Anyone can search Taylor County public records using accessible online search tools offered by local agencies or through in-person or mail requests.
It’s never been easier to track down information on marriages, divorces, active warrants, recent arrests, criminal history, court cases, prisoners, probation status, property information and more.
Fortunately, thanks to the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Texas Public Information Act, county and state agencies are mandated to make relevant information public and accessible.
Begin the search for any type of public record today by utilizing the agencies and processes outlined in this resource resource.
How To Perform an Arrest Record Search in Taylor County Texas for Free
There are tools available in Taylor County to search jail records, see if an individual has been booked, and even find someone’s mugshot. Those tools make the life of any searcher easier and are things everyone should be aware of.
Although being arrested – or having someone known in that position – isn’t ideal, it could happen to any human being. That’s why everyone should be prepared and well-informed to know where to search for information when such a situation happens.
You can search free Taylor County arrest records through the Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement agencies.
Use the Taylor County Jail’s Arrest Log & Mugshot Search
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is the public records repository of information about recent arrests and bookings. Whenever looking for someone, citizens should reach out to them first and see what they are able to uncover.
But before going to the Sheriff’s Office in person, people should know that it’s possible to look at Taylor County booking online through a tool the Court House offers that allows anyone to search jail records.1
To start a search, a user must click “Jail Records”. It’ll lead them to a page where they can add the known information and perform the search using someone’s first and last names (those are mandatory fields). It’s possible to narrow the inquiry by adding that person’s date of birth or limiting the booking time frame, for example.
Adding a date range is helpful because, otherwise, the user may date bookings and arrests from many years ago.
For immediate support regarding Taylor County bookings or to talk directly with an officer at the Sheriff’s Office, they are always available in person, over the phone, or via email. This is how citizens can reach out to them:
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office
Law Enforcement Center
450 Pecan Street
Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: (325)-674-1300
Email: [email protected]
If the need is for copies of records of a recent incident, citizens can reach out to the Records Department directly. They operate from the Sheriff’s Office headquarters (the address is above), and all requests to them must be made in person.
People can use the information above to call or send a request via mail or fax it to 352.672.8066.
Track Down Arrests via Local Police Departments (Request Police Reports)
The local law enforcement agencies also act as public records repositories for incidents within the city limits, under their police department’s jurisdiction. Therefore, it’s helpful to know what the agencies in Taylor County are and how to get in contact with them.
These are the local police departments in Taylor County:
| Department | Address | Phone |
| Abilene Police Department | 4565 South 1st Street Abilene, TX 79605 |
325-673-8331 |
| Merkel Police Department | 100 Kent St. Merkel, TX 79536 |
325-928-4911 |
| Tye Police Department | 649 Scott St. Tye, TX 79563 |
325-692-2610 |
The Abilene and Merkel police departments allow citizens to request public records online and, consequently, can be useful tools to uncover public information in Taylor County.
Abilene records can be requested by filling out an online record request form.2 The personnel will respond to the request with information about the total price for the request as well as when and how the records will be delivered. Copies cost $10 per page, but additional charges may be incurred.
Merkel records can also be requested online, and the city works with LexisNexis to fulfill that demand. The best way to go is to click on the big blue button on the Merkel Police Department’s website so the user can be forwarded to the requests page.
How To Determine if Someone Has a History of Crime in Taylor County Texas
There are different ways interested individuals can perform a Taylor County case search or dig a bit deeper into someone’s criminal history.
Plenty of tools can be used for situations where the concern isn’t if an individual has been recently booked or arrested, but the goal is to find out more about that person’s full history.
It’s possible to search exclusively for jail records, for example, or expand the search to all court cases regarding an individual. It’s also possible to rely on city resources and county and state tools.
Look Up Prior Charges & Criminal Convictions via the Taylor County Court Records Inquiry Tool
The starting point for a detailed search in Taylor County public records is the Court Records Inquiry. This is a search tool that allows concerned citizens to look up cases that are ongoing as well as closed cases.
