Hunt County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Hunt County?
Public records in Hunt County, Texas are defined as information created, collected, or maintained by government entities in the course of official business, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act § 552.002. This statute establishes that public information is information that is written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business.
Hunt County maintains numerous categories of public records accessible to citizens, including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Hunt County Court system, including case filings, judgments, and court calendars
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property assessments maintained by the County Clerk's office
- Vital Records: Birth certificates (limited to those born in Hunt County), death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and assumed name certificates (DBA filings)
- Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax rolls maintained by the Hunt County Appraisal District
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Official proceedings of the Hunt County Commissioners Court and various boards and committees
- Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
- Law Enforcement Records: Certain arrest logs, incident reports, and jail records (with statutory limitations)
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and development permits
The Hunt County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many of these records, particularly those related to property transactions, vital statistics, and court filings. Citizens seeking public records can access many documents through the Hunt County records request system, which provides guidance on obtaining various document types.
Is Hunt County an Open Records County?
Hunt County fully complies with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), codified under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, which establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public. Under this law, Hunt County operates as an open records county, maintaining transparency in governmental operations.
The TPIA specifically states in § 552.001(a) that: "Under the fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of representative government that adheres to the principle that government is the servant and not the master of the people, it is the policy of this state that each person is entitled, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, at all times to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees."
Hunt County has implemented specific procedures to facilitate public access to records in accordance with state law. The county maintains an official records request process that allows citizens to submit requests for public information to the appropriate county departments.
Additionally, Hunt County adheres to the Texas Open Meetings Act (Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code), ensuring that governmental decision-making processes remain transparent through properly noticed public meetings. Meeting agendas are posted in advance on the Hunt County official website and at the county courthouse.
The county has designated Public Information Officers within various departments who are responsible for processing open records requests in compliance with statutory timeframes and requirements.
How to Find Public Records in Hunt County in 2026
Members of the public seeking access to Hunt County records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:
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Online Access: Hunt County provides digital access to many public records through its official website. Citizens can search for court records, property information, and meeting minutes without visiting county offices.
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Submit a Public Information Request: For records not available online, individuals may submit a formal request under the Texas Public Information Act. Requests can be submitted:
- In person at the appropriate county department
- By mail to the relevant county office
- Via email to the designated records custodian
- Through the county's online records request portal
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Visit the County Clerk's Office: Many frequently requested documents are maintained by the County Clerk and can be accessed during regular business hours at:
Hunt County Clerk's Office
2507 Lee Street, 1st Floor
Greenville, TX 75401
903-408-4130
Hunt County Clerk -
Court Records: Judicial records from the County Courts at Law and District Courts can be accessed through:
- The District Clerk's Office for district court cases
- The County Clerk's Office for county court cases
- The county's online judicial records portal
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Property Records: Real estate transactions, deeds, and property information can be researched through:
- The County Clerk's property records division
- The Hunt County Appraisal District for tax assessment information
- Online property record searches available through the county website
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Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses can be requested from the County Clerk's office with proper identification and applicable fees.
When submitting requests, citizens should provide specific information about the records sought, including relevant dates, names, and document types to facilitate efficient processing.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Hunt County?
Hunt County assesses fees for public records in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Attorney General under Texas Administrative Code § 70.3. The current fee structure for obtaining public records includes:
- Standard Paper Copies: $0.10 per page for standard letter or legal size copies
- Oversized Copies: $0.50 per page for documents larger than 8.5 x 14 inches
- Certified Copies: $5.00 certification fee plus the cost of copies
- Electronic Records: $0.10 per page for PDF documents; actual cost for other electronic formats
- Research and Retrieval: $15.00 per hour for personnel time exceeding 15 minutes
- Vital Records:
- Birth Certificates: $23.00 per copy
- Death Certificates: $21.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
- Marriage Licenses: $82.00 to issue; $21.00 for certified copies
- Court Records:
- Case Files: $1.00 per page for certified copies
- Criminal Background Checks: $5.00 per name search
- Property Records:
- Deed Copies: $1.00 per page plus certification fees if applicable
- Plat Maps: $5.00 per page
Hunt County accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card (with a processing fee) for records requests. Some departments may have varying payment options, and requestors should confirm accepted methods when submitting requests.
Under § 552.267 of the Texas Public Information Act, fee waivers or reductions may be granted if the county determines that providing the information primarily benefits the general public. Additionally, the first 50 pages of standard paper copies may be provided at reduced rates for certain requests.
Does Hunt County Have Free Public Records?
Hunt County provides several avenues for accessing public records at no cost to requestors:
The Texas Public Information Act, specifically § 552.221(a), guarantees the right to inspect public records without charge during normal business hours. Citizens may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to examine available records without incurring copying fees, provided the records are not confidential under state law.
