Travis County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Travis County?
Public records in Travis County are defined as information created, collected, or maintained by government bodies in the course of official business, as established under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552. These records document the activities and decisions of public officials and agencies serving Travis County residents.
Travis County maintains numerous categories of public records accessible to citizens and interested parties:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, family, and probate case files maintained by the Travis County District Clerk and County Clerk
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and other real property documents recorded with the Travis County Clerk's Real Property division
- Vital Records: Birth and death certificates (limited to those occurring in Travis County), marriage licenses, and domestic partnership registrations
- Business Records: Assumed name certificates (DBAs), business licenses, permits, and related filings
- Tax Records: Property tax assessments, payment records, and delinquency information maintained by the Travis County Tax Office
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, campaign finance reports, and related documents
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Official proceedings of the Travis County Commissioners Court, boards, and committees
- Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures, contracts, audits, and financial reports
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports, and jail records (with statutory limitations)
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Development permits, variance applications, and planning documents
The Travis County Clerk serves as the primary custodian for many county records, including property documents, vital records, and Commissioners Court minutes. Court case records are maintained by the District Clerk for district courts and the County Clerk for county courts. Specialized records are held by respective departments, such as the Tax Office for tax records and the Elections Division for voting information.
Is Travis County an Open Records County?
Travis County fully adheres to the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), codified under Texas Government Code § 552, which establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public. The Act specifically states in § 552.001(a) that "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."
Travis County has implemented comprehensive public information request procedures to facilitate citizen access to government records. These procedures comply with state requirements regarding response timelines, fee structures, and exemption standards.
Key provisions of the Texas Public Information Act that Travis County follows include:
- Governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to requests
- Responses to requests must be provided within 10 business days, with possible extensions
- Information may only be withheld if specifically exempted by law
- Governmental bodies must seek Attorney General opinions when withholding information
Travis County also complies with Texas Open Meetings Act requirements (Texas Government Code § 551), ensuring that meetings of the Commissioners Court and other county boards are properly noticed and accessible to the public.
The county maintains a dedicated Public Information Office to coordinate responses to records requests across all county departments, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and open government principles.
How to Find Public Records in Travis County in 2026
Members of the public seeking Travis County records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county currently provides both in-person and online access options for many record types.
For Online Access:
- Visit the Travis County Clerk's Records Search portal for property records, marriage licenses, and other documents
- Access the District Clerk's Case Information system for court records from district courts
- Use the Travis County Tax Office online portal for property tax information
- Check the Travis County Elections Division website for voter and election information
- Review the Travis County Commissioners Court website for meeting agendas, minutes, and video recordings
For In-Person Requests:
- Identify the appropriate office that maintains the desired records
- Visit during regular business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete any required request forms
- Present valid identification if required for the specific record type
- Pay any applicable fees for copies or certified documents
For Written Requests:
- Submit a written request clearly describing the information sought
- Include contact information for follow-up questions
- Specify preferred format (paper copies, electronic files, inspection only)
- Address the request to the appropriate county department
- Allow up to 10 business days for a response per state law
For records not available online, requestors may submit a Public Information Request through the county's dedicated portal or by contacting the specific department directly. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the county must promptly produce requested information unless an exception applies.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Travis County?
Travis County assesses fees for public records in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Attorney General under Texas Government Code § 552.262. The current fee structure balances public access rights with the county's cost recovery needs.
Standard Copy Fees:
- Standard paper copies: $0.10 per page (8.5" x 11")
- Oversize copies: $0.50 per page (11" x 17")
- Certified copies: Additional $5.00 certification fee per document
- Electronic copies: Varies based on media type and file size
Specialized Record Fees:
- Birth certificates: $23.00 for first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy
- Death certificates: $21.00 for first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
- Marriage licenses: $21.00 for certified copies
- Real property records: $5.00 for first page, $4.00 for each additional page
- Court records: Varies by document type and certification requirements
Additional Service Fees:
- Programming/manipulation: $28.50 per hour (prorated)
- Labor charges (if applicable): $15.00 per hour
- Overhead charges (if applicable): 20% of labor charge
- Postage/shipping: Actual cost
Travis County accepts payment via cash, check, money order, and credit card (with processing fee) for in-person requests. Online record requests typically require credit card payment.
Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances, including:
- Requests from other governmental entities
- Requests that serve a public interest (at county discretion)
- Requests from indigent individuals (documentation required)
The county provides cost estimates for requests exceeding $40.00 before proceeding with record production, as required by Texas Government Code § 552.2615.
Does Travis County Have Free Public Records?
Travis County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with Texas law, which requires governmental bodies to allow inspection of public information without charge. The following free options are currently available:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Any non-confidential public record may be inspected at no cost during regular business hours
- Requestors must coordinate with the appropriate department to schedule inspection time
- Staff supervision may be required for certain sensitive or historical documents
- Reasonable accommodations are provided for persons with disabilities
Free Online Resources:
- Travis County Clerk Records Search - Basic property record index information
- Travis County Commissioners Court meeting agendas and minutes
- Travis County budget documents and financial reports
- Election results and campaign finance reports
- County ordinances, regulations, and policies
Free Public Access Terminals:
- Computer terminals at the County Clerk's Office for searching recorded documents
- Public access computers at the District Clerk's Office for court case information
- Terminals at the Tax Office for property tax information
While inspection is free, fees apply when requestors need copies of documents or certified records. Additionally, some specialized databases may require subscription fees for full access, though basic information remains freely available.
The Travis County Law Library also provides public access computers where citizens can research legal information and access certain county records at no charge.
Who Can Request Public Records in Travis County?
Under the Texas Public Information Act, any person may request public records from Travis County governmental bodies regardless of citizenship or residency status. The Act defines "person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, and governmental entities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- No residency or citizenship restrictions apply to general public information requests
- Requestors need not state a reason or purpose for their request
- Requestors may remain anonymous for most record types
- Identification is not required except for specific protected records
Special Considerations for Certain Records:
- Birth certificates: Available only to the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest
- Death certificates: Available to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a property or financial interest
- Criminal history information: Complete records available only to the subject or authorized representatives
- Medical records: Available only to the patient or authorized representative pursuant to HIPAA regulations
- Juvenile records: Subject to strict confidentiality under Texas Family Code § 58.007
Government agencies, law enforcement entities, and certain authorized organizations may have expanded access rights to otherwise restricted records when needed for official purposes.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.223, Travis County may require requestors to provide identification when requesting confidential information about themselves to verify their identity and right to access such information.
What Records Are Confidential in Travis County?
Travis County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exceptions established under the Texas Public Information Act and other state and federal laws. These protected records are not subject to public disclosure.
Records exempt from disclosure include:
- Personal Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, personal financial information, and other personally identifying data protected under Texas Government Code § 552.101 and § 552.130
- Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and Texas Medical Practice Act
- Juvenile Records: Court records and law enforcement information related to minors as specified in Texas Family Code § 58.007
- Ongoing Investigations: Law enforcement records that would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime
- Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product
- Personnel Information: Employee evaluations, disciplinary records, and certain personal details of public employees
- Security Information: Data related to critical infrastructure, security systems, and emergency response plans
- Economic Development Negotiations: Information that would give advantage to competitors or bidders
- Victim Information: Details about crime victims, especially in cases involving sexual assault or family violence
- Adoption Records: Information regarding adoptions and related proceedings
- Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to the county
- Test Items: Standardized test questions and assessment instruments
The county evaluates confidentiality claims under the "public information" definition in Texas Government Code § 552.002 and applicable exceptions. When a request involves potentially confidential information, Travis County may seek an Attorney General opinion as required by § 552.301 before withholding records.
For certain law enforcement and court records, the county applies a balancing test weighing public interest in disclosure against potential harm to privacy interests or ongoing proceedings.
Travis County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Travis County Clerk's Office (Recording Division)
5501 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 854-9188
Travis County Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays
Travis County District Clerk's Office
1000 Guadalupe Street, 3rd Floor
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 854-9457
Travis County District Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays
Travis County Tax Office (Property Records)
5501 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 854-9473
Travis County Tax Office
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays
Travis County Public Information Office
700 Lavaca Street, Suite 1.500
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 854-4994
Travis County Public Information Records
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays
Lookup Public Records in Travis County
Recording Search and Copies of Records
Case Information and Court Records