Harris County Clerk (TX): Records, Locations & Clerk Services

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Harris County, Texas Clerk Guide

Harris County Clerk (TX): Records, Locations & Clerk Services

The Harris County Clerk’s Office is the official local office for real property records, marriage licenses, assumed name certificates, birth and death records, County Civil Court at Law records, Probate Court records, Commissioners Court records, public-record copies, certified copies, and election-related services in Harris County, Texas.

Harris County uses a split record system. Use the County Clerk for county civil, probate, real property, marriage, DBA, and personal records. Use the District Clerk for district court records, family and divorce cases, felony-level district court records, and County Criminal Courts at Law records.

Search County Clerk Records Public Records & Copies Locations & Google Map

Independent guide last reviewed September 2026. Confirm current hours, service availability, copy fees, court access rules, election notices, and annex limitations on the official Harris County Clerk website before filing, ordering, paying, or visiting.

Quick Facts: Harris County Clerk

Official office name Harris County Clerk’s Office.
County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth is listed by the official office as Harris County Clerk.
Downtown office 201 Caroline St., 3rd Floor, Houston, TX 77002.
Downtown phone 713-274-8600.
Public Records Department 201 Caroline St., Suite 310, Houston, TX 77002; phone 713-274-6390.
Office hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for listed Clerk locations.
Mailing address Teneshia Hudspeth, Harris County Clerk, P.O. Box 1525, Houston, TX 77251-1525.
Main search portal The Harris County Clerk Document Search Portal covers marriage, probate, county civil, real property, maps, assumed names, UCC, and related records.
Fast answer: if the record is a deed, mortgage, lien, marriage license, DBA, birth/death certificate request, county civil file, probate file, or Commissioners Court record, start with the Harris County Clerk. If it is a divorce decree, district court case, family case, or County Criminal Court at Law record, start with the Harris County District Clerk.

Public Records, Historical Records, Copies, and Certified Copies

The Harris County Clerk’s Public Records Department helps the public locate land records, marriage licenses, assumed names, miscellaneous personal records, and other records maintained by the Clerk. The department can issue both certified and non-certified copies.

Harris County also has historical public records dating back to 1836, when the Republic of Texas was formed. Historical holdings include land records, plats, maps, county court and probate court records, marriage licenses, birth and death records, and military discharge records through the late 1950s.

Official public recordsHarris County Clerk Public Records

After opening this link:

  1. Review whether your record is Real Property, Maps, Condos, Marriage License, Assumed Name, UCC, or Miscellaneous Personal Records.
  2. Use the online Document Portal first if you only need an electronic unofficial copy with the watermark.
  3. For paper copies without the unofficial watermark, choose in-person, mail, email, fax, or eCommerce instructions when available.
  4. For certified copies, check whether an electronic certification is acceptable or whether the receiving agency requires a raised seal.
  5. If requesting by mail, use Harris County Clerk, P.O. Box 1525, Houston, TX 77251-1525, and do not send cash.
  6. For historical records or archival help, contact the Records Archive Department before visiting.
Public Records Department 201 Caroline St., 3rd Floor, Suite 310, Houston, TX 77002; phone 713-274-6390.
Records Archive Department 11525 Todd Street, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77055; phone 713-274-9691.
Online copy delivery Purchased copies through eCommerce are emailed to the address associated with the user’s account.
Raised seal warning Certified copies purchased online may not include a raised seal. Some agencies still require a raised-seal certified copy.

Harris County Real Property Records: Deeds, Mortgages, Liens, Maps, and Condos

The Real Property Department records documents related to real property or real estate in Harris County. Common examples include deeds, deeds of trust, releases of lien, mortgage records, plats, maps, condominium records, and other land documents.

For real property filings, the Clerk may require an original document or a certified copy of a court document. Signatures on many real property documents must be notarized. The Clerk’s online real property database is a search tool, but it is not a substitute for the official real property records maintained by the Clerk.

Official real propertyHarris County Real Property Records

After opening this link:

  1. Read the Real Property overview to confirm that your document belongs in the real property records.
  2. For a deed, release, deed of trust, or lien document, confirm that the required signer has signed and that the signature is notarized when required.
  3. Use the Real Property Inquiry System to search by party name, document details, or recording information.
  4. If filing in person, bring photo identification if required by Clerk procedures.
  5. If filing by mail, include the original document, proper recording fee, and correct mailing information.
  6. Use eRecording only through the Clerk’s accepted e-recording process. Do not email real property documents unless the official page specifically allows it.

