Uvalde County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Uvalde County in 2026
UvaldeRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Uvalde County, Texas. Members of the public may find ownership histories, recorded deeds, tax assessments, liens, mortgage documents, and encumbrance records through this resource. Available record categories may include transfer documents, appraisal data, plat maps, and tax payment histories. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not capture every transaction or document on file.
Property records in Uvalde County may be searched through several official channels, including the Uvalde County Clerk's office, the Uvalde County Tax Assessor-Collector, and the Uvalde Central Appraisal District. Members of the public may access these records online, in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through licensed professionals such as title companies and real estate attorneys.
Official Resources for Searching Uvalde County Property Records:
| Resource | Primary Use | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
| Uvalde County Clerk | Recorded deeds, liens, mortgages | In-person, mail |
| Uvalde Central Appraisal District | Property valuations, ownership data | Online, in-person |
| Uvalde County Tax Assessor-Collector | Tax bills, payment history | Online, in-person |
| 38th Judicial District Clerk | Court-related property documents | In-person |
Online Search Methods:
1. Uvalde Central Appraisal District Website
The Uvalde Central Appraisal District (UCAD) serves as the primary online resource for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may search the UCAD database at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID or account number
- By legal description
- By geographic area
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Uvalde Central Appraisal District website
- Select the property search function
- Choose a search type (address, owner name, or account number)
- Enter the search criteria
- Review the results list
- Select a property to view the full property card, valuation history, and map
2. County Clerk Official Records Search
The Uvalde County Clerk maintains the official repository for recorded instruments affecting real property. Recorded documents are indexed by grantor and grantee name and are available for public inspection.
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and deed restrictions
- Plats and subdivision surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
How to Search:
- Visit the Uvalde County Clerk's office in person at the Uvalde County Courthouse
- Request access to the grantor/grantee index
- Search by party name, document type, or recording date range
- Note the instrument number or book and page reference
- Request a copy of the document from staff
3. Tax Assessor-Collector Website
The Uvalde County Tax Assessor-Collector provides public access to property tax information, including current bills, payment history, and delinquency status.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and amount due
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Delinquent tax status
4. GIS Mapping System
The Uvalde Central Appraisal District provides an interactive GIS mapping tool that allows members of the public to locate properties visually, view parcel boundaries, and access linked property records. Users may navigate the map to a specific location, click on a parcel, and retrieve ownership and valuation data directly from the map interface.
In-Person Searches:
Uvalde County Clerk
Uvalde County Courthouse, Courthouse Square #20
100 N. Getty Street, Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-6614
Uvalde County Clerk
Uvalde County Tax Assessor-Collector
Courthouse Plaza, Box 8
Uvalde, Texas 78801
Phone: (830) 278-3225
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Uvalde County Tax Assessor-Collector
Uvalde Central Appraisal District
103 W. Nopal Street
Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-2223
Uvalde Central Appraisal District
By Mail Requests:
Members of the public may submit written requests for copies of recorded documents to the Uvalde County Clerk by mail. Requests should specify the instrument number, book and page reference, or property address and approximate recording date. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
Through Professionals:
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties and pull comparable sales histories as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
- When searching by owner name, attempt both last-name-first and full-name formats, and consider spelling variations or prior names
- When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
- For historical records not available digitally, an in-person visit to the County Clerk's office is required
What Is Uvalde County Property Records
Uvalde County property records are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government offices and made available to the public. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support property tax assessment. Under Texas Property Code § 11.001, instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the county clerk of the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and chain of title documents
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements, deed restrictions, and covenants
- HOA documents and lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemption records
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violation records
- Zoning and land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Uvalde County Clerk records and indexes all instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, and maintains these documents as permanent public records. The Uvalde Central Appraisal District maintains property valuations, assessment records, ownership information, and exemption applications. The Uvalde County Tax Assessor-Collector administers tax billing, payment processing, and delinquent tax records. The 38th Judicial District Clerk maintains court records that may affect property title, including judgment liens and lis pendens filings.
As stated by the Texas Secretary of State's office, "The recording of instruments in the real property records provides constructive notice to the world of the existence of those instruments." This principle underlies the entire public records system for property in Texas.
Are Property Records Public Information in Uvalde County?
Property records in Uvalde County are public information. Under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552.001, members of the public have the right to access government records, including property records maintained by county offices. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to inspect or obtain copies of property records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The public nature of property records in Texas rests on multiple legal foundations. Texas Property Code § 11.001 requires that instruments affecting real property be recorded to provide constructive notice. The Texas Public Information Act guarantees the public's right to access government-held information. The centuries-old common law tradition of public land records further supports open access to ownership and encumbrance data.
