Travis County Property Records
What Is Travis County Property Records
Travis County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within Travis County, Texas. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records establish legal ownership through a chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Under the Texas Property Code § 13.001, all instruments concerning real property must be properly recorded to provide constructive notice to third parties. The Travis County Clerk's Office maintains these records as the official repository for real property documents in accordance with state law.
Property records in Travis County include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Plats and surveys
- Foreclosure notices
- Releases of liens
- Restrictions and covenants
The Travis County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian of these records, maintaining them in both physical and digital formats to ensure their preservation and accessibility. Property records provide essential information for property owners, potential buyers, real estate professionals, title companies, and government agencies.
Are Property Records Public Information In Travis County?
Property records in Travis County are public information and accessible to all members of the public under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records. Additionally, Texas Property Code § 11.004 specifically mandates that county clerks maintain real property records and make them available for public inspection.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public records facilitate real estate transactions and property research
Any member of the public may access Travis County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy ensures transparency in property ownership and transactions throughout the county.
Travis County Clerk's Office
5501 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 854-9188
Travis County Clerk
The public nature of these records supports the integrity of the real estate market, enables proper due diligence in property transactions, and allows citizens to verify property ownership and encumbrances affecting real property in Travis County.
How To Search Property Records in Travis County in 2026
Members of the public may search Travis County property records through several methods currently available. The Travis County Clerk's Office maintains comprehensive property records and provides multiple access options to accommodate different research needs.
To search property records in Travis County:
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Online Search Portal: Access the Travis County Clerk's official records search system available 24/7. Users can search by:
- Property owner name
- Property address
- Document type
- Recording date
- Document number
- Legal description
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In-Person Research: Visit the Travis County Clerk's Office during regular business hours to conduct research using public terminals.
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Mail Requests: Submit a written request for property records to the Travis County Clerk's Office with specific information about the desired records.
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Property Tax Records: Search the Travis County Tax Office property database for ownership information, property values, and tax status.
For complex property searches, the Travis County Clerk's Office recommends beginning with the most specific information available, such as a property address or owner name. Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 118.011, fees may apply for copies of property records, with current rates posted at the Clerk's Office and on the official website.
Travis County Clerk's Office - Recording Division
5501 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 854-9188
Travis County Clerk Recording Division
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding county holidays)
How To Find Property Records in Travis County Online?
Travis County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several official digital platforms. These online resources allow for efficient searching of property information without visiting county offices in person.
To find property records online in Travis County:
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Travis County Clerk's Official Records Search:
- Navigate to the Travis County Clerk's search portal
- Select "Property Records Search" from the available options
- Enter search criteria such as name, property address, or document number
- Review search results and select documents for viewing
- Download or request certified copies as needed
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Travis County Appraisal District (TCAD):
- Visit the TCAD property search website
- Search by address, owner name, or property ID
- Access property valuations, tax information, and basic ownership details
- View property characteristics and improvement details
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Travis County Tax Office Property Search:
- Access the Travis County Tax Office account search
- Enter property information to locate tax records
- View current and past tax obligations
- Access payment history and tax statements
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Geographic Information System (GIS):
- Use the Travis County GIS viewer
- Search by address or navigate the interactive map
- View property boundaries, zoning information, and related spatial data
When using online search tools, users should note that some records may have access restrictions pursuant to Texas Property Code § 11.008, which provides privacy protections for certain personal information in property records.
How To Look Up Travis County Property Records for Free?
Travis County provides several free options for accessing property records. These no-cost resources allow members of the public to conduct basic property research without incurring fees.
Free methods to access Travis County property records include:
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Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Travis County Clerk's Office in person
- Use the free public terminals available during regular business hours
- Search and view records without charge
- Note that printing or obtaining certified copies will incur fees
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Travis County Appraisal District Website:
- Access the TCAD public search portal
- Search properties by address, owner name, or property ID
- View basic property information, valuations, and ownership details
- Download available property information at no cost
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Travis County Tax Office Online Search:
- Use the Travis County Tax Office property search
- Access basic property information and tax status
- View property tax amounts and payment status
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Travis County GIS Map Viewer:
- Access the county's geographic information system
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and location information
- Access zoning and land use information where available
While basic record searches are free, fees apply for:
- Printed copies of documents ($1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Research assistance beyond standard lookup help ($20.00 per hour)
Travis County Clerk's Office - Public Research Area
5501 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 854-9188
Travis County Clerk
Public Research Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding county holidays)
What's Included in a Travis County Property Record?
Travis County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the Travis County Clerk's Office and the Travis County Appraisal District.
