About Val Verde County
Val Verde County is located in southwestern Texas along the Texas-Mexico border, with Del Rio serving as Val Verde County Seat. Established in 1885, Val Verde County covers approximately 3,171 square miles and has a population of around 47,000 residents according to recent estimates. Val Verde County's name, meaning 'green valley' in Spanish, reflects its position along the Rio Grande and Devils River confluence.
Val Verde County is home to Amistad National Recreation Area, a major landmark featuring the Amistad Reservoir, which attracts boaters, fishers, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the state. Val Verde County is rich in archaeological history, with numerous pictograph sites including the Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, showcasing rock art dating back thousands of years. Laughlin Air Force Base, located just east of Del Rio, is a significant presence in Val Verde County and is a pilot training installation.
Val Verde County Clerk's office is located at 100 E. Broadway Street, Del Rio, TX 78840, and maintains vital records, court documents, and election administration. Val Verde County District Clerk handles district court filings at the same courthouse complex.
Val Verde County Appraisal District, located at 417 S. Getty Street, Del Rio, TX 78840, assesses property values for taxation purposes. Val Verde County's economy is driven by agriculture, ranching, border trade, military presence, and tourism related to Lake Amistad.
Val Verde County's unique position as a border county creates a distinct cultural blend of American and Mexican influences, reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and daily life.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Val Verde County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Val Verde County. It oversees Val Verde County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is dedicated to public safety through patrols, investigations, and community outreach programs. The Sheriff's Office has specialized divisions such as a narcotics unit and a K-9 team to address specific law enforcement challenges in Val Verde County. The office also engages in collaborative efforts with federal agencies due to its proximity to the border.
Police Departments
In addition to Val Verde County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Val Verde County is supported by the Del Rio Police Department. The Del Rio Police Department serves the city of Del Rio, handling municipal law enforcement duties, traffic control, and community policing. Both agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, often working together on joint operations and information sharing. This collaboration is essential for addressing cross-jurisdictional issues, particularly given Val Verde County's location along the international border.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Val Verde County Sheriff's Office, located at 600 E. Ogden Street, Del Rio, TX 78840, provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of Val Verde County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and operates Val Verde County Jail, which houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Inmates housed at Val Verde County Jail can be located through the Sheriff's Office website at www.valverdecountysheriff.com or by calling the jail directly for The inmate roster typically includes booking information, charges, bond amounts, and expected release dates.
- Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records are generally considered public information and can be requested from the arresting agency.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are typically available through the Sheriff's Office, though some agencies may charge a nominal fee for copies.
Within Val Verde County, the Del Rio Police Department serves the city of Del Rio and can be contacted, with headquarters at 109 W. Broadway Street. Val Verde County Sheriff's Office maintains records of all bookings, and most recent arrest information is posted on their public inmate roster.
As a border county, Val Verde County also coordinates with U.S. Border Patrol and federal immigration enforcement agencies, though these operate under separate federal jurisdiction. The Sheriff's Office participates in regional task forces addressing border security and drug trafficking issues common to Val Verde County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Val Verde County's criminal records system includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. These records are maintained by Val Verde County Sheriff's Office and the local courts. 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 does not exist; instead, the Texas Department of Public Safety serves this function.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Val Verde County are maintained by Val Verde 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, either in person or through written requests. A Val Verde County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, charges, arresting agency, and booking details. The Sheriff's Office ensures that records are updated and accessible in compliance with state law.
Jail & Inmate Records
Val Verde County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Val Verde County. It manages the booking process for people arrested within Val Verde County, where they are processed and held pending bail or court appearances. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides an online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols. The bond process follows Texas state law, allowing for cash bonds or bail bonds through approved agencies.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Val Verde County are taken and retained by Val Verde County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be searched through the Sheriff's Office website or requested directly from the office. Texas law does not have specific provisions for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may seek removal through legal channels if applicable. The availability of mugshots is subject to the Texas Public Information Act, for public access and public access.
Courts & Case Records
Val Verde County is served by the 63rd Judicial District Court, which handles felony criminal cases, major civil matters, divorce cases, and juvenile matters. Val Verde County Court is located at Val Verde County Courthouse, 100 E. Broadway Street, Del Rio, TX 78840, and can be reached for Val Verde County Courts At Law handle misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil cases under certain dollar thresholds.
- Court records in Val Verde County can be accessed through the District Clerk's office at and the County Clerk's office for county-level courts.
- Many courts charge fees for certified copies, typically ranging from $1 to $5 per page plus a certification fee.
- Requesters should visit the courthouse in person or call ahead to determine availability of specific records and current fee schedules.
Justice of the Peace Courts in Val Verde County, including Precinct 1 and Precinct 2, handle small claims cases, evictions, Class C misdemeanors (fine-only offenses), and serve as magistrates for initial appearances and warrant issuance. The Del Rio Municipal Court has jurisdiction over city ordinance violations and traffic citations within city limits. Under Texas Government Code Section 552.001 et seq.
(the Texas Public Information Act), most court records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statute. Val Verde County Clerk's office maintains case indexes and dockets, though online access may be limited compared to larger urban counties.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Val Verde County are maintained by Val Verde County Clerk, located at 100 E. Broadway Street, Del Rio, TX 78840, phone. Val Verde County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, and plat maps. These records are indexed by grantor and grantee names and can be searched in person at the Clerk's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Val Verde County Appraisal District, at 417 S.
