McLennan County Public Records
What Are Public Records in McLennan County?
Public records in McLennan County are official documents and information created, received, or maintained by government agencies that are accessible to the public pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552. This comprehensive legislation establishes the public's right to access government records unless specifically exempted by law.
McLennan County maintains numerous categories of public records, including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the McLennan County District Clerk and County Clerk offices
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and other real property documents
- Vital Records: Birth certificates (limited to those born in McLennan County), death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
- Business Records: Assumed name certificates (DBA), alcohol permits, and other business licenses
- Tax Records: Property tax assessments, payment records, and delinquent tax information
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of County Commissioners Court and other county boards and commissions
- Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial audits
- Law Enforcement Records: Certain arrest records, incident reports, and jail records (with statutory limitations)
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Development permits, variance applications, and zoning decisions
The McLennan County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many public records, including property records, vital statistics, and Commissioners Court minutes. Court records are maintained by either the County Clerk (for county courts) or the District Clerk (for district courts), depending on jurisdiction. Other specialized records are maintained by their respective departments, such as the Tax Assessor-Collector, Elections Administrator, and Sheriff's Office.
Is McLennan County an Open Records County?
McLennan County fully complies with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), Texas Government Code § 552, 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 explicitly 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 McLennan County's approach to records access.
McLennan County has established specific procedures for handling public information requests in accordance with state law. The county follows the statutory timelines prescribed in Texas Government Code § 552.221, which generally requires prompt production of requested information, with an initial response due within 10 business days.
The county also adheres to the Texas Open Meetings Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 551), ensuring transparency in governmental decision-making processes through proper notice of meetings and public access to deliberations of county boards and commissions.
Each county department that maintains public records has designated personnel responsible for processing open records requests in compliance with state law. The McLennan County website provides information about submitting requests to specific departments.
How to Find Public Records in McLennan County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in McLennan County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:
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Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. The county provides online access to:
- Official Public Records dating back to January 1, 1996
- Court case information from 2001 to present
- Commissioner's Court agendas and minutes
- Property tax information
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to inspect or request copies of records:
- For property records, vital records, and Commissioners Court minutes, visit the County Clerk's Office
- For district court records, contact the District Clerk's Office
- For tax records, visit the Tax Assessor-Collector's Office
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Written Requests: Submit a written public information request to the specific department that maintains the desired records. Requests should:
- Be addressed to the proper records custodian
- Clearly describe the information sought
- Include contact information for follow-up
- Be delivered by mail, email, fax, or in person
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Electronic Requests: Many departments accept requests via email or through the county's online request portal.
For specialized records, contact the appropriate department directly:
- Property Records: County Clerk's Office
- Criminal Records: District Clerk (felonies) or County Clerk (misdemeanors)
- Vital Records: County Clerk's Office
- Tax Records: Tax Assessor-Collector's Office
- Voting Records: Elections Administration Office
- Law Enforcement Records: Sheriff's Office
The county currently provides public computer terminals at several offices for on-site research of digitized records. Staff members are available to assist with locating information, though they cannot provide legal advice or conduct research on behalf of requestors.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in McLennan County?
McLennan County assesses fees for public records in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Attorney General under Texas Government Code § 552.262. The current fee structure includes:
- Standard Paper Copies: $0.10 per page for standard letter or legal size copies
- Certified Copies: Additional $5.00 certification fee per document
- Oversize Copies: $0.50 per page for documents larger than legal size
- Electronic Records: $0.10 per page for PDF documents; actual cost for other electronic formats
- Labor Charges: $15.00 per hour for requests requiring more than 50 pages or extensive programming/manipulation
- Vital Records:
- Birth Certificates: $23.00 per copy
- Death Certificates: $21.00 for first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
- Marriage Licenses: $82.00 to issue; $21.00 for certified copies
- Court Records:
- Case Copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified Court Documents: $5.00 certification fee plus copy costs
- Property Records: $26.00 for first page, $4.00 for each additional page
The county accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card (with processing fee) for in-person requests. Online record access may require credit card payment through the county's secure payment system.
Under Texas Government Code § 552.267, a governmental body may waive or reduce fees if doing so is in the public interest. Additionally, § 552.261(d) allows for fee waivers when the cost of collecting the fee exceeds the amount of the fee.
Requestors should note that certain specialized searches or voluminous requests may incur additional fees for labor, overhead, or programming time as permitted by state law.
