harris county background check essentials for residents and employers

What it includes

A Harris County background check typically pulls courthouse records for felonies and misdemeanors, plus civil filings, judgments, and any publicly available dispositions. Employers and landlords often use it to verify identity, review recent cases, and confirm outcomes, while individuals run checks to see what appears before applying for jobs or housing.

How to request

Quick steps

1. Define the purpose and ensure written consent if screening someone else.
2. Search county criminal dockets through the District and County Clerk, then confirm identifiers like full name and date of birth.
3. For statewide or fingerprint results, use the Texas DPS process and schedule printing with the approved vendor.
4. Document your scope, retention, and adverse action workflow to comply with the FCRA.
5. Save receipts and note any sealed, expunged, or deferred matters that should not be reported.

Turnaround can range from same day to several business days, depending on name commonality and record volume. Fees vary by search type. If you find an error, request a correction with the clerk or DPS. When in doubt, consult counsel; this is general information, not legal advice.