- The Appraisal District website provides online access to property searches at www.valverdecad.org, where users can search by owner name, property address, or account number free of charge.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk's office for a statutory fee of $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.
- While some Texas counties offer online document retrieval, Val Verde County primarily requires in-person or mail requests for copies of recorded instruments.
Vital Records
Vital records for Val Verde County are maintained by Val Verde County Clerk at 100 E. Broadway Street, Del Rio, TX 78840, phone. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Val Verde County can be requested from the County Clerk's office, though 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 online at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs. Birth certificates cost $23 for a certified copy when ordered through the state, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $23 each.
- Death certificates cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing times typically range from 2-4 weeks when ordered by mail, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- The marriage license fee in Val Verde County is set by state statute.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the state's official vendor at www.texasvitalrecords.health.texas.gov, though service fees apply.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Val Verde County involve multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Val Verde County Clerk, at 100 E. Broadway Street, Del Rio, TX 78840, accepts filings for Assumed Name Certificates (DBA - Doing Business As), which are required when an individual or entity conducts business under a name other than their legal name. The filing fee for an assumed name certificate is typically around $16.
- The Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, located at 1915 Veterans Boulevard, Del Rio, TX 78840, website www.drchamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information.
For full business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered entities, the Texas Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml, which provides free access to business formation documents, registered agent information, and entity status. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be applied for online at www.comptroller.texas.gov. Professional licenses, such as those for contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers, are issued by respective state licensing boards rather than at Val Verde County level.
Building permits and inspections in unincorporated Val Verde County are handled by Val Verde County's building inspection department, while the City of Del Rio administers permits within city limits through its Development Services Department. Zoning information and land use regulations can be obtained from Val Verde County Judge's office or Val Verde County planning department.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Val Verde County are administered by Val Verde County Elections Administrator, located at 100 E. Broadway Street, Del Rio, TX 78840, phone. Voter registration in Texas is handled through a state-coordinated system, and Val Verde County residents can register to vote online at www.votetexas.gov or by completing a paper application available at the County Elections Office, public libraries, and various government offices. The voter registration deadline in Texas is 30 days prior to any election, and applicants must be U.S.
- Registered voters in Val Verde County can find their polling place by visiting the County Elections Office website, calling, or checking the Texas Secretary of State's voter portal at www.teamrv.sos.state.tx.us.
- In the November 2024 general election, Val Verde County reported approximately 45-50% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with typical turnout for presidential elections in South Texas border counties.
- Val Verde County provides precinct-by-precinct election results on Val Verde County website following certification of election results.
Citizens, Texas residents, at least 17 years and 10 months old (18 to vote), and not be a convicted felon (unless sentence is fully discharged including probation and parole). Election records that are public in Texas include voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports filed with Val Verde County or state, and records of who voted (but not how they voted). The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and U.S. Senate midterm elections, statewide offices including Texas Governor and other constitutional officers, and Texas State Legislature seats. Mail-in (absentee) ballots in Texas are available only to voters 65 and older, those who will be out of Val Verde County during early voting and Election Day, those confined in jail but otherwise eligible, or those with a disability or illness that prevents in-person voting.
Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Val Verde County Elections Administrator and received (not postmarked) by the 11th day before Election Day. Under Texas Election Code Chapter 1.011 and the Texas Public Information Act, most election records are public and can be requested from the Elections Administrator, though some information such as social security numbers and full dates of birth are protected.
Economy & Demographics
Val Verde County's economy is notably diverse for a rural Texas border county, with major economic drivers including military operations, agriculture, border trade, tourism, and retail services. Laughlin Air Force Base is Val Verde County's largest employer, with approximately 1,100 military personnel and 600 civilian employees, generating substantial economic impact through payroll and contracts. The base specializes in pilot training and contributes an estimated $150-200 million annually to the local economy.
- The median household income in Val Verde County is approximately $42,000, below the Texas state average, reflecting the rural character and border economy dynamics.
Agriculture and ranching remain important sectors, with sheep, goat, cattle operations, and some irrigated crop production along the Rio Grande valley. Tourism centered on Amistad National Recreation Area brings significant seasonal revenue, with visitors spending money on lodging, dining, boat rentals, and outdoor recreation services. Retail trade and border commerce benefit from cross-border shopping, with Del Rio acting as a regional commercial hub for both U.S.
And Mexican consumers. Healthcare services, provided by Val Verde Regional Medical Center and associated facilities, represent another major employment sector. The unemployment rate in Val Verde County typically tracks 1-2 percentage points higher than the state average, influenced by seasonal factors and border economic conditions.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on expanding retail options, supporting small business growth, and using Val Verde County's position along major transportation corridors including U.S. Highway 90 and U.S. Highway 277.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online Access | Property: Yes: Appraisal Records Online | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Inmate Roster Online | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/State Required | Business: Yes: State Database Available | Elections: Yes: Results Online | Overall Score: 6.5/10, Val Verde County provides moderate public records access with some online resources available, though many records require in-person or mail requests.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Val Verde County, Texas?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Val Verde County, Texas?
How do I get a criminal background check in Val Verde County, Texas?
How can I look up sex offenders in Val Verde County, Texas?
How do I register to vote in Val Verde County, Texas?
How do I look up property records in Val Verde County, Texas?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Val Verde County, Texas?
How do I find business license records in Val Verde County, Texas?
Cities & Towns in Val Verde County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Val Verde County, Texas.