Answer: There are several options available: 1) Review of Criminal History Information (PDF) by sending the DPS a complete authorized fingerprint card including the appropriate fee; 2) visit any DPS FAST location in your area; or conduct an on-line name-based search using the C.R.S. Public Site.

Answer: A fingerprint-based search is the most accurate method available returning records based on matching fingerprints; a name-based search has a greater potential to match multiple candidates as the search relies on a comparison of similar sounding names or, if requested, names spelled exactly alike.  With a name based search it is possible to match against records that do not relate to the person in whom you are interested, and it is possible to miss the record that does relate to the person in whom you are interested.

Answer: No. Fingerprint cards should not be older than 6 months old.

Answer: Your record check will be certified and notarized upon your request; there is no additional charge for this service.

Answer: The DPS contracted fingerprinting service, FAST offers a complete suite of electronic fingerprinting services designed to provide authorized entities with the capability to obtain fingerprint-based criminal history checks for job applicants, licensees, volunteers, etc.

Answer: A person being fingerprinted at a FAST location may need to complete a FAST Pass form which will be supplied by the employing/licensing agency (including their Agency Identification Number), driver's license or other valid form of identification and the form of payment selected when the appointment was made; the FAST Pass form is provided by the requesting agency.

Answer: Please visit our C.R.S. Public Site to conduct an online name-based search. Under Texas law, deferred adjudication and conviction records are considered public information and may be made available the general public.

Answer: The fee for a fingerprint based record check is $15.00.

Answer: The fee for a name-based record check is $10.00 if done off-line through DPS. Visit the C.R.S. Public Site for specific online search fees.

Answer: L-1 Enrollment Services-FAST charges $9.95. Law enforcement agencies may charge up to $10.00.

Answer: Persons looking for a FAST location can make an appointment by logging on to the L-1 Enrollment Services website, www.L1enrollment.com or by calling 1-888-467-2080 between 8am and 5pm Central Time.

Answer: Once the information is received, it may take approximately 10 business days for the results. We cannot guarantee the amount of time it may take to receive this information through the postal service.

Answer: Under Texas law, deferred adjudication and conviction records are considered public information and may be made available the general public. Please visit our C.R.S. Public Site to conduct an online name-based search.

Answer: The Department of Public Safety is the criminal history repository for the State of Texas; our records are comprised of information submitted by criminal justice agencies only within the State of Texas. If a deferred case has resulted in probation, although the case has been deferred and the terms of probation satisfied, the arrest and probation will remain on file.

Answer: Criminal arrest information will remain on a criminal history record indefinitely.

Answer: Persons interested in expunction and/or orders of non-disclosure should click here to read more.

Answer: Call (512) 424-5079 or email fingerprint.service@dps.texas.gov to check on the status of your request.

Answer: The Department of Public Safety will retain Class C arrest if reported. Arresting agencies are not mandated to report Class C arrests but have the option to.

Answer: The arrest should be reflected on the Department of Public Safety's website. If it's not reflected on your criminal history record, the arrest was either never reported or returned to the arresting agency due to an error.

Answer: If the case went to court it is the responsibility of the clerk of the court exercising jurisdiction to report the disposition to the Department of Public Safety. If your criminal history record does not reflect the disposition, the disposition was never reported or returned to the agency due to an error.

Answer: Juvenile information is available to entities that are authorized to CHRI under 411.084. Juvenile records that have been restricted are only available to criminal justice agencies.

Answer: You will need to request a personal review. You can find the instructions at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/InternetForms/Forms/CR-63.pdf. A certified copy of your results will be mailed back to the address provided to at the time you scheduled your appointment.

Answer: Chapter 60, Code of Criminal Procedure requires that information on arrests, prosecutions and disposition of the case for persons arrested for Class B misdemeanor or greater violation of Texas criminal statues be included in CCH.

Answer: Texas has 254 counties that submit criminal data to be included in CCH.

Answer: Yes, you may refer to http://www.courts.state.tx.us or www.txdirectory.com.

Answer: To correct and/or update missing disposition data, you must contact the court of jurisdiction and request a certified copy of the disposition. Once you have obtained the certified court document, you will need to forward it to CRS Error Resolution Unit for updating to your criminal history record. Be advised photo static copies are not acceptable unless they contain an embossed (raised design) seal from the issue court.