Official searchReal Property Inquiry System

After opening this link:

  1. Enter the grantor, grantee, owner name, business name, file date, document type, or other available search criteria.
  2. Open the matching entry and verify the recording date, document type, and indexed parties.
  3. If the image is available, review whether a free watermarked view is enough or whether you need to purchase a copy.
  4. If you need a certified copy, decide whether electronic certification is accepted or whether a raised-seal copy is required.
  5. If the document is restricted or not viewable, contact the Real Property or Public Records Department for the correct copy process.
Release of lien reminder: when a mortgage or lien is paid off, a release of lien is typically filed in the real property records to show that the loan or lien has been satisfied. To search or request the document, use owner name and the property’s legal description when possible.

Harris County Clerk Google Map, Downtown Address, Annexes, and Department Phones

The main Harris County Clerk office is in the Harris County Civil Courthouse in downtown Houston. The Clerk also lists ten annex offices where many public-facing services are available. Some services are downtown-only, so check the official location page before driving to an annex.

Downtown Harris County Clerk Office

Address: 201 Caroline St., 3rd Floor, Houston, TX 77002

Downtown phone: 713-274-8600

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Public Records Department: Suite 310, phone 713-274-6390.

Real Property and Personal Records: Suite 320; Real Property phone 713-274-8680, Personal Records phone 713-274-8686.

Open Downtown Office in Google Maps

Downtown

201 Caroline St., 3rd Floor
Houston, TX 77002

Phone: 713-274-8600

Baytown Annex

701 W. Baker Rd.
Baytown, TX 77521

Phone: 713-274-2248

Chimney Rock Annex

6000 Chimney Rock Rd.
Houston, TX 77081

Phone: 713-274-2929

Clay Road Annex

16715 Clay Rd.
Houston, TX 77084

Phone: 832-927-7230

Clear Lake Annex

16603 Buccaneer Ln.
Houston, TX 77062

Phone: 832-927-2910

Cypresswood Annex

6831 Cypresswood Dr.
Spring, TX 77379

Phone: 832-927-7290

Humble Annex

7900 Will Clayton Pkwy.
Humble, TX 77338

Phone: 832-927-2060

North Shepherd Annex

7300 N. Shepherd Dr.
Houston, TX 77091

Phone: 832-927-2050

Pasadena Annex

101 S. Richey St.
Pasadena, TX 77506

Phone: 713-274-6230

South Belt Annex

10851 Scarsdale Blvd.
Houston, TX 77089

Phone: 713-274-6918

Wallisville Annex

14350 Wallisville Road, Suite 111
Houston, TX 77049

Phone: 713-274-6925

Official locationsHarris County Clerk Locations, Department Directory, Phones, and Contact Form

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm the office hours and check for any notices about parking, construction, holidays, or service changes.
  2. Select the location closest to you only after confirming that the service is available at that annex.
  3. For department-specific work, use the Department Directory for County Civil, Real Property, Personal Records, Probate, Public Records, Records Archive, Commissioners Court, or Elections.
  4. Use the Google Map link for the exact location you plan to visit.
  5. If your service is not listed for annexes, plan for the downtown office or call the department first.

County Civil Courts at Law Records

Harris County Civil Courts at Law records are maintained by the Harris County Clerk, not the District Clerk. These records can include county civil matters such as debt collection, personal injury, homeowners association matters, evictions or appeals when applicable, and other cases assigned to County Civil Courts at Law.

Attorneys have been required to electronically file documents in the Harris County Civil Courts since January 1, 2014. The Clerk notes that the County Clerk and staff cannot provide legal advice in preparing or presenting a case.

Official county civilHarris County Civil Courts at Law Department

After opening this link:

  1. Review the County Civil Courts at Law service page before filing or requesting documents.
  2. Use the County Civil search link if you need to locate a case record.
  3. Use eFileTexas or an approved electronic filing provider when e-filing is required.
  4. Check the fee schedule before submitting a filing, citation request, or copy request.
  5. For records requests, contact the County Civil Courts at Law Department at 713-274-1330.

