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How to Find Public Records in Moore County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Moore County, Texas, may access a range of publicly available information through MooreRecords.org as well as through official county offices and online portals. Public records maintained by Moore County may include court filings, property documents, vital records, tax assessments, and other government-generated materials. The availability and completeness of specific records depends on the custodial office, the nature of the request, and applicable state law.
Records available through county offices may include:
- Civil and criminal court filings
- Property deeds, liens, and mortgage documents
- Marriage and assumed name records
- Tax assessment and appraisal data
- Commissioners Court minutes and agendas
- Voter registration and election records
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
Online Access:
The Moore County official website provides online access to select records through its digital portals. The Moore County District Clerk offers online search and purchase of court records. Property tax data is accessible through the Moore County property tax search portal, which allows members of the public to search appraisal and tax records by owner name, account number, or property address. No registration is required to conduct basic searches on these platforms.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may inspect records in person at the Moore County Clerk's Office or the District Clerk's Office, both located at the Moore County Courthouse, 715 Dumas Ave, Dumas, TX 79029. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should identify the record type, approximate date range, and any known identifying information to facilitate retrieval.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate custodial office. Requests should include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Texas Government Code § 552.228, governmental bodies are required to respond to written requests promptly, and no later than ten business days after receipt.
Phone/Email:
- Moore County Clerk's Office: (806) 935-2009
- Moore County District Clerk's Office: (806) 935-5588
- Moore County Tax Assessor-Collector: (806) 935-5171
What Are Public Records in Moore County?
Public records in Moore County are defined under Texas Government Code § 552.002 as any information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body in connection with the transaction of official business. The following record types are currently maintained by Moore County offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | District Clerk |
| Probate and family court records | County Clerk |
| Property deeds, liens, mortgages | County Clerk |
| Marriage licenses and assumed name certificates | County Clerk |
| Property tax and appraisal records | Tax Assessor-Collector / Appraisal District |
| Commissioners Court minutes and budgets | County Clerk |
| Voter registration records | County Clerk / Elections Office |
| Law enforcement records | Sheriff's Office (where permitted) |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning / Commissioners Court |
The Moore County Clerk's office serves as the primary custodian for a broad range of official county documents, including real property instruments and official proceedings of the Commissioners Court.
Is Moore County an Open Records County?
Moore County operates in full compliance with the Texas Public Information Act, which governs public access to government records throughout the state. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, members of the public are entitled to access public information that is collected or maintained by a governmental body. This statute establishes a presumption of openness, meaning records are considered public unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
The Texas Attorney General's Office provides oversight and guidance on public information requests statewide. As stated in the Texas Public Information Act, "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."
Moore County governmental bodies are required to comply with requests for public information and may not withhold records unless a recognized exemption applies. The county does not maintain a separate local ordinance governing public records access; state law controls all such requests. The Texas Attorney General's open records guidance provides additional detail on the rights of requestors and the obligations of governmental bodies.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Moore County?
The cost to obtain public records in Moore County is governed by the fee schedule established under Texas Government Code and the rules promulgated by the Texas Office of the Attorney General. Current standard fees applicable to most requests include:
| Fee Type | Standard Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies (8.5" x 11") | $0.10 per page |
| Oversized copies | Actual cost of production |
| Certified copies (County Clerk) | $5.00 for first page; $1.00 each additional page |
| Electronic records (where applicable) | Actual cost of medium or no charge if transmitted electronically |
| Personnel costs for large requests | Charged at applicable hourly rate per OAG rules |
Inspection of records at a public counter does not require payment of a copy fee. Payment methods accepted at county offices include cash, check, and money order. The Texas Office of the Attorney General's cost rules, codified under 1 Texas Administrative Code § 70.3, govern the maximum fees that governmental bodies may charge for public information. Fee waivers may be available for requests made by indigent individuals or where the information is primarily in the public interest, as determined by the custodial office.
Does Moore County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to members of the public at county offices during regular business hours. Under Texas law, governmental bodies must allow inspection of public records at no charge; fees apply only when copies or certified documents are requested.
The following resources provide free access to Moore County records:
- The Moore County property tax search portal allows free online searches of appraisal and tax records without registration.
- The Moore County District Clerk's online portal provides searchable court record information, with some documents available for purchase.
- In-person inspection at the County Clerk's Office and District Clerk's Office is available at no cost during regular business hours.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: members of the public may review records without charge, but obtaining physical or certified copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Moore County?
Any person may request public records from Moore County governmental bodies, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Texas law does not require a requestor to be a Texas resident, to provide identification, or to explain the reason for the request in order to obtain non-exempt public information.
Specific provisions applicable to requestors include:
- Residency: Not required. Non-residents retain the same access rights as Texas residents.
- Identification: Not required for standard public information requests, though identification may be required for certain sensitive record types or for requests involving the requestor's own records.
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state a purpose for most public information requests.
- Requesting personal records: Individuals requesting their own records (e.g., vital records, court records) may be required to provide proof of identity and, in some cases, proof of relationship.
- Restricted record types: Certain records, such as juvenile court records, sealed court files, and records containing protected personal information, are subject to additional access restrictions regardless of the requestor's identity.
The Moore County Clerk's office notes that it is in the best interest of the county to refrain from performing records searches that could compromise the integrity of official records or violate applicable law, underscoring that access is subject to lawful limitations.
What Records Are Confidential in Moore County?
Not all government-held records are subject to public disclosure. Texas law identifies numerous categories of information that are exempt from public release. The following record types are currently withheld from public access under applicable state and federal law:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Texas Family Code provisions.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Information compiled during active law enforcement investigations is exempt from disclosure.
- Social Security numbers and financial account data: Personal identifying information is protected under Texas Government Code exemptions.
- Medical and mental health records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only under specific court order.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Confidential under Texas Family Code.
- Personnel records: Employee personal information held by governmental bodies is exempt, with limited exceptions for certain public officials.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt where disclosure would cause competitive harm.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Withheld to protect public safety.
Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.352 enumerates the specific categories of information that are excepted from required disclosure. Governmental bodies seeking to withhold records must request a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Office, which applies a balancing test to determine whether the public interest in disclosure outweighs the interest in confidentiality.
Moore County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Moore County Clerk's Office 715 Dumas Ave, Suite 103 Dumas, TX 79029 (806) 935-2009 Moore County Clerk
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed on state and federal holidays.
Moore County District Clerk's Office 715 Dumas Ave Dumas, TX 79029 (806) 935-5588 Moore County District Clerk
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Moore County Tax Assessor-Collector 500 S Dumas Ave Dumas, TX 79029 (806) 935-5171 Moore County Tax Assessor-Collector
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM