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Dallas County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Dallas County?

Public records in Dallas County are defined as information created, collected, or maintained by government entities that is accessible to the public pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, codified under Texas Government Code § 552. This comprehensive statute establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

Dallas County maintains numerous categories of public records, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Dallas County District Clerk and County Clerk
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments maintained by the Dallas County Clerk's Office
  • Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees available through the Dallas County Clerk's Vital Records Division
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and assumed name certificates (DBA) filed with the County Clerk
  • Tax Records: Property tax statements, payment records, and assessment information maintained by the Dallas County Tax Office
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports available through the Dallas County Elections Department
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Official proceedings of the Dallas County Commissioners Court and various boards and commissions
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures, financial reports, and audit information
  • Law Enforcement Records: Certain arrest logs, incident reports, and jail records (subject to privacy restrictions)
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and development permits

Each record type is maintained by specific departments within Dallas County government. The Dallas County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many public records, while specialized departments maintain records relevant to their functions.

Is Dallas County an Open Records County?

Dallas County fully adheres to the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), codified under Texas Government Code § 552, which establishes the fundamental right of public access to government information. Under this statute, Dallas County operates as an open records jurisdiction with a presumption of transparency.

The TPIA explicitly states in § 552.001(a) that: "Under the fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of representative government that adheres to the principle that government is the servant and not the master of the people, it is the policy of this state that each person is entitled, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, at all times to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees."

Dallas County has implemented specific procedures to comply with state transparency requirements. The county maintains an Open Records Request portal through which members of the public may submit formal requests for information. Additionally, Dallas County complies with the Texas Open Meetings Act (Texas Government Code § 551), which requires public notice of meetings and public access to deliberations of governmental bodies.

The Dallas County Commissioners Court has adopted an official public information policy that designates departmental public information coordinators responsible for processing requests in accordance with statutory timelines. This policy reinforces the county's commitment to transparency while establishing consistent procedures for handling requests across all county departments.

How to Find Public Records in Dallas County in 2026

Members of the public seeking Dallas County records may utilize several methods to access information. The county currently provides multiple pathways for obtaining public records:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official web portals:

  2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:

    • For property records, vital records, and general county records, visit the County Clerk's Office
    • For district court records, visit the District Clerk's Office
    • For tax records, visit the Tax Assessor-Collector's Office

  3. Written Requests: Submit a formal public information request:

  4. Specialized Databases: Access specialized record systems:

Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, Dallas County must respond to requests promptly, with a presumptive deadline of 10 business days to provide the requested information or explain why additional time is needed.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Dallas County?

Dallas County assesses fees for public records in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Administrative Code § 70.3, which sets maximum charges for copies of public information. Current standard fees include:

  • Paper Copies: $0.10 per page for standard letter or legal size documents
  • Certified Copies: $5.00 certification fee plus copy costs
  • Electronic Records: $0.10 per page for PDFs or other electronic formats
  • Oversize Documents: $0.50 per page for maps, blueprints, or other oversized documents
  • Media Costs: Actual cost for CDs, DVDs, or other storage media
  • Labor Charges: $15.00 per hour for requests requiring more than 50 pages or extensive programming/manipulation

Specific record types carry statutorily defined fees:

  • Birth Certificates: $23.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy
  • Death Certificates: $21.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
  • Marriage Licenses: $82.00 for issuance, $20.00 for certified copies
  • Property Records: $26.00 for first page, $4.00 for each additional page
  • Court Records: Varies by case type and document requested

Dallas County accepts payment via cash, check, money order, and major credit cards for in-person transactions. Online requests typically require credit card payment. Fee waivers or reductions may be available for requests that serve the public interest, as determined under Texas Government Code § 552.267.

Does Dallas County Have Free Public Records?

