About Kaufman County
Kaufman County, Texas is located in the northeastern portion of the state, approximately 30 miles southeast of Dallas in the North Texas region. Established in 1848, Kaufman County was named after David Spangler Kaufman, a United States Representative and diplomat from Texas. Kaufman County Seat is the local community, situated at 113 North Washington Street, where the historic Kaufman County Courthouse stands as a prominent landmark.
Kaufman County includes approximately 808 square miles and has experienced significant population growth in recent decades, with current estimates exceeding 145,000 residents as part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area expansion. Major cities include Terrell, Forney, Crandall, and Kemp. Kaufman County is characterized by rolling prairie lands, cedar-dotted hills, and Lake Ray Hubbard along its western border.
Kaufman County Clerk is located at 100 North Washington Street, Suite G01 in Kaufman County, handling court documents, vital records, and various public filings. Kaufman County Tax Assessor-Collector office, also located in Kaufman County Administration Building, manages property tax assessments and collections. Kaufman County's history includes significant railroad development through Terrell in the late 1800s, and tragic recent history with the 2013 attacks on county officials that brought national attention.
Unique features include the historic brick streets of downtown Kaufman area, the Terrell Heritage Museum, and proximity to major Dallas-Fort Worth economic opportunities while maintaining a more rural character.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Kaufman County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Kaufman County. It oversees the operation of Kaufman County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs meant to enhancing public safety and supporting the community relations. The Sheriff's Office also has specialized divisions such as criminal investigations and narcotics enforcement to address specific law enforcement needs within Kaufman County.
Police Departments
In addition to Kaufman County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Kaufman County. These include the Terrell Police Department, Forney Police Department, and Crandall Police Department, among others. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective city limits and handles local law enforcement duties. They often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives to ensure full public safety coverage across Kaufman County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Kaufman County Sheriff's Office, located at 1900 East Highway 175 in Kaufman, Texas 75142, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Kaufman County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and operates Kaufman County Detention Center at the same facility. Inmates can be searched through Kaufman County Sheriff's Office website at www.kaufmancounty.net/sheriff, where an online inmate roster provides current booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates.
- Written requests should include the subject's name, date of birth if known, and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office jail roster or by submitting a public information request.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of reports.
- The Sheriff's Office also maintains records of warrants, civil process service, and sex offender registration information.
The detention facility houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders. Municipal law enforcement agencies within Kaufman County include the Terrell Police Department, Forney Police Department, Kaufman County Police Department, Crandall Police Department, Kemp Police Department, Combine Police Department, and Scurry Police Department, each serving their respective incorporated city limits. Arrest records and incident reports are considered public information under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, the Texas Public Information Act, and can be requested from the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
Some arrest records may be withheld if they pertain to ongoing investigations or are exempt under specific provisions of the Public Information Act.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Kaufman County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Kaufman County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Texas Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for Kaufman County residents seeking full criminal background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Kaufman County are maintained by Kaufman County Sheriff's Office. These records are available to the public under the Texas Public Information Act. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. A typical arrest record in Kaufman County includes details such as the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information. The process for obtaining these records may require submitting a formal request and paying any applicable fees.
Jail & Inmate Records
Kaufman County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Kaufman County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Texas state laws, allowing for the release of inmates upon posting the required amount.
- Information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or the detention center's online portal.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Kaufman County are taken and retained by Kaufman County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images 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 the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can seek removal through legal channels if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty. Third-party websites may also host mugshots, but their removal policies vary.
Courts & Case Records
Kaufman County's judicial system includes multiple levels of courts serving different jurisdictions. The 86th District Court and 422nd District Court are Kaufman County's main trial courts of general jurisdiction, located in Kaufman County Courthouse at 100 North Washington Street, Kaufman, Texas 75142. These courts handle felony criminal cases, divorce and family law matters, civil cases exceeding $200 in controversy, juvenile matters, and appeals from lower courts.
- Court administration can be reached for Kaufman County Court at Law handles Class A and Class B misdemeanors, civil matters between $200 and $250,000, appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts, and probate matters.
- Case searches can be conducted through the District Clerk's Office at or online via Kaufman County's case management system.
- Fees for certified copies are typically $1 for the first page and $0.50 for additional pages, plus any applicable search fees.
Kaufman County has multiple Justice of the Peace Courts serving different precincts, handling small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanor citations, evictions, and serving as magistrate courts for initial appearances. Municipal courts in Terrell, Forney, Kaufman County, and other incorporated cities handle traffic violations and city ordinance violations within their jurisdictions. Court records are public under Texas Government Code Section 552.002 and Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, though certain family law and juvenile records have restricted access.
Kaufman County Clerk maintains records for County Court at Law cases.
Property & Public Records
Kaufman County Clerk, located at 100 North Washington Street, Suite G01, Kaufman, Texas 75142, is the primary recording office for land records and official documents. Kaufman County Clerk can be reached at and maintains records including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, deed of trust documents, releases of liens, mechanic's and materialmen's liens, federal tax liens, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, easements, right-of-way documents, and plat maps for subdivisions. The office provides public access to these records dating back to Kaufman County's founding.
- Document recording fees are established by Texas Local Government Code and vary based on document type and page count.
- Their website at www.kaufmancad.org provides free online access to property searches by owner name, address, or account number.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk for statutory fees.
Kaufman County offers online property record searches through the County Clerk's official records search portal accessible via www.kaufmancounty.net. Kaufman County Appraisal District, located at 1801 West Highway 175, Kaufman County, Texas 75142 (phone: 972-932-6891), maintains property tax records, appraisal values, ownership information, property characteristics, and exemption data. The appraisal district's Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping portal allows users to view parcel boundaries, aerial photography, and related property data layers.