Answer: Any number of media may be used--send mail to: TX DPS H.E.A.T. Program, P.O. Box 4143, MSC 41066, Austin, TX 78765-4143; call us at: (888) 447-5933, fax: (512) 424-5665; or email: heat@dps.texas.gov

Answer: The average processing time to receive your H.E.A.T. decals is 10-14 days.

Answer: Remove both decals from the vehicle, prior to releasing it to the new owner.

Contact the H.E.A.T. Program office (888-447-5933) with that decal serial number to have your vehicle deleted from the H.E.A.T. database. If this is not done, the new owner may be pulled over during program hours (1am – 5am), and you may receive a telephone call during program hours (1am – 5am) from an officer or state trooper to verify that the vehicle does not belong to you anymore.

Answer: Make the driver aware that this agreement exists and that officers may stop them during program hours if the officers suspect the vehicle may be stolen. It is the intention of the program to operate upon the assumption that when any vehicle registered in the program is being operated it is possible that it is being operated by someone other than a permitted owner (stolen or misappropriated).

Peace officers will take necessary precautions when making an inquiry on a H.E.A.T. vehicle because of the potential for it to have been stolen. The information concerning your vehicle will have been entered into a computerized database, including the TCIC (Texas Crime Information Center), for purposes of enforcement.

Answer: No. The original owner should have removed the decals and called to have their vehicle removed from our H.E.A.T. database.

Answer: No. The decals are not transferable.

Answer: No. Each vehicle must have a registration form filled out.

Answer: Each vehicle must have a separate registration form filled out.

Answer: The difference is at the border from Texas and Mexico. If you have a yellow decal, you will be stopped from crossing the border into Mexico, between program hours (1am – 5am) “only”. If you have a white decal, you will be stopped from crossing the border into Mexico 24 hours a day.

Answer: This program is free to the public in an effort to help end auto theft.

Answer: The first sex offender registration laws in Texas went into effect on September 1, 1991. These laws have been amended every legislative session since.

Answer: Any person with a "reportable conviction or adjudication" must register as a sex offender. Prior to September 1, 1997, the sex offender registration laws were prospective in application. A person convicted of or adjudicated for a sex offense before the law required registration for the offense did not have to register. On September 1, 1997, the registration requirement was made retroactively applicable to any person whose "reportable conviction or adjudication" occurred on or after September 1, 1970 if the person was still in the Texas criminal justice system for that offense on or after September 1, 1997.

Answer: Article 62.001(5) of the Code of Criminal Procedure defines "reportable conviction or adjudication" as follows:

Article 62.001. Definitions

(5) "Reportable conviction or adjudication" means a conviction or adjudication, including an adjudication of delinquent conduct or a deferred adjudication that, regardless of the pendency of an appeal, is a conviction for or an adjudication for or based on:

(A) a violation of Section 21.11 (Indecency with a child), 22.011 (Sexual assault), 22.021 (Aggravated sexual assault), or 25.02 (Prohibited sexual conduct), Penal Code;

(B) a violation of Section 43.05 (Compelling prostitution), 43.25 (Sexual performance by a child), or 43.26 (Possession or promotion of child pornography), Penal Code;

(C) a violation of Section 20.04(a)(4) (Aggravated kidnapping), Penal Code, if the defendant committed the offense with intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually;

(D) a violation of Section 30.02 (Burglary), Penal Code, if the offense or conduct is punishable under Subsection (d) of that section and the actor committed the offense or engaged in the conduct with intent to commit a felony listed in Paragraph (A) or (C);

(E) a violation of Section 20.02 (Unlawful restraint), 20.03 (Kidnapping), or 20.04 (Aggravated kidnapping), Penal Code, if, as applicable:

(i) the judgment in the case contains an affirmative finding under Article 42.015; or

(ii) the order in the hearing or the papers in the case contain an affirmative finding that the victim or intended victim was younger than 17 years of age.

(F) the second violation of Section 21.08 (Indecent exposure), Penal Code, but not if the second violation results in a deferred adjudication;

(G) an attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation, as defined by Chapter 15, Penal Code, to commit an offense or engage in conduct listed in Paragraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E);

(H) a violation of the laws of another state, federal law, the laws of a foreign country, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice for or based on the violation of an offense containing elements that are substantially similar to the elements of an offense listed under Paragraph (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (G), but not if the violation results in a deferred adjudication;

(I) the second violation of the laws of another state, federal law, the laws of a foreign country, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice for or based on the violation of an offense containing elements that are substantially similar to the elements of the offense of indecent exposure, but not if the second violation results in a deferred adjudication.