The system allows citizens to search all courts or select between all County Courts or all District Courts. It also allows citizens to search criminal cases, civil, family, and probate cases, as well as jail records and jail bond records.
When searching criminal cases, users can choose to perform searches by defendant or attorney’s name or by case or citation number. The red fields are mandatory, and the black ones are optional. For criminal searches using a defendant’s name, for instance, only the last name is mandatory – but obviously, adding more information will lead to better results.
If it becomes necessary to visit the Taylor County Clerk’s Office in person for more information regarding Taylor County criminal records, this is where they can be found:
Taylor County Clerk’s Office
300 Oak Street – Suite 100
Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1202
Find Taylor County Criminal History Information Through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
It’s possible that someone’s criminal history extends from the county they live in. In those cases, searching Texas public records may be a good idea. This way, concerned citizens can know they’ve covered their bases.
For that purpose, the state has a few different tools that can help those willing to make a detailed search.
The Texas Department of Justice Inmate Search is a public index that works as a search engine that is convenient and ready to use. It allows individuals to search for the complete arrest history of an individual, bringing light to their criminal history. However, it won’t show individuals recently arrested – this is a tool to look up convicted offenders, to be exact.
This search tool yields detailed information about inmates (present and past) throughout Texas. After finding a name on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice search system, users can click on it and obtain a comprehensive list of offenses related to that individual.
Citizens should keep in mind, though, that crime victims always have privileged access to information about their cases. They also have other tools at their disposal to help them deal with the difficulties of being the victim of any crime.
Victims don’t need to go through the same ropes as a common citizen to find information about their case. For example, anyone who is a victim can access information about their offenders directly on VineLink.
How To Find Out if You or Someone Else Has a Warrant Out for Their Arrest in Taylor County Texas
Looking up Taylor County warrants, concerned citizens should be cautious about it to avoid arrest if they themselves have a warrant.
Those looking up Taylor County warrants should reach out directly to the Sheriff’s Office for information. They also state that this information isn’t provided over the phone and that individuals must go to their office in person.
This may not be the most advisable option for a simple reason: if the person searching has an active warrant against them, going in person is almost guaranteed they’ll be arrested on the spot. The advice for those who think there may be an active or outstanding warrant against them should retain a defense attorney who can perform that search on their behalf.
For those who still wish to go to the Sheriff’s Office for information, this is where they should go:
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office
450 Pecan Street
Abilene, TX 79602
Furthermore, the City of Abilene offers an online search for open and outstanding warrants under their jurisdiction. Citizens who utilize this tool are taken to a list with the names of currently wanted individuals.
The list will pop up in full, and users can narrow down the search by adding a name (or last name) to the search bar on the left side and narrowing down the search.
How To Execute a Probation Search in Taylor County Texas
To search and find individuals on probation in Taylor County, concerned citizens can use the Court Records Inquiry system. The offenders on probation can be found under the “Criminal Case Records Section” and can be found by name, case number, citation number, or attorney name.
This tool will not only provide confirmation that someone is (or was) on probation, but also details about the case, including, for example, the offense that was committed and when the sentence was adjudicated. Searching the Taylor County Court Records System is free and accessible to all concerned citizens.
If more information is needed – for example, if a concerned citizen wishes to take a detailed look at the sentence for an individual on probation – it may be necessary to contact the Taylor County Clerk’s Office in person. This is their contact information:
Taylor County Clerk’s Office
300 Oak Street – Suite 100
Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1202
The day to day management of all probations in Taylor County are a responsibility of the Community Supervision & Corrections Department. It’s quite interesting to notice that this Department is responsible for all probationers in Taylor, Callahan, and Coleman Counties.
The Community Supervision and Corrections Department is available in person or via phone if more information is needed. Citizens shouldn’t hesitate to contact them if they need to find or confirm information about any individual living under supervision.
This is their information:
Community Supervision & Corrections Department
450 Pecan Street – Suite 200
Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: (325)-674-1247
Fax: (325)-674-1277
How To Run a Taylor County Background Check & Get a Report
Background checks can be needed for a variety of reasons. While no individual has to explain themselves when searching for public records in Taylor County – because they are public and should be accessible to all – whenever a background check is performed for professional or official reasons, there are rules that must be followed.
