Clerk
Obtain Vital Records the Right Way: Birth, Death, and Marriage Services
Record and Retrieve Real Estate Instruments with Precision
Use Court Record Access Correctly: Civil, Probate, and County Criminal
Follow Statewide E-Filing Mandates and Local Rules
Request Certified Copies and Manage Payments without Confusion
Search Court Records Through Official Tarrant County Gateways
Manage Assumed Name (DBA) Filings to Keep Your Business Compliant
Secure a Marriage License and Access Marriage Records
Access Commissioner Court Records and Public Notices Maintained by the Clerk
Plan Your Visit: Locations, Hours, and Division-Specific Counters
Understand How the Clerk Partners with the Courts You’ll Encounter
Leverage Official Online Tools Without Sacrificing Accuracy
Clerk Relevant Departments, Addresses, and Phone Numbers
Tarrant County Clerk FAQs
The purpose of this guide is to help residents, attorneys, businesses, and visitors understand how the Tarrant County TX Clerk’s Office works and how to use its most requested services. You’ll find plain-language explanations of what the County Clerk does, where to access records, how to request vital documents, how to record real property instruments, what to expect when paying misdemeanor fines, and how to approach civil and probate filings. Each section uses clear steps, definitions, and local context so you can move from question to action quickly.
Grasp the Role of the Tarrant County TX Clerk and When to Use It
The Tarrant County TX Clerk serves as the custodian of many of the county’s most important records and is a key operational partner to local courts. For residents, that means this office is the go-to for recording deeds and other real estate instruments; obtaining birth, death, and marriage records; getting a marriage license; filing or retrieving civil and probate case documents; and handling County Criminal Court misdemeanor recordkeeping. The Clerk also manages assumed name (DBA) filings, maintains official public notices, and preserves Commissioner Court records.
If you are unsure whether your need belongs with the County Clerk or a different county office, start with the County Clerk’s department overview page and follow the “Find a Division” paths for quick routing to the correct division. Visiting the County Clerk department page will orient you to divisions, core duties, and direct contacts (see “County Clerk” on the official site).
Visit the County Clerk page.
Explore the department’s divisions, hours, and phone numbers.
Confirm whether your task is handled by Vital Records, Real Estate, Civil/Probate, or County Criminal Courts support.
Use the built-in navigation from that page to reach the specific service you need.
Use the official County Clerk page for a bird’s eye view and current contacts.
Obtain Vital Records the Right Way: Birth, Death, and Marriage Services
When you need a certified copy of a birth or death certificate, need to apply for or copy a marriage license, or want to record a military discharge (DD-214), you’ll work through the Vital Records Division. Tarrant County Vital Records maintains and issues these records, with service counters downtown and at several subcourthouse locations across the county. Understanding eligibility, identification, and ordering options prevents delays.
What Vital Records covers:
Birth Certificates and Death Certificates: Certified copies for eligible applicants.
Marriage Licenses: Issuance and maintenance of marriage records for licenses obtained in Tarrant County.
Marriage Record Copies: Certified copies for official purposes.
Assumed Name (DBA) Records: Filing, indexing, and certified copies for business name filings.
Military Discharge (DD-214) Records: Recording and protected access to copies.
Best-practice steps before you go:
Review identification requirements and acceptable payment methods.
Confirm which location offers the service you need (e.g., some counters handle Vital Records, others handle passports).
Check current hours for the site you plan to visit and bring any completed application forms to save time.
Start with the official Vital Records hub for service details and eligibility notes.
Record and Retrieve Real Estate Instruments with Precision
The Real Estate division records official public records (OPR) related to real property in Tarrant County—deeds, deeds of trust, liens, releases, plats, powers of attorney, oil and gas documents, and related instruments. Recording promptly and accurately protects chain of title, while public access tools support due diligence and personal research.
Core concepts to keep in mind:
What can be recorded: Most property-related instruments; ensure your document meets statutory formatting, legibility, margin, and acknowledgment requirements.
Indexing and copies: Once recorded, documents are indexed for public search; certified and non-certified copies are available.
Plats and surveys: Plats are recorded and available as copies; always match your requested volume/page or instrument number.
Fraud awareness: The Clerk provides alerts and guidance to help property owners monitor activity associated with their names or property (see the Real Estate division page for programs and notices).
Researching property records online:
Use the county’s designated public access portals to search recorded instruments by name, date, instrument number, or legal description when available.
Keep exact names and known date ranges handy to narrow results.