Hunt County offers free access to numerous records through its online platforms, including:
- Commissioners Court Agendas and Minutes: Available at no cost through the Hunt County website
- Election Results and Voter Information: Accessible through the Elections Administration section of the county website
- Property Ownership Information: Basic property details can be viewed online through the Hunt County Appraisal District portal
- Court Dockets and Case Information: Limited case information is available through the county's online judicial records system
- County Budget Documents: Annual budgets and financial reports are posted online for public review
- Public Notices: Official announcements and public hearing notices are published on the county website
The Hunt County Law Library, located in the courthouse, also provides free public access to legal resources, including certain court records and legal reference materials.
For in-person inspection, citizens should contact the specific department that maintains the desired records to schedule a convenient time for review. While inspection is free, standard fees apply if copies are requested.
Who Can Request Public Records in Hunt County?
Under the Texas Public Information Act, specifically § 552.023, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request and receive public records from Hunt County governmental bodies. The law establishes that:
- Requestors are not required to state a reason or purpose for their request
- Requestors may remain anonymous, except when seeking records that contain their own confidential information
- Non-Texas residents have the same rights to access public information as Texas residents
- Incarcerated individuals maintain rights to public information, though with certain statutory limitations
For certain record types, additional identification requirements may apply:
- Vital Records: Requestors seeking birth certificates, death certificates, or marriage records must provide proper identification and may need to demonstrate a direct relationship to the subject of the record or other legal interest
- Criminal History Information: Access to complete criminal history records may be restricted to the subject of the record, their legal representative, or authorized criminal justice agencies
- Medical Records: Access is generally limited to the patient or their authorized representative in accordance with HIPAA regulations
- Juvenile Records: These are subject to strict confidentiality provisions under Texas Family Code
Government entities, businesses, and organizations may also request public records through authorized representatives. Commercial requestors have the same basic rights of access as individuals, though certain high-volume requests may be subject to additional cost recovery provisions under state law.
Hunt County processes all requests without regard to the requestor's identity or intended use of the information, except where specifically authorized by statute to consider such factors.
What Records Are Confidential in Hunt County?
Hunt County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exemptions established under the Texas Public Information Act, particularly § 552.101 through § 552.159. These protected records include:
- Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, bank account details, and credit card information are protected from disclosure
- Medical and Mental Health Records: Patient information protected under HIPAA and state medical privacy laws
- Juvenile Records: Court records, law enforcement files, and social service records pertaining to minors, as protected under Texas Family Code Chapter 58
- Sealed Court Records: Cases that have been ordered sealed by a judge, including certain expunged criminal records and sealed divorce proceedings
- Ongoing Criminal Investigations: Active law enforcement investigative files that would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime
- Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and work product prepared by or for the county
- Certain Personnel Information: Home addresses, phone numbers, family information, and emergency contact details of public employees who have opted for confidentiality
- Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about security systems, utility vulnerabilities, or emergency response plans
- Economic Development Negotiations: Information related to ongoing business recruitment or expansion until agreements are finalized
- Certain Election Records: Confidential voter information including disability status and certain personal details
- Child Welfare Records: CPS investigations and foster care records
- Adoption Records: Court files and agency records related to adoptions
- Trade Secrets and Commercial Information: Proprietary business information submitted to the county
When a request involves potentially confidential information, Hunt County may seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Office as required by § 552.301 of the Texas Public Information Act. This process determines whether the information qualifies for an exception from disclosure.
The county applies a balancing test when considering discretionary exceptions, weighing the public's right to information against privacy interests and other protected values as directed by state law.
Hunt County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Hunt County Clerk's Office (Records Division)
2507 Lee Street, 1st Floor
Greenville, TX 75401
903-408-4130
Hunt County Clerk
Regular Business Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Services Provided:
- Recording of deeds, mortgages, and property records
- Marriage licenses
- Birth and death certificates
- Assumed name certificates (DBAs)
- Military discharge records (DD-214)
- Commissioners Court records
- Notary public registrations
- Cattle brands and marks registration
Hunt County District Clerk's Office
2507 Lee Street, 3rd Floor
Greenville, TX 75401
903-408-4190
Hunt County District Clerk
Regular Business Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Services Provided:
- District Court records
- Jury service information
- Passport application processing
- Child support payment records
- Civil and criminal case filings
Hunt County Tax Assessor-Collector
2500 Lee Street
Greenville, TX 75401
903-408-4000
Hunt County Tax Office
Regular Business Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Services Provided:
- Property tax records
- Vehicle registration
- Voter registration
- Alcohol permit applications
Lookup Public Records in Hunt County
County Clerk Records Request Information