Property records in Travis County typically include:
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Ownership Information:
- Current property owner's name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
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Property Description:
- Legal description (metes and bounds, lot and block, or survey description)
- Property address
- Parcel identification number
- Lot size and dimensions
- Subdivision information, if applicable
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Transaction Details:
- Sale price (in warranty deeds)
- Transfer tax amounts
- Recording date and time
- Document number
- Type of transaction (sale, gift, inheritance)
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Encumbrances and Restrictions:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Homestead exemptions
- Mineral rights reservations
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Property Characteristics (from Appraisal District records):
- Improvements (buildings, structures)
- Year built
- Square footage
- Construction type
- Number of rooms/bathrooms
- Property class and use code
In accordance with Texas Property Code § 12.001, all instruments concerning real property must be recorded with the county clerk to provide constructive notice. The information contained in these records serves as the official public record of property ownership and interests in Travis County.
How Long Does Travis County Keep Property Records?
Travis County maintains property records permanently in accordance with state retention requirements. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission establishes record retention schedules that counties must follow under Texas Local Government Code § 203.041.
Property record retention periods in Travis County:
- Deeds and Property Transfers: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust: Permanent retention
- Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Liens and Releases: Permanent retention
- Easements and Rights-of-Way: Permanent retention
- Restrictive Covenants: Permanent retention
- Foreclosure Notices: Permanent retention
- Tax Records: Minimum 10 years after payment/settlement, though many are kept permanently
- Building Permits: Permanent for commercial properties; minimum 10 years for residential
The Travis County Clerk's Office has implemented a comprehensive records management system that includes:
- Digital Preservation: Modern records are scanned and stored in digital format
- Microfilm Backup: Older records have been preserved on microfilm
- Climate-Controlled Storage: Physical records are maintained in appropriate environmental conditions
- Disaster Recovery Protocols: Backup systems ensure records survive catastrophic events
Historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1840 are available through the Travis County Archives. These records provide valuable historical information about property ownership and development throughout the county's history.
Travis County Archives
810 San Antonio Street, Room 302
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 854-4675
Travis County Archives
How To Find Liens on Property In Travis County?
Liens on property in Travis County can be identified through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold. Finding liens is an essential step in property due diligence.
To locate liens on Travis County properties:
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Travis County Clerk's Records Search:
- Access the Travis County Clerk's official records search
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Filter results by document type (select "Lien" or specific lien types)
- Review documents to confirm the lien status (active or released)
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Travis County Tax Office:
- Check for tax liens through the Travis County Tax Office property search
- Enter the property address or account number
- Review current and delinquent tax information
- Tax liens automatically attach to properties with delinquent taxes
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District Clerk's Office (for judgment liens):
- Search the Travis County District Clerk's records for judgments
- Judgment liens may be filed against property owners
- These records can be accessed through the District Clerk's office
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In-Person Research:
- Visit the Travis County Clerk's Office
- Request assistance with lien searches from staff
- Use public terminals to conduct comprehensive searches
Common types of liens found in Travis County property records:
- Tax liens (property tax, federal tax)
- Mechanic's and materialman's liens
- Homeowners Association (HOA) liens
- Judgment liens
- Child support liens
- Utility liens
- Mortgage liens
For complex properties or when conducting due diligence for property purchases, many individuals utilize professional title companies to perform thorough lien searches. These companies have expertise in identifying all potential claims against a property.
Travis County Tax Office
5501 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 854-9473
Travis County Tax Office
What Is Property Owner Rule In Travis County?
The Property Owner Rule in Travis County refers to specific regulations governing property ownership, disclosure requirements, and rights of property owners under Texas law. This rule encompasses several key provisions that affect property transactions and ownership in the county.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Disclosure Requirements:
- Under Texas Property Code § 5.008, sellers must provide a Seller's Disclosure Notice
- Property owners must disclose known defects and material facts about the property
- Failure to disclose can result in legal liability for the seller
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Homestead Protections:
- Travis County property owners may claim homestead exemptions on their primary residence
- Homestead properties receive protection from forced sale for most debts
- Property tax benefits apply to homestead properties
- Homestead designation must be filed with the Travis County Appraisal District
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Property Tax Protests:
- Property owners have the right to protest appraised values
- Protests must be filed with the Travis County Appraisal Review Board
- Specific deadlines apply for filing protests (typically May 15 or 30 days after notice)
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Recording Requirements:
- All property transfers must be properly recorded with the Travis County Clerk
- Unrecorded instruments are binding between parties but may not provide notice to third parties
- Recording establishes priority of interests in property
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Adverse Possession:
- Under Texas law, continuous, open, and notorious possession of property for specific time periods may establish ownership rights
- For properties with recorded deeds: 10-year possession period
- For properties without color of title: 10-25 year possession period depending on circumstances
Property owners in Travis County should be aware that Texas is a "notice recording state," meaning that properly recorded documents provide constructive notice to all parties. This system protects property owners by establishing clear chains of title and providing public notice of property interests.
The Travis County Appraisal District and Travis County Clerk's Office work together to maintain accurate property ownership records and enforce these rules throughout the county.