Find Public Records in Midland
Public records in Midland are maintained by two main sources: the City of Midland and Midland County. Midland is the county seat of Midland County and sits in West Texas, with a population over 132,000. The city handles police reports, municipal court records, and city clerk documents. Midland County courts hold civil, criminal, and family law cases for residents. This guide covers how to access both city and county records, what to expect from the open records process, and how to find records online.
Midland Overview
Midland County Court Records
Most court records for Midland residents are held by Midland County. The Midland County District Clerk handles civil, criminal, and family law cases filed in district courts. The County Clerk manages probate, misdemeanor, and county court records. For full details on fees, online access, and how to request copies, see the Midland County public records page.
Because Midland is the county seat, the courthouse is located within the city. This means Midland residents can visit the county clerk and district clerk offices without traveling far. Both offices are near the main Midland County Courthouse. In-person visits are often the fastest way to get certified copies of records.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal covers Midland County courts and provides free basic case lookups. Full document access requires a subscription. This tool is a good first step when you don't have the cause number or are not sure which court handled a specific case.
Midland City Website and Official Records
The City of Midland keeps its own records systems separate from the county. City records cover the police department, municipal courts, city council minutes, building permits, and the city secretary's office. The city secretary handles open records requests and keeps official city documents.
The official Midland city website at midlandtexas.gov lists city services and department contacts. Department pages include the city secretary, police department, and municipal court. Many departments accept open records requests by email. The site also posts city council agendas and minutes for direct access.
Below is a screenshot of the City of Midland's official website, which provides access to city services and public records information.
Midland's oil and gas sector generates a distinct set of regulatory and business records. Records related to oil and gas permits and production are generally held by the Texas Railroad Commission, not the city or county. If you need oil and gas records, the RRC's online search portal is the right starting point. City records focus on municipal functions, not industry regulation.
Midland Police Department Records
The Midland Police Department maintains incident reports, accident reports, arrest records, and related law enforcement documents. These are city records and are not the same as Midland County court records. Getting them requires an open records request to the city.
| MPD Headquarters | 601 N Loraine St, Midland, TX 79701 |
|---|---|
| Non-Emergency | (432) 685-7108 |
Accident reports can often be requested through the Texas DOT online portal. Incident reports require a formal open records request to the city. Active investigation files are exempt. Personal information may be redacted before records are released. Standard processing takes up to 10 business days.
Below is a screenshot of the Midland Police Department's web page, which has information about requesting records and other services.
For records involving traffic accidents on state highways near Midland, the Texas Department of Transportation or Texas DPS may also hold relevant documents depending on which agency responded to the scene.
Midland Municipal Court Records
The Midland Municipal Court handles traffic citations, Class C misdemeanors, and city ordinance violations. These records are city records and are separate from Midland County court cases.
| Municipal Court | 300 N Loraine St, Midland, TX 79701 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (432) 685-7201 |
For citations and fines, check the city's website for current online payment options. For case documents or certified copies, contact the court directly. The court processes cases during regular business hours. Deferred disposition may be available for eligible violations. Call ahead to confirm current procedures and hours before visiting in person.
Open Records Requests and the Texas PIA
The Texas Public Information Act gives residents the right to request records from government agencies. Both the City of Midland and Midland County must respond within 10 business days. If they claim an exemption, they must get a ruling from the Texas Attorney General before withholding the record.
To request city records, contact the City Secretary's Office. The office is located in the Midland City Hall and is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Written requests can be submitted in person or by email. Be as specific as possible when describing the records you need to help the office process your request faster.
The Texas Attorney General's Open Government Division handles complaints about records access. If Midland or Midland County denies a request you believe should be granted, contact the AG's office. Standard copies cost $0.10 per page. The agency must provide a cost estimate if fees exceed $40 total.
For vital records like birth and death certificates, go to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Marriage and divorce records are filed with the county clerk where the event occurred. Property records for Midland are searchable through the Midland County Appraisal District or the county clerk's online portal.