About Guadalupe County
Guadalupe County, Texas, is located in the south-central region of the state, approximately 35 miles northeast of San Antonio and 50 miles south of Austin. Established in 1846, Guadalupe County was named after the Guadalupe River, which flows through its terrain. Guadalupe County seat is Seguin, a historic city founded in 1838 and named after Juan Seguín, a Texas Revolutionary hero. Guadalupe County includes approximately 711 square miles and serves a population of over 172,000 residents as of recent estimates, making it one of the faster-growing counties in Texas. Guadalupe County is bordered by Comal County to the west, Caldwell County to the north, Gonzales County to the east, and Wilson County to the south. Major incorporated cities include Seguin, Schertz (shared with Bexar and Comal counties), Cibolo, Marion, McQueeney, and New Berlin. Guadalupe River provides significant recreational opportunities and is a defining geographic feature. Guadalupe County's economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and pecan production, but has diversified significantly with proximity to major metropolitan areas. Key landmarks include the Texas Agriculture Education and Heritage Center, Guadalupe River State Park (partially in Guadalupe County), and numerous historic downtown districts. Guadalupe County Courthouse, located at 101 East Court Street in Seguin, is an architectural landmark built in 1935. Public records are maintained by several county offices: Guadalupe County Clerk at 101 East Court Street, Suite 202, Seguin, TX 78155; Guadalupe County Tax Assessor-Collector at 307 West Court Street, Seguin, TX 78155; and the County Clerk also is the County Recorder for land records. Guadalupe County's strategic location along Interstate 10 and State Highway 46 has contributed to substantial residential and commercial growth in recent decades.
- Guadalupe River provides significant recreational opportunities and is a defining geographic feature.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the relevant municipal police department.
- Some agencies may charge reasonable copying fees as allowed under Section 552.261 of the Texas Government Code.
- For arrests occurring within city limits, requests should be directed to the appropriate municipal police department.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial upon payment of a set amount.
Courts & Case Records
- 2, also located in Guadalupe County Courthouse, handle Class A and B misdemeanors, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, probate matters, mental health commitments, and appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts.
- Guadalupe County Clerk's Office, located at 101 East Court Street, Suite 104, Seguin, TX 78155 (phone: 830-303-8861), maintains records for the District Court and provides public access to case files.
- Online case lookup is available through Guadalupe County's website at www.co.guadalupe.tx.us, though some record types may require in-person requests.
- Certified copies typically cost $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- Research fees may apply for extensive searches.
Property & Public Records
- There may be fees associated with printing or downloading documents.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk's Office for $5.00 for certification plus $1.00 per page.
- Property owners may request informal review of appraisals or file formal protests with Guadalupe County Appraisal Review Board during designated protest periods.
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 a certified copy when ordered from the state, while death certificates cost $21.00.
- Processing times vary but typically range from 4-6 weeks for mail requests or same-day service for in-person requests at the state office in Austin.
- The current marriage license fee is $81.00, reduced to $21.00 if applicants complete a premarital education course.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10.00.
- Certified copies can be obtained with proper identification and payment of applicable fees.