Clerk

The Harris County Clerk’s Office serves as an essential part of the governmental structure in Harris County, Texas, providing vital services for residents and businesses alike. Whether you are looking for public records, filing documents, or need assistance with legal processes, the Clerk’s office plays a pivotal role. In this article, we will explore the various functions, responsibilities, and services offered by the Harris County Clerk’s Office, helping you better understand how to utilize its offerings.

Who is the Harris County Clerk?

The Harris County Clerk is a key official within the county government, tasked with managing important records and providing critical services to the public. The office is headed by Teneshia Hudspeth, who serves as both the County Clerk and the Chief Election Official for the third-largest county in the United States. Under her leadership, the Clerk’s office focuses on maintaining the integrity and accessibility of vital records, including marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, real property documents, and court records.

As the County Clerk, Teneshia Hudspeth oversees a broad array of responsibilities, including maintaining public records, conducting elections, managing property records, and supporting the various courts in Harris County. This office is essential for the functioning of local government, providing services that range from record-keeping to legal filings.

Essential Services of the Harris County Clerk’s Office

The Harris County Clerk’s Office offers a wide range of services to individuals, businesses, and legal professionals. Here’s an in-depth look at what the office provides.

Marriage Licenses and Personal Records

One of the most commonly sought-after services from the Harris County Clerk’s Office is the issuance of marriage licenses. To obtain a marriage license, both parties must visit the office, submit necessary documents, and pay the applicable fee. The Clerk’s office also offers vital records services, such as the issuance of birth and death certificates, and the ability to file and retrieve other personal documents like the DD-214 military discharge records.

How to Obtain a Marriage License

Both parties must appear in person.
Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, is required.
There is no waiting period for marriage licenses in Harris County.

For more information, visit the Personal Records Department.

Real Property Records

The Harris County Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining real property records, including deeds, property transactions, and liens. The office records and indexes these documents, ensuring that property ownership and related legal matters are properly recorded. Individuals can search for property records online through the Clerk’s website or by visiting the office in person.

Filing a Deed

Deeds and other property-related documents must be filed with the Clerk’s office.
Fees for filing deeds can vary based on the document type.
Documents are typically available for public inspection.

Visit the Real Property Department for further details.

Civil and Probate Court Records

The County Clerk plays an essential role in supporting the County Civil Courts and Probate Courts by maintaining the records for cases filed within these courts. This includes overseeing the filing, docketing, and processing of civil cases, as well as handling probate matters such as wills and guardianship proceedings.

How to File a Civil Case

Civil cases must be filed with the County Clerk’s Civil Courts Department.
Filers need to provide required documentation, such as petitions and evidence.
Electronic filing is required for attorneys, but pro-se parties can file in person.

For assistance with civil filings, visit the County Civil Courts.

Elections and Voter Services

As the Chief Election Official for Harris County, the County Clerk’s office manages the logistics of elections within the county. This includes overseeing voter registration, conducting elections for various local and state offices, and ensuring that all election procedures are carried out in accordance with state law.

Registering to Vote

Voter registration is handled by the Clerk’s office.

You can register online or at designated registration points.

Election-related information, such as voting dates and polling locations, is available on the Harris Votes website.

For more election-related inquiries, visit HarrisVotes.com.

Public Records Requests

The Clerk’s office is responsible for managing public records, which include a wide range of documents related to legal proceedings, property records, and personal vital records. Individuals can request copies of these records, either certified or non-certified, depending on the need.

How to Request Public Records

Records can be requested online via the Clerk’s website.

Payments for records can be made through a variety of methods, including credit cards, checks, and money orders.

For certified copies, there is typically a certification fee in addition to the cost per page.

For more information on how to request records, visit the Public Records Department.

Clerk’s Office Contact Information

For any inquiries or to access services, the Harris County Clerk’s Office can be reached through the following departments and contact details:

Harris County Clerk’s Office

Phone Number: 713-274-8600
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1525, Houston, TX 77251-1525

Real Property Department

Phone Number: 713-274-8680
Address: 201 Caroline St, 3rd Floor, Suite 320, Houston, TX 77002

Personal Records Department

Phone Number: 713-274-8686
Address: 201 Caroline St, 3rd Floor, Suite 330, Houston, TX 77002

Civil Court Records Department

Phone Number: 713-274-1330
Address: 201 Caroline St, 3rd Floor, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77002

Probate Court Department

Phone Number: 713-274-8585
Address: 201 Caroline St, 8th Floor, Suite 800, Houston, TX 77002

Public Records Department

Phone Number: 713-274-6390
Address: 201 Caroline St, 3rd Floor, Suite 310, Houston, TX 77002

Commissioners Court Department

Phone Number: 713-274-1300
Address: 1001 Preston St, 6th Floor, Suite 610, Houston, TX 77002

Elections Department

Phone Number: 713-755-6965
Address: 1001 Preston St, Houston, TX 77002

Harris County Clerk’s Office – A Hub for Community Services

The Harris County Clerk’s Office provides a variety of essential services that help to maintain the smooth functioning of the county’s legal and governmental processes. Whether you need a marriage license, want to search property records, or need assistance with civil or probate court filings, the Clerk’s office is there to guide you.

By understanding the scope of services and how to access them, residents and businesses can take advantage of the valuable resources offered by the Harris County Clerk’s Office. From keeping public records accessible to supporting elections, the Clerk’s office remains a vital part of the community infrastructure in Harris County.

Harris County Clerk FAQs

How can I obtain a copy of my marriage license in Harris County?

To get a copy of your marriage license, you can visit the Harris County Clerk's office or use their online portal. For certified copies, the Harris County Clerk’s office offers both paper and electronic versions. Paper copies are available for a fee of $5.00 certification and $1.00 per page, while electronic copies have a similar fee structure. If you need the document in person, it can be obtained at any of the annex locations. You can also use the eCommerce feature on the Harris County Clerk’s official site to order copies.

What types of records can I access through the Harris County Clerk?

The Harris County Clerk's office is responsible for a variety of records, including real property documents, birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and Assumed Name Certificates (DBAs). You can search for these records online through the Clerk's website or request copies by visiting the office in person. Additionally, you can access probate and civil court records, and the Clerk’s office also provides services related to elections, voter registration, and legal filings.

How do I apply for a marriage license in Harris County?

To apply for a marriage license in Harris County, you must visit the Clerk’s office with your intended spouse. Both applicants need to be present, and you must provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. There is no waiting period for residents of Texas, but out-of-state residents must wait 72 hours after obtaining the license before they can marry. The fee for a marriage license is provided on the Clerk’s website, and you can also apply online for certain services.

Can I file documents electronically with the Harris County Clerk?

Yes, Harris County Clerk’s office allows electronic filing (e-filing) for civil and probate cases. This service is mandatory for attorneys but optional for self-represented litigants (pro se parties). You can use the eFileTexas portal to submit documents to the County Clerk’s office, including court filings, case documents, and vital records requests. This process simplifies filing and speeds up the handling of your documents.

How do I request a vital record such as a birth or death certificate?

To obtain a certified copy of a birth or death certificate, you must be an immediate family member of the individual on the certificate, and you will need to provide proper identification. Requests can be made in person at the Harris County Clerk’s office, or you can order online through their certified service. The cost for a certified copy of vital records varies, and more information, including how to submit an order, is available on the Clerk’s website.