About El Paso County
El Paso County, Texas, is located in the far western tip of the state, bordered by New Mexico to the north and the Rio Grande River separating it from Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico to the south and west. El Paso County Seat is the City of El Paso, which comprises the vast majority of El Paso County's population of approximately 865,000 residents, making it one of the most populous counties in Texas and the 19th largest city in the United States. El Paso County covers approximately 1,015 square miles and sits at an elevation of approximately 3,800 feet in the Chihuahuan Desert.
El Paso County is home to Fort Bliss, one of the largest military installations in the United States, and the Franklin Mountains, the largest urban wilderness park in North America running through the city. Established in 1850, El Paso County has a rich bicultural heritage shaped by its position along the historic Camino Real trade route. El Paso County's unique character stems from its bilingual, binational identity, where Spanish and English are commonly spoken, and cross-border commerce drives much of El Paso Countyal economy.
El Paso County Clerk's office, located at 500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Suite 105, El Paso area, TX 79901, manages vital records, court filings, and election administration. El Paso County Tax Assessor-Collector, at 500 E.
San Antonio Avenue, Suite 502, handles property tax assessments and vehicle registrations. the local community Central Appraisal District, a separate entity at 5801 Trowbridge Drive, El Paso County, TX 79925, appraises property values for taxation purposes. What distinguishes El Paso County is its position as the largest binational metropolitan area on the United States-Mexico border, with a combined population exceeding 2.7 million when including Ciudad Juárez.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
El Paso County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of El Paso County. It manages El Paso County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is known for its community outreach programs and specialized divisions such as the Criminal Investigations Division and the Narcotics Task Force. The office also collaborates with other local, state, and federal agencies to ensure public safety and security throughout El Paso County.
Police Departments
El Paso County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including El Paso County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the El Paso Police Department, Socorro Police Department, and Horizon City Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city or area, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated regions. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, sharing resources and information to effectively address criminal activity across El Paso County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
El Paso County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Oscar Carrillo, serves the unincorporated areas of El Paso County and operates El Paso County Detention Facility located at 500 W. Overland Avenue, El Paso, TX 79901. The Sheriff's Office main administrative number is, and their website at www.epcounty.com/sheriff provides access to various public safety resources.
- To request arrest records, citizens can submit a written request to El Paso County Sheriff's Office Records Division or the respective municipal police department's records section.
- Most agencies charge copying fees as outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, typically around $1 per page for standard copies.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the online inmate lookup system for current detainees, while historical booking photos may require a formal public information request.
Inmates housed at El Paso County Detention Facility can be located through the online inmate search system available on the Sheriff's Office website, which provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and housing location. El Paso County Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the City of El Paso area, with headquarters at 911 N. Raynor Street, El Paso area, TX 79903, and can be reached for Smaller municipal departments serve the incorporated communities of Socorro, Horizon City, Anthony, Vinton, and Westway within El Paso County.
Arrest records in El Paso County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, which guarantees citizens the right to access government records with limited exceptions. Fort Bliss maintains its own military police force with jurisdiction on the installation. The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains a presence in El Paso County, handling state-level law enforcement functions including highway patrol on Interstate 10 and U.S.
Highway 54.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in El Paso County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. El Paso County Sheriff's Office and the municipal police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Texas Public Information Act. Background checks can be conducted through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides a full criminal history report. The Texas Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for residents seeking detailed criminal background information, for public access and public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in El Paso County are maintained by El Paso County Sheriff's Office and the various municipal police departments within El Paso County. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal requests under the Texas Public Information Act. An arrest record typically includes details such as the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information. The Sheriff's Office provides guidance on how to submit requests for these records, following state laws regarding public access to information.
Jail & Inmate Records
El Paso County Detention Facility is the primary jail facility in El Paso County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within El Paso County, providing an inmate lookup service through its website If you need information on detainees. Visitation rules at the facility require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines regarding identification and conduct. The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for cash bonds, surety bonds, and personal recognizance bonds, depending on the charges and judicial discretion.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in El Paso County are taken and retained by El Paso County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may seek removal through legal channels if the mugshot is deemed inaccurate or misleading. The availability of mugshots online can vary, with some third-party websites also providing access to these images.
