State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Texas
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Texas under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) (est. 1973).
Overview of Public Records in Texas
Texas's Public Information Act provides one of the most well-developed frameworks for records access in the nation, supported by a strong enforcement mechanism through the Texas Attorney General's office. The TPIA declares that government is the servant and not the master of the people, and that it is the policy of the state that each person is entitled to complete information about the affairs of government. Texas's Attorney General plays a central role in the process, as agencies must seek a ruling from the AG before they can withhold records. This mandatory AG review process is unique among the states and provides a powerful check on government secrecy.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Texas
Response Time
Agencies must respond promptly, which Texas courts have interpreted as within 10 business days. If the agency seeks to withhold records, it must request an attorney general ruling within 10 business days of receiving the request.
Fees and Costs
Standard copy fees are $0.10 per page for copies. Personnel charges are $15 per hour for programming and $12 per hour for other labor. Overhead charges may not exceed 20% of the total personnel charges.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made in writing, which includes email and fax. Oral requests are not guaranteed a response under the statute. No reason for the request needs to be provided to the agency.
Appeal Process
The Texas Attorney General's Open Records Division rules on disputes between requesters and agencies. These rulings are binding unless challenged in court. Requesters may also file a mandamus action to compel disclosure.
Types of Public Records Available in Texas
Property Records
Property records in Texas include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Texas contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Texas election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Texas court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Texas include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Texas vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Texas document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Texas Public Records
To request records under the TPIA, submit a written request to the officer for public information at the relevant governmental body. Agencies must respond within ten business days by either providing the records, requesting a ruling from the Attorney General to withhold records, or seeking clarification. Texas counties maintain property records through county clerk offices, and the Texas Office of Court Administration provides online case searches. The Texas Secretary of State offers business entity searches through SOSDirect.
Online Access
Texas maintains extensive online resources including county district clerk and county clerk websites for court records, county appraisal district websites for property records, and the Secretary of State for business filings.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Texas
While the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Texas.
- Information considered to be confidential by law or judicial decision
- Attorney-client privileged information involving government
- Information relating to litigation against the government body
- Certain law enforcement records in active investigations
- Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information
- Social Security numbers and personal financial data
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Texas provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Texas Public Information Act (TPIA)
Enacted: 1973
The Texas Public Information Act is codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. The act is notable for requiring agencies to seek an Attorney General ruling before withholding records, creating a mandatory pre-litigation review process. The AG must issue a ruling within 45 business days. The law was significantly updated in 2019 to address electronic communications and in 2023 to modify provisions related to certain personal information. Texas also has a strong Open Meetings Act in Chapter 551.
Key Features of Texas's Records Law:
- Texas requires agencies to seek Attorney General approval before withholding any records
- The mandatory AG review process provides a pre-litigation check on government secrecy
- Texas has a ten-business-day response requirement
- The AG must rule within 45 business days on requests to withhold records
Texas Public Records Facts
Texas has 254 counties, the most of any state, each maintaining local records
The Texas Attorney General processes thousands of TPIA rulings annually
The state has approximately 17.5 million registered voters
Texas Secretary of State maintains records for over 3 million business entities
Search Texas Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Texas. Enter a name below to search public records in TX.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Public Records
How does Texas's Attorney General review process work?
How do I access Texas court records?
How long does Texas have to respond to TPIA requests?
How do I search Texas property records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Texas or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.