For copies of deed records, etc., please email Public Records Department at
ccvault@austincounty.com.
If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney.
A County Clerk cannot render legal advice or services - Government Code 81.101
A County Clerk has no duty to search public records - Attorney General WW-607
Austin County Clerk's office now accepts e-Recording.
EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 4, 2025
Photo Identification of the person presenting a document for recording in the County Clerk’s office will now be required whether filing documents in person or by mail.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 191.010. AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION TO FILE CERTAIN DOCUMENTS.
(a) In this section, "photo identification" means one of the following forms of photo identification:
- a driver's license, election identification certificate, or personal identification card issued to the person by any state or territory of the United States that has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation;
- a United States military identification card that contains the person's photograph that has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation;
- a United States citizenship certificate issued to the person that contains the person's photograph;
- a United States Permanent Resident Card that has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation;
- an identification card issued by a municipality intended to serve as a general identification card for the holder that has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation;
- a federally recognized tribal enrollment card or other form of tribal identification that has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation;
- a United States passport or a passport issued by a foreign government recognized by the United States issued to the person that has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation; or
- a license to carry a concealed handgun issued to the person by the Department of Public Safety that has not expired or that expired no earlier than 60 days before the date of presentation.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 191.011. AUTHORITY OF CLERKS TO OBTAIN AND RETAIN IDENTIFYING INFORMATION IN CERTAIN COUNTIES.
(b) A county clerk or district clerk in a county that allows for electronic filing or recording of documents or other instruments may require an individual to present photo identification and copy or record identifying information, including a document on which the information is viewable, if the individual:
- presents a document or other instrument for filing or recording to the county clerk or district clerk; or
- requests or obtains an ex officio service or other public service provided by the county clerk or district clerk.
(b-1) A county clerk or district clerk who requires an individual to present photo identification under Subsection (b) may not accept a document or other instrument for filing or recording if the individual presents the document or other instrument in person and does not have or refuses to provide a photo identification.
(c)A county clerk or district clerk may maintain identifying information copied or recorded under this section in an electronic storage format.
(d) Except as otherwise required or authorized by law, a county clerk or district clerk may not charge a fee to copy or record identifying information.
(e)Identifying information copied or recorded under this section is confidential except for use in a criminal investigation or prosecution or a related civil court proceeding.
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