The Tax Assessor-Collector office, reachable, handles property tax collections and vehicle registration.
Vital Records
Vital records for Kaufman County are managed through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Kaufman County can be requested through Kaufman County Clerk's office at 100 North Washington Street, Suite G01, Kaufman, Texas 75142, phone, for records filed locally. However, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin is the central repository for all Texas vital records and can be reached at or via their website at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs.
- Birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy and $22 for additional copies ordered simultaneously, with approximately 2-3 weeks processing time for mail requests.
- Death certificates cost the same amount with similar processing times.
- Expedited service is available for additional fees.
- The marriage license fee is typically around $81, reduced to approximately $21 if applicants complete a premarital education course.
Marriage licenses must be obtained from Kaufman County Clerk before the ceremony, with both parties appearing in person with valid government-issued photo identification, proof of age, and Social Security numbers. Divorce records (decrees of dissolution) are maintained by the District Clerk's office where the case was filed and are public record under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Online ordering of vital records is available through the state's authorized vendor at www.txvitalrecords.org.
Requesters must prove direct and tangible interest under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 191.0045 for birth and death certificates, meaning only family members, legal representatives, or those with court orders can obtain certified copies.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Kaufman County are managed through several governmental offices depending on the business activity type. Kaufman County Clerk at 100 North Washington Street, Suite G01, Kaufman, Texas 75142 (phone: 972-932-4331) maintains assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As filings) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under names other than the owner's legal name. Texas Business and Commerce Code Section 71.002 requires these filings, which cost approximately $16 to record.
- Their online Business Search portal at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp allows free searches of registered entities, registered agents, and filing history.
The Texas Secretary of State is the primary registry for formal business entities including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be researched through their taxpayer search tools. Professional and occupational licenses are generally managed at the state level through various Texas licensing boards depending on the profession.
Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning compliance are handled by municipal building departments in incorporated cities or by Kaufman County Development Services for unincorporated areas. Kaufman County planning department can be reached through the main county number for Kaufman County Chamber of Commerce, accessible at www.kaufmanchamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information. Individual cities including Terrell, Forney, and others maintain separate chambers promoting local commerce.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Kaufman County are administered by Kaufman County Elections Administrator, located at 100 North Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Kaufman, Texas 75142. The Elections office can be reached at and provides information at www.kaufmancounty.net/elections. Voter registration in Texas is handled through county voter registrars, and Kaufman County residents can register by completing a voter registration application available from the Elections office, public libraries, or online at www.votetexas.gov, though the online form must be printed, signed, and mailed.
- Registered voters receive a voter registration certificate by mail that should be presented at polling locations.
- The 2024 general election in Kaufman County saw turnout of approximately 65% of registered voters, reflecting heightened engagement typical of presidential election years and consistent with suburban Texas counties.
- Texas law provides substantial transparency for election records under the Election Code and Public Information Act, allowing citizens to request election materials, vote tallies, and procedural documentation.
The registration deadline is 30 days before any election. To find your polling place, voters can use the Texas Secretary of State's polling place locator at www.sos.texas.gov or contact Kaufman County Elections office. Early voting locations and times are announced before each election on Kaufman County website and typically include the main elections office and branch locations throughout Kaufman County.
Election records that are public include voter registration lists (excluding certain personal information like birthdates and phone numbers under Texas Election Code Section 18.066), campaign finance reports filed with Kaufman County clerk for local candidates, candidate applications and filings, precinct-by-precinct election results, and ballot propositions. The next major election is scheduled for November 4, 2025, for constitutional amendment propositions, followed by the March 3, 2026 primary elections and November 3, 2026 general election featuring US Congressional races, Texas state legislature seats, and county offices. Mail-in (absentee) ballots in Texas are restricted to specific categories: voters 65 and older, those who will be out of Kaufman County during early voting and election day, those confined in jail but eligible to vote, and those with disabilities or illness.
Applications for mail ballots must be submitted to Kaufman County Elections Administrator and are governed by strict deadlines under Texas Election Code Chapter 84.
Economy & Demographics
Kaufman County's economy has transformed significantly over recent decades from primarily agricultural to increasingly diversified with residential growth, logistics, and service sectors. Kaufman County's proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth positions it as a bedroom community with substantial commuter population, though local employment has expanded. Major employers include the Terrell State Hospital, a large psychiatric facility operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission employing over 1,000 workers, and various school districts throughout Kaufman County.
- Median household income in Kaufman County is estimated at approximately $72,000, above the Texas state median, reflecting the influx of Dallas-area workers.
The logistics and distribution sector has grown substantially with warehouse and fulfillment centers locating along Interstate 20 and US Highway 175 corridors. Agricultural production remains economically important, with cattle ranching, hay production, and horse breeding contributing to the rural economy. Manufacturing facilities in Terrell and Forney provide industrial employment.
The unemployment rate typically tracks slightly below state averages, ranging between 3.5% and 5% in normal economic conditions. Retail and service sectors have expanded in Forney and along major transportation corridors. Major economic development initiatives include industrial park development, infrastructure improvements to support growth, and efforts to attract distribution centers capitalizing on highway access.
The energy sector maintains presence through oil and gas extraction operations. Population growth exceeding 50% between 2010 and 2020 has driven residential construction, real estate services, and related economic activity as the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex continues expanding eastward.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10, Kaufman County provides good digital access to jail rosters, property records through the appraisal district, and county clerk recording searches, with most public records available online or by request.