Courts & Case Records
El Paso County's judicial system includes the 34th, 41st, 120th, 168th, 171st, 205th, 210th, 243rd, 327th, 346th, 383rd, 384th, 388th, 409th, and 448th District Courts, which handle felony criminal cases, civil cases over $250, family law matters, and juvenile cases. These courts are located at El Paso County Courthouse at 500 E. San Antonio Avenue, El Paso, TX 79901, with some courts also located at the new Family Court building. The main courthouse phone number is. El Paso County also has eight County Courts at Law (No. 1 through No.
- 7, plus an additional one) that handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases between $250 and $250,000, appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts, and probate matters.
- El Paso County operates eight Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-8) that handle small claims up to $20,000, evictions, Class C misdemeanors, and serve as magistrates for criminal matters.
- Court records in El Paso County can be searched through El Paso County and county clerk offices, with some case information available online through El Paso County's public access system.
- El Paso County District Clerk charges fees for certified copies ($1 for the first page, $0.50 for additional pages, plus $5 for certification) and document retrieval.
- Online case lookup is available through El Paso County website, though some detailed documents may require in-person or written requests.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in El Paso County are maintained by El Paso County Clerk's Office, which is the County Recorder, located at 500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Suite 105, El Paso, TX 79901, phone. El Paso County Clerk's official records division maintains and records all real property documents including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, assignments, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, federal tax liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, and plat maps for subdivisions throughout El Paso County.
- Most searches of the index are free, though downloading or printing official documents may require fees.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the County Clerk's office for statutory fees ($5 per document plus $1 per page after the first).
The office website at www.epcounty.com/countyclerk provides access to an online records search system where users can search by grantor/grantee names, property description, document type, or recording information dating back multiple decades. The El Paso area Central Appraisal District (EPCAD), located at 5801 Trowbridge Drive, El Paso County, TX 79925, phone, maintains property tax records, appraisals, ownership information, and property characteristics. EPCAD's website at www.epcad.org offers a full online property search tool where users can look up parcels by owner name, address, or account number, viewing current and historical appraisal values, exemptions, property sketches, and sales data completely free of charge.
El Paso County Tax Assessor-Collector, located at 500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Suite 502, phone, collects property taxes and maintains payment records. El Paso County also maintains an online GIS mapping system through El Paso County IT department that allows users to view parcel boundaries, zoning information, flood zones, and other geographic data layers, accessible through El Paso County's main website.
Vital Records
Vital records for El Paso County, Texas, are managed by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in El Paso County can be obtained from El Paso County Clerk's Office, Local Vital Statistics Unit, located at 500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Suite 300, El Paso, TX 79901, phone. El Paso County Clerk issues certified copies of birth certificates for $23 per copy and death certificates for $21 per copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing less.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically same-day if records are readily available, while mail requests generally take 2-3 weeks.
- San Antonio Avenue, Suite 105, with couples required to apply in person, provide identification, and pay a fee of $81 (reduced to $21 if completing a premarital education course).
- Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from issuance, and certified copies of marriage records cost $11.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitChek.com, an authorized third-party vendor for Texas vital records, though additional service fees apply beyond the standard state fees.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Texas Family Code Section 191.0045 and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 181. Birth records less than 75 years old and death records less than 25 years old are restricted to specific eligible applicants including the registrant, family members, or legal representatives. The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section in Austin is the centralized state repository for all Texas vital records and can be contacted at or through their website at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs for records statewide.
Marriage licenses are issued by El Paso County Clerk's Office at 500 E. Divorce records and decrees are maintained by the District Clerk's office where the divorce was granted, typically at 500 E. San Antonio Avenue.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in El Paso County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. El Paso County Clerk's Office, located at 500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Suite 105, El Paso, TX 79901, phone, maintains Assumed Name Certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) and fictitious name filings for businesses operating in El Paso County under a name different from their legal entity name. These records can be searched in person at the County Clerk's office, and filing fees are approximately $20 for sole proprietorships and partnerships.
For corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities, records are maintained by the Texas Secretary of State, Corporations Section, in Austin. The Secretary of State's searchable online database at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda allows free searches of all registered business entities in Texas, providing formation dates, registered agent information, status, and filing history. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, real estate agents, and many others are issued by various state licensing boards rather than county offices.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be researched through their website. Local business licensing and permitting is handled by municipal authorities; the City of El Paso area Planning and Inspections Department, located at 800 E. Overland, Room 308, El Paso area, TX 79901, phone, issues building permits, certificates of occupancy, and enforces zoning regulations within city limits.