First, there must be consent. It means that the person being searched must be aware of and agree to the search. They are also entitled to a copy of the background check to know what’s been uncovered about them. They also have the right to dispute any incorrect information that may come about.
If someone thinks that their rights regarding a proper background check have been neglected, there are agencies that accept reports and complaints.
All official background checks must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).6 If a background check was run without the target’s consent, they should report it through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Whenever there’s suspicion about discrimination during the employee selection process, they should file a report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Background checks can be performed using an individual’s name (also known as level 1) or, in an attempt to uncover more information, with an individual’s fingerprints (a level 2 background check).
In Taylor County, background checks can be requested directly with the Sheriff’s Office. The scope of their check is limited to the county limits, and all someone needs to do to order one is reach out to the Records Department.
Some requests are free of charge, while others may come with a fee. Anyone who wants to request records should contact them in person, via mail, or fax. They also must send a copy of their Driver’s License along with the request.
This is the Records Department information:
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office
Records Department Pecan Street
Abilene, TX 79602
Fax:(325)-672-8066
At the state level, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers both Level 1 Criminal History Conviction Name Searches and Level 2 fingerprinting services for fingerprint-based checks.
Fingerprint background checks are more reliable since name-based lookups have the potential to return false matches. However, the fingerprint option is only available to individuals required by state statute to obtain one–such as for certain employment or license vetting.
The name searches can be completed online for $3 each, but nominal fees will be added for credit card payments and per transaction. In-person name-based searches at the DPS are subject to a $10 fee (address below). Instructions for using the conviction database can be reviewed to ensure a productive search.
For those who need the fingerprint-based background check, appointments can be scheduled through IdentoGO for any of the DPS FAST locations throughout the state. Applicants must bring a valid form of identification and $15 for the background check, plus $10 per hard card needed. Alternatively, individuals can go to local law enforcement agencies for fingerprinting; these departments can charge up to $10 per fingerprint card.
It can take up to 10 days to receive results from the DPS.
Personal background checks, on the other hand, do not require consent from the individual being investigated and can be carried out by simply tracking down each of the Taylor County public records described throughout this resource; using the streamlined instructions and linked databases found here can expedite the process.
How To Use Texas State & Federal Resources To Find Criminal Cases
When searching for criminal records or performing background checks on a Taylor County citizen, it’s important to know that sometimes you’ll need to broaden your search to other counties or the entire state.
A good tool available to help individuals look up someone’s criminal record in Texas is the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) tool.
Searchers can use the DPS search engine to look up all convicted individuals in Texas. Users can click on the Criminal Records Information link to reach the platform and find more information about how it works and how to use it. However, this online directory isn’t free.
Users wishing to use this tool must create an account and then buy credits for $3 each, plus a processing fee. Those credits are used to perform a Criminal Conviction Name Search. Each search has a cost.
Citizens should know this isn’t an anonymous search because an account must be created. The user’s personal data will stay in the system and may likely be tracked. If anyone interested needs more information about this tool, they can refer to the “How To” section of the website. or review the previous section in this article for further details.
Also, if the interested party prefers to go to them in person, this is the Texas DPS contact information:
Texas Department of Public Safety
5805 N Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78752
Phone: (512)-424-2000
If an individual wishes to perform a search about anyone online, it can be accomplished by utilizing the Criminal History Conviction Name Search.7 This online tool belongs to the Texas Department of Public Safety, which can help people look up records in detail, including their own.
Just like the other system, users must create an account and, after that, perform a search. If the goal is to search a name other than their own, individuals should be aware that the results of that search aren’t considered official background checks and can’t be used for official purposes. On top of that, the searches aren’t free: as the user moves along and makes requests, it’ll be necessary to pay fees.
If the search aims to uncover information about sex offenders, there are ways to perform a free public records search. The Texas Public Sex Offender Registry offers detailed information about sex offenders all over the state, including their offenses and current address.7 It also presents a mugshot so the offender’s face can be recognized.
