help ensure that requests are directed to the appropriate division.
Common Record Request Mistakes
Many delays in obtaining court records occur because requests do not include enough information or are sent to the wrong division. Preparing the correct information before contacting the District Clerk can make the process easier.
Requesting records without a case number may result in additional research fees.
Sending a request to the wrong division may delay access to the correct records.
Using the wrong payment contact may delay questions about fees or court costs.
Failing to include required mailing information may affect delivery of requested copies.
Contacting The District Clerk
The main District Clerk contact number is 817-884-1574. The office is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The District Clerk’s Office provides assistance with court records, filings, payments, and other services handled by the department. Users should have case details available when contacting the office so staff can better direct the request.
Relevant Offices
Tarrant County District Clerk
100 N. Calhoun St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76196
817-884-1574
Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building
100 N. Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76196
817-884-1240
Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center
401 W. Belknap Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76196
817-884-1342
Tarrant County Family Law Center
200 E. Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76196
817-884-1265
Scott D. Moore Juvenile Justice Center
2701 Kimbo Rd. East Bldg
Fort Worth, Texas 76111
817-838-4645
District Clerk FAQs
How can I look up court documents from the District Clerk?
You can search for available court documents through the official District Clerk Court Document Lookup service. The lookup system provides access to documents from Civil, Family, and Criminal Felony cases filed with the District Clerk’s Office. Self-service document lookup is available onsite, while clerk-assisted record searches may require a records research fee.
What information do I need to request copies of court records?
To request copies, you should have the case number available. If a case number is not provided, the District Clerk charges a records research fee. Copy options include non-certified and certified paper or electronic copies, with fees based on the type and number of pages requested. Requests sent by mail should include the required mailing information, including a self-addressed stamped envelope for certified copies and an email address for non-certified copies.
Where can I find online access to Tarrant County District Court records?
The Web Based Access Service allows subscribers to search certain District Court records online. The service provides access to civil, delinquent tax, family, felony, and misdemeanor court records, including available imaged documents. Users must complete a subscriber agreement before receiving access.
How does electronic filing work for District Court cases?
Electronic filing is required for attorneys filing criminal cases in Tarrant County Criminal District Courts. The e-Filing Information page provides details about filing service providers, training, filing standards, rules, and frequently asked questions for different case types.
Which District Clerk division handles my record request?
The correct division depends on the type of case involved. Civil and tax records are handled through the Civil/Tax division, family-related records through Family Law, and felony criminal records through the Criminal Section. The official District Clerk divisions page lists these service areas to help users direct requests correctly.