Dallas County provides free public access to certain records as required by Texas law. Under Texas Government Code § 552.221, members of the public have the right to inspect public records without charge during regular business hours. The following free access options are currently available:

  • In-Person Inspection: Individuals may examine non-confidential public records at no cost by visiting the appropriate county office during regular business hours. No appointment is necessary, though calling ahead is recommended for voluminous records.

  • Online Resources: Dallas County provides several free online record access points:

  • Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the following locations for free public record searches:

    • Dallas County Administration Building - Records Department
    • Dallas County Law Library
    • Dallas County District Clerk's Office

While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested. Additionally, requests requiring extensive staff time for compilation, redaction, or programming may incur labor charges even if inspection is the only service requested.

Who Can Request Public Records in Dallas County?

Under the Texas Public Information Act, specifically Texas Government Code § 552.023, any person may request access to public records maintained by Dallas County. The statute establishes the following eligibility criteria and considerations:

  • Residency: Texas law does not restrict public information requests to state residents. Any individual, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may submit requests.

  • Identification Requirements:

    • For general public records: Requestors are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request
    • For confidential records about oneself: Proper identification is required to verify identity
    • For certain vital records (birth/death certificates): Government-issued photo ID is required

  • Special Provisions:

    • Incarcerated individuals retain the right to request public information, though certain limitations may apply
    • Minors may request records, though access to certain records may require parental consent
    • Business entities, organizations, and legal representatives may submit requests

  • Requesting Records About Others:

    • Access to records containing personal information about other individuals may be restricted
    • Certain records (such as medical information, personnel files, or juvenile records) are protected from disclosure under various privacy laws
    • Records containing information about other individuals may be subject to redaction of confidential information

Dallas County does not require requestors to explain why they seek information, and the motivation behind a request cannot generally be considered in determining whether to release public information. However, for certain sensitive records, the requestor's relationship to the subject of the records may be relevant in determining access rights.

What Records Are Confidential in Dallas County?

Dallas County maintains certain records that are exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158, which establish specific categories of confidential information. The following record types are generally not available for public inspection:

  • Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, bank account information, and credit card numbers are protected under § 552.147 and § 552.136

  • Medical and Mental Health Records: Information protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Texas Medical Practice Act

  • Juvenile Records: Court records, law enforcement records, and social service records pertaining to minors, protected under Texas Family Code § 58.007

  • Active Criminal Investigations: Information that would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime under § 552.108

  • Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product prepared for Dallas County under § 552.107

  • Personnel Information: Certain employee records including home addresses, phone numbers, family information, and medical information under § 552.117 and § 552.102

  • Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about security systems, emergency response plans, and infrastructure vulnerabilities under § 552.139

  • Sealed Court Records: Records sealed by court order, including certain family law matters, expunged criminal records, and sealed civil litigation

  • Adoption Records: Information regarding adoptions, except as authorized by court order

  • Trade Secrets and Proprietary Information: Confidential business information submitted to the county that would give advantage to competitors under § 552.110

  • Certain Real Estate Information: Appraisals and negotiations prior to property acquisition under § 552.105

When records contain both public and confidential information, Dallas County will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder. The county applies the balancing test required under § 552.021, weighing the public's right to information against privacy interests and other statutory exemptions.

Dallas County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Dallas County Clerk's Office - Official Public Records Division
Records Building
500 Elm Street, Suite 2100
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 653-7099
Dallas County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Dallas County Clerk's Office - Vital Records Division
Records Building
500 Elm Street, Suite 2100
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 653-7131
Dallas County Vital Records

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Dallas County District Clerk's Office
George Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce Street, Suite 101
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 653-7149
Dallas County District Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Dallas County Tax Office - Main Office
Renaissance Tower
1201 Elm Street, Suite 2600
Dallas, TX 75270
(214) 653-7811
Dallas County Tax Office

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Lookup Public Records in Dallas County

County Clerk Vital Records Division - Birth Certificates

Property Tax Lookup and Payment Application

Texas.gov - The Official Website of the State of Texas

United States Bankruptcy Court - Northern District of Texas

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