The most recent offense added to the list of registerable offenses is Section 33.021 (Online solicitation of a minor), Penal Code. A conviction, deferred adjudication or adjudication of delinquent conduct for this offense requires registration. Further, a conviction under the laws of another state, federal law, the laws of a foreign country, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice for or based on the violation of an offense containing elements that are substantially similar to the elements of Online Solicitation of a Minor will require registration.

Answer: Yes, if the sex offender’s conviction is a "reportable conviction or adjudication" and the offender resides, works or attends school in Texas. As stated above, "reportable conviction or adjudication" includes a conviction or adjudication of delinquent conduct (juveniles) under the laws of another state for an offense containing elements that are substantially similar to the elements of a Texas offense that requires registration.

The Texas Department of Public Safety determines whether an offense under the laws of another state contains elements that are substantially similar to the elements of a Texas offense that requires registration.

Answer: Yes, if the sex offender’s conviction is a “reportable conviction or adjudication” and the offender resides, works or attends school in Texas. As stated above, “reportable conviction or adjudication” includes a conviction or adjudication of delinquent conduct (juveniles) under federal law, the Uniform Code of Military Justice or the laws of another country for an offense containing elements that are substantially similar to the elements of a Texas offense that requires registration.

The Texas Department of Public Safety determines whether an offense under federal law, the laws of a foreign country, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice contains elements that are substantially similar to the elements of a Texas offense that requires registration.

Answer: A sex offender who resides outside of Texas must register as a sex offender in Texas if the offender has a “reportable conviction or adjudication” and works or attends school in Texas. Nonresident sex offenders register only for so long as they work or attend school in Texas.

Answer: A sex offender registers with the local law enforcement authority of the municipality (chief of police) where the offender resides. If the offender does not reside in a municipality, the offender registers with the local law enforcement authority of the county (sheriff) where the offender resides. Registration must be completed not later than the later of the seventh day after the date the offender arrives in the municipality or county or the first date the local law enforcement authority of the municipality or county by policy allows the person to register. Once the offender registers with the local law enforcement authority of the municipality or county where the offender resides, that local law enforcement authority becomes the offender’s primary registration authority.

If a sex offender resides outside of Texas and works or attends school in Texas, the offender registers with the local law enforcement authority of the municipality or county where the offender works or attends school.

Answer: The Texas Sex Offender Registration Program requires a local law enforcement authority to obtain the following information from the sex offender:

1. the person’s full name, each alias, date of birth, sex, race, height, weight, eye color, hair color, social security number, driver’s license number, shoe size, and home address;

2. a recent color photograph or, if possible, an electronic digital image of the person and a complete set of the person’s fingerprints;

3. the type of offense the person was convicted of, the age of the victim, the date of conviction, and the punishment received;

4. an indication as to whether the person is discharged, paroled, or released on juvenile probation, community supervision, or mandatory supervision;

5. an indication of each business, occupational, or professional license, certificate, permit, or other authorization issued by a licensing authority that is held or sought by the person;

6. an indication as to whether the person is or will be employed, carrying on a vocation, or a student at a particular public or private institution of higher education in this state or another state, and the name and address of that institution; and

7. any other information required by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Answer: The local law enforcement authority will maintain the registration locally, provide notification to schools, if required, and submit all sex offender registration information to the Texas Department of Public Safety for inclusion on the DPS Sex Offender Database.

Answer: The Texas Sex Offender Registration Program specifically classifies sex offender registration information as public information with a few exceptions. The only information not available to the public is a sex offender’s social security number, driver’s license number, and telephone number, any additional information required by the Texas Department of Public Safety for law enforcement purposes, information that would identify the victim of the offense, and juvenile sex offender registration information ordered nonpublic by a juvenile court.

Sex offender registration information may be obtained from the Texas Department of Public Safety at any time via the Department’s website located at https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/DPS_WEB/SorNew/index.aspx

Answer: The numeric risk level indicates the level of risk a sex offender poses to the community. A numeric risk level is assigned to each sex offender when the offender is released from a penal institution or placed on community supervision or juvenile probation. It is determined by using the sex offender screening tool adopted by the Risk Assessment Review Committee. There are three different risk levels:

• Level one (low): indicates that the person poses a low danger to the community and will not likely engage in criminal sexual conduct.
• Level two (moderate): indicates that the person poses a moderate danger to the community and may continue to engage in criminal sexual conduct.
• Level three (high): indicates that the person poses a serious danger to the community and will continue to engage in criminal sexual conduct.

