Texas County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Texas County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Texas County, Missouri, may access a range of publicly available information through official county offices, online portals, and authorized third-party directories. TexasRecords.us provides a centralized starting point for locating publicly available data related to Texas County records. The types of records that may be found through official channels include, but are not limited to:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Marriage and divorce records
- Tax assessment and property tax records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Business licenses and permits
- Land use and zoning documents
Records can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by Texas County government.
Online Access:
Members of the public may search county records through the Texas County Missouri official website, which provides access to GIS mapping, marriage records, and recorded documents. No registration is required to use the basic public search tools. Recorded land documents and property records are available through the Recorder of Deeds online portal.
In-Person Requests:
Requests may be submitted in person at the relevant county office. The Texas County Courthouse is located at 210 N. Grand Ave., Houston, MO 65483. Members of the public should identify the appropriate office — such as the Recorder of Deeds, Circuit Clerk, or County Clerk — prior to visiting. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state and federal holidays.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests should be directed to the specific office maintaining the record. Requests must include the requester's name, contact information, a description of the record sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.023, custodians of public records are required to respond to requests within three business days.
Phone/Email:
The Texas County Courthouse main line is (417) 967-2112. Individual offices maintain separate contact numbers listed on the county's elected officials directory.
What Are Public Records in Texas County?
Public records in Texas County are defined under Missouri state law as any record retained by a public governmental body in the course of its official functions. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 610.010, a "public record" includes any document, book, paper, photograph, map, sound recording, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or in connection with the transaction of official business.
The following record types are currently maintained by Texas County offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Circuit Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Recorder of Deeds |
| Marriage records | Recorder of Deeds / Circuit Clerk |
| Probate and estate records | Circuit Clerk |
| Property tax assessments | County Assessor |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Commission |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk |
| Law enforcement records | Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning Office |
The Texas County Circuit Clerk is responsible for maintaining complete and accurate records of the court, including collecting, accounting for, and disbursing all monies paid into the court. The Recorder of Deeds maintains recorded land documents, and the County Clerk oversees election and administrative records.
Is Texas County an Open Records County?
Texas County operates in full compliance with Missouri's open records laws. Under the Missouri Sunshine Law, § 610.011, it is the public policy of the state that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law. The statute states: "The provisions of sections 610.010 to 610.200 shall be liberally construed and their exceptions strictly construed to promote this public policy."
Texas County government bodies, including the County Commission, Circuit Court, and all elected offices, are subject to these provisions. The Missouri Attorney General's office provides guidance on Sunshine Law compliance and publishes resources for both requesters and governmental bodies. Any denial of access to public records must be accompanied by a written explanation citing the specific statutory exemption relied upon.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Texas County?
The cost to obtain public records in Texas County varies by record type and the office maintaining the record. Under Missouri law, fees for public records are governed by § 610.026 RSMo, which limits charges to the actual cost of document search, duplication, and research time.
Standard fees currently applicable include:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | $0.10 per page (standard) |
| Certified copies | Varies by document type |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of duplication |
| Research/search time | First hour free; actual cost thereafter |
| Recording fees (Recorder of Deeds) | Set by state statute |
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards; members of the public are advised to confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for records requested for a public benefit purpose, at the discretion of the custodian.
Does Texas County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Texas County. Missouri law requires that public governmental bodies allow members of the public to inspect records at no charge during regular business hours. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection of records is provided at no cost, fees may apply when copies or certified documents are requested.
The following free resources are currently available:
- Online county records portal: Members of the public may search recorded documents through the Texas County website at no charge, including GIS data, marriage records, and land documents.
- In-person inspection: Records may be inspected at the Recorder of Deeds, Circuit Clerk, and County Clerk offices during regular business hours without charge.
- Public access terminals: The Texas County Courthouse provides public access terminals for on-site record searches.
Who Can Request Public Records in Texas County?
Any person may request public records in Texas County, Missouri. Under the Missouri Sunshine Law, residency in the state is not a prerequisite for submitting a public records request. Requesters are not required to state the purpose of their request, and identification is not mandated for inspection of most public records, though it may be required for certain sensitive record types or for certified copies.
Specific provisions apply to the following situations:
- Non-residents: Non-residents of Missouri retain the same rights to access public records as residents under state law.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals requesting their own records, such as personal court filings or vital records, may be required to provide identification to verify identity.
- Requesting records about others: Requests for records pertaining to other individuals are subject to the same open records standards, except where specific exemptions apply (see confidential records section below).
- Attorneys and legal representatives: Attorneys acting on behalf of clients may submit requests in their professional capacity.
The Texas County elected officials page provides contact information for each office that maintains public records, enabling requesters to direct inquiries to the appropriate custodian.
What Records Are Confidential in Texas County?
Certain records maintained by Texas County offices are exempt from public disclosure under Missouri law. The Missouri Sunshine Law enumerates specific categories of records that public bodies are authorized or required to close. The following record types are currently exempt from public inspection:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juveniles are closed pursuant to Missouri juvenile code provisions.
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active investigations are exempt to the extent that disclosure would impede the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from publicly disclosed records.
- Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only through court order or specific statutory procedures.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Closed to protect the privacy of minors and families involved.
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are closed except for name, position, salary, and dates of employment.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt where disclosure would cause competitive harm.
- Security plans and infrastructure details: Exempt to protect public safety.
As stated in the Missouri Sunshine Law, "the general assembly recognizes that the right of access to public records is a fundamental right of citizenship." Exemptions are to be strictly construed, and any partial exemption requires that non-exempt portions of a record be disclosed.
Texas County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Texas County Recorder of Deeds
210 N. Grand Ave., Room 9
Houston, MO 65483
(417) 967-3742
Texas County Recorder of Deeds
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
The mission of the Recorder of Deeds office, as stated on the official county website, is "to record, maintain and retrieve original copies of documents under its domain for authorized persons." The office handles deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, and other land-related instruments.
Additional Offices:
Texas County Circuit Clerk
210 N. Grand Ave.
Houston, MO 65483
(417) 967-3742
Texas County Circuit Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
The Circuit Clerk maintains all court records for the 25th Judicial Circuit, including civil, criminal, probate, and family court filings. As noted on the official county website, "the Circuit Clerk is responsible for maintaining complete and accurate records of the court; collecting, accounting for and disbursing all monies paid into the court."
Texas County Clerk
210 N. Grand Ave.
Houston, MO 65483
(417) 967-2112
Texas County Missouri Government
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
The County Clerk maintains election records, county commission minutes, business licenses, and other administrative documents. Members of the public may submit records requests to this office for documents not maintained by the Recorder of Deeds or Circuit Clerk.