mclennan county public records: how they work and where to find them

What “public” means in practice

In Texas, many records are open under the Public Information Act, but some details are restricted for privacy. In McLennan County, common public records include property deeds, liens, commissioners court minutes, civil and criminal dockets, and police logs. Birth and death certificates are handled primarily by the state, while marriage licenses are issued locally.

Who keeps which records

The County Clerk maintains land records, marriage licenses, and commissioners minutes. The District Clerk manages felony, family, and civil court files. The Sheriff’s Office posts custody and incident information, and the appraisal district posts ownership and valuation data. Many indexes are searchable online; images may require in‑person viewing or a nominal fee.

How to request efficiently

Define the record, timeframe, and names precisely to speed retrieval. Expect copy fees and possible redactions for sensitive data. Agencies must respond promptly, usually by confirming, providing, or citing an exemption.

1. Identify the custodian (Clerk, District Clerk, Sheriff, or appraisal district).
2. Search online indexes to refine dates and cause numbers.
3. Submit a written request citing the Texas Public Information Act.
4. Review fee estimates and delivery options (digital or paper).
5. Inspect results and appeal if an exemption seems misapplied.