Moore County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Moore County in 2026
MooreRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Moore County, Texas. Members of the public may find data pertaining to ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, liens, and encumbrance documents. The availability and completeness of records may vary depending on the record type and the time period covered.
Records may be searched through the following official resources:
- County Tax Assessor/Collector — property tax records, online search and purchase
- Moore Tax Property Search — search by owner name, street number, or abstract
- County Clerk — recorded documents including deeds, liens, and federal tax liens
- Moore County Tax Office (TxDMV) — vehicle title and registration services
- Moore County, Texas official website — general county information and tax rate notices
Online Search Methods
1. Property Tax Search (Tax Assessor/Collector)
The Moore County Tax Assessor/Collector offers online records search and purchase through the county's official portal. Members of the public may access the Moore Tax Property Search at no cost for basic inquiries.
Search Options:
- By owner name (last name first, e.g., Smith John)
- By street number
- By abstract number
- By mobile home park
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property address
- Assessed and taxable values
- Tax payment status and history
- Exemptions applied
- Parcel identification information
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Moore Tax Property Search portal
- Select the preferred search type (owner name, street number, or abstract)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Click "Search" to retrieve results
- Select a property from the results list to view the full property record
- Review tax information, ownership data, and valuation details
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk Official Records Search
The Moore County Clerk maintains official recorded documents affecting real property. Pursuant to Texas Property Code § 14.004(d), the record search authorized by statute includes Federal Tax Liens. The County Clerk's Error & Omissions Insurance covers only those searches conducted within the scope of statutory authority.
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Releases and satisfactions of mortgage
- Federal and state tax liens
- Mechanic's liens and judgment liens
- Easements and restrictions
- Plats and subdivision documents
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
How to Search:
- Visit the County Clerk page on the Moore County website
- Select the document search option
- Search by grantor name, grantee name, document type, or recording date range
- Review the results list and select the relevant document
- View document images where available online
- Note the instrument number or book and page reference for certified copy requests
3. Tax Assessor/Collector — Tax Records
The County Tax Assessor/Collector maintains tax billing and payment records for all real property in Moore County. Members of the public may search these records online without registration.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel or account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and amount due
- Payment history
- Outstanding balances and delinquency status
- Exemptions applied
- Millage and tax rate information
In-Person Searches
Moore County Tax Assessor/Collector
715 Dumas Ave, Suite 103
Dumas, TX 79029
Phone: (806) 935-4218
County Tax Assessor/Collector
Moore County Clerk
715 Dumas Ave
Dumas, TX 79029
Phone: (806) 935-2009
County Clerk
By Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for property records by mail to the Moore County Clerk or Tax Assessor/Collector at the addresses listed above. Requests should specify the property address, parcel number, or legal description, along with the document type and approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon written request with appropriate payment.
Through Professionals
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers may conduct comprehensive title searches and abstracts of title on behalf of clients. These professionals have access to the same public records and may provide legal opinions on ownership and encumbrances. Costs vary by provider and scope of work.
Search Tips
- When searching by owner name, enter the last name first and try variations in spelling
- When searching by address, attempt searches with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
- Historical records predating digitization may require an in-person visit to the courthouse
- Verify results using the parcel number or legal description when multiple results appear
What Is Moore County Property Records
Moore County property records are official legal documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government offices and accessible to the public under Texas law.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate real estate transactions
Types of Property Records
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and delinquency records
- Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Special assessments
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
Who Maintains Property Records
County Clerk — Maintains official recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. The Moore County Clerk indexes all recorded instruments by grantor, grantee, and property.
Tax Assessor/Collector — Maintains property tax assessments, billing records, payment history, and exemption information. The County Tax Assessor/Collector also provides online records search and purchase.
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles — The Moore County Tax Office handles vehicle title and registration services in conjunction with the Tax Assessor/Collector's office.
Legal Framework
Under Texas Property Code § 11.001, instruments affecting real property must be recorded in the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. Texas recording statutes establish the framework for the public land records system, ensuring that all recorded instruments are indexed and available for public inspection.
Are Property Records Public Information in Moore County?
