Tarrant County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Tarrant County?

Public records in Tarrant County encompass a wide range of official documents maintained by various county departments and offices pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 552, commonly known as the Texas Public Information Act. These records document government activities, transactions, and citizen interactions with county agencies. The following categories of public records are maintained and accessible through Tarrant County offices:

Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax information
Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court case files, judgments, and dockets
Business Records: Assumed name certificates (DBA), business licenses, and permits
Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, campaign finance reports
Tax Records: Property tax assessments, payment records, and delinquency information
Law Enforcement Records: Arrest records, incident reports, jail records, and sex offender registry
Public Health Records: Restaurant inspections, environmental health permits, and vital statistics
County Administration Records: Meeting minutes, budgets, contracts, and financial reports
Land Use Records: Zoning information, building permits, and code enforcement actions

These records are maintained by various departments including the Tarrant County Clerk's Office, Tarrant County Courts, Sheriff's Department, Tax Assessor-Collector, and other county agencies in accordance with state retention schedules.

Is Tarrant County an Open Records County?

Tarrant County operates as an open records county in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), which establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public. According to Texas Government Code § 552.001(a), "it is the policy of this state that each person is entitled, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, at all times to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees."

Tarrant County's commitment to transparency is formalized through its Open Records Policy, which states that county records shall be available to the public during normal business hours, with certain exceptions as prescribed by law. The county has designated Public Information Officers in each department responsible for processing open records requests in accordance with statutory timelines.

The Texas Office of the Attorney General provides oversight for compliance with the TPIA and issues opinions on disputed records requests. Under Texas Government Code § 552.221, Tarrant County must "promptly produce public information" in response to proper requests, generally within 10 business days unless an exception applies.

How Do I Find Public Records in Tarrant County in 2025

Members of the public may access Tarrant County records through multiple channels established for public convenience. The primary methods for obtaining public records include:

Online Access: Many records are available through the Tarrant County Government website and department-specific portals. The county maintains searchable databases for:
- Property records and deed information
- Court case records and dockets
- Marriage licenses and vital records indexes
- Tax payment records and property information
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request and view public records. Staff members are available to assist with locating specific documents.
Written Requests: Formal public information requests may be submitted in writing to the relevant department's Public Information Officer. Requests should:
- Be addressed to the specific department holding the records
- Clearly describe the information sought
- Include contact information for response
- Specify preferred format (paper or electronic)
Open Data Portal: The Tarrant County Open Data Portal provides access to numerous datasets, maps, and statistical information about county operations and services.
Research Facilities: The Tarrant County Law Library offers public access to legal resources and assistance with researching county records.

For specialized records, requestors should contact the specific department custodian:

Vital records: Tarrant County Clerk
Court records: Tarrant County Courts
Voter information: Tarrant County Elections
Property tax records: Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Tarrant County?

Tarrant County assesses fees for public records in accordance with the fee schedule established under Texas Government Code § 552.261 and the rules promulgated by the Texas Office of the Attorney General. The following fee structure applies to most public records requests:

Standard Paper Copies: $0.10 per page for standard 8.5" x 11" copies
Oversized Copies: $0.50 per page for documents larger than 8.5" x 14"
Certified Copies: Additional $5.00 certification fee per document
Electronic Records: $0.10 per page for PDF documents; actual cost for other electronic formats
Labor Charges: $15.00 per hour for requests requiring more than 50 pages or extensive programming
Overhead Charge: 20% of labor charge may be added for extensive requests
Media Costs: Actual cost for CDs, DVDs, or other storage media

Specific document types have statutorily set fees:

Birth Certificates: $23.00 per copy
Death Certificates: $21.00 for first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
Marriage Licenses: $82.00 to issue; $21.00 for certified copies
Property Deed Copies: $5.00 for first page, $4.00 for each additional page
Court Records: Varies by court and document type ($1.00-$5.00 per page)

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.267, fee waivers or reductions may be granted if the request is determined to be in the public interest or if the requestor demonstrates financial hardship. Government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations may qualify for reduced fees under certain circumstances.

Does Tarrant County Have Free Public Records?

