Bosque County

Bosque County, Texas is located in the central part of the state, approximately 60 miles southwest of Fort Worth and 90 miles north of Austin. Established in 1854, Bosque County was named after the Bosque River, which flows through its territory—'Bosque County' meaning 'forest' or 'woods' in Spanish, referencing the wooded areas along the river banks. Bosque County seat is Meridian, a small town that is the governmental and administrative center. Bosque County includes approximately 989 square miles and has a population of around 18,546 residents according to recent census estimates. Bosque County is characterized by rolling hills, limestone formations, and scenic river valleys, making it attractive for ranching, agriculture, and outdoor recreation. Major communities include Clifton, Valley Mills, Walnut Springs, Iredell, and Cranfills Gap. The economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, dairy farming, and crop production. Notable landmarks include Meridian State Park, featuring limestone cliffs and hiking trails, and Lake Whitney, a popular recreational reservoir on Bosque County's eastern border. Bosque County Courthouse in Meridian, built in 1886, is a historic limestone structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. County administrative functions are handled by Bosque County Clerk located at 110 South Main Street, Meridian, TX 76665, the County Tax Assessor-Collector at the same address, and the County Appraisal District. Bosque County retains strong Norwegian heritage from 19th-century immigration, particularly visible in the Clifton area, with Norse-influenced architecture and cultural events celebrating this unique history that distinguishes Bosque County from neighboring regions.

• Bosque County Courthouse in Meridian, built in 1886, is a historic limestone structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Requests should be submitted in writing to the Sheriff's Office, and the agency has ten business days to respond.
• Arrest records and mugshots are generally available through direct requests to the arresting agency.
• Booking photos taken at Bosque County Jail may be obtained through public records requests to the Sheriff's Office, though there may be fees for copies.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond process follows Texas law, allowing for the release of inmates upon posting bail, which can be arranged through a bail bondsman or directly at the jail.

• Justice of the Peace Courts operate in multiple precincts throughout Bosque County, handling small claims (up to $20,000), evictions, traffic violations, and misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only.
• Court records in Bosque County can be accessed through the District Clerk's Office for district court cases, and the County Clerk's Office for county court and probate matters.
• Certified copies of court documents typically cost $1 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a certified seal fee.

• Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page of the same document.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Death certificates follow the same fee structure and can be obtained from the County Clerk or the state vital records office.
• Processing time for vital records requested through Bosque County office is typically 2-4 weeks, while state processing may take longer during high-volume periods.
• The marriage license fee is approximately $81, though this can be reduced to $21 if applicants complete a state-approved premarital education course.
• Certified copies of marriage records cost $10.
• Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by the District Clerk's Office at Bosque County Courthouse and cost $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page when certified.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The SOSDirect search tool at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda allows free online searches of all registered business entities in Texas, including those based in Bosque County.
• This database includes entity status, registered agent information, formation dates, and filing history.