Official civil searchCounty Civil Court at Law Inquiry System

After opening this link:

  1. Search by available case details such as case number, party name, or filing date.
  2. Review the case style, filing date, parties, and docket entries before ordering documents.
  3. If the case does not appear, check whether you are actually looking for a District Clerk record instead.
  4. For copies, use the County Civil order instructions, email, fax, mail, or in-person process listed by the Clerk.

Probate Court Records, Wills, Guardianship, and Mental Health Filings

The Harris County Clerk maintains Probate Court case files and supports probate record searches and copy requests. Probate records may involve estates, wills, guardianships, mental-health filings, personal property protection applications, and related Probate Court documents.

Attorneys have been required to e-file Probate Court documents through the Texas electronic filing system since January 1, 2014. The Clerk can help file documents or locate records, but the office cannot answer legal questions.

Official probateHarris County Clerk Probate Department

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the probate service you need, such as e-filing, mental health filings, wills, guardianship, probate records, or copy ordering.
  2. Use the probate search link to locate the case before requesting a copy.
  3. For probate copy orders, prepare the probate cause number, estate name, decedent name, guardian name, or filing year.
  4. Contact the Probate Department at 713-274-8585 if you need routing help.
  5. Use legal resources or an attorney for legal questions because the Clerk cannot provide legal advice.
Probate Department address Harris County Civil Courthouse, 201 Caroline St., 8th Floor, Suite 800, Houston, TX 77002.
Probate phone 713-274-8585.
Mailing address Teneshia Hudspeth, Harris County Clerk, Attn: Probate Court Department, P.O. Box 1525, Houston, TX 77251-1525.
Late filing drop box The Probate page notes a late filing drop box outside the County Civil Courthouse Building near the front entrance.

Marriage Licenses, Assumed Names, Birth and Death Certificates, DD-214, and Personal Records

The Harris County Clerk’s Personal Records Department issues marriage licenses, declaration of informal marriage licenses, assumed name certificates, vital statistic records, animal brands, miscellaneous personal records, DD-214 military discharge filings, T.A.B.C. applications, and related personal-record services.

Vital records are not public records. Birth and death certificate requests are limited to eligible immediate family members and other authorized requesters with valid identification.

Marriage license fee The Clerk lists a $81.00 fee when residency proof is shown on valid identification, and a $181.00 fee without proof of state residency from at least one applicant.
Marriage waiting period Texas marriage licenses generally have a 72-hour waiting period and should be signed by the officiant no more than 90 days from issuance.
Marriage return After the ceremony, return the signed license in person to any Clerk location or by mail to the Personal Records Department.
Birth certificate fee The Clerk lists $23.00 for each birth certificate copy requested through the office.
Vital Statistics desk Call 713-274-8690 for birth and death certificate help.
Personal Records phone Call 713-274-8686 for Personal Records Department help.

Official personal recordsHarris County Marriage, Vital, DBA, DD-214, and Personal Records

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the correct section: Marriage License, Assumed Names, Vital Statistics, DD-214, Animal Brands, T.A.B.C., or Miscellaneous Personal Records.
  2. For a marriage license, prepare valid identification for both applicants and confirm whether the 72-hour waiting period applies.
  3. For an absent marriage applicant, review the Affidavit of Absent Applicant instructions.
  4. For a DBA, confirm whether the business is unincorporated and whether the record is being filed or withdrawn.
  5. For birth or death certificates, confirm eligibility and include valid identification and required notarized proof if requesting by mail.
  6. For DD-214 filings, remember that annex acceptance may still require processing time before the downtown office completes filing.

Official marriage searchHarris County Marriage License Inquiry System

After opening this link:

  1. Search by applicant names, marriage date, or other available fields.
  2. Verify that the license was issued in Harris County, Texas.
  3. If the license was issued in another Texas county, contact that county clerk or the Texas Department of State Health Services for statewide verification options.
  4. For a certified or plain copy, follow the Clerk’s copy request instructions or visit a Clerk location.

Official DBA searchHarris County Assumed Name Search

After opening this link:

  1. Search by business name, owner name, file date, or other available search fields.
  2. Use the owner format shown by the system when searching by owner name.
  3. Open the matching record and verify whether it is an assumed name filing or withdrawal.
  4. Remember that the Clerk is the filing agent for assumed names and does not determine whether another entity has legal rights to the name.

