DeWitt County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in DeWitt County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in DeWitt County, Texas, may access a range of publicly available information through official county offices, state agency portals, and online databases. DeWittRecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may assist individuals in locating records maintained by DeWitt County and affiliated state agencies. The categories of records that may be found through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax assessment and property tax records
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted by law)
- Land use and zoning documents
- Environmental and groundwater records
Records may be searched through official court resources, county clerk offices, public access terminals located at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
Online Access: The DeWitt County official website provides access to select county records and department contacts. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission maintains DeWitt County records available on microfilm, including historical documents accessible through affiliated repositories. Property and appraisal records are searchable through the DeWitt County Appraisal District's online portal. No registration is required to inspect most publicly posted documents.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the DeWitt County Clerk's Office at 307 N. Gonzales Street, Cuero, Texas 77954. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should present a written or verbal description of the records sought; staff will assist in locating responsive documents.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the DeWitt County Clerk, 307 N. Gonzales Street, Cuero, TX 77954. Requests should include the requestor's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for response. 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: The DeWitt County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (361) 275-0864. Email inquiries may be directed through the contact form available on the county's official website.
What Are Public Records in DeWitt County?
Public records in DeWitt County are defined under the Texas Public Information Act, codified at 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 maintained by county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family) | DeWitt County District Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | DeWitt County Clerk |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | DeWitt County Clerk / Texas DSHS |
| Tax and appraisal records | DeWitt County Appraisal District |
| Business licenses and permits | DeWitt County Clerk |
| Voting and election records | DeWitt County Elections Office |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | DeWitt County Commissioners Court |
| Law enforcement records | DeWitt County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | DeWitt County Planning Department |
| Environmental and groundwater data | Texas Water Development Board |
Historical county records, including deed records, tax rolls, and probate files, are also preserved on microfilm through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Oil, gas, and pipeline records pertaining to DeWitt County may be accessed through the Railroad Commission of Texas GIS viewer, which maps permitted wells and related infrastructure across the state.
Is DeWitt County an Open Records County?
DeWitt County operates in full compliance with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), which governs public access to government records statewide. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, each person is entitled to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees. The Texas Attorney General's Office provides oversight and issues open records rulings when agencies seek to withhold requested information.
As the Texas Attorney General's Office states: "The basic principle of the Public Information Act is that government information is presumed to be available to the public." This presumption places the burden on the governmental body to demonstrate that a specific exemption applies before withholding any responsive records.
DeWitt County governmental bodies, including the Commissioners Court, County Clerk, District Clerk, and Sheriff's Office, are each subject to the TPIA and are required to designate a public information officer responsible for processing requests. No county-specific ordinance supersedes the state open records framework; the TPIA applies uniformly to all Texas counties.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in DeWitt County?
The fee structure for public records in DeWitt County is governed by the Texas Public Information Act and the cost rules established by the Texas Office of the Attorney General. Standard fees currently applicable include:
| Fee Type | Standard Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies (8.5" x 11") | $0.10 per page |
| Oversized copies | Actual cost |
| Certified copies (vital records, deeds) | $1.00–$5.00 per document (varies by record type) |
| Electronic format (CD/DVD) | $1.00 per disc |
| Labor charge (requests over 50 pages) | $15.00–$28.00 per hour (depending on personnel) |
| Overhead charge | 20% of labor costs |
| Postage and shipping | Actual cost |
Inspection of records at a public counter carries no charge. Fees may be waived if the total cost of fulfilling a request is $40.00 or less, pursuant to the Attorney General's cost rules. Accepted payment methods at the DeWitt County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order. Requestors who believe a fee assessment is improper may seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Open Government Division.
Does DeWitt County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to any member of the public at the DeWitt County Clerk's Office and the DeWitt County District Clerk's Office during regular business hours. No fee is charged for viewing records on-site at a public access terminal or at the counter. The following resources provide free access to certain records without requiring a formal request:
- The Texas Water Development Board Groundwater Database provides free online access to water well records, spring data, and related groundwater information for DeWitt County.
- The Railroad Commission of Texas offers free access to oil and gas permit data and well locations through its public GIS mapping tool.
- The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains DeWitt County disease reporting contacts and related public health data accessible at no cost.
- Historical DeWitt County records on microfilm are available for free inspection through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's affiliated repositories.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records is free, obtaining physical or certified copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in DeWitt County?
Any person may request public records from DeWitt County governmental bodies, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, the right to access public information is extended to each person without restriction based on identity or reason for the request. Requestors are not required to:
- Be a Texas resident or U.S. citizen
- Provide government-issued identification for most requests
- State the purpose of the request
- Demonstrate a personal interest in the records sought
Certain record types carry additional access requirements. For example, obtaining a certified copy of a birth certificate requires the requestor to demonstrate a direct and tangible interest, as defined by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Juvenile records, sealed court files, and records subject to protective orders require a court order or demonstrated legal standing for access. Non-residents retain the same rights as residents under the TPIA for all non-restricted record categories. Individuals requesting their own records may be asked to provide identification to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information.
What Records Are Confidential in DeWitt County?
Not all government records in DeWitt County are subject to public disclosure. The Texas Public Information Act enumerates specific categories of information that are exempt from mandatory release. Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158 identifies the following as confidential or excepted from disclosure:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal history
- Juvenile records and proceedings
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Social Security numbers and personal financial account data
- Medical records and protected health information (subject to HIPAA)
- Adoption records and related family court documents
- Child protective services and welfare records
- Personnel files of government employees (with limited exceptions for disciplinary actions)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans, vulnerability assessments, and critical infrastructure details
- Attorney-client communications involving governmental bodies
When a governmental body seeks to withhold records under one of these exemptions, it must request a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Office within ten business days of receiving the public information request. The Attorney General then applies a balancing test to determine whether the public interest in disclosure outweighs the interest in confidentiality, particularly for records not explicitly exempted by statute.
DeWitt County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
DeWitt County Clerk's Office
307 N. Gonzales Street
Cuero, TX 77954
(361) 275-0864
DeWitt County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
DeWitt County District Clerk's Office
307 N. Gonzales Street, Suite 103
Cuero, TX 77954
(361) 275-0856
DeWitt County District Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
DeWitt County Appraisal District
103 E. Bailey Street
Cuero, TX 77954
(361) 275-5325
DeWitt County Appraisal District
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
DeWitt County Sheriff's Office
115 N. Gonzales Street
Cuero, TX 77954
(361) 275-2334
DeWitt County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cuero-DeWitt County Health Department
(Public Health Records and Disease Reporting)
2112 N. Esplanade Street
Cuero, TX 77954
(361) 578-6281 x3211
Texas DSHS DeWitt County Health
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
1201 Brazos Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 463-5465
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
As the Texas State Library and Archives Commission notes regarding county records preservation: "Local government records are the primary source of information about the history of Texas communities and the legal rights of Texas citizens."
Lookup Public Records in DeWitt County
- DeWitt County records available on microfilm – Texas State Library and Archives Commission
- DeWitt County disease reporting contacts – Texas Department of State Health Services
- Texas groundwater well and spring data – Texas Water Development Board
- Oil and gas records GIS mapping – Railroad Commission of Texas