Galveston County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Galveston County?

Public records in Galveston County encompass a wide range of official documents maintained by county departments and agencies pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 552, commonly known as the Texas Public Information Act. These records document government activities, transactions, and decisions that affect county residents. Galveston County maintains the following categories of public records:

Property Records - Deeds, mortgages, liens, property tax assessments, and plat maps
Vital Records - Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses
Court Records - Civil, criminal, probate, and family court case files, judgments, and dockets
Law Enforcement Records - Arrest reports, incident reports, and jail records (with certain exceptions)
Tax Records - Property tax assessments, payments, and delinquencies
Voting and Election Records - Voter registration data and election results
County Commissioner Records - Meeting minutes, resolutions, and ordinances
Business Records - Business licenses, permits, and assumed name certificates
Environmental Records - Environmental impact studies, permits, and violations
Financial Records - County budgets, expenditures, and financial statements

These records are maintained by various county departments including the County Clerk's Office, District Clerk's Office, Tax Assessor-Collector's Office, and Sheriff's Department. The maintenance and accessibility of these records are governed by state laws regarding records retention and public access.

Is Galveston County an Open Records County?

Galveston County operates as an open records county in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), codified in Texas Government Code § 552. This statute establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain exceptions as defined by law.

The Galveston County Commissioners Court has formally adopted policies that affirm the county's commitment to transparency and open government. According to County Policy Manual Section 12.3, "Galveston County recognizes the fundamental right of the public to access government records and information, and shall make all reasonable efforts to provide timely access to requestors in accordance with state law."

The Texas Public Information Act 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."

Galveston County has designated Public Information Officers in each department who are trained to respond to open records requests within the statutory timeframes established by the TPIA. The county also maintains an Open Government portal where certain frequently requested records are proactively published for public access.

How Do I Find Public Records in Galveston County in 2025

Accessing public records in Galveston County can be accomplished through several methods established by county departments. The specific process varies depending on the type of record sought:

Online Access

The Galveston County Clerk's Official Public Records are available through the county's online portal at https://co.galveston.tx.us/records
Court records may be searched through the District Clerk's case information system
Property tax records can be accessed through the Galveston Central Appraisal District website
Commissioners Court agendas and minutes are posted on the county website

In-Person Requests

Requestors may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours
Staff will assist with locating and copying requested records
Identification may be required for certain records such as vital statistics

Written Requests

Submit a written request via mail, email, or fax to the department that maintains the desired records
Clearly identify the records sought with reasonable specificity
Include contact information for follow-up questions or clarification

Public Information Act Requests

For records not routinely available, submit a formal request under the Texas Public Information Act
The county must respond within 10 business days as required by Texas Government Code § 552.221
Requests may be submitted through the county's online request form or in writing

For assistance navigating the Texas court system, the Texas Courts Self-Help Center provides resources for locating and understanding court records. Additionally, the Texas Secretary of State maintains business filings and other state-level records that may complement county records.

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

Galveston County assesses fees for public records in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70 and the county's adopted fee schedule. Costs vary based on the type of record requested and the format provided:

Standard Copy Fees

Letter size (8.5" x 11"): $0.10 per page
Legal size (8.5" x 14"): $0.15 per page
Ledger size (11" x 17"): $0.20 per page
Color copies: Additional $0.25 per page
Certified copies: $5.00 certification fee plus copy costs

Specialized Records Fees

Birth certificates: $23.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for each additional copy
Death certificates: $21.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
Marriage licenses: $82.00 for issuance, $20.00 for certified copies
Deed records: $26.00 for first page, $4.00 for each additional page
Maps and plats: $10.00 per sheet

Electronic Records

CD/DVD: $5.00 per disc
USB drive: $10.00 per drive (plus actual cost of drive)
Email delivery (when feasible): No charge for electronic delivery
Database queries: $15.00 per hour for programming time

Labor Charges

Personnel time: $15.00 per hour after exceeding 36 minutes of staff time
Overhead: 20% of personnel charge
Document redaction: $15.00 per hour for confidential information removal

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, a governmental body may waive or reduce fees if doing so is in the public interest. Additionally, § 552.267 provides that a governmental body shall provide a copy without charge or at a reduced charge if the requestor is indigent.

