Texas operates under the Texas Public Records Law, which gives every person the right to inspect or copy government records. Follow the five steps below to submit a successful request:
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1
Identify the right agency
Records are held by the agency that created or maintains them — not a central repository. City records go to the City Clerk or city department; county records go to the County Clerk or relevant county office.
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2
Submit a written request
Requests must be in writing. Online portals, email, mail, or hand delivery are all accepted. Check the agency's website for an online portal or email address. Always include your name, contact information, and a precise description of the record (dates, names, case numbers if known).
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3
Wait for the statutory response window
Under the Texas Public Information Act (Tex. Gov't Code §552.228), the agency must acknowledge your request within 10 business days and either provide the records, request a cost estimate, or ask the Texas Attorney General for a ruling on exempt material. Actual delivery can take longer for large or complex requests.
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4
Review the cost estimate and pay any fees
Standard fees are nominal for most routine records. Most agencies charge $0.10–$0.25 per page for paper copies; some provide digital copies free. Agencies must send a cost estimate before processing any request over $40.
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5
Appeal a denial or delayed response
If an agency withholds records, they must cite a specific statutory exemption. You can complain to the Texas Attorney General's Open Government Hotline at (512) 478-6736 or toll-free (877) 673-6839, or submit a complaint at texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government. The AG can issue a ruling requiring release within 45 business days.
Not sure where to start? Use this directory to go directly to the right source for each record type.
Fees vary by record type and agency. Under the Texas Public Records Law, agencies may charge for the actual cost of copying, programming, or redacting records. Paper copies are typically $0.10–$0.25 per page. Certified copies (vital records, court documents) carry a fixed fee set by state statute. Agencies must provide a written cost estimate before processing any request likely to exceed $40.
Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates) are generally not public records in most states and are restricted to the named parties, immediate family, or authorized representatives.
- Birth & Death Certificates: Contact the city or county health department, or the Texas Department of Health/Vital Statistics.
- Marriage Records: File with the County Clerk; historical marriage indexes vary by state.
- Divorce Decrees: Held by the district or circuit court where the divorce was filed; search the county clerk's records portal.
Property records in County are held by the county assessor, recorder, or appraisal district. Typical sources include:
- County Assessor / Appraisal District: Owner name, assessed value, exemptions, parcel maps — usually searchable free online.
- County Recorder / Clerk: Recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats — most counties offer free online document search.
- County Tax Office: Property tax statements, payment history, and tax lien information.
The Texas Public Information Act allows agencies to withhold records that fall within specific statutory exceptions (Tex. Gov't Code §§552.101–552.352). Agencies cannot simply refuse — they must request an Attorney General ruling within 10 business days if they believe an exception applies. Below are the most frequently invoked exceptions:
Information the disclosure of which would be a "clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy" — e.g., home addresses of private citizens, SSNs.
Information related to an investigation that would interfere with the detection or prosecution of crime, or endanger life — e.g., active investigation files.
Confidential business information submitted to a government body — e.g., proprietary financial data in government contracts.
Information about a person's credit card, debit card, or charge card number that is kept by a government body.
Records that are sealed by court order or declared confidential by another Texas or federal statute.
Legal advice or communications between a government body and its attorneys — e.g., litigation strategy memos.
What to Do If Your Request Is Denied
- Ask for the specific exception in writing. The agency must identify the statutory provision it is relying on.
- Request an Attorney General opinion. You can ask the AG to review whether the exception was properly applied — file online at texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government.
- Call the Open Government Hotline: (512) 478-6736 or toll-free (877) 673-6839.
- File suit in district court. If the AG rules in your favor and the agency still refuses, you can seek a court order compelling disclosure. The agency may be liable for your attorney's fees.