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1. How can I get a copy of my deed?

Anyone can come into the office and search our indices and images on eight computers for the most up-to-date information, for no fee. Our computer indices date back to 1973. We have hand indices dating back as far as late 1800s.

You can also go online at to view Texas Records. If you know your volume and page number or your document number you can call us and we will let you know how many pages your deed is and how much money to send with your written request. Copies are $1 per page, and $5 per document if you need them certified.

You can also download a request for document copies.

2. Is there a cost to view the records in the clerk’s office?

There is absolutely no charge to view the records. The only cost is associated with obtaining a copy of the record.

3. Can I bring my own computer to the office to take notes from?

Yes you can use your computer, but there are no electric outlets available. The courthouse was not designed for the number of electronics used today and although we have expanded our capacity, we are at its limits. Due to constraints in electrical supply and the importance of keeping dedicated electrical outlets, no one may hook-up any equipment into the electrical supply in the clerk’s office.

4. Can I use flash photography to make a copy of the documents?

Unfortunately, the flash over time will degrade the documents. You are welcome to use your camera or your cell phone to make copies, please kindly turn off the flash.

5. Can I bring my own scanner?

There is no excess room/space in the office for a standard size scanner. Once again, there is no electric outlet either. Due to constraints in electrical supply and the importance of keeping dedicated electrical outlets, no one may hook-up any equipment into the electrical supply in the clerk’s office. Some have used a handheld, battery operated scanner.

6. Can I hook or link my computer into your public search stations or utilize their USB ports to download data?

Most definitely not. Due to trademark and other legal rights to any hardware system and/or proprietary software, no citizen, agent, company or other individual or business may connect any electronic device into the computer systems, either owned or leased in the clerk’s office.

7. I have paid off the mortgage on my house. Where can I get a title?

The process to prove ownership is very complex in real property; it’s not like an auto where you have one document. Basically a title to your house is called a deed, a warranty deed or a similarly titled document. To prove ownership a title company needs to research the previous owners for at least 25 years. If all the owners before you had clear title, then your deed provides clear title to you.

When you pay off a mortgage usually the mortgage company will either record a release or send the original release to you to bring into our office and record. The deed means you own the house, a deed of trust means there is a loan against your deed. The release cancels out the deed of trust.

8. Can I accept a “quit claim” deed when I purchase a piece of property?

You certainly can, however, a quit claim does not establish a chain of ownership and you are at risk if a person did not have a clear title to the property. In easiest terms a Quit Claim Deed just means one person is selling whatever title they might/may have to a piece of property to you. A title policy is almost impossible to challenge in a court of law. If you want to be certain, absolutely positive that you have clear title to a piece of real property you should hire a title company or an attorney to research the property and provide you with a title policy. This is the best way to ensure your ownership.