Begin with the Real Estate Records division overview for recording and copy requests.
When you’re ready to search electronically indexed records, use the official Tarrant County Real Estate Search portal.
Use Court Record Access Correctly: Civil, Probate, and County Criminal
Court documents have different custodians depending on the court. For County Courts at Law (civil matters within their jurisdiction) and Probate Courts, the County Clerk maintains the case files, indexes, and many related services. For County Criminal Courts (Class A, B, and certain Class C misdemeanors within the County Criminal Courts), the County Clerk keeps records and manages fine payments processing windows.
County Courts at Law (Civil)
The County Clerk’s Civil Division supports intake, processing, and maintenance of civil cases in the County Courts at Law. Attorneys and pro se filers should follow statewide e-filing mandates where applicable and use the county’s online access to review public case data.
What to know:
Viewing civil case information: Use the county’s public portal to review case numbers, party names, events, and other public fields.
Copies and certifications: Call the published copy line for guidance on fees, then complete any required payment steps as directed by the Clerk.
E-filing is required: New and subsequent filings must be submitted through the state portal consistent with Texas Supreme Court orders and local rules.
Start at County Courts at Law for procedures, fee schedules, policies, local rules, and “Online Searches.”
To browse public civil case data, access the county’s Civil Court Public Browse system.
Probate Courts
The County Clerk maintains Probate Court records, including estates, guardianships, mental health matters, and wills. The division provides filing guidance, fee schedules, and local rules. Certified copies (such as Letters Testamentary or Letters of Guardianship) are obtained through the Clerk after payment of applicable fees. Practitioners should review local orders and policies for issuance and citation processes.
Key reminders:
Electronic filing applies: Follow statewide e-filing mandates for probate filings where required.
Issuance and posting fees: When requesting citations or notices, account for issuance and any constable posting fees.
Trust funds and administrative orders: Review the division pages for trust-related procedures and current administrative orders.
Refer to the Probate Courts division for filing guidance, forms, and online search access.
County Criminal Courts (Misdemeanors)
The County Clerk is responsible for recordkeeping for the ten County Criminal Courts, where Class A and B misdemeanors (and certain Class C appeals) are handled. The Clerk provides cashier services for payments at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center and offers information on how to check case status by phone or via designated public access resources.
Essentials to keep in mind:
Case status checks: Have your case number ready before calling; if you don’t have it, the Judicial Compliance contact listed by the Clerk can help during business hours.
Payments: The Clerk accepts full or partial payments consistent with court-approved schedules; processing fees and statutory administrative fees may apply.
E-filing requirements: By mandate, specific applications such as Non-Disclosures and Occupational Driver’s License petitions must be e-filed through the state’s portal.
Consult the County Criminal Courts page for hours, cashier location, and guidance on payments and e-filing requirements.
Follow Statewide E-Filing Mandates and Local Rules
Texas has adopted electronic filing requirements for most civil and criminal filings subject to state mandates. In Tarrant County, the County Clerk enforces these standards for filings within its jurisdiction. Before filing, attorneys and self-represented litigants should confirm:
Whether your filing must be e-filed through the state portal.
Document formatting and sensitive data redaction rules.
Local policies for the County Courts at Law and Probate Courts, including any standing orders or administrative directives.
From a practical standpoint, e-filing reduces the risk of rejected filings due to after-hours arrivals or paper form errors. It also ensures a reliable timestamp for submissions and predictable routing to the correct division.
For public record browsing of civil case data and docket lookups housed by the County Clerk, use the official Civil Court Public Browse.
Request Certified Copies and Manage Payments without Confusion
Whether you are ordering certified copies of a marriage record, obtaining certified probate letters, or requesting certified OPR documents, the County Clerk provides pathways to verify fees, request copies, and complete payment. The most efficient sequence is:
Identify the record precisely: case number, instrument number, names, or date range.
Call the appropriate division using the published numbers to confirm copy totals and certification fees.
Complete the payment using the method the Clerk specifies, and follow up with the division to finalize your order.
Because copy pricing can vary by number of pages and whether certification is requested, confirming totals in advance prevents delays and repeat trips. When you need court documents, always keep your case number and a current phone number on hand in case the Clerk needs to reach you about your request.
Search Court Records Through Official Tarrant County Gateways
Tarrant County supports multiple official portals for public access, depending on the court and record type. For County Clerk-maintained courts and functions, the two primary access points you’ll use most frequently are:
Odyssey Public Access (OPA) for civil County Courts at Law case browsing, to review registers of actions and basic case details.
Tyler Public Access instances designated by the county for County Courts at Law or Justice of the Peace records, as published by the county.
Before you search:
Verify the correct portal for your court and case type.
Gather names, case numbers, or date ranges to narrow results.
Understand that images may have access limits, and certified copies must be obtained through the Clerk.
The Clerk’s pages route you to the correct systems; for County Courts at Law public access in Tarrant County, use the county’s PublicAccess portal.
Manage Assumed Name (DBA) Filings to Keep Your Business Compliant
Doing business under an assumed name in Tarrant County requires filing an Assumed Name Certificate through the County Clerk. The Clerk’s Vital Records pages provide the forms and instructions for both incorporated and unincorporated entities. Filing properly ensures customers can locate the responsible business owner and protects your branding in the county.
Practical steps:
Choose the correct form for incorporated vs. unincorporated businesses.
Verify name availability by searching existing assumed name records maintained by the Clerk.
Submit the notarized certificate and retain a certified copy for banks, vendors, and lease agreements.
Calendar renewals where applicable so your certificate doesn’t lapse.
Start with Assumed Name guidance from the County Clerk’s Vital Records section.
Secure a Marriage License and Access Marriage Records
If you are planning to marry in Texas and live in Tarrant County, you can apply for a marriage license through the County Clerk. The Clerk’s Vital Records pages outline identification requirements, waiting periods, and fee information.
Key pointers:
Timing: Observe the statutory waiting period between license issuance and the ceremony unless an exception applies.
Identification: Bring acceptable IDs for both applicants.
Certified copies: After the marriage is recorded, you may request certified copies for name changes and benefits.
Review the Marriage License page for requirements and record-copy procedures.
Access Commissioner Court Records and Public Notices Maintained by the Clerk
Beyond court and vital records, the County Clerk preserves Commissioner Court records and issues official public notices. Residents who track public meetings, agendas, or county notices can rely on these pages to confirm schedules and to locate the official record.
Commissioners Court records and agendas: Follow the Clerk’s channels for historical and current records.
Public notices and meeting postings: Use the County Clerk’s notice pages to stay informed on legally required postings.
Use the Public Notices page maintained by the County Clerk to review current postings and meeting notices.
Plan Your Visit: Locations, Hours, and Division-Specific Counters
Tarrant County operates several service counters across the county so residents can access Vital Records and passport services closer to home, while civil, probate, and criminal functions are primarily centered in the historic courthouse complex and justice center downtown. Mapping your task to the correct counter ensures you won’t waste a trip.
Tips for a smooth visit:
Check the specific service at each location: some sites provide Vital Records only; others host passport acceptance; criminal cashiering is at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center.
Bring identification and case or instrument numbers: this speeds copy requests and payments.
Allow for processing time: online payments may take several business days to post to a criminal case; plan accordingly if you have deadlines.
Confirm addresses, suites, and hours before you go by using the County Clerk’s official Locations directory.
Understand How the Clerk Partners with the Courts You’ll Encounter
The County Clerk’s Office isn’t a court, but it is the records backbone for several courts and a front-line service provider to the public. Knowing how the Clerk fits into your matter helps set expectations:
County Courts at Law: You’ll e-file or submit your civil documents in line with local rules; you’ll pull copies and monitor case activity through the Clerk’s public access and copy processes.
Probate Courts: You’ll work closely with the Clerk for issuance, posting, inventory filings, and certified letters throughout the life of an estate or guardianship.
County Criminal Courts: Although the court manages the case, the Clerk’s Criminal Division processes filings, maintains records, and handles fine payments at the cashier window.
Whenever your plans involve multiple steps—like filing followed by service and then obtaining certified copies—map the entire workflow first. Many delays come from missing a required issuance fee, forgetting a copy request for service, or not confirming the correct number of certified copies at the outset.
Leverage Official Online Tools Without Sacrificing Accuracy
Tarrant County provides secure portals for court and real estate records searches. Use them to gather preliminary information (case numbers, instrument details) and then follow the Clerk’s instructions to obtain certified copies where needed. A few cautions:
Names matter: Enter exact party names and try variations if necessary.
Date ranges narrow results: Especially helpful for common names.
Understand limitations: Online displays aren’t substitutes for certified copies; for legal reliance, request certified records from the Clerk.
When in doubt, call the relevant division before submitting payments so you know the precise amount and the steps to finalize your request.
Clerk Relevant Departments, Addresses, and Phone Numbers
Tarrant County Courthouse – County Clerk (Suite 130), 100 W. Weatherford St, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-1195
Arlington Subcourthouse – Vital Records (Suite 101), 700 E. Abram St, Arlington, TX 76010 — 817-884-1550
Arlington Subcourthouse – Passports (Suite 204), 700 E. Abram St, Arlington, TX 76010 — 817-548-3963
Gary Fickes Northeast Courthouse – Vital Records (Suite 120), 645 E. Grapevine Hwy, Hurst, TX 76054 — 817-884-1550
Gary Fickes Northeast Courthouse – Passports (Suite 210), 645 E. Grapevine Hwy, Hurst, TX 76054 — 817-248-6080
Mansfield Subcourthouse – Vital Records (Suite 102), 1100 E. Broad St, Mansfield, TX 76063 — 817-884-1550
J.D. Johnson Northwest Subcourthouse – Vital Records (Suite 202), 6713 Telephone Rd, Lake Worth, TX 76135 — 817-884-1550
J.D. Johnson Northwest Subcourthouse – Passports (Suite 205), 6713 Telephone Rd, Lake Worth, TX 76135 — 817-238-4457
Charles F. Griffin Building – Vital Records, 3210 Miller Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76119 — 817-884-1550
Southlake Town Hall – Vital Records (Suite 140), 1400 Main St, Southlake, TX 76092 — 817-884-1550
Southlake Town Hall – Passports (Suite 340), 1400 Main St, Southlake, TX 76092 — 682-732-3645
Dionne Phillips Bagsby Southwest Subcourthouse – Vital Records (Suite 110), 6551 Granbury Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76133 — 817-884-1550
Dionne Phillips Bagsby Southwest Subcourthouse – Passports (Suite 210), 6551 Granbury Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76133 — 817-248-6210
Tarrant County Plaza Building – Vital Records (Suite 301), 200 Taylor St, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-1550
Tarrant County 1895 Historic Courthouse – Administration / Civil Division / Accounting-Trust / Records Management, 100 W. Weatherford St, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-1195
Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center – County Criminal Courts (2nd Floor) and Cashier (Lower Plaza), 401 W. Belknap St, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-2820
K. Maenius Administration Building – Commissioners Court Records, 100 E. Weatherford St, Fort Worth, TX 76196 — 817-884-1237
Tarrant County Clerk FAQs
How can I search County Courts at Law civil cases and review filings?
Use the county’s public portal to view registers of actions, events, party names, and basic case data; start with the Civil Court Public Browse at the official County Courts at Law case search. Certified copies are issued by the Clerk after payment of applicable fees, and online access may not include document images for all records. When ordering copies, have the precise case number and identify whether you need certified or non-certified documents to avoid processing delays.
County Courts at Law case search
What should I know before paying misdemeanor fines online?
The Clerk accepts full or partial payments for County Criminal Courts fines. Online card payments include a 2.35% convenience fee (minimum $1.50) and a $2 statutory administrative fee. You must provide your case number exactly as it appears on your court paperwork. Per the county’s guidance, allow 3–4 business days for online payments to post; during that window, a warrant on the outstanding balance may still be issued until the payment is applied to the case.
Criminal Court fines
Where do I e-file probate documents and find rules and fees?
Probate filings are subject to statewide e-filing requirements. Attorneys and filers should submit through the state portal and consult local rules, fee schedules, and trust-fund procedures published by the county. The Clerk’s probate pages consolidate e-filing instructions, links to policies and local rules, and access to online searches so you can verify case activity and cost schedules before filing.
Probate Courts eFiling
How do I look up and obtain real estate (OPR) records?
Deeds, liens, plats, powers of attorney, and other instruments are indexed in the Official Public Records. You can search by name, date range, instrument number, or legal description. When requesting copies, specify whether certification is required; certification standards follow statutory recording rules. Owners may also enroll in county-provided alerts to monitor potential property-record fraud activity associated with their name or parcel.
Real Estate Records search
How do marriage licenses and certified copies work in Tarrant County?
Applications, issuance requirements, and record maintenance are handled by the Clerk’s Vital Records Division. Review identification rules, statutory waiting periods, and fee information before applying. After the ceremony and recording, certified copies can be requested for name change and benefits; ensure your request includes the correct names and issuance details to expedite processing.
Vital Records – marriage licenses