Authorized User Information & Instructions

Background

Government Code § 72.151 defines an "authorized user" of the Protective Order Registry as a person to whom the OCA has given permission and the means to submit records to or modify or remove records in the registry. Except for a few exceptions, this will usually be the clerk of a court that maintains the records of the court.

Government Code §§ 72.156 – 72.157 requires the clerk of the court where an application is filed or an order is issued to enter the specific information pertaining to the application or order into the Registry, along with an imaged copy of the document(s). The information must be entered within 24 hours of the application filing or issuance of the order, unless the clerk lacks the specific information required to be entered.

Types of Applications & Orders That Should be Entered into the Registry

  • Magistrates Orders for Emergency Protection (MOEPs) issued after an arrest for any offense involving:
    • Family Violence
    • Sexual Assault
    • Trafficking of Persons
    • Indecent Assault
    • Stalking
    • Bias or Prejudice
  • Applications, Temporary Ex Parte Orders, and Final Protective Orders involving
    • Family Violence
    • Sexual Assault
    • Trafficking of Persons
    • Indecent Assault
    • Stalking
    • Bias or Prejudice

Requesting Access to the Protective Order Registry

If you are an authorized user who currently does not have access to the Protective Order Registry, you may request access by submitting our online form.

Submitting the form does not guarantee access. If you're granted access, you will receive an email with login instructions.

Before completing the form, please note the following:

  • For Head Clerks (verified elected District and County Clerks, and Head Clerks for Justice of the Peace and municipal courts):
    • You have already been uploaded into the system with protective order user rights.
    • To confirm that you have access, please go to https://courtal.txcourts.gov/  and enter your email. 
    • If you do not receive an email, please complete the form below.
  • For deputy clerks, assistant clerks, and other staff members designated as authorized users by the Head Clerk of your court, you may have already been added into the system.
    • To check if you already have access, please go to https://courtal.txcourts.gov/ and enter your email. 
    • If you do not receive an email, please request access directly from YOUR Head Clerk.  You will get access to the system only when he/she has added you as a user.