Amarillo Public Records

Amarillo public records are held at both the city level and through Potter and Randall County offices, depending on where a property sits or where a case was filed. The city operates across two counties, so knowing which county covers your address matters when looking up court filings or property data. City-level records come from the City Secretary, Police Department, and Municipal Court. This guide explains how to find both city and county records for Amarillo residents and anyone searching for records tied to an Amarillo address.

County Public Records for Amarillo

Amarillo sits in both Potter and Randall Counties. Most of the city's core falls in Potter County, while the southern parts are in Randall County. The Potter County Clerk records deeds, liens, mortgage filings, marriage licenses, and assumed name certificates. The Randall County Clerk handles the same types of records for properties and filings in its jurisdiction. When searching for property records, you need to know which county your address falls in before you start.

Court cases for Amarillo go through the district clerk and county clerk at law offices in each county. The Potter County District Clerk handles felony criminal cases, civil suits, and family law matters for the Potter County portion of the city. Randall County's District Clerk covers cases filed there. Both counties make court index searches available online, and the statewide re:SearchTX portal lets you search district and county court cases across both counties at no charge. You can search by name, case number, or attorney to find filings.

Property tax records are maintained separately by the Potter County Appraisal District and the Randall County Appraisal District. These appraisal records show ownership history, appraised values, and tax account status. Both are public and searchable online through each appraisal district's website. If you need a certified copy of a deed or lien document, contact the clerk office directly.

Amarillo City Secretary and Open Records

The Amarillo City Secretary processes open records requests for city government documents. The office is at 509 SE 7th Avenue, Amarillo, TX 79101. Phone: (806) 378-3001. Fax: (806) 378-3002. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Submit requests in writing by email to citysecretary@amarillo.gov or by fax or mail to the office address.

The City of Amarillo's website at amarillo.gov provides access to open records request forms, city council meeting agendas and minutes, city ordinances, and other official documents.

City Secretary records include council meeting minutes, city ordinances and resolutions, contracts, budget documents, code enforcement actions, and building permits. Standard city copy fees are $0.10 per page for paper documents. Requests must get a response within 10 business days under the Texas Public Information Act. If the city wants to withhold records, it must seek an opinion from the Texas Attorney General's Office before doing so. You can send a written request by email, mail, or fax to the City Secretary's office, and the city must confirm receipt and provide a cost estimate if the request is large.

Amarillo Police Department Records

The Amarillo Police Department handles requests for incident reports, accident reports, and arrest records. The department is at 200 SE 3rd Avenue, Amarillo, TX 79101. Non-emergency line: (806) 378-3038. Records division: (806) 378-3039. You can request records in person during business hours or submit a written request by mail or email through the city's open records process.

Police records available include offense reports, traffic accident reports, and arrest booking information. Active investigations are exempt from public disclosure. Records tied to ongoing criminal prosecutions may be withheld until the case is resolved. Personal information for crime victims is typically redacted from released reports. For cases that led to criminal charges, additional records may be available through the Potter County or Randall County District Clerk once a case is filed in court.

Accident reports for crashes on Amarillo roads can also be requested through the Texas DPS if the report was submitted to the state. DPS charges a fee per report. For incidents handled only by the Amarillo Police Department, the city's records division is the right contact. Most requests are fulfilled within a few business days for straightforward non-exempt records.

Amarillo Municipal Court Records

The Amarillo Municipal Court is at 201 SE 4th Avenue, Amarillo, TX 79101. Phone: (806) 378-9301. The court handles Class C misdemeanor cases including traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and other minor offenses that fall under the city's jurisdiction. Case lookups and citation payment are available through the municipal court's online portal.

The Amarillo Municipal Court at 201 SE 4th Ave processes traffic citations and city ordinance violations, with online access for case lookup and payment available to residents.

Municipal court records cover traffic tickets, speeding citations, red light violations, and city code offenses. These records are separate from what the Potter County or Randall County District Clerk maintains. For felony cases, Class A and B misdemeanors, or civil matters, you need to contact the appropriate county court. The statewide re:SearchTX portal does not include municipal court records, only district court and county court at law cases. Contact the Amarillo Municipal Court directly for case history searches, certified copies of judgments, or to confirm payment status on a citation.

Fees and Processing Times

City of Amarillo standard copy fees are $0.10 per page for paper copies of city records. All open records requests must receive a written response within 10 business days. If the city needs more time or believes records are exempt, it must notify you within that window.

Potter and Randall County clerk offices charge standard state fees for certified copies, typically around $1.00 per page plus a certification fee. Online record searches at both county clerk portals are free. Court case searches through re:SearchTX are free to use. Criminal history background checks through the Texas DPS Crime Records Division cost $3.15 per name search. Municipal court citation lookups are free online. Fees for police report copies vary based on the size and nature of the report.

Most straightforward city records requests are fulfilled within a few business days. Complex requests or those involving large volumes of documents may take longer. If the city estimates the cost of fulfilling a request will exceed $40, it must notify you and give you a chance to narrow the request or pay in advance before the city begins work.

Texas Public Information Act

The Texas Public Information Act, found in Government Code Chapter 552, gives you the right to access records held by Texas government bodies, including the City of Amarillo and both Potter and Randall County offices. The law applies to all governmental bodies, not just state agencies. Any resident or member of the public can submit a request. You do not need to explain why you want the records or provide identification to make a basic request.

Requests must be submitted in writing. Email is fine. The governmental body has 10 business days to respond. It can either provide the records, ask for clarification, give a cost estimate, or seek an Attorney General opinion if it thinks records are exempt. Common exemptions include active investigations, attorney-client communications, personnel records, and certain security-related information. If a body fails to respond in time, the records are presumed public.

Nearby Cities

Other major cities in the Texas Panhandle and West Texas region.