Property records in Moore County are public information, accessible to any member of the public without a stated purpose, residency requirement, or special authorization.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
Texas law establishes that recorded instruments affecting real property are public records. The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code § 552.001 et seq.) affirms the public's right to access government records, including property records maintained by county offices. The recording system itself — governed by Texas Property Code — is premised on the principle of constructive notice, which requires that recorded documents be publicly accessible.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency in property ownership prevents fraud and secret transfers
- The real estate marketplace depends on open access to ownership and encumbrance information
- Title searches and title insurance require access to the full chain of title
- Property tax assessment transparency supports public accountability
- Historical and genealogical research relies on permanent public land records
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and property addresses
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, year built, etc.)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected even within public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under Texas law. Individuals in certain protected categories — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of family violence — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under the Texas Address Confidentiality Program.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person may access Moore County property records, including:
- Prospective buyers and sellers
- Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers
- Title companies and lenders
- Attorneys and legal researchers
- Investors and developers
- Journalists and members of the media
- Genealogists and historians
- Out-of-state and foreign inquirers
Commercial Use:
Commercial aggregation of public property records is permitted under Texas law. Title companies, data services, and real estate platforms may compile and redistribute public property information. Anti-harassment statutes and fair housing laws continue to apply regardless of the public nature of the underlying records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Moore County?
The cost to obtain property records in Moore County depends on the type of record, the format requested, and the office providing the record.
Online Access:
| Record Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online property tax search (basic) | Free |
| Online document viewing (County Clerk) | Free (basic search) |
| Online document purchase/download | Fee applies (varies by document) |
Copies and Certified Copies:
The Moore County Clerk charges standard fees for copies of recorded instruments. Under Texas Local Government Code § 118.011, county clerks are authorized to collect fees for recording and copying services. Current standard fees include:
- Plain copies: $1.00 per page (standard rate)
- Certified copies: $5.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page
- Recording a new document: $25.00 for the first page, $4.00 for each additional page (standard Texas recording fee schedule)
Tax Records:
- Online tax record search: Free through the Moore Tax Property Search portal
- Copies of tax bills: Fees may apply; contact the Tax Assessor/Collector's office for current rates
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to Moore County Clerk or Moore County Tax Assessor/Collector)
- Money order
- Credit and debit cards (availability varies; contact the office to confirm)
Fee Waivers:
Texas law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Governmental entities and certain nonprofit organizations may be entitled to reduced fees in specific circumstances. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only to copies and certified documents.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- In-person inspection of public property records at the courthouse
- Basic online property tax searches through the county portal
- General property information on the Moore County, Texas official website
What's Included in a Moore County Property Record?
A Moore County property record is a comprehensive collection of official documents and data points that describe a parcel of real property, its ownership, physical characteristics, valuation, and legal status.
Ownership Information
Current Ownership:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
Previous Ownership:
- Chain of title with prior owner names
- Historical transfer dates and deed references
- Ownership timeline from original grant to present
Property Identification
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, section/township/range, or metes and bounds)
- Parcel ID and tax account number
Physical Characteristics
Land Information:
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions and street frontage
- Land use designation and zoning classification
Building Information:
- Total living area (square feet)
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type and exterior wall material
- Roof type and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Garage, pool, porch, and additional structure details
- Heating, cooling, water source, and sewer system
Valuation Information
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification (if applicable)
Tax Information
- Current tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate and breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, special districts)
- Tax payment history and delinquency status
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural)
Sales History
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent transfers
- Grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names
- Documentary stamp amounts and qualified/unqualified sale designation
Encumbrances and Liens
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, amounts, and recording dates
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices
Legal and Regulatory Information
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- School district, fire district, water district, and special taxing district assignments
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- FEMA flood zone designation and environmental constraints
Maps and Images
- Property exterior photo and aerial photograph
- GIS map with property boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted under Texas law)
- Interior photographs
- Private agreements not recorded with the County Clerk
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Moore County Keep Property Records?
Moore County property records are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed and remain accessible to the public in perpetuity.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
Texas law requires that recorded instruments be preserved as permanent public records. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission establishes records retention schedules for county offices under Texas Government Code, and recorded real property instruments are classified as permanent records that may not be destroyed.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- Plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Court documents affecting title
- Any instrument recorded with the County Clerk affecting real property
Format and Storage:
| Time Period | Format |
|---|---|
| Very old records (pre-1950s) | Handwritten ledger books |
| Mid-20th century | Typed books and microfilm |
| Recent decades | Digital scans and electronic document management |
| Current recordings | Digital with electronic indexing |
Records are stored at the Moore County Clerk's office in climate-controlled conditions, with backup systems for digital records and protected storage for original books and microfilm archives.
Online Availability by Age:
- Recent records (last 20–40 years): Available online in most counties; availability varies by Moore County's digitization progress
- Moderate age (20–50 years): May be available online or on microfilm at the courthouse
- Historical (50+ years): Available in original books or microfilm at the courthouse; staff retrieval may be required
- Very old (100+ years): Archive storage; advance notice and staff assistance recommended
Property Appraiser and Tax Records:
Assessment rolls and property cards are maintained permanently. Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard retention schedules, while tax deed records are permanent. Recent years of assessment history are available online through the Moore Tax Property Search portal; historical assessments are available at the Tax Assessor/Collector's office.
Chain of Title:
Every transfer of real property from the original land grant to the present is preserved in the permanent record. Title searches in Texas review a minimum of 30 years of ownership history, though a full abstract may trace ownership back to the original patent or grant. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before a clear title can be conveyed.
Contact for Historical Records:
Moore County Clerk
715 Dumas Ave
Dumas, TX 79029
Phone: (806) 935-2009
County Clerk
Moore County Tax Assessor/Collector
715 Dumas Ave, Suite 103
Dumas, TX 79029
Phone: (806) 935-4218
County Tax Assessor/Collector
How To Find Liens on Property in Moore County?
Liens on property in Moore County are recorded with the County Clerk and are searchable through official county records portals. A lien is a legal claim against real property that must be satisfied before the property can be transferred with clear title.
Types of Liens Recorded in Moore County:
- Federal Tax Liens — Filed by the Internal Revenue Service against a taxpayer's property; searchable through the County Clerk pursuant to Texas Property Code § 14.004(d)
- State Tax Liens — Filed by the Texas Comptroller for unpaid state taxes
- Property Tax Liens — Arise automatically under Texas law on January 1 of each tax year for all ad valorem taxes
- Judgment Liens — Recorded abstracts of judgment from court proceedings
- Mechanic's and Materialman's Liens — Filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid construction work
- HOA Liens — Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
How to Search for Liens:
- Visit the County Clerk page on the Moore County website
- Access the official records search function
- Search by the property owner's name (as grantor or grantee) or by property address
- Filter results by document type (lien, federal tax lien, abstract of judgment, mechanic's lien)
- Review all recorded instruments for the subject property
- Note instrument numbers and recording dates for any liens identified
- Request certified copies of lien documents as needed
For Tax Lien Information:
Members of the public may search for delinquent property tax information through the Moore Tax Property Search portal by entering the owner name or property address. Outstanding tax balances and delinquency status are displayed in the property record.
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct in-person lien searches at the Moore County Clerk's office. Staff can assist with searches of the grantor/grantee index and document retrieval. For federal tax lien searches specifically, the County Clerk's office maintains the official index as required by statute.
Moore County Clerk
715 Dumas Ave
Dumas, TX 79029
Phone: (806) 935-2009
County Clerk
Through Title Companies:
Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A title commitment will identify all recorded liens, encumbrances, and other matters affecting title. This is the standard method used in real estate transactions to ensure clear title prior to closing.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Moore County?
The property owner rule in Moore County, Texas, is a legal principle derived from Texas evidence law that permits a property owner to testify as to the market value of their own real property without being qualified as an expert witness.
Legal Basis:
Under Texas law, a property owner is presumed to be familiar with the value of their property and may offer opinion testimony on its market value in legal proceedings, including condemnation cases, property tax disputes, and damage claims. This principle is recognized in Texas courts and has been affirmed in numerous decisions interpreting the Texas Rules of Evidence.
Application in Property Tax Disputes:
Property owners in Moore County who disagree with the assessed value of their property may protest the appraisal before the Moore County Appraisal Review Board. In such proceedings, the property owner rule allows the owner to present their own opinion of market value as evidence, supported by comparable sales data, appraisal reports, or other relevant information.
Condemnation Proceedings:
In eminent domain cases where a governmental entity seeks to acquire private property, the property owner rule permits the owner to testify as to the value of the condemned property. This right is protected under the Texas Constitution, which requires that property owners receive adequate compensation for property taken for public use.
Property Tax Protest Process:
Property owners who wish to challenge their assessed value in Moore County should contact the Moore County Appraisal District. The protest process is governed by Texas Property Tax Code provisions, and property owners retain the right to present evidence of value — including their own testimony under the property owner rule — at the Appraisal Review Board hearing.
Moore County Appraisal District
715 Dumas Ave
Dumas, TX 79029
Phone: (806) 935-6364
Moore County, Texas
Limitations of the Property Owner Rule:
The property owner rule does not exempt the owner's testimony from cross-examination or rebuttal by opposing evidence. Courts may consider the weight and credibility of the owner's opinion in light of all evidence presented. The rule applies to the owner's opinion of market value and does not extend to specialized technical matters requiring expert qualification.