Denton County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Denton County?

Public records in Denton County refer to documents, files, and information created or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include property records, court documents, marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, tax records, and various other official documents. The Texas Public Information Act governs access to these records, ensuring transparency in government operations while balancing privacy concerns.

The Denton County Clerk's Office maintains many of these public records and makes them available for inspection and copying.

Denton County Clerk's Office: 1450 E. McKinney Street, Suite 1100, Denton, TX 76209

Is Denton County an Open Records County?

Yes, Denton County is an open records county. In compliance with the Texas Public Information Act (formerly known as the Open Records Act), Denton County provides access to public information. This law establishes the presumption that government records are open to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The county has established procedures for requesting and obtaining public records, with designated officials responsible for responding to these requests within specified timeframes. The Texas Public Information Act requires governmental bodies to respond promptly to requests, typically within 10 business days.

How Do I Find Public Records in Denton County in 2025

To find public records in Denton County in 2025, you have several options:

1. Visit the Denton County Clerk's Office in person to search and request records. Denton County Clerk's Office: 1450 E. McKinney Street, Suite 1100, Denton, TX 76209

2. Use the Denton County online records portal to search for many types of records electronically.

3. Submit a Public Information Request Form to the appropriate county department. This form can be downloaded from the county website or obtained in person.

4. Contact specific departments directly for specialized records:

   • For property records: Denton Central Appraisal District Denton Central Appraisal District: 3911 Morse Street, Denton, TX 76208
   • For court records: Denton County District Clerk Denton County District Clerk: 1450 E. McKinney Street, Suite 1200, Denton, TX 76209
   • For criminal records: Denton County Sheriff's Office Denton County Sheriff's Office: 127 N. Woodrow Lane, Denton, TX 76205

5. For historical records, visit the Denton County Archives and History Center. Denton County Archives and History Center: 701 Kimberly Drive, Suite A101, Denton, TX 76208

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Denton County?

The cost to obtain public records in Denton County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

• Standard paper copies: $0.10 per page
• Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document
• Maps and oversized documents: $2.00-$10.00 depending on size
• Electronic records: $0.10 per page for PDFs or actual cost of media (USB drive, CD)
• Research fees: $15.00 per hour for requests requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time

Additional fees may apply for expedited services or specialized searches. The county follows the fee guidelines established by the Texas Administrative Code for public information charges. Payment is typically accepted in the form of cash, check, or credit card.

Does Denton County Have Free Public Records?

Denton County does offer some public records at no cost:

1. Records viewed in person without making copies are free to inspect during normal business hours.

2. The county's online records portal provides free access to certain public records, though some detailed information may require a subscription or per-document fee.

3. Some basic information and indices are available for free, while obtaining official copies or certified documents incurs fees.

4. The Denton County Public Library system provides free access to certain historical records and genealogical resources. Denton County Public Library Administrative Office: 3020 N. Locust Street, Denton, TX 76209

5. Records requested by indigent individuals may have fees waived under certain circumstances as provided by law.

Who Can Request Public Records In Denton County?

Under the Texas Public Information Act, virtually anyone can request public records in Denton County:

• Texas residents
• Non-Texas residents
• Business entities
• Media organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Government agencies
• Incarcerated individuals (with some limitations)

Requestors do not need to provide identification or explain why they want the records, though providing specific information about the records sought helps expedite the process. The county cannot ask about the purpose of the request except in very limited circumstances.

The Texas Attorney General's Office oversees compliance with public information laws. Office of the Attorney General of Texas: 300 W. 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701

What Records Are Confidential In Denton County?

Certain records in Denton County are confidential by law and exempt from public disclosure:

1. Personal information in motor vehicle and driver's license records
2. Medical and mental health records
3. Juvenile criminal records
4. Certain law enforcement and prosecution records for ongoing investigations
5. Information that would compromise security or infrastructure
6. Social Security numbers, bank account information, and other personal financial data
7. Certain personnel records and employee evaluations
8. Records related to economic development negotiations until finalized
9. Attorney-client privileged communications
10. Certain family law records, including adoption and child welfare cases
11. Information that would violate personal privacy under common law

When a request includes confidential information, the county must seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Office before withholding the information. Office of the Attorney General of Texas: 300 W. 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701

Lookup Public Records in Denton County

For more information about accessing public records in Denton County, please visit these resources:

• County Clerk - Denton County, TX - The County Clerk's page offers access to official records and documents maintained by the Denton County Clerk's office.

• Public Information Request Form PDF - This PDF form is used to submit a public information request under Texas' Public Information Act.