Court records in Bexar County, Texas can be searched through several channels. BexarCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also use official online databases maintained by the District Clerk and County Clerk, visit the clerks' offices at the Bexar County Courthouse, or use public access terminals on-site. The Texas State Law Library identifies Bexar as one of several large counties with searchable online court databases.
Bexar Court System & Jurisdictions
Bexar County operates a multi-tiered court system. Knowing which court handles your case type determines where to search for docket information.
- Criminal District Courts — Bexar County has multiple numbered district courts that hear felony criminal cases. The Criminal Court Division assigns court clerks to each criminal district court.
- Civil District Courts — These handle civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds the county court's jurisdictional limit, including personal injury, contract disputes, and other civil litigation.
- Family District Courts — Dedicated courts handle divorces, custody disputes, suits affecting the parent-child relationship, and protective orders. Downloadable forms are available for divorces and parent-child relationship cases.
- Probate Courts — Bexar County's statutory probate courts handle wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments.
- County Courts at Law — These courts hear Class A and Class B misdemeanors, civil cases within their jurisdictional limits, and appeals from Justice of the Peace courts.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — JP courts handle small claims (up to $20,000), evictions, and minor criminal offenses (Class C misdemeanors, including most traffic violations).
- Municipal Courts — The City of San Antonio Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Appeals from Bexar County's lower courts go to the Fourth Court of Appeals, which sits in San Antonio and covers thirty-two Texas counties. Federal cases filed in San Antonio are heard by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
Bexar Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding today's or this week's court schedule in Bexar County depends on the court level:
- Justice Information Portal — Bexar County launched a consolidated Justice Information Portal that merges several previously separate search tools into one interface. Use it to look up case settings and hearing dates across multiple court types.
- District Clerk's online records — The District Clerk records search lets you look up criminal and civil case records, which typically include upcoming settings.
- Central Magistrate Search — For recent arrests (Class B misdemeanor or higher), the Bexar County Central Magistrate Search shows magistration details, which can include initial hearing information.
- In person — Court calendars are posted at the Bexar County Courthouse, 100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, TX 78205. You can also call the specific court division directly to confirm a hearing date.
Court calendars change frequently due to continuances and judicial reassignments. Always confirm a scheduled hearing by contacting the court clerk's office the business day before your appearance.
How to Get a Copy of a Bexar Court Document
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies — Informal reproductions of court documents. Useful for personal reference but generally not accepted for legal proceedings.
- Certified copies — Bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. Required for most legal, government, and financial transactions.
How to Request
You can obtain copies through three channels:
- Online / E-filing — Submit requests through eFileTexas.gov, the official Texas e-filing system. Attorneys are required to e-file; non-attorneys may also use the system.
- In person — Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Bexar County Courthouse. For district-level cases (felonies, civil, family), go to the District Clerk. For county-level records (misdemeanors, probate, recorded documents), visit the County Clerk's office.
- By mail — Send a written request with the case number, document description, and a check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk. The County Clerk's FAQ page explains the mail-in process.
Mailing Addresses
What You'll Need
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- Approximate date of filing or disposition
- Type of document requested
Some records are restricted by law — sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain family law records may not be available without a court order.
Bexar Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set by Texas statute (primarily Texas Government Code Chapter 51) and by local administrative orders. The amounts below reflect commonly assessed fees; confirm current rates with the clerk's office, as fees are subject to change.
| Service | Approximate Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (District Clerk) | $1.00 per page + certification fee | Certification fee typically $5.00 |
| Uncertified copy | $1.00 per page | Standard photocopy rate |
| County Clerk certified copy | $5.00 for certification + per-page charges | Applies to recorded documents |
| Online record search | Free | Basic index searches through the County Clerk's public records portal |
| Criminal background check (state) | Varies | Through Texas DPS Crime Records |
| Open records request | Varies by volume | Submit through the Open Records Request portal |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (convenience fees may apply for card payments)
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Bexar County Clerk or Bexar County District Clerk, depending on the office
- Online: Credit or debit card through the e-filing system or applicable portal
If you are requesting multiple documents or a large volume of records through an open records request, the clerk's office will provide a cost estimate before processing. Texas Public Information Act rules govern response timelines and allowable charges for open records requests.