Likewise, the Department of Justice offers a nationwide sex offender search that provides much information. This can be useful because even though sex offenders are mandated to register and report, they may fail to do so. The broader the source, the more information can be found. This tool is also free for all.
Also, it’s important to know that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) helps citizens to search and find information about federal inmates in all 50 states, both current and former. It’s the BOP inmate locator.
Searches on the BOP inmate locator can be done using the inmate’s BOP register number (when available), their name, and other simple information (such as age and gender, for example). This system is a free criminal record check.
How To View Taylor County TX Public Court Cases & Documents
It’s quite simple to find information about court cases in Taylor County. With the help of the Clerk’s Office, citizens can search Taylor County court records and find plenty of helpful information.
The County Courts offer an online self-service platform that allows individuals to search for records as well as request certified copies of them.
In order to perform a search, users must first accept the disclaimer and click on “Official Public Records Search and Copies”. They should click on the same option on the next page, and then, finally, they can start searching.
The search page contains many fields that can be used to input information and narrow down the results that will be obtained. However, with just a name, it’s possible to get started. The information provided by this system is quite detailed and includes court date, status, all parties involved in the case, etc.
Using this platform, citizens can effectively search Taylor County judicial records and all its contents.
If going in person and reaching out to the courts directly is the preferred course of action, citizens must find out first which court handled the case. That’s important because there are many courts in Taylor County, and people should know where to go for the correct information.
To know which court to visit, when searching for a specific record, users should research the self-service online platform to save time and be directed to the place that handled the case they’re interested in.
Each of the courts in Taylor County, Texas can be contacted directly using the following information:
| Court | Address | Phone |
| Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 – Place 1 |
450 Pecan Street Suite 110 Abilene, TX 79602 |
(325)-674-1338 |
| Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 – Place 2 |
450 Pecan Street Suite 120 Abilene, TX 79602 |
(325)-674-1267 |
| Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 |
301 Kent Street Merkel, TX 79562 |
(325)-928-5114 |
| Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 |
442 Graham Street Tuscola, TX 79562 |
(325)-554-7384 |
| Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 |
155 Main Street Lawn, TX 79530 |
(325)-583-1241 |
| County Courts of Law CCL 1 |
300 Oak Street Suite 500 Abilene, TX 79602 |
(325)-674-1323 |
| County Courts of Law CCL 2 |
300 Oak Street Suite 501 Abilene, TX 79602 |
(325)-674-1208 |
| District Courts 42nd District Court |
300 Oak Street Suite 401 Abilene, TX 79602 |
(352)-674-1314 |
| District Courts 104th District Court |
300 Oak Street Suite 402 Abilene, TX 79602 |
(352)-674-1313 |
| District Courts 326th District Court |
300 Oak Street Suite 403 Abilene, TX 79602 |
(352)-674-1325 |
| District Courts 350th District Court |
300 Oak Street Suite 404 Abilene, TX 79602 |
(325)-674-1242 |
Another way for interested parties to learn more about the boundaries for each court, is to use a map and see the areas that are under the jurisdiction of each precinct in Taylor County.
How To Check Marriage, Divorce, Birth & Death Records in Taylor County Texas: Vital Records
Vital records aren’t considered public records in Texas. Therefore, they aren’t available for anyone to request them in Taylor County. Only people entitled to those documents can request them and obtain a copy of a record.
Individuals can rely on county and state resources to request a death or birth certificate, but what each platform is able to provide may vary. They also should consider the most convenient option for their search, whether online or in person.
Citizens can utilize the Taylor County Clerk’s Office or the Texas Department of State Health Services for marriage and divorce records.
Look Up Taylor County Marital Records (Marriage, Divorce & Dissolution of Marriage) via the Texas Department of State Health Services
The Clerk’s Office keeps Taylor County public records of marital events, which can be found through the online marriage record search tool that allows citizens to search for all marriage licenses and events in the area.10
This search won’t lead to a copy of the marriage certificate but will certainly help to find out if someone is married (or was married at any point in time).