Harris County Clerk vs District Clerk vs Justice Courts: Which Office Do You Need?

Harris County has several record systems. Many users search the County Clerk first and then discover their record is actually with the District Clerk, Justice Courts, Tax Assessor-Collector, or Harris Votes. Use the comparison below before ordering the wrong copy.

Use the Harris County Clerk for

  • Real property records, deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, maps, and condos.
  • Marriage licenses, informal marriage licenses, and Harris County marriage-license copies.
  • Assumed names and DBA records.
  • County Civil Courts at Law case records.
  • Probate Court case files, wills, guardianship, and probate copies.
  • Commissioners Court records, campaign finance reports, personal records, and certain vital records.

Use another Harris County office for

  • District civil, family, divorce, and district criminal records: Harris County District Clerk.
  • County Criminal Courts at Law records: Harris County District Clerk search system.
  • Justice Court small claims, eviction, and JP ticket matters: Harris County Justice Courts.
  • Property tax payments and tax records: Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector.
  • Election information, voter materials, and results: Harris Votes.
  • Jail booking or arrest reports: Harris County Sheriff’s Office / JIMS resources.

District Clerk recordsHarris County District Clerk Court Record Search

After opening this link:

  1. Use this system for District Court, Family Court, divorce decree, district civil, district criminal, and County Criminal Courts at Law record searches.
  2. Search by party information, case/cause number, attorney, or document details when available.
  3. Review the case location and document access rules before ordering copies.
  4. If the record is a divorce decree, use District Clerk resources, not the County Clerk marriage-license search.

Justice CourtsHarris County Justice of the Peace Courts

After opening this link:

  1. Use Justice Court resources for JP civil cases, small claims, evictions, certain traffic matters, and Justice Court ticket payments.
  2. Search your case to confirm whether online payment is available.
  3. Do not pay a suspicious phone caller or third-party demand. The Justice Courts warn that legitimate payments should be made through the official website.
  4. For court-date or docket questions, use the specific Justice Court’s official docket or contact information.

Harris County Clerk Copy Fees, Certification Fees, and Payment Notes

Fees vary by record type, copy type, delivery method, page count, certification, and whether the copy is electronic or paper. Use these common Clerk-posted copy fees as a planning checklist, then verify the current amount on the official page before ordering.

$1.00 per page Non-certified paper copy.
$5.00 + $1.00/page Certified paper copy, per document plus page cost.
$1.00 up to 10 pages Electronic copy up to 10 pages; additional pages may be 10 cents per page.
$5.00 certification Certification fee per document for electronic certified copies.
$10.00 per page Non-certified paper copy of a map or condominium record, per page.
4% surcharge Credit card surcharge listed by the Clerk for certain mail/fax/email copy-request payments.
No cash by mail The Clerk states not to send cash through the mail.
Payable to Clerk Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Harris County Clerk.

Official payment infoPublic Records Copy Fees and Payment Options

After opening this link:

  1. Scroll to the ordering copies and payment options sections.
  2. Match your copy type: paper certified, paper non-certified, electronic certified, electronic non-certified, map, or condominium record.
  3. Check whether the payment method is in person, by mail, by email/fax form, or through eCommerce.
  4. Do not send cash by mail. Use the payment method and payee listed by the Clerk.
  5. Confirm whether a raised seal is required before purchasing an electronic certified copy.

Elections, Campaign Finance, Commissioners Court, and County Government Records

The Harris County Clerk is also the Chief Election Official for Harris County. Election information is handled through Harris Votes, while campaign finance reports and certain Commissioners Court records are linked from the Clerk’s document search systems.

Elections Department 1001 Preston St., Houston, TX 77002; phone 713-755-6965.
Commissioners Court Department 1001 Preston St., 6th Floor, Suite 610, Houston, TX 77002; phone 713-274-1300.
Campaign finance reports Search or file through the Clerk’s campaign finance and ethics filing systems where applicable.
Election results Use Harris Votes for vote centers, election results, voter information, and official election notices.

Official electionsHarris Votes

After opening this link:

  1. Use Harris Votes for election results, voting locations, voter education, vote-by-mail information, and election notices.
  2. For campaign finance filing or reporting, use the specific campaign finance system linked by the Clerk or Harris Votes.
  3. For historical Commissioners Court or Clerk-maintained governmental records, use the Document Search Portal or contact the Commissioners Court Department.

