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How to Find Public Records in Uvalde County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Uvalde County, Texas, may access a range of publicly available information through official county offices, state repositories, and online portals. UvaldeRecords.us provides a directory of resources that may assist individuals in locating publicly available data related to Uvalde County. The records available through official channels may include, but are not limited to, the following categories:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, liens, and mortgage documents
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax assessment and property tax records
- Business licenses and assumed name filings
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement records, where permitted by law
- Land use and zoning documents
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Access:
The Uvalde County official website provides access to departmental information and links to county offices. The Uvalde County Clerk's office maintains property records, vital records, and commissioners court minutes. The 38th Judicial District Clerk maintains civil and criminal district court records. Historic county records available on microfilm may be accessed through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. No registration is required to browse publicly available online resources, though some databases may require identity verification for certified copies.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Uvalde County Clerk's Office, located at Courthouse Square #20, 100 N. Getty Street, Uvalde, TX 78801. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should present a valid government-issued photo identification and complete a records request form at the public counter.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the Uvalde County Clerk, 100 N. Getty Street, Uvalde, TX 78801. Requests must include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the records sought, and any applicable fees. Under the Texas Public Information Act, governmental bodies are required to respond to written requests promptly, and no later than ten business days after receipt.
Phone/Email:
The Uvalde County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (830) 278-6614. Contact information for individual departments is available through the Uvalde County Texas Official Website.
What Are Public Records in Uvalde County?
Public records in Uvalde County are defined under the Texas Public Information Act, codified at Texas Government Code § 552.002, as any information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body in connection with the transaction of official business. The following record types are currently maintained by county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | 38th Judicial District Clerk |
| Probate and county court records | Uvalde County Clerk |
| Property deeds, liens, mortgages | Uvalde County Clerk |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | Uvalde County Clerk / Texas DSHS |
| Business/assumed name filings | Uvalde County Clerk |
| Property tax records | Uvalde County Appraisal District |
| Voting and election records | Uvalde County Elections Office |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Uvalde County Clerk |
| Law enforcement records | Uvalde County Sheriff / Texas DPS |
The Uvalde County Clerk serves as the primary custodian of property, vital, and commissioners court records. District court records are maintained by the 38th Judicial District Clerk. Vital records, including birth and death certificates, may also be ordered through the Texas Department of State Health Services local vital records office. Criminal history records at the state level are administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division.
Is Uvalde County an Open Records County?
Uvalde County operates in full compliance with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), codified at Texas Government Code § 552.001 et seq., which establishes the right of the public to access government records. The Act declares that "government is the servant and not the master of the people" and affirms that each person is entitled to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees.
Under the TPIA, all governmental bodies in Texas, including Uvalde County offices, are required to make public information available for inspection and copying upon request. The Texas Attorney General's Office provides oversight and issues open records rulings when agencies seek to withhold information. Uvalde County does not maintain a separate county-specific open records ordinance; the county operates under the statewide framework established by the TPIA. Requests for public information from the Texas Department of Public Safety may be submitted pursuant to the DPS public information request guidelines.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Uvalde County?
The current fee structure for public records in Uvalde County is governed by the Texas Public Information Act and the cost rules established by the Texas Office of the Attorney General under Texas Government Code § 552.261. Standard fees applicable to most requests are as follows:
| Fee Type | Standard Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies (8.5" x 11") | $0.10 per page |
| Oversize copies | Actual cost |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $20.00 per certificate (DSHS rate) |
| Certification of documents | Varies by document type |
| Electronic records (where applicable) | Actual cost of media |
| Personnel costs (requests over 50 pages) | Applicable labor rate per OAG rules |
Inspection of records at a public counter does not require payment of a copy fee. Accepted payment methods at the Uvalde County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Uvalde County Clerk. Fee waivers may be available for indigent individuals or where the public interest is served, subject to the discretion of the records custodian and applicable law.
Does Uvalde County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to any member of the public at the offices of the Uvalde County Clerk and the 38th Judicial District Clerk during regular business hours. Under the Texas Public Information Act, governmental bodies are required to permit inspection of public records at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
The following resources are available at no cost:
- In-person inspection at the Uvalde County Clerk's Office, 100 N. Getty Street, Uvalde, TX 78801
- In-person inspection at the 38th Judicial District Clerk's Office, 100 N. Getty Street, Uvalde, TX 78801
- Online browsing of publicly available records through the Uvalde County official website
- Microfilm records accessible through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: members of the public may view records without charge, but obtaining physical or certified copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Uvalde County?
Any person, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose, is entitled to request public records from Uvalde County governmental bodies under Texas Government Code § 552.001. Requestors are not required to be Texas residents, to provide identification for general inspection purposes, or to state the reason for their request.
Specific provisions apply to certain record types:
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates): Certified copies are restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or others with a documented legal interest, as governed by Texas Health and Safety Code § 191.051.
- Criminal history records: Access to detailed criminal history information through the Texas DPS is subject to eligibility requirements based on the requestor's relationship to the subject and the intended use of the information.
- Juvenile records: Access is restricted by statute and is not available to the general public.
Individuals requesting their own records may be required to present valid government-issued photo identification to verify identity. Non-residents retain the same rights as residents for access to general public records.
What Records Are Confidential in Uvalde County?
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act and related statutes. Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.352 enumerates specific exemptions, including but not limited to:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by court order are not subject to public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to minors involved in the juvenile justice system are confidential under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Information related to active law enforcement investigations is exempt to the extent that disclosure would interfere with the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are protected from disclosure.
- 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 under specific legal circumstances.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Confidential under Texas Family Code provisions.
- Personnel records: Employee personal information is exempt, with limited exceptions for public officials' compensation and job titles.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt where disclosure would cause competitive harm.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Exempt to protect public safety.
As stated by the Texas Attorney General's Office, "the exceptions to disclosure are narrow, and the burden is on the governmental body to establish that an exception applies." Agencies seeking to withhold records must request a ruling from the Attorney General's Office within ten business days of receiving a request.
Uvalde County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Uvalde County Clerk's Office
100 N. Getty Street, Courthouse Square #20
Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-6614
Uvalde County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
38th Judicial District Clerk
100 N. Getty Street
Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-3918
38th Judicial District Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Texas Department of State Health Services – Vital Statistics
1100 W. 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
Phone: (512) 776-7111
Local vital record offices – Texas DSHS
Texas Department of Public Safety – Crime Records Division
P.O. Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
Phone: (512) 424-2474
Texas DPS Crime Records Division
Lookup Public Records in Uvalde County
- Uvalde County Clerk – property, vital, and court records
- Local vital record offices – Texas DSHS
- Uvalde County Texas Official Website
- Uvalde County records on microfilm – Texas State Library and Archives Commission
- 38th Judicial District Clerk – district court records
- Public information requests – Texas Department of Public Safety
- Texas DPS Crime Records Division