As the Texas Attorney General's office has noted, "The Public Information Act gives the public the right to access government records, and government bodies are required to promptly release requested information unless an exception applies." Property records fall squarely within this framework, and no recognized exception applies to standard ownership, deed, or tax records.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency in property ownership prevents fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances
- Public access enables real estate transactions, title searches, and title insurance
- Lenders and mortgage institutions rely on recorded records to establish lien priority
- Tax assessment transparency supports accountability in local government
- Researchers, journalists, genealogists, and historians depend on open access to property histories
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment histories
- Property characteristics and building data
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected within property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under Texas law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of family violence — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under the Texas Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully public; the Uvalde Central Appraisal District administers these applications and can advise on applicable policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access Uvalde County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, and members of the media.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Uvalde County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at the Uvalde County Clerk's office at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. Under Texas Local Government Code § 118.011, county clerks are authorized to collect fees for recording and copying services.
Current Fee Schedule — Uvalde County Clerk:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of recorded documents (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies (per document) | $5.00 certification fee + $1.00 per page |
| Recording a new instrument (first page) | $25.00 |
| Recording (each additional page) | $4.00 per page |
| Search fee (staff-assisted) | Varies |
Uvalde Central Appraisal District:
- Online property searches: Free, no registration required
- Printed property records: Fees may apply for staff-produced copies
- Exemption application forms: Available at no charge
Uvalde County Tax Assessor-Collector:
- Online tax record searches: Free
- Copies of tax bills: Fees may apply; contact the office directly at (830) 278-3225
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of appraisal district property data
- Online viewing of tax account information
- In-person inspection of recorded documents at the County Clerk's office
- GIS map access through the appraisal district website
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Uvalde County Clerk accepts cash, check, and money order for copy and certification fees. Members of the public submitting mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the Uvalde County Clerk. Fee waiver provisions are not broadly available for standard property record requests; however, governmental entities and certain nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced fees in specific circumstances.
What's Included in a Uvalde County Property Record
A complete Uvalde County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses ownership data, physical characteristics, valuation information, tax records, sales history, and recorded encumbrances.
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) as recorded on the deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
- Chain of title with previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes-and-bounds description)
- Parcel ID and tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, and frontage
- Total living area, year built, number of stories, and building type
- Construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Additional features: garage, pool, porch, fireplace, central air, heating type, water source, and sewer system
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification data where applicable
Tax Information:
- Total tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city, special districts)
- Tax payment history and delinquency records
- Exemptions applied: homestead, senior, disability, veteran, widow/widower, agricultural, and others
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers
- Grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names
- Sale type designation (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance)
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, recording dates, and original amounts
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, deed restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Land use code and future land use designation
- Special district assignments (school, fire, water)
- Flood zone designation (FEMA)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
Maps and Images:
- Property photograph and aerial image
- GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted under Texas law)
- Interior photographs
- Private agreements not recorded with the County Clerk
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Uvalde County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Uvalde County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed. This permanent retention is both a legal requirement and a practical necessity for maintaining an unbroken chain of title.
Under the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's Local Schedule CC (Records of County Clerks), recorded instruments affecting real property are classified as permanent records. This schedule governs the retention of county clerk records statewide and mandates that all recorded instruments be preserved indefinitely.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- Plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Court documents affecting title
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Uvalde County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording. Very old records are preserved in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records may be available on microfilm. More recent records are maintained as digital scans within an electronic document management system. The County Clerk's office maintains climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm records and employs digital backup systems for electronically stored documents.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20 years) | Likely available online or at office terminals |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Microfilm or digital at courthouse |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access; staff retrieval may be required |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice recommended |
Property Appraiser (Appraisal District) Records:
The Uvalde Central Appraisal District maintains current and historical assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls on a permanent basis. Exemption applications are retained according to the applicable state retention schedule, which varies by document type. Recent assessment histories are accessible online through the UCAD property search portal.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard state retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained until resolved. The Uvalde County Tax Assessor-Collector's office can provide guidance on the availability of specific historical tax records.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking records not available online should contact the Uvalde County Clerk's office directly. Requests for very old records may require advance notice to allow staff to retrieve materials from archive storage. Standard copy fees apply regardless of the age of the record.
Uvalde County Clerk (Historical Records)
Uvalde County Courthouse, Courthouse Square #20
100 N. Getty Street, Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-6614
Uvalde County Clerk
How To Find Liens on Property in Uvalde County?
Liens on property in Uvalde County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Uvalde County Clerk's official records index. A lien search requires reviewing the grantor/grantee index for any recorded instruments that encumber the subject property, including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens.
Step-by-Step Lien Search Process:
- Visit the Uvalde County Clerk's office at the Uvalde County Courthouse, 100 N. Getty Street, Uvalde, TX 78801. The Clerk's office maintains the official index of all recorded instruments.
- Request access to the grantor/grantee index. Search the property owner's name as a grantor to identify any instruments recorded against the property.
- Search by property address or legal description if the system permits address-based searches.