Tarrant County provides certain public records at no cost to requestors through various channels. The following records are available without charge:

Online Records: The county maintains several free online databases accessible through the Tarrant County Government website, including:
- Property appraisal information
- Election results and voter precinct information
- Court docket schedules
- County budget documents
- Commissioner's Court agendas and minutes
- Public meeting notices
Public Terminals: Computer terminals are available for public use at no charge at the following locations:
Open Data Portal: The Tarrant County Open Data Portal provides free access to numerous datasets, maps, and statistical information.
Inspection Only: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.271, individuals may inspect public records during normal business hours without charge unless the request requires programming or manipulation of data.
Minimal Requests: Requests resulting in fewer than 50 pages of copies may be provided without a labor charge, though copy fees may still apply.

Additionally, the Texas Public Information Act provides that the first $5.00 of a records request is waived for requests from individuals who are not seeking the information for a commercial purpose.

Who Can Request Public Records In Tarrant County?

Under the Texas Public Information Act, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records from Tarrant County. Texas Government Code § 552.223 specifically prohibits the county from requiring a requestor to state a purpose for requesting information. The following entities and individuals may submit public records requests:

Individual citizens and residents
Non-residents of Tarrant County or Texas
Foreign nationals and non-U.S. citizens
Media organizations and journalists
Businesses and corporations
Non-profit organizations
Educational institutions
Government agencies
Legal representatives and attorneys
Incarcerated individuals (with certain limitations)

Requestors are not required to:

Provide identification
Explain the reason for their request
Submit requests on specific forms
Make requests in person

However, requestors must:

Submit requests in writing (email, mail, fax, or in-person)
Provide sufficient detail to identify the records sought
Provide contact information for response purposes

The county may ask for clarification if a request is unclear but cannot inquire about the purpose of the request. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.222(b), "the officer for public information may not inquire into the purpose for which information will be used."

What Records Are Confidential In Tarrant County?

Certain records maintained by Tarrant County are confidential by law and exempt from public disclosure pursuant to exceptions enumerated in the Texas Public Information Act. These protected records include:

Personal Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information as protected under Texas Government Code § 552.147
Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and Texas Health & Safety Code § 181.001
Juvenile Records: Court and law enforcement records involving minors as specified in Texas Family Code § 58.007
Victim Information: Identifying information of crime victims, particularly in cases involving sexual assault, family violence, or human trafficking
Active Investigations: Law enforcement records related to pending investigations as protected under Texas Government Code § 552.108
Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and communications between county officials and county attorneys
Personnel Information: Certain employee records including home addresses, phone numbers, family information, and medical information
Critical Infrastructure: Information related to security systems, emergency response plans, and infrastructure vulnerabilities
Economic Development Negotiations: Information that would give advantage to competitors or bidders
Certain Election Records: Voter identification information and marked ballots
Child Welfare Records: CPS investigations and foster care information
Mental Health Commitment Records: Information related to mental health proceedings

When a request includes confidential information, Tarrant County must seek a ruling from the Texas Office of the Attorney General within 10 business days if the county believes an exception applies. The county is prohibited from releasing confidential information and officials who knowingly disclose such information may face criminal penalties under Texas Government Code § 552.352.

Tarrant County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Tarrant County Clerk's Office (County Recorder)
100 West Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196
(817) 884-1195
Tarrant County Clerk

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Satellite Offices:

Northeast Sub-Courthouse
645 Grapevine Highway, Suite 120
Hurst, TX 76054
(817) 581-3025

Northwest Sub-Courthouse
6713 Telephone Road, Suite 201
Lake Worth, TX 76135
(817) 238-4457

Southwest Sub-Courthouse
6551 Granbury Road
Fort Worth, TX 76133
(817) 370-4570

Arlington Sub-Courthouse
700 E. Abram Street, Suite 204
Arlington, TX 76010
(817) 548-3963

The Tarrant County Clerk serves as the county recorder and is responsible for maintaining and providing access to vital records, property records, and other official documents. Services available include:

Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other property documents
Issuance of marriage licenses
Maintenance of birth and death certificates
Processing of assumed name certificates (DBA)
Military discharge recording
Notary public registrations
Alcoholic beverage permits
County court records

Electronic recording services are available through approved vendors for professional users such as title companies and attorneys. The public may search certain records online through the Tarrant County Clerk's website.