Privacy, Restricted Records, Public Information, and Safe Use Notice

Some records are public, some are restricted, and some are not public at all. Vital records are not public records. Military discharge records, confidential court filings, sealed files, protected information, sensitive identifiers, and restricted probate or civil documents may have special access rules.

The County Clerk’s online real property database may contain redacted information and may not reflect the complete or unaltered contents of records maintained in the official real property records. Always verify important records with the official Clerk department before relying on them.

Legal-use warning: this page is an independent informational guide and is not the official Harris County Clerk website. This website is not a consumer reporting agency. Do not use this guide or linked record searches for employment screening, tenant screening, credit decisions, insurance eligibility, or any Fair Credit Reporting Act purpose.

Related Texas Clerk Guides

These related county clerk guides can help users compare public records, court record routing, property records, marriage licenses, and clerk office services across Texas counties.

Fort Bend County Clerk Montgomery County Clerk Travis County Clerk Williamson County Clerk Dallas County Clerk Tarrant County Clerk

Official Harris County Clerk Links Used in This Guide

Use these official sources for the most current Harris County Clerk records, locations, maps, copy instructions, payment rules, services, and related court-record routing.

Harris County Clerk Official Website County Clerk Document Search Portal Public Records and Copies Real Property Records Personal Records, Marriage, DBA, Vital Records County Civil Courts at Law Probate Department Locations, Departments, Phones, and Contact County Clerk Forms Harris County District Clerk Records Harris County Justice Courts EFileTexas.gov Harris Votes

Harris County Clerk FAQs

1. What records does the Harris County Clerk maintain?

The Harris County Clerk maintains real property records, marriage licenses, assumed name certificates, birth and death certificate services, miscellaneous personal records, County Civil Court at Law case files, Probate Court records, and Commissioners Court records.

2. How do I search Harris County Clerk records online?

Use the Harris County Clerk Document Search Portal. Select the record category, such as Marriage License, Probate, County Civil, Real Property, Maps and Condos, Assumed Names, UCC, or Miscellaneous Personal Records, then search by the best identifier available.

3. Where is the Harris County Clerk located?

The downtown Harris County Clerk office is at 201 Caroline St., 3rd Floor, Houston, TX 77002. The Clerk also lists annex locations in Baytown, Chimney Rock, Clay Road, Clear Lake, Cypresswood, Humble, North Shepherd, Pasadena, South Belt, and Wallisville.

4. What is the Harris County Clerk phone number?

The downtown Clerk phone number is 713-274-8600. The Public Records Department can be reached at 713-274-6390, Real Property at 713-274-8680, Personal Records at 713-274-8686, and Probate at 713-274-8585.

5. Can I get certified copies from the Harris County Clerk online?

Yes, many documents can be purchased through the Clerk’s eCommerce feature after creating an account and locating the document. However, online certified copies may not have a raised seal, so confirm whether the receiving agency requires a raised-seal certified copy.

6. How much are Harris County Clerk certified copies?

Common Clerk-posted copy pricing includes a $5.00 certification fee per document plus $1.00 per page for paper certified copies. Electronic certified copies may include a $5.00 certification fee plus electronic page charges. Always verify the current fee on the official Clerk page.

7. Does the Harris County Clerk handle divorce decrees?

No. If the divorce was granted in Harris County, a divorce decree is generally a Harris County District Clerk record. The County Clerk handles marriage licenses, but divorce decree copies should be requested from the District Clerk.

8. Does the Harris County Clerk handle deeds and property records?

Yes. The Harris County Clerk’s Real Property Department records documents related to real property in Harris County, including deeds, mortgages, releases of lien, plats, maps, and other recorded property documents.

9. Can I get a Harris County marriage license at an annex?

Yes. The Clerk states that marriage licenses can be obtained in person at any of the listed Clerk locations. Both applicants generally need valid identification, and the fee depends on residency proof and eligibility.

10. Is this page the official Harris County Clerk website?

No. This is an independent informational guide. For official records, locations, maps, copy requests, fees, forms, election information, and service updates, use the official Harris County Clerk links provided in this article.

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