- Review all recorded instruments for the subject property, noting document type, recording date, amount, and lienholder name.
- Request copies of any lien documents identified. Standard copy fees apply.
- Check the 38th Judicial District Clerk's records for judgment liens. Judgments entered by the district court become liens on real property in the county upon recording. The 38th Judicial District Clerk maintains these records at the Uvalde County Courthouse.
- Check federal tax lien records through the IRS or through the County Clerk's index, as federal tax liens are also recorded at the county level in Texas.
- Review the Uvalde Central Appraisal District records for any outstanding ad valorem tax delinquencies, which constitute statutory liens on the property under Texas Tax Code § 32.01.
Types of Liens Searchable Through the County Clerk:
- Ad valorem tax liens (property tax delinquencies)
- Federal tax liens (IRS)
- State tax liens (Texas Comptroller)
- Judgment liens (from district, county, or justice courts)
- Mechanic's and materialman's liens (contractor liens)
- HOA assessment liens
- Child support liens
- Code enforcement liens
Online Lien Search Resources:
Members of the public may search for certain lien types through the following official resources:
- Uvalde County Clerk — recorded instruments index (in-person access at courthouse)
- Uvalde County Tax Assessor-Collector — delinquent property tax information
- IRS Tax Lien Search — federal tax lien information
- Texas Secretary of State UCC Search — UCC financing statements (for personal property, not real property)
Professional Lien Searches:
Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process and produce title commitments identifying all recorded encumbrances. This is the standard method used in real estate transactions to ensure clear title prior to closing.
Uvalde County Clerk
Uvalde County Courthouse, Courthouse Square #20
100 N. Getty Street, Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-6614
Uvalde County Clerk
38th Judicial District Clerk
Uvalde County Courthouse
100 N. Getty Street, Uvalde, TX 78801
38th Judicial District Clerk
What Is Property Owner Rule in Uvalde County?
The property owner rule in Texas is a legal doctrine that permits a property owner to testify as to the value of their own property in legal proceedings, including condemnation cases, property damage claims, and tax protests. Under Texas law, a property owner is considered qualified to offer an opinion of value regarding their own real property without being required to qualify as an expert witness.
This rule is grounded in Texas case law and has been consistently applied by Texas courts. The Texas Supreme Court has recognized that "an owner of property is qualified to testify as to its value," a principle that reflects the longstanding common law presumption that owners possess sufficient knowledge of their property to offer a value opinion.
Application in Uvalde County:
In Uvalde County, the property owner rule has practical significance in the following contexts:
- Ad valorem tax protests before the Uvalde County Appraisal Review Board (ARB): Property owners may appear before the ARB and offer their own opinion of their property's market value without retaining a licensed appraiser. The ARB is an independent body that hears protests of appraisal district valuations established by the Uvalde Central Appraisal District.
- Eminent domain and condemnation proceedings: When a governmental entity seeks to acquire private property through condemnation, the property owner may testify as to the value of the condemned property in any resulting legal proceeding.
- Property damage litigation: In civil suits involving damage to real property, the owner may testify as to the diminution in value caused by the damage.
Limitations of the Property Owner Rule:
While the property owner rule permits owner testimony on value, it does not guarantee that such testimony will be given significant weight by a court or appraisal review board. The owner's opinion must be based on a reasonable basis, and opposing parties may challenge the credibility or foundation of the testimony. Courts retain discretion to evaluate the weight of owner testimony against other evidence, including certified appraisals.
Property Tax Protest Process in Uvalde County:
Property owners who believe the Uvalde Central Appraisal District has overvalued their property may file a protest with the Appraisal Review Board. The protest deadline is typically May 15 of the tax year or 30 days after the notice of appraised value is mailed, whichever is later. At the ARB hearing, the property owner may present evidence of value — including their own testimony under the property owner rule — comparable sales data, independent appraisals, and other relevant documentation.
Uvalde Central Appraisal District
103 W. Nopal Street
Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-2223
Uvalde Central Appraisal District
As the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has stated regarding the protest process, "Property owners have the right to protest actions concerning their property tax appraisals." This right, combined with the property owner rule, ensures that individual property owners have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the valuation process without being required to retain professional representation.
Ownership Rights and Protections Under Texas Law:
Property ownership in Texas carries constitutional protections under Article I, Section 17 of the Texas Constitution, which prohibits the taking, damaging, or destruction of private property for public use without adequate compensation. Property owners in Uvalde County hold these rights in addition to the procedural protections afforded by the property owner rule in valuation disputes.
Lookup Property Records in Uvalde County
- Uvalde County Clerk — recorded deeds, liens, and property instruments
- Uvalde County Tax Assessor-Collector — property tax records and payment history
- Uvalde County Texas Official Website — county government services and offices
- 38th Judicial District Clerk — court records affecting property title
- Uvalde County Tax Office — TxDMV vehicle and property tax services