Tyler County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Tyler County in 2026
TylerRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Tyler County, Texas. Members of the public seeking court documents, property filings, vital records, or other official documents may use this resource as a starting point for locating relevant data. The information available through such directories reflects what government offices have made accessible under applicable state law, and completeness may vary depending on the record type and the custodial agency.
Records that may be located through official channels in Tyler County include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- 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 incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning documents
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by Tyler County and the State of Texas.
Online Access: The Tyler County official website provides access to select county records. Property and land records may be searched through the Tyler County Appraisal District, which maintains an online database of appraisal and ownership information. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains an online portal for ordering vital records through Texas Vital Statistics.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Tyler County Clerk's Office to inspect or request copies of official records. The office is located at 100 West Bluff Street, Woodville, Texas 75979. Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state and federal holidays.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should be directed to the Tyler County Clerk's Office at 100 West Bluff Street, Woodville, TX 75979. Requests must include the requester's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under the Texas Public Information Act, governmental bodies are required to respond promptly, with a standard response period of ten business days.
Phone/Email: The Tyler County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (409) 283-2281. Email contact information is available through the county's official website.
What Are Public Records in Tyler County?
Public records in Tyler County are official documents and information created, received, or maintained by government agencies in the course of conducting public business, as defined under Texas law. Under Texas Government Code § 552.002, public information includes any information that is written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body.
The following record types are maintained by Tyler County agencies:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Tyler County District Clerk |
| Probate and county court records | Tyler County County Clerk |
| Property deeds, liens, mortgages | Tyler County County Clerk |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Tyler County County Clerk / Texas DSHS |
| Property tax and appraisal records | Tyler County Appraisal District |
| Business/assumed name filings | Tyler County County Clerk |
| Voting and election records | Tyler County Elections Office |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Tyler County Judge's Office |
| Law enforcement records | Tyler County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Tyler County Commissioner's Court |
The Tyler County County Clerk serves as the primary custodian for a broad range of official records, including real property instruments and court filings at the county level.
Is Tyler County an Open Records County?
Tyler County operates in full compliance with the Texas Public Information Act, which establishes the right of the public to access government records. Under Texas Government Code § 552.001, the legislature declares that "government is the servant of the people, and not the master of them," and that the public is entitled to complete information about the affairs of government.
The Texas Public Information Act, commonly referred to as the state's open records law, applies to all governmental bodies in Texas, including county offices, elected officials, and agencies funded by public money. The Texas Attorney General's Office provides guidance to both governmental bodies and members of the public regarding rights and obligations under the Act.
Tyler County does not maintain a separate county-specific open records ordinance, as the state statute governs all public information requests uniformly across Texas jurisdictions. Governmental bodies that seek to withhold information must request a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Office, which determines whether a claimed exemption applies.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Tyler County?
The current fee structure for public records in Tyler County follows the standard schedule established by the Texas Office of the Attorney General and applicable state statutes. Fees vary by record type and the office responsible for maintaining the records.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Fee Type | Standard Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies (8.5" x 11") | $0.10 per page |
| Oversize paper copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copies (documents) | $1.00–$5.00 per document (varies by record type) |
| Electronic records (where applicable) | Actual cost of production |
| Postage and handling | Actual cost |
Inspection of public records at a public access terminal is available at no charge. Fees for certified copies of vital records, such as birth and death certificates, are set separately under Texas Health and Safety Code and are collected by the Texas Department of State Health Services or the local registrar.
Accepted payment methods at the Tyler County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order. The Texas Attorney General's cost rules, established under the Public Information Act, govern the maximum fees that governmental bodies may charge for producing public information.
Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, such as when the requester demonstrates that release of the information primarily benefits the general public rather than a private interest.
Does Tyler County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Tyler County. Under Texas law, members of the public have the right to inspect public records at the custodial office without charge. The obligation to pay fees arises only when copies or certified documents are requested.
Free access to certain records is also available through the following official resources:
- The Tyler County Appraisal District provides free online access to property appraisal data, ownership information, and tax records.
- The Tyler County Clerk's Office allows free in-person inspection of land records, court filings, and other documents maintained at the public counter.
- The Texas Secretary of State provides free online access to business entity filings and assumed name records through its business search portal.
- The Texas Department of State Health Services provides information about accessing vital records, though certified copies carry a statutory fee.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: viewing a record at a government office is free, while obtaining a physical or electronic copy may incur the fees described in the preceding section.
Who Can Request Public Records in Tyler County?
Any person may request public records in Tyler County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. The Texas Public Information Act does not require requesters to be Texas residents, to provide identification, or to explain why they are seeking the information.
As the Texas Attorney General's Office notes, "the Act gives the public the right to access government records; government bodies are required to make information available to the public." This broad access right applies to individuals, organizations, businesses, and members of the media equally.
Specific considerations regarding eligibility include:
- Identification: Requesters are not required to provide identification for standard public records requests.
- Purpose: Governmental bodies may not require requesters to state the purpose of their request as a condition of access.
- Non-residents: Non-residents of Tyler County and Texas retain full rights to request public records under state law.
- Personal records: Individuals requesting their own records, such as criminal history or vital records, may be required to provide proof of identity to protect against unauthorized disclosure.
- Restricted record types: Certain records, such as juvenile court files or sealed court documents, carry access restrictions regardless of the requester's identity.
What Records Are Confidential in Tyler County?
Not all government records in Tyler County are subject to public disclosure. Texas law establishes a comprehensive set of exemptions under Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158, which identify categories of information that governmental bodies are authorized or required to withhold.
Records that are currently exempt from public disclosure include:
- Sealed court records: Documents sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are confidential under Texas Family Code.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Information compiled during an active law enforcement investigation is exempt to protect the integrity of the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are protected from disclosure.
- Medical records: Health information is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed under Texas law.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by child protective services are confidential.
- Personnel records: Certain employee information held by governmental bodies is exempt, with limited exceptions for public officials.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Confidential commercial data submitted to government agencies is protected.
- Security and infrastructure plans: Documents detailing critical infrastructure vulnerabilities are withheld in the interest of public safety.
When a governmental body believes that requested information falls within an exemption, it must seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Open Records Division within ten business days of receiving the request.
Tyler County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
The primary office responsible for recording and maintaining official public records in Tyler County is the Tyler County Clerk's Office. This office serves as the county recorder for real property instruments, vital records, court filings, and other official documents.
Tyler County Clerk's Office
100 West Bluff Street
Woodville, TX 75979
(409) 283-2281
Tyler County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Tyler County District Clerk's Office
100 West Bluff Street
Woodville, TX 75979
(409) 283-2162
Tyler County District Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Tyler County Appraisal District
806 West Bluff Street
Woodville, TX 75979
(409) 283-3736
Tyler County Appraisal District
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Tyler County Sheriff's Office
201 North Charlton Street
Woodville, TX 75979
(409) 283-2172
Tyler County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Available 24 hours for emergency services