Answer: Adult sex offenders register either for life or ten years following discharge from state supervision (i.e. incarceration, parole, or community supervision).

Lifetime registration is required for the following offenses:

1. Sexually Violent Offense.

• Indecency with a Child by Contact (Section 21.11(a)(1), Penal Code);
• Sexual Assault (Section 22.011, Penal Code);
• Aggravated Sexual Assault (Section 22.021, Penal Code);
• Sexual Performance by a Child (Section 43.25, Penal Code);
• Aggravated Kidnapping, if committed with the intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually (Section 20.04(a)(4), Penal Code);
• Burglary (Section 30.02, Penal Code) if the premises burglarized was a habitation and the offense was committed with the intent to commit indecency with a child, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, prohibited sexual conduct, or aggravated kidnapping with sexual intent; and
• an offense under the laws of another state, federal law, the laws of a foreign country, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice if the offense contains elements that are substantially similar to the elements of one of the above Texas offenses.

2. Prohibited Sexual Conduct (Incest) (Section 25.02, Penal Code);

3. Compelling Prostitution of a Minor (Section 43.05(a)(2), Penal Code);

4. Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography (Section 43.26, Penal Code);

5. Indecency with a Child by Exposure (Section 21.11(a)(2), Penal Code), if before or after being convicted or adjudicated for this offense, the person receives or has received another reportable conviction or adjudication, other than an adjudication of delinquent conduct, for an offense or conduct that requires registration; and

6. Unlawful Restraint (Section 20.02, Penal Code), Kidnapping (Section 20.03, Penal Code), or Aggravated Kidnapping (Section 20.04, Penal Code) or an attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit one of these offenses if the judgment in the case contains an affirmative finding that the victim or intended victim was younger than 17 years of age and, if before or after the person is convicted or adjudicated for one of these offenses, the person receives or has received another reportable conviction or adjudication, other than an adjudication of delinquent conduct, for an offense or conduct that requires registration.

Adult sex offenders will register for 10 years following discharge from state supervision for any offense that does not require lifetime registration (i.e. attempted sexual assault and second indecent exposure).

Juvenile sex offenders, those who register on the basis of an adjudication of delinquent conduct, register until the 10th anniversary of the date on which the disposition in their case was made or the juvenile completes the terms of the disposition, whichever date is later.

Answer: Registered sex offenders are required to maintain the accuracy of their registration information. Sex offenders accomplish this by periodically verifying their registration information and reporting changes in the information to the offender’s primary registration authority.

Verification of Registration Information

All registered sex offenders must periodically report to the offender’s primary registration authority to verify the offender’s registration information. Offenders civilly committed as a sexually violent predator must verify their registration information once in each thirty-day period. Sex offenders who for a sexually violent offense have been convicted two or more times, received an order of deferred adjudication two or more times, or been convicted and received an order of deferred adjudication must verify their registration information quarterly (every 90 days). All other sex offenders verify their registration information annually.

Changes of Address

Registered offenders must report all changes in address to the proper local law enforcement authorities. First, not later than the seventh day before an intended change in address, a registered sex offender must report in person to the offender’s primary registration authority to report the intended change in address. Second, when a sex offender arrives at a new address in Texas, the sex offender has seven days to report in person to the local law enforcement authority of the municipality or county in which the person’s new residence is located and provide that authority with proof of identity and proof of residence. This local law enforcement authority will become the offender’s new primary registration authority. If sex offender moves to another state, the sex offender has 10 days after arrival in the other state to register with the law enforcement agency that is identified by the Texas Department of Public Safety as the agency designated by that state to receive registration information.

Reporting Changes in Status

In addition to providing notification of all address changes, registered offenders have seven days to notify the offender’s primary registration authority of changes in certain statuses. This includes changes in the offender’s name, physical health, job status, and educational status.

Employment or Enrollment at Institutions of Higher Education

All registered sex offenders who either work at or enroll in a public or private institution of higher education (university, college, community college, or technical or trade institution) must provide notice of that fact to two different entities. First, the offender must notify the authority for campus security (i.e. campus police department) for the institution of higher education that the offender has begun to work or attend school at the institution. Second, the offender must notify the offender’s primary registration authority of the offender’s work or enrollment at the institution of higher education. These notifications must be provided not later than the seventh day after the date the offender begins work or enrollment at the institution of higher education. The offender must also notify the authority for campus security and primary registration authority when the offender terminates work or enrollment at the institution of higher education. This notification must be provided not later than the seventh day after the date the offender terminates work or enrollment at the institution.

