El Paso County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The El Paso County?

Public records in El Paso County are official documents and information created, received, maintained, or filed by government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include court documents, property records, vital records, business filings, and various other government-generated information. The Texas Government Code Chapter 552, also known as the Public Information Act, establishes the legal framework for public access to these records.

El Paso County maintains various types of public records through different departments and offices, including the County Clerk's Office, District Clerk's Office, and other county agencies. These records serve as an essential resource for research, verification, and transparency in government operations.

Is El Paso County an Open Records County?

Yes, El Paso County is an open records county. Like all counties in Texas, El Paso County operates under the Texas Public Information Act, which guarantees citizens the right to access government records. This act establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain exceptions for confidential information.

The El Paso County Clerk's Office (500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 105, El Paso, TX 79901) serves as the primary custodian of many public records and facilitates access to these documents. The county maintains systems for requesting and retrieving public information, both in person and, increasingly, through online platforms.

How Do I Find Public Records in El Paso County in 2025

Finding public records in El Paso County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official websites. The El Paso County Clerk's Office provides online access to various records including property records, marriage licenses, and assumed name certificates.
In-Person Requests: Visit the appropriate county office based on the type of record you're seeking:
- County Clerk's Office (500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 105, El Paso, TX 79901) for property records, marriage licenses, and other county documents
- District Clerk's Office (500 E. San Antonio Ave., 2nd Floor, El Paso, TX 79901) for court records
- El Paso City Clerk (300 N. Campbell St., El Paso, TX 79901) for city records
Written Requests: Submit a written request to the relevant department specifying the records you need.
Third-Party Services: Various online services aggregate public records from El Paso County, though these may charge additional fees.

For the most current information, it's advisable to check the El Paso County website or contact the specific department that maintains the records you're seeking.

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

The cost of obtaining public records in El Paso County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

Copy Fees: Standard paper copies typically cost $0.10 to $0.50 per page.
Certification Fees: Certified copies of documents usually incur an additional fee of $1.00 to $5.00 per document.
Search Fees: Some departments may charge a fee for time spent searching for records, particularly for complex requests.
Electronic Records: Digital copies may have different fee structures, sometimes based on the storage medium or time required to process.
Specialized Records: Certain records like birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses have set fees established by state law.

The El Paso County Clerk's Office (500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 105, El Paso, TX 79901) can provide a current fee schedule for the most commonly requested records. Under the Texas Public Information Act, fees must be reasonable and cannot exceed the actual cost of providing the records.

Does El Paso County Have Free Public Records?

El Paso County does offer some public records at no cost:

Online Access: Many records can be viewed for free through the county's online portals, though downloading or printing may incur fees.
In-Person Inspection: The Texas Public Information Act allows individuals to inspect public records in person without charge during normal business hours.
Limited Free Copies: In some cases, if the cost of providing copies is minimal (typically less than $40), the county may waive fees.
Fee Waivers: The county may waive or reduce fees if the request is in the public interest and not for commercial purposes.

The El Paso County Clerk's Office (500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 105, El Paso, TX 79901) and other county departments can provide specific information about which records are available at no cost and which require payment of fees.

Who Can Request Public Records In El Paso County?

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

Texas Residents: All Texas residents have full rights to request public information.
Non-Residents: People who live outside Texas can also request public records from El Paso County.
Organizations: Businesses, media outlets, non-profits, and other organizations can request public records.
No Justification Required: Requesters do not need to explain why they want the records or how they plan to use them.
Anonymous Requests: While some basic contact information may be required to fulfill the request, requesters generally don't need to identify themselves beyond providing a way to deliver the records.

The El Paso County offices, including the County Clerk's Office (500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 105, El Paso, TX 79901), process requests from all eligible individuals regardless of their purpose or identity, with the exception of inmates in correctional facilities who face some restrictions.

What Records Are Confidential In El Paso County?

While El Paso County operates under open records laws, certain types of information remain confidential and exempt from public disclosure:

Personal Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifiers are typically redacted from public records.
Medical Records: Health information is protected under both state law and HIPAA.
Juvenile Records: Most records related to minors in the justice system are confidential.
Ongoing Investigations: Records related to active law enforcement investigations may be withheld temporarily.
Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and communications between the county and its attorneys are protected.
Certain Personnel Information: Some employee records, including home addresses of public employees who have requested confidentiality.
Victim Information: Details about victims of crimes, particularly in sensitive cases.
Critical Infrastructure: Information that could compromise security of government facilities or infrastructure.

The El Paso County Attorney's Office (500 E. San Antonio Ave., Room 503, El Paso, TX 79901) reviews requests that may contain confidential information to ensure compliance with state law regarding protected information.

Lookup Public Records in El Paso County

For those seeking public records in El Paso County, several official resources are available:

City Clerk - City of El Paso - The City Clerk's Department provides access to City Council meetings, governmental records, and election services to the El Paso Community.
Public Records - El Paso County Court - The Texas Government Code Chapter 552 gives the public the right to access government records, including court, criminal, marriage, divorce, and property records.
El Paso County, TX Public Records - ThePublicIndex - El Paso public records are the official records of any information generated, received, prepared, used, and retained by state or local agencies in the city.
El Paso County, Texas - QuickLink - This website provides electronic access to El Paso County's Historic Deed Index Books, offering remote access to index records.

These resources can help you locate various types of public records maintained by El Paso County government agencies.