The City of El Paso area Development Services Department handles business registration and certain local licenses. Zoning information and land use permits for unincorporated areas are managed by El Paso County Planning Department. The Greater El Paso area Chamber of Commerce, located at 10 Civic Center Plaza, El Paso County, TX 79901, phone, website www.greaterpaso.org, is a business resource and economic development partner, though it does not maintain official regulatory records.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in El Paso County, Texas, are administered by El Paso County Elections Department, located at 500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Room 314, El Paso, TX 79901. The Elections Administrator can be reached, and full election information is available at www.epcountyvotes.com. Voter registration in El Paso County is handled through El Paso County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, which is the voter registrar.
- Texas residents can register to vote by completing a voter registration application available online at www.votetexas.gov, though the completed form must be printed and mailed to El Paso County Voter Registrar at 500 E.
San Antonio Avenue, Suite 314, El Paso area, TX 79901. The registration deadline in Texas is 30 days before any election. Online voter registration status can be checked at the Texas Secretary of State website.
Voters can find their specific polling place location by visiting El Paso County Elections website or calling the Elections Department, where precinct assignments and polling locations are searchable by address. During early voting periods, El Paso County typically operates numerous early voting locations throughout El Paso County for voter convenience. Election records that are public in El Paso County include voter registration rolls (available with certain personal information redacted under Texas Election Code Section 13.004), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees (available through El Paso County elections office and Texas Ethics Commission), candidate filing documents, precinct-level election results, and election night reporting data.
The November 2024 general election in El Paso County saw voter turnout of approximately 54% of registered voters, consistent with El Paso County's historical presidential election participation rates, though lower than state averages. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races for Texas Congressional Districts including the 16th and 23rd which serve El Paso County, state offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other statewide positions, plus Texas State Senate and House seats.
Mail-in (absentee) voting in Texas is restricted to specific categories: voters 65 years or older, voters who will be absent from El Paso County during the entire early voting period and on election day, voters confined in jail but otherwise eligible, and voters with a disability or illness. Applications for mail ballots (ABBM) can be downloaded from the Elections Department website and must be submitted to El Paso County Early Voting Clerk. Texas law provides substantial transparency for election records under the Texas Election Code and Public Information Act, allowing citizens to request and inspect voter lists, election results documentation, ballot board proceedings minutes, and voting system testing records, though certain personal voter information is protected from disclosure to maintain privacy.
Economy & Demographics
El Paso County's major economic sectors include international trade and logistics, military and defense (anchored by Fort Bliss with approximately 35,000 active-duty personnel and civilian employees), healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail. Fort Bliss is El Paso County's largest employer, followed by the local community Independent School District, the University of Texas at El Paso County (UTEP), and the William Beaumont Army Medical Center.
- The median household income in El Paso County is approximately $52,000, below both state and national averages, though the cost of living is correspondingly lower than most major Texas metros.
- Call centers and business process outsourcing represent a growing sector, with companies attracted by the bilingual workforce.
Major private employers include Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare, Helen of Troy Limited, Electrolux Home Products, Delphi Technologies, and Hoover Treated Wood Products. The medical device manufacturing sector has grown significantly, with companies like Ethicon and Medical Device Solutions establishing operations in El Paso County Seat area. The unemployment rate typically ranges between 4.5% and 6%, slightly higher than state averages.
Tourism contributes to the economy through destinations like the Plaza Theatre, El Paso County Seat area Museum of Art, Hueco Tanks State Park, and El Paso County Seat area Mission Trail. El Paso County has invested in economic development initiatives including the Borderplex Alliance, focusing on aerospace and defense, biomedical/life sciences, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. Recent major projects include expansions at the Santa Teresa and Tornillo-Guadalupe international ports of entry, the development of medical schools and research facilities, and continued growth of the aerospace cluster related to Fort Bliss and the nearby White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Search Available | Property: Yes: Free Online Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State & County) | Elections: Yes: Online Voter & Results Info | Overall Score: 8.5/10, El Paso County provides extensive digital access to public records with online portals for property, court indexes, and inmate information, though vital records still require traditional request methods.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in El Paso County
Explore public records for 11 cities and communities in El Paso County, Texas.