Does McLennan County Have Free Public Records?
McLennan County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost:
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In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. The county provides reasonable accommodations for in-person review of documents at the appropriate county office.
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Online Resources: The county offers free access to several online record systems:
- The Case Index Search provides basic case information for criminal and civil cases from 2001 to present
- County Commissioners Court agendas and minutes are available at no cost on the county website
- Property tax information can be accessed through the county's online portal
- Voter registration status verification is available through the Elections Administration website
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at several county offices for public use at no charge, allowing visitors to search digitized records without paying fees.
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Public Notices and Publications: Official notices, budget information, and certain county publications are freely available on the county website or in designated public areas.
The McLennan County Law Library also provides public access to legal resources, including certain court records and legal reference materials, at no cost to library patrons.
While inspection is free, requestors should be aware that fees may still apply for copies, certified documents, or records requiring extensive processing time as outlined in the county's fee schedule.
Who Can Request Public Records in McLennan County?
Under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552.023, any person may request access to public information regardless of citizenship or residency status. McLennan County processes requests from:
- Texas residents
- Out-of-state residents
- Foreign nationals
- Organizations, businesses, and associations
- Media representatives
- Attorneys and legal representatives
- Government agencies
The law specifically states that a governmental body may not inquire into the purpose for which information will be used. Requestors are not required to explain why they want the information, except in very limited circumstances involving certain types of protected information.
For most public records, requestors are not required to provide identification. However, certain records may require verification of identity or legal authority to access:
- Vital Records: Birth certificates are restricted to the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest as defined by state law
- Medical Records: Access is limited to the patient or their authorized representative under HIPAA regulations
- Certain Court Records: Some court documents may be restricted to parties to the case or their legal representatives
- Law Enforcement Records: Records involving ongoing investigations or containing sensitive information may have restricted access
Individuals requesting their own records or those of a minor child may need to provide proof of identity or legal guardianship. Attorneys requesting records on behalf of clients must provide documentation of their representation.
McLennan County processes all legitimate requests in accordance with state law, regardless of the requestor's identity or purpose, unless specific legal exemptions apply.
What Records Are Confidential in McLennan County?
While McLennan County strives for transparency, certain records are confidential under Texas law and exempt from public disclosure. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158, protected records include:
- Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information
- Medical and Mental Health Records: Protected under HIPAA and state confidentiality laws
- Juvenile Records: Most juvenile court and law enforcement records involving minors
- Ongoing Criminal Investigations: Information that would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime
- Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and attorney work product
- Personnel Information: Home addresses, phone numbers, family information, and certain employment records of public employees
- Certain Law Enforcement Records: Information that would endanger officers or reveal confidential informants
- Victim Information: Details about victims of crimes, particularly sexual assault or family violence
- Critical Infrastructure: Security plans, network vulnerabilities, and infrastructure details
- Economic Development Negotiations: Certain information about business prospects considering location in the county
- Test Items: Standardized test questions and assessment instruments
- Trade Secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to the county
- Certain Audit Working Papers: Internal audit documents during active investigations
- Sealed Court Records: Records ordered sealed by a court
The county applies the "balancing test" required by Texas Government Code § 552.108, weighing the public's right to information against potential harm from disclosure. When records contain both public and confidential information, the county will redact protected information and release the remainder when possible.
Individuals seeking access to confidential records may need to demonstrate legal authority, such as a court order, subpoena, or specific statutory authorization. In some cases, the county may seek an opinion from the Texas Attorney General regarding the confidentiality of requested information.
McLennan County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
McLennan County Clerk's Office
214 N. 4th Street, Suite 100
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5036
McLennan County Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Services Provided:
- Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents
- Issuance of marriage licenses
- Birth and death certificates
- Assumed name certificates (DBA)
- County court records
- Commissioners Court minutes
- Notary public registrations
- Military discharge records (DD-214)
McLennan County District Clerk's Office
501 Washington Avenue, Room 308
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5054
McLennan County District Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Services Provided:
- District court records
- Jury service administration
- Passport application processing
- Child support payment processing
For specialized records, contact:
McLennan County Tax Assessor-Collector
215 N. 5th Street, First Floor
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5130
McLennan County Tax Office
McLennan County Elections Administration
214 N. 4th Street, Suite 300
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5043
McLennan County Elections