Answer: A registered sex offender who on at least three occasions during any month spends more than 48 consecutive hours in a municipality or county, other than the municipality or county in which the offender is registered, must report that fact to the local law enforcement authority of the municipality or county in which the offender is visiting. In reporting this fact to the proper local law enforcement authority, the sex offender must provide all the information that is required for sex offender registration, the address of any location in the municipality or county at which the offender was lodged during the month, and a statement as to whether the offender intends to return to the municipality or county during the succeeding month.

Answer: Any juvenile sex offender may seek either a court order exempting the juvenile from registration or, alternatively, a court order classifying registration information as nonpublic. The exemption of adult offenders is very limited. Generally, an adult offender may ask a court for an exemption only if, at the time of the offense, the offender was under 19 years of age and the victim was at least 13 years of age, and the offense involved consensual conduct. Additionally, adult sex offenders may ask a court for an early termination of registration in cases where Texas law requires registration for a period of time that exceeds the minimum required registration period under the federal Jacob Wetterling Act.

Answer: It is a felony offense if a person required to register fails to comply with any requirement under the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program.

Answer: Community notification of sex offenders is provided in several different ways.

Governmental Immunity

Certain governmental bodies are given immunity for releasing public information. The Texas Department of Public Safety, a penal institution, a local law enforcement authority, or an authority for campus security may release to the public information regarding a person required to register only if the information is public information.

The DPS Sex Offender Database

Local law enforcement authorities submit all sex offender registration information to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Texas Department of Public Safety puts this information in the DPS Sex Offender Database. The public may obtain information contained in this database at any time via the Texas Department of Public Safety website. The DPS Sex Offender Database can be accessed at https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/DPS_WEB/SorNew/index.aspx

Postcard Notification of Civilly Committed and High-Risk Offenders

When the Texas Department of Public Safety receives notice that a sex offender either civilly committed as a sexually violent predator or assigned a high-risk level is due to be released into a community or intends to move to a new address, the Texas Department of Public Safety will provide written notice in English and Spanish to the immediate community where the sex offender intends to reside. This written notice will be in the form of a postcard mailed or delivered to at least each address (excluding post office boxes) within a one-mile radius, in an area that has not been subdivided, or a three-block area, in an area that has been subdivided, of the place where the civilly committed or high-risk sex offender intends to reside.

Newspaper Publication

Local law enforcement authorities are permitted to publish all high-risk sex offenders in any newspaper, periodical or circular in the area where the offender intends to reside. For low and moderate-risk offenders, local law enforcement authorities are permitted to publish the offender in a newspaper, periodical or circular in the area where the offender resides unless the offender is registering on the basis of one or more adjudications of delinquent conduct (juveniles).

School Notification

In some cases, a local law enforcement authority must notify the superintendent of a public school district and administrator of a private primary or secondary school located in the school district that a registered sex offender is residing within the school district. Sex offenders subject to school notification are offenders whose victim was either younger than 17 years of age or a student enrolled in a public or private secondary school, offenders enrolled in a public or private secondary school and offenders who register for Sexual Performance by a Child or Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography. Prohibited Sexual Conduct (Incest) offenders are specifically excluded from this school notification requirement.

Answer: The Texas Sex Offender Registration Program itself does not prohibit registered sex offenders from living or going near places frequented by children. However, Texas probation and parole law requires the imposition of a "child safety zone" on a sex offender placed on community supervision (probation) or released on parole or mandatory supervision if the offender"s victim was a child. A "child safety zone" prohibits sex offenders on community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision from supervising or participating in any program that includes as participants or recipients persons 17 years of age or younger and that regularly provides athletic, civic, or cultural activities or going in, on, or within a specified distance of a premises where children commonly gather (i.e. schools, day care facilities, or playgrounds). A violation of the "child safety zone" can result in the revocation of a sex offender"s probation or parole and, consequently, incarceration. This "child safety zone" lasts for as long as the sex offender is on community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

Answer: The Texas Sex Offender Registration Program itself does not prohibit registered sex offenders from working in certain trades, occupations or professions. However, state law that regulates a particular trade, occupation or profession may bar sex offenders from working in the trade, profession or occupation. To determine if a registered sex offender is prohibited from working in a particular trade, occupation or profession, the law that regulates the trade, occupation or profession must be reviewed.