If the individual performing the search prefers to visit the Clerk’s Office in person, this is how to find them:
Taylor County Clerk’s Office
300 Oak Street – Suite 100
Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1202
The Clerk’s Office is also responsible for divorce records. If anyone needs records from before 1994, it’s necessary to go to them in person and be ready to explain why those records are needed. For divorce records from 1994 and on, the Taylor County Court Records Inquiry is the way to go: users can access it and search for divorce records of anyone, as those are considered public records.
Both searches for marriage and divorce records are free and can be performed by anyone – connected to the events or not.
For Taylor County marriage records, people should also know that the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) can help to check if someone is married when the event occurred on or after 1966.
They can also verify Taylor County divorce records if the decree took place in 1968 or after. Those DSHS searches don’t provide people with copies of certificates but provide a letter of verification. Those letters can be ordered online by following some steps on their website.
Obtain Birth & Death Certificates in Taylor County Texas via the County Clerk
The County Clerk is the official register for all births and deaths in Taylor County. Consequently, they are the ones who provide people with copies of their certificates.
Anyone looking to obtain documents with the Clerk’s Office should know that only those connected to the individual name on the birth or death certificate are entitled to copies. However, they allow for searches in their indexes so citizens can learn more about their genealogy. Those searches can be done using the Taylor County self-service web.
A certificate of birth can be requested by those entitled to it in person, by mail, or online. To order in person, citizens must fill out a form and bring it in with a copy of their Driver’s License and the fee payment. Each copy costs $23.
To order via mail, the process is the same, only with an add-on: citizens must also notarize an identification so the Clerk’s Office can verify the individual’s identity. This is where citizens should go to or mail out their application to:
Taylor County Clerk’s Office
300 Oak Street – Suite 100
Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: (352)-674-1202
To order a birth certificate online, citizens must follow the steps on the webpage and be aware that extra fees (such as processing fees apply). To get started, they just need to click on the link under the baby image on the left side of the screen and follow the steps from there. As long as the person making the request is eligible, it should be simple to obtain it.
To order a certificate of death, citizens must come to the Clerk’s Office in person. They must also fill out a form and bring their Driver’s License. The first certificate costs $21, and each extra copy requested simultaneously costs only $4.
Another way to obtain birth and death certificates is through the Texas Department of State Health Services. They also offer birth and death verification letters as an alternative (although verification letters aren’t a replacement for a certificate, they serve to prove the event happened, which can be useful).
To make a request, citizens must visit the website and click on the record they want to order. For death certificates, for example, they just have to click on that option and follow all four steps until the request is completed.
When the search is for older certificates of death (or birth), the Texas Vital Statistics Indexes are the place to go (or reach out to). They provide information about births and deaths from 1903 to 2010.
Those indexes are a good tool to find and uncover information. However, citizens can’t obtain an actual certificate with them. All they offer is the information contained in their indexes.
If that doesn’t help get a copy of a document, the Texas Vital Statistics indexes are very helpful to search for genealogy and ancestry information, for example.
All interested individuals are welcome to search for information at the following address:
Texas State Library & Archives
1201 Brazos St.
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512)-463-5474
How To Access Property Ownership & Tax Information for Free in Taylor County Texas
The Taylor County Tax Assessor is responsible for appraising and keeping records regarding all property in the area. They offer an online property search that helps people uncover detailed information about any property within county limits.
Users must click on property search and add information to the field. It’s possible to search by name, address, or parcel ID. All anyone has to do is add their information and see it in the system.
Once the desired property is found, the user can click on it and see everything there’s to know about it, including the last three owners, how much taxes are owed yearly, and if those payments are up-to-date.
Two addresses can be used if the need arises to visit them in person. One is the central office of the Tax Assessor, and the other is the office that specifically deals with property taxes and appraisals. Those are the locations (and phone numbers):
Taylor County Tax Assessor
Main Office
400 Oak Street
Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: (325)-674-1224
Central Appraisal District of Taylor County
1534 South Treadaway Boulevard
Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: (325)-676-9381
Citizens’ Rights & Accountabilities Regarding Taylor County Public Records
Public records should always be available but should also always be used responsibly.
