Houston County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Houston County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Houston County, Texas, may access a range of publicly available information through HoustonTXRecords.us as well as through official county offices and state agencies. Houston County maintains records across multiple departments, and the availability of specific documents depends on the record type, the custodial office, and applicable state law. Records that may be accessible include court filings, property documents, vital records, tax records, and law enforcement reports, subject to statutory exemptions.
Online Access:
- The Houston County, Texas official website provides access to department directories, court dockets, and general county information. Note that the courthouse currently has one entrance only, through the basement door on the west side.
- The County Clerk's office maintains an online portal for recorded documents, including deeds and official instruments.
- The District Clerk's office provides access to court case information for proceedings heard in District Courts.
- Some records require in-person inspection or a formal written request; not all documents are available in digital format.
- No registration is required to view publicly posted dockets, though certain database searches may require account creation.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Houston County Courthouse to inspect records at the relevant clerk's office. Requestors should identify the specific record type and the custodial office before arriving. Staff at the public counter can assist in locating documents and explaining the applicable request process.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests must include the requestor's name, a description of the records sought, and a mailing address for the response. Under Texas Government Code § 552, a governmental body must promptly produce public information or request an exception within ten business days of receiving a written request.
Phone/Email:
- Houston County Clerk: (936) 544-3255
- Houston County District Clerk: (936) 544-3255 (main courthouse line)
Houston County Clerk's Office Houston County Courthouse, 401 E. Houston Ave., Crockett, TX 75835 (936) 544-3255 Houston County Clerk
What Are Public Records in Houston County?
Public records in Houston County are defined under Texas law as any information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body in connection with the transaction of official business. Under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, the public information law establishes a broad presumption of openness for government-held records.
The following record types are currently maintained by Houston County offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, and family court records | Houston County District Clerk |
| Deeds, mortgages, liens, and official instruments | Houston County Clerk |
| Marriage records | Houston County Clerk |
| Birth and death certificates | Texas Department of State Health Services (state level) |
| Property tax and assessment records | Houston County Appraisal District |
| Business licenses and permits | Houston County Clerk |
| Voting and election records | Houston County Elections Administrator |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Houston County Clerk / respective boards |
| Budget and financial documents | Houston County Auditor |
| Arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted) | Houston County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Houston County Commissioner's Court |
The Houston County District Clerk's Office serves as the office of record for all proceedings heard in District Courts and, in Houston County, certain civil and family matters heard in County Court.
Is Houston County an Open Records County?
Houston County follows the Texas Public Information Act, which establishes a strong presumption in favor of public access to government records. As stated in Texas Government Code § 552.001, "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."
The Act applies to all governmental bodies in Texas, including county offices, and requires that public information be made available upon request without requiring the requestor to state a reason. Houston County offices are bound by this statute and must comply with its provisions regarding timely response, fee assessment, and the handling of confidential information.
The Texas Attorney General's Office provides oversight and issues open records letter rulings when a governmental body seeks to withhold information. The Act further provides that "a governmental body shall release information to any person who requests it" unless a specific statutory exception applies.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Houston County?
The cost to obtain public records in Houston County is governed by the Texas Public Information Act and the fee schedules established by the Texas Office of the Attorney General. Current standard fees applicable to most county offices are as follows:
| Fee Type | Standard Rate |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (standard size) | $0.10 per page |
| Copies requiring programming or manipulation | Actual cost |
| Certification of records | $1.00 per document (varies by office) |
| Electronic format (where available) | May be provided at no charge or at cost of medium |
| Postage and handling | Actual cost |
| Personnel time (over 50 pages) | Charged per OAG schedule |
The Houston County Clerk's office notes that the Texas Legislature has periodically updated official records costs, and requestors should confirm current fees directly with the relevant office prior to submitting a request. Inspection of records — viewing documents without obtaining copies — does not incur a copy fee. Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by department.
Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, such as when the requestor demonstrates that release of the information primarily benefits the general public rather than a private interest.
Does Houston County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Houston County offices during regular business hours. Members of the public may review documents in person at the relevant clerk's office without incurring a copy fee, provided the records are not subject to a statutory exemption.
The following free access options are currently available:
- In-person inspection at the Houston County Clerk's Office and District Clerk's Office, where members of the public may view records at public access terminals or with staff assistance at no charge.
- Online court dockets are accessible through the Houston County official website without charge.
- Criminal history records at the state level may be searched through the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division, which provides a name-based public sex offender registry search at no cost.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records is free, obtaining paper or certified copies involves the fee schedule described above. Certain records, such as voter registration information provided to candidates and political parties, are distributed at no charge under specific statutory provisions.
Who Can Request Public Records in Houston County?
Any person may request public records from Houston County governmental bodies under the Texas Public Information Act. The Act does not restrict access based on residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Requestors are not required to identify themselves or explain why they are seeking the information, except in limited circumstances involving certain sensitive record categories.
Key eligibility provisions include:
- Residency: Not required. Non-residents of Texas have the same right of access as residents.
- Identification: Not required for most public records requests, though some offices may ask for identification when releasing records that contain personal information about the requestor.
- Purpose: Not required to be stated for standard public information requests.
- Restrictions by record type: Certain records, such as sealed court files, juvenile records, and adoption records, are restricted to specific authorized parties regardless of the general right of access.
Individuals requesting their own criminal history records from the state must submit a fingerprint-based request through the Texas DPS Crime Records Division, which involves an identity verification process and an applicable fee.
What Records Are Confidential in Houston County?
Not all government-held records in Houston County are subject to public disclosure. Texas law identifies numerous categories of information that are exempt from release under the Texas Public Information Act. The following records are currently treated as confidential or restricted:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available to the general public.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to minors involved in the juvenile justice system are confidential under Texas Family Code provisions.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Information compiled during an active law enforcement investigation is exempt from disclosure.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are protected from release.
- Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only to authorized parties.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Confidential under Texas Family Code.
- Personnel records: Certain employee information held by governmental bodies is exempt, with limited exceptions for public officials.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt when submitted to a governmental body under a confidentiality agreement or statutory protection.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Exempt to protect public safety.
As stated in Texas Government Code § 552.101, information is excepted from required disclosure if it is considered confidential by law, either constitutional, statutory, or by judicial decision. When a governmental body believes requested information falls under an exception, it must seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Office before withholding the records.
Houston County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Houston County Clerk's Office 401 E. Houston Ave., Crockett, TX 75835 (936) 544-3255 Houston County Clerk
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Closed on state and federal holidays. The courthouse currently has one entrance only, through the basement door on the west side.
Houston County District Clerk's Office 401 E. Houston Ave., Crockett, TX 75835 (936) 544-3255 Houston County District Clerk
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM The District Clerk maintains records for all District Court proceedings and certain civil and family matters heard in County Court.
Houston County Sheriff's Office (For law enforcement records and incident reports) 401 E. Houston Ave., Crockett, TX 75835 (936) 544-3255
Texas Department of Public Safety – Crime Records Division (For statewide criminal history records) P.O. Box 4143, Austin, TX 78765 (512) 424-2474 Texas DPS Crime Records