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Bexar County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Bexar County?

Public records in Bexar County are defined as information created, collected, or maintained by government agencies in the course of official business, as established under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This comprehensive legislation ensures citizens have access to government information while balancing privacy concerns and operational efficiency.

Bexar County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, the district clerk maintains all court records for district courts, while the county clerk maintains records for county courts, probate courts, and commissioners court proceedings. Bexar County, as one of Texas' larger counties, maintains comprehensive online court record databases for public access.

Is Bexar County an Open Records County?

Bexar County fully complies with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), which establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body."

The TPIA specifically states that "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." This fundamental principle guides Bexar County's approach to records access.

Bexar County has established specific procedures for handling public information requests in accordance with state law. The county maintains an Open Records Request portal where citizens can submit requests electronically to various county departments. Each department designates a public information coordinator responsible for processing these requests within the timeframes established by law.

Additionally, Bexar County complies with Texas Open Meetings Act requirements, ensuring that meetings of governmental bodies are open to the public with proper notice. The county publishes meeting agendas, minutes, and recordings in accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 551.

How to Find Public Records in Bexar County in 2026

Accessing public records in Bexar County involves several straightforward methods depending on the record type and urgency of the request. The county currently offers multiple access points:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official websites:

  2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:

    • For court records, visit the District Clerk or County Clerk's office at the Bexar County Courthouse
    • For property records, visit the County Clerk's office
    • For vital records, visit the County Clerk's Vital Statistics division

  3. Written Requests: Submit a formal public information request:

    • Use the county's Open Records Request form
    • Clearly identify the records sought
    • Provide contact information for response
    • Submit to the appropriate department

  4. Electronic Requests: Email requests to the relevant department's public information coordinator

When making requests, individuals should:

  • Be specific about the records sought
  • Include relevant dates, names, and case numbers when applicable
  • Specify preferred format (electronic or paper)
  • Include contact information for follow-up questions

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the county must "promptly" produce public information in response to a request, which generally means within 10 business days unless an exception applies.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Bexar County?

Bexar County assesses fees for public records in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Administrative Code and the Texas Public Information Act. Current standard fees include:

  • Copies of Standard Documents:

    • Letter/Legal size (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14"): $0.10 per page
    • Oversize paper (11" x 17"): $0.50 per page
    • Certified copies: $5.00 certification fee plus copy costs

  • Vital Records:

    • Birth certificates: $23.00 for first copy, $3.00 for additional copies
    • Death certificates: $21.00 for first copy, $4.00 for additional copies
    • Marriage licenses: $82.00 to issue, $8.00 for certified copies
    • Divorce verification: $20.00

  • Court Records:

    • Case documents: $1.00 per page
    • Certified court documents: $5.00 certification fee plus copy costs
    • Complete case files: Variable based on page count

  • Property Records:

    • Deed copies: $1.00 per page
    • Certified property records: $5.00 certification fee plus copy costs

  • Electronic Records:

    • CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc plus labor costs
    • Email delivery (when available): May be provided at no cost for small files

Accepted payment methods include cash, credit/debit cards, money orders, and checks. Some departments may charge additional fees for labor if a request requires extensive time to process (over 5 hours) at a rate of $15.00 per hour.

Under Texas Government Code § 552.267, fee waivers or reductions may be granted if the request is determined to be in the public interest, particularly for requests from news media or nonprofit educational or scientific organizations.

Does Bexar County Have Free Public Records?

Bexar County provides several avenues for accessing public records at no cost:

  1. In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, members of the public may inspect public records during regular business hours at no charge. Individuals must submit a request to view specific records, and the appropriate department will make them available for inspection.

  2. Online Resources: Bexar County offers numerous free online databases:

  3. Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at various county offices for public use to access electronic records at no charge, including:

    • Bexar County Law Library
    • District and County Clerk's offices
    • Bexar County Courthouse public areas

  4. Minimal Records: Small requests (fewer than 50 pages) may be provided electronically at no cost if readily available and not requiring extensive staff time to compile.

The county also maintains public notice boards at the Bexar County Courthouse where certain public notices, meeting announcements, and other information are posted free of charge.

Who Can Request Public Records in Bexar County?

Under the Texas Public Information Act, any person may request public records from Bexar County regardless of citizenship or residency status. The law specifically states in Texas Government Code § 552.223 that "a governmental body may not inquire into the purpose for which information will be used."

Key eligibility considerations include:

  • Identification Requirements: While requestors generally do not need to provide identification to make a request, certain records may require verification of identity, particularly when:

    • Requesting one's own confidential records
    • Seeking records that contain sensitive personal information
    • Requesting criminal history information

  • Restrictions for Specific Record Types:

    • Vital records (birth, death certificates) may require proof of relationship or legitimate interest
    • Certain court records may be restricted to parties of the case or their legal representatives
    • Juvenile records have specific access limitations under Texas Family Code § 58.007

  • Commercial Use: While commercial entities may request public information, the county may charge additional fees for requests that require extensive resources if the information will be used for commercial purposes.

  • Incarcerated Individuals: Under Texas Government Code § 552.028, governmental bodies are not required to accept or comply with requests from incarcerated individuals except for their own criminal case records.

  • Representatives: Attorneys, researchers, and other representatives may request records on behalf of clients or principals with proper authorization.

When requesting records containing personal information about oneself, individuals should be prepared to provide identification to verify their identity. For requests concerning another person's records, limitations may apply based on privacy protections.

What Records Are Confidential in Bexar County?

While Bexar County operates under the presumption of openness, certain records are confidential by law and exempt from public disclosure. These exemptions are primarily established under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, Subchapter C.

Records that are generally confidential include:

  • Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information as protected under Texas Government Code § 552.147
  • Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and Texas Government Code § 552.101
  • Juvenile Records: Most juvenile criminal records as specified in Texas Family Code § 58.007
  • Sealed Court Records: Records sealed by court order, including certain expunged criminal records and sealed divorce proceedings
  • Ongoing Investigations: Law enforcement records related to pending investigations as protected under Texas Government Code § 552.108
  • Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product as protected under Texas Government Code § 552.107
  • Personnel Information: Certain employee information including home addresses, phone numbers, family information, and emergency contacts of public employees who have opted for confidentiality
  • Certain Business Information: Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information as protected under Texas Government Code § 552.110
  • Critical Infrastructure: Information related to security systems, emergency response plans, and infrastructure vulnerabilities
  • Victim Information: Information identifying victims of sexual assault or family violence
  • Child Welfare Records: CPS investigations and reports except as specifically authorized by law
  • Adoption Records: Adoption proceedings and related documents

When a request involves potentially confidential information, Bexar County officials must seek a determination from the Texas Attorney General's Office within 10 business days, as required by Texas Government Code § 552.301.

The county applies a balancing test when records contain both public and confidential information, redacting protected information while releasing the remainder when possible.

Bexar County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Bexar County Clerk's Office (Recording Division)
101 W. Nueva, Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 335-2216
Bexar County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Bexar County District Clerk's Office
101 W. Nueva, Suite 217
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 335-2113
Bexar County District Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Bexar County Vital Records Office
100 Dolorosa, Suite 104
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 335-2223
Bexar County Vital Records

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector
233 N. Pecos La Trinidad
San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 335-2251
Bexar County Tax Office

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Closed on weekends and county holidays

Lookup Public Records in Bexar County

Court Records - Texas State Law Library

Texas Government Code Chapter 51 - Clerks

Marriage and Divorce Records - Texas Department of State Health Services

Western District of Texas - U.S. District Court

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