Individuals can search public records in Taylor County without a particular reason or explanation. Maybe they’re in a new relationship and want to know the other person better. Maybe a new neighbor moved in, and someone wants to ensure their family is safe.
Looking up information is legal and one of the reasons why plenty of information is readily accessible.
Still, it is important to consider that there are rules and laws that must be respected when it comes to public records. The first and most important is that everyone’s privacy must be respected, even if the information uncovered isn’t good.
In other words, public records cannot be used to embarrass or shame others. Also, it can never be used to commit crimes like stalking, harassing, or intimidating others.
Likewise, public records cannot be used as a tool to make decisions about a person’s life unless they are aware of that. If someone’s background check information is used to establish creditworthiness or to determine if someone will be offered a certain job or be able to obtain a business license, they must be made aware of it and provide consent.
The searched person can also have a copy of the background check and have the chance to dispute or clarify any incorrect or inaccurate information that may come to light. All professional background checks must abide by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other laws and regulations. If any rule is not followed, the person who was checked can report it by filing a complaint.
Anyone who notices that a background check was done without their consent can file a complaint. Anyone who believes they’ve been discriminated against while being considered for a job can file a report with the EEOC (the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) through their website.13
When an individual thinks they’ve been checked without consent (or when they’ve witnessed that happen to someone else), they can report it through the FTC (Federal Trade Commission).
Taylor County public records must be searched anytime clear and valuable information is needed, and citizens shouldn’t hesitate to do so, as long as they do it with consideration for others’ privacy and respect for local and federal laws; furthermore, you can track down statewide Texas public information seamlessly for a broader lookup.
References
1Taylor County, Texas. (2023). Taylor County Court Records Inquiry. Jail Records. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from <http://publicaccess.taylorcountytexas.org/PublicAccess/JailingSearch.aspx?ID=400>
2Abilene, Texas. (n.d.). Request a Public Record. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from <https://abilenetxopenrecords.nextrequest.com/requests/new>
3Taylor County, Texas. (2023). Taylor County Court Records Inquiry. Criminal Case Records. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from <http://publicaccess.taylorcountytexas.org/PublicAccess/Search.aspx?ID=100>
4Texas Department of Criminal Justice. (2023). Inmate Information Search. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from <https://inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/InmateSearch/search.action>
5Abilene City Municipal Court. (2024). Outstanding Warrants – List. Retrieved May 16, 2024, from <http://ww2.abilenetx.com/MunicipalCourt/dbo_vs_OutstandingWarrants/list>
6Federal Trade Commission. (2023). Fair Credit Reporting Act. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from <https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-credit-reporting-act>
7Texas Department of Public Safety. (2023). Criminal History Conviction Name Search. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from <https://publicsite.dps.texas.gov/ConvictionNameSearch/>
8Texas Department of Public Safety. (2023). Public Sex Offender Registry Search. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from <https://publicsite.dps.texas.gov/SexOffenderRegistry/Search>
9Taylor County Clerk’s Office. (2023). Official Public Record Search and Copies. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from <https://taylorcountytx-web.tylerhost.net/web/search/DOCSEARCH144S1>
10Taylor County Clerk’s Office. (2024). Marriage Record Search. Retrieved May 16, 2024, from <https://taylorcountytx-web.tylerhost.net/web/search/DOCSEARCH154S3>
11Taylor County Central Appraisal District. (n.d.). Property Search Options. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from <https://propaccess.taylor-cad.org/clientdb/propertysearch.aspx?cid=1>
12Taylor County Central Appraisal District. (2024). Property Search > 10028 Smith Brenda Jo et al for Year 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024, from <https://propaccess.taylor-cad.org/clientdb/Property.aspx?prop_id=10028&year=2024>
13U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2023). Filing A Charge of Discrimination. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from <https://www.eeoc.gov/filing-charge-discrimination>