Tarrant County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Tarrant County?

Public records in Tarrant County are official documents and information maintained by county government agencies that are accessible to the public under Texas law. These records include real estate transactions, court records, marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, property tax information, and various other official documents.

The Tarrant County Clerk's Office is the primary custodian of many public records, including real property records, marriage licenses, and probate documents. These records are maintained for transparency in government operations and to provide citizens with access to important information.

Tarrant County Clerk's Office: 100 W. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196

Is Tarrant County an Open Records County?

Yes, Tarrant County is an open records county that operates under the Texas Public Information Act (formerly known as the Open Records Act). This law ensures that citizens have the right to access government records unless specifically exempted by law.

Tarrant County government agencies are required to respond to public information requests promptly, typically within 10 business days. The county maintains various online portals to facilitate public access to many records without requiring formal requests.

Texas Attorney General's Office (Open Records Division): P.O. Box 12548, Austin, TX 78711-2548

How Do I Find Public Records in Tarrant County in 2025

In 2025, Tarrant County offers multiple methods to access public records:

1. Online Portals: The county maintains several searchable databases:

   • Tarrant County Public Search portal for real estate and other official records
   • County Clerk's online search system for civil court records
   • District Clerk's portal for criminal and civil case information
   • Medical Examiner's case records system

2. In-Person Requests: Visit the appropriate county office:

   • County Clerk for real estate records, marriage licenses, and probate records
   • District Clerk for court records
   • Tax Assessor for property tax records

3. Written Requests: Submit a formal public information request to the specific department that maintains the records you seek.

Tarrant County District Clerk: 100 N. Calhoun St., Fort Worth, TX 76196

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

Fees for public records in Tarrant County vary based on the type of record and format requested:

• Real Property Records: $1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.25 per page for non-certified
• Court Records: Fees range from $1.00 to $5.00 per page depending on certification needs
• Vital Records (birth/death certificates, marriage licenses): $23 for the first copy, $3 for additional copies
• Criminal Background Checks: $10-$20 depending on the scope
• Research Fees: $25 per hour may apply for requests requiring extensive research

Additional fees may apply for expedited service or special handling. The county accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit cards for most services.

Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector: 100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196

Does Tarrant County Have Free Public Records?

Tarrant County does provide some public records at no cost:

• Online Searches: Basic searches through the county's public records portals are generally free, though downloading or printing documents may incur fees
• Public Terminals: Computer terminals at county offices allow free viewing of many public records
• Open Meetings: Minutes and agendas from county commissioner meetings and other public bodies are available at no cost
• County Budget Documents: Financial records and budget information can be accessed for free

While viewing records may be free in many cases, obtaining copies (especially certified copies) typically involves fees as outlined in the county fee schedule.

Tarrant County Administration Building: 100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196

Who Can Request Public Records In Tarrant County?

Under Texas law, anyone can request public records in Tarrant County regardless of:

• Citizenship status
• Age (though minors may face some restrictions)
• Residency (you don't need to be a Tarrant County or Texas resident)
• Purpose (requestors generally don't need to explain why they want the records)

Requestors must provide sufficient information to identify the records sought but are not required to create new records or answer questions. Government agencies cannot ask why you want the information, except in limited circumstances where certain exemptions might apply.

Tarrant County Records Management: 200 Taylor St., Suite 2100, Fort Worth, TX 76196

What Records Are Confidential In Tarrant County?

Despite Tarrant County's commitment to transparency, certain records remain confidential under Texas law:

• Personal Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain personal identifiers
• Juvenile Records: Most records involving minors in the justice system
• Medical Information: Protected health information under HIPAA
• Ongoing Investigations: Active law enforcement and prosecutor files
• Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice to county officials
• Certain Personnel Records: Employee evaluations and personal information
• Victim Information: Details about victims of crimes, especially in sensitive cases
• Adoption Records: Information about adoptions and related proceedings
• Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to the county

Requestors seeking potentially confidential information may receive redacted documents or denials that can be appealed to the Texas Attorney General's Office.

Tarrant County Sheriff's Office: 200 Taylor St., Fort Worth, TX 76196

Lookup Public Records in Tarrant County

Tarrant County provides several resources for accessing public records:

• County Clerk - Tarrant County TX - Access services related to civil cases, probate, and real estate records through the County Clerk's office.

• Public Search - Tarrant - Search official public records including real estate documents and other public filings.

• Online Searches CCL - Tarrant County TX - Access County Courts at Law, Probate Courts, and Justice of the Peace Court records.

• Copies of Official Public Records (Real Property) - Tarrant County TX - Learn how to obtain copies of real property records.

• Medical Examiner's Case Records - Tarrant County, Texas - Access information about manner and cause of death from the Medical Examiner's office.

• Felony Fees PDF - View detailed information about fees associated with felony cases in Tarrant County.