About Archer County
Archer County is located in North Central Texas, situated approximately 25 miles southwest of Wichita Falls. Established in 1858 and organized in 1880, Archer County was named after Branch Tanner Archer, a Republic of Texas Commissioner and Secretary of War. Archer County seat is Archer City, a small town famously associated with author Larry McMurtry, who was born there and set several of his novels in Archer County. Archer County includes approximately 910 square miles and had a population of around 8,560 residents according to recent census estimates. The scene is characterized by rolling prairies, agricultural lands, and oil and gas extraction sites that have shaped Archer County's economy for over a century. Major communities include Archer City area City, Holliday, Scotland, Windthorst, and Megargel. Archer County is served by Archer County Courthouse, located at 100 S. Center Street in Archer County City, Texas 76351, which houses most county administrative offices. Archer County Clerk maintains official records including court documents, marriage licenses, and business filings from this location. Archer County Tax Assessor-Collector, also based in the courthouse, handles property tax assessments and collections. Archer County Appraisal District, located at 110 N. Center Street in Archer County City, maintains property appraisal records. What makes Archer County unique is its rich Western heritage, strong connection to Texas literary history through Larry McMurtry, and its blend of ranching traditions with modern energy production. Archer County's economy has historically relied on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and wheat farming, alongside substantial oil and natural gas development.
Court Records & Case Information
The Archer County Court serves Archer County, Texas and handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The courthouse is located at 100 West Main Street in Archer City. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Texas online court portal.
Archer County Court is located in Archer City, Texas and is part of the 97th Judicial District. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including family law, probate, juvenile, and traffic matters.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Arrest records and booking information can be requested in person at the Sheriff's Office or by submitting a written public records request.
- Municipal police departments serve incorporated areas: the Holliday Police Department provides law enforcement for the City of Holliday, while the Windthorst Police Department serves Windthorst.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request identifying the specific records sought, and agencies must respond within ten business days.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records, calculated based on personnel time and materials costs as permitted under state statute.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Arrest Records
- The process for obtaining these records involves submitting a formal request to the appropriate law enforcement agency, which then provides access according to state law.
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of bail, pending their court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
Court records for this county include civil cases, criminal cases, traffic violations, and family law matters handled by the local Circuit, District, or Superior Court.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a statutory fee of $1.00 per page plus $5.00 for certification.
- Some case information may be available through the Texas Courts Online portal at www.courts.texas.gov, though full online access varies by court.
- Researchers should contact the appropriate clerk's office to verify record availability and current fee schedules.
Property & Public Records
- Archer County Clerk's office provides an online property records search through third-party vendor services, though fees may apply for document images and certified copies.
- Center Street, Archer City area City, Texas 76351 (phone: 940-574-4515), maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, and property characteristics data.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the County Clerk at statutory rates: typically $5.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- Archer County Clerk accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone with credit card payment.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Birth certificates cost $23.00 for the first copy and $22.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $21.00 each.
- Processing time for mail requests typically ranges from 4-6 weeks, though expedited service may be available for additional fees.
- The marriage license fee is set by state statute (currently $81.00, reduced to $21.00 with completion of a premarital education course).
- The Texas Vital Statistics Unit offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs for expedited service with additional processing fees.
- Applicants must provide valid identification, demonstrate eligibility relationship to the registrant, and state the purpose for requesting the record as required by state law.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The filing fee is typically $25.00, and certificates must be renewed every ten years.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml where the public can look up business entities registered in Texas at no charge.
- This database provides information on entity name, registration date, registered agent, status (active/inactive), and filing history.