Does Galveston County Have Free Public Records?

Galveston County provides certain public records at no cost to requestors in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.270, which encourages governmental bodies to make information available to the public at minimal or no cost. The following records are available without charge:

Online Free Access

Commissioners Court meeting agendas and minutes
County budget documents and financial reports
Election results and voting precinct information
Property ownership information through the Galveston Central Appraisal District website
Sex offender registry information
Public notices and announcements

In-Person Free Access

Public terminals at the County Clerk's Office for viewing recorded documents
Self-service computer stations at the District Clerk's Office for court case information
Public inspection of non-confidential records during regular business hours
Voter registration status verification

Free Records for Specific Individuals

Veterans may receive one free copy of military discharge records (DD-214)
Victims of domestic violence may receive free copies of protective orders
Indigent individuals may qualify for fee waivers upon submission of an affidavit of inability to pay
Government agencies requesting records for official purposes

The Texas Department of Public Health also provides certain vital records search services at no cost, though obtaining certified copies typically involves fees. Additionally, the Texas Judicial Branch offers free access to certain court opinions and case information through its public portal.

Who Can Request Public Records In Galveston County?

Under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552.021, public records in Galveston County are available to all persons regardless of citizenship or residency status. The statute specifically states that "public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body." The following entities may request public records:

Texas residents and non-residents
U.S. citizens and foreign nationals
Private individuals
Business entities and corporations
Media organizations
Non-profit organizations
Government agencies
Educational institutions
Incarcerated individuals (with certain limitations)
Legal representatives acting on behalf of clients

The Texas Office of the Attorney General has issued opinions confirming that governmental bodies may not inquire about a requestor's purpose or intended use of the information as a condition of fulfilling the request. However, certain exceptions exist:

Requests for voter registration information may require a statement of purpose
Commercial requests for certain bulk data may be subject to additional restrictions
Requests from incarcerated individuals are limited by Texas Government Code § 552.028
Requests for motor vehicle records are governed by the Texas Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act

Requestors are not required to identify themselves when making requests in person, though providing contact information is necessary for written requests to facilitate communication regarding the status of the request.

What Records Are Confidential In Galveston County?

Galveston County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exceptions established by the Texas Public Information Act and other state and federal laws. These confidential records are exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 552, Subchapter C. The following categories of records are generally considered confidential:

Personal Privacy Information

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
Personal financial information
Medical and mental health records protected under HIPAA
Home addresses and telephone numbers of peace officers, judges, and certain public employees
Family violence shelter center and sexual assault program information

Law Enforcement Records

Active criminal investigation materials
Confidential informant identities
Juvenile criminal records (with limited exceptions)
Victim information in sexual assault and family violence cases
Critical infrastructure security information

Personnel and Education Records

Employee evaluations and disciplinary records
Student educational records protected under FERPA
Teacher certification disciplinary proceedings
Employee birth dates

Legal and Judicial Records

Attorney-client privileged communications
Certain judicial deliberation records
Grand jury proceedings
Child abuse reports and investigations
Adoption records
Mental health commitment proceedings

Other Protected Records

Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information
Certain economic development negotiation information
Audit working papers
Election ballot box contents before the prescribed preservation period expires
Certain biological specimens and test results

The determination of confidentiality is made in accordance with Texas open government laws and may require consultation with the Texas Attorney General's Office in cases where the application of exceptions is unclear.

Galveston County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Galveston County Clerk's Office (Records Division)
722 Moody Avenue, Room 200
Galveston, TX 77550
Phone: (409) 766-2200
Galveston County Clerk

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

League City Branch Office
174 Calder Road, Suite 142
League City, TX 77573
Phone: (281) 316-8433

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Galveston County Clerk serves as the county recorder and is responsible for maintaining and providing access to official public records pursuant to Local Government Code § 191.001. The office records and maintains various documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, assumed name certificates, military discharge records, and other instruments.

Electronic recording services are available through approved third-party vendors. The Records Division provides document recording, certified copies, and research assistance for public records dating back to 1838. Self-service computer terminals are available for public use during regular business hours.

For specialized court records, contact:

Galveston County District Clerk
600 59th Street, Suite 4001
Galveston, TX 77551
Phone: (409) 766-2424
Galveston County District Clerk

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays