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Galveston County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Galveston County?

Public records in Galveston County are official documents and information maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public. These records include court documents, property records, vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), criminal records, and various administrative documents. The Texas Public Information Act governs access to these records, ensuring transparency in government operations while balancing privacy concerns.

Galveston County maintains records through various departments including the County Clerk's Office, District Clerk, Sheriff's Office, and other county agencies. These records document the county's official business and are generally available for public inspection and copying upon request.

Galveston County Clerk's Office: 722 Moody, Galveston, TX 77550

Is Galveston County an Open Records County?

Yes, Galveston County is an open records county. It operates under the Texas Public Information Act (formerly known as the Open Records Act), which provides the legal framework for public access to government records. This law presumes that all government information is available to the public, with certain exceptions to protect privacy, security, and other sensitive information.

Galveston County government agencies are required to respond to public information requests promptly, typically within 10 business days. The county has established procedures for requesting and obtaining public records through various departments.

Texas Attorney General's Office: 300 W. 15th Street, Austin, TX 78701

How Do I Find Public Records in Galveston County in 2025

To find public records in Galveston County in 2025, you have several options:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. The District Clerk's office provides online access to court records through their portal.

  2. In-Person Requests: Visit the appropriate county office depending on the type of record you need:

    • Court records: District Clerk or County Clerk
    • Property records: County Clerk's Office
    • Criminal records: Sheriff's Office or District Clerk

  3. Written Requests: Submit a written public information request to the specific department that maintains the records you seek.

  4. Third-Party Services: Various commercial services aggregate and provide access to public records, though these may charge fees.

Galveston County District Clerk: 600 59th Street, Suite 4001, Galveston, TX 77551

Galveston County Sheriff's Office: 601 54th Street, Galveston, TX 77551

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

The cost to obtain public records in Galveston County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

  • Standard paper copies: $0.10 per page
  • Certified copies: Additional $1.00-$5.00 per document
  • Electronic records: May have reduced fees or be available at no cost
  • Research fees: For requests requiring extensive staff time, labor charges may apply (approximately $15-$40 per hour)

The county follows the fee guidelines established by the Texas Administrative Code. Some records may have statutorily set fees, such as birth certificates ($23) or marriage licenses ($82). Additional fees may apply for expedited service or special handling.

Galveston County Administration Building: 722 Moody, Galveston, TX 77550

Does Galveston County Have Free Public Records?

Galveston County does offer some public records at no cost:

  1. Online Access: Many court records and property records can be viewed online for free through the county's public access portals, though printing or downloading may incur fees.

  2. In-Person Inspection: You can view most public records at no cost if you inspect them in person at the appropriate county office during regular business hours.

  3. Certain Electronic Records: Some electronic records may be provided free of charge if they require minimal processing time and can be emailed.

However, most official copies, certified documents, and records requiring significant staff time to compile will incur fees as outlined in the county's fee schedule.

Galveston County Justice Center: 600 59th Street, Galveston, TX 77551

Who Can Request Public Records In Galveston County?

Under the Texas Public Information Act, anyone can request public records in Galveston County, regardless of:

  • Citizenship status
  • Residency (you don't need to be a Galveston County or Texas resident)
  • Age (though minors may face some practical limitations)
  • Purpose or intended use of the information

Requesters do not need to provide identification or explain why they want the records, though certain specialized records may have additional requirements. Government agencies, businesses, media organizations, and individuals all have equal rights to access public information.

The county may ask for contact information to communicate about the request, but cannot inquire about the purpose of the request or deny access based on the requester's identity.

Texas Public Information Act Office: P.O. Box 12548, Austin, TX 78711-2548

What Records Are Confidential In Galveston County?

Certain records in Galveston County are confidential by law and exempt from public disclosure:

  1. Personal Information:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Personal financial information
    • Medical records

  2. Law Enforcement Records:

    • Active investigations
    • Confidential informant information
    • Juvenile criminal records

  3. Court Records:

    • Sealed court records
    • Certain family court proceedings
    • Adoption records

  4. Other Protected Information:

    • Critical infrastructure details
    • Attorney-client privileged communications
    • Certain personnel records
    • Information that would compromise security

These exemptions are defined by the Texas Public Information Act and other state and federal laws. When a request includes confidential information, the county may redact the protected portions or seek an Attorney General's opinion regarding disclosure.

Galveston County Attorney's Office: 722 Moody, 5th Floor, Galveston, TX 77550

Lookup Public Records in Galveston County

For more information about accessing public records in Galveston County, please visit these resources:

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