Wichita Falls Public Records
Public records in Wichita Falls, Texas are split between the City of Wichita Falls and Wichita County. The city maintains municipal court files, police records, city council documents, and building permits through the City Clerk's Office. Wichita County courts hold civil, criminal, and family law cases for most residents. The Wichita County Clerk manages property filings, deed records, and marriage licenses for the area. This page covers where to search each type of record, how to submit open records requests to the city or county, and what online tools are available.
Wichita Falls Overview
Wichita County Court Records
Most court records for Wichita Falls residents are held by Wichita County, not the city. The Wichita County District Clerk handles civil, criminal, and family law cases filed in district courts. The County Clerk manages probate, misdemeanor, and county court filings. For full details on fees, search options, and how to request copies, see the Wichita County public records page.
The statewide court search tool, re:SearchTX, covers many Texas courts and provides free basic case lookups. Full document downloads require a subscription. It is a good first step when you don't know which specific court handled a case. Wichita County court records may also be available through the county clerk's office in Wichita Falls.
Wichita Falls is the county seat of Wichita County, so the main courthouse is located within the city. Cases from both city residents and those living in surrounding communities outside the city limits are handled there. If you need a certified copy of a court record, the county clerk or district clerk can help with fees and processing times.
Wichita Falls City Records and Official Website
The City of Wichita Falls runs its own records systems separate from the county. City records cover municipal court filings, police incident reports, building permits, ordinances, code enforcement notices, and city council minutes. The City Clerk's Office is the main contact for open records requests at the city level.
The official city website at wichitafallstx.gov links to individual department pages and provides contact information. Many requests can be submitted online, by mail, or by email. The city clerk also keeps minutes, agendas, and video recordings from city council meetings.
Below is a screenshot of the City of Wichita Falls official website, a starting point for accessing city services and public records resources.
The City Clerk's Office is at 1300 7th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76307. Phone: (940) 761-7404. Email: cityclerk@wichitafallstx.gov. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Wichita Falls Police Department Records
The Wichita Falls Police Department keeps records of incident reports, accident reports, arrest records, and related law enforcement files. These are city records. Getting them requires a written open records request to the city clerk or police records unit.
Below is a screenshot of the Wichita Falls Police Department page, where you can find contact details and record request information.
Accident reports can often be requested through the Texas Department of Transportation's online portal. Active investigations are exempt from release. Personal details may be redacted before records are sent to you. Processing typically takes up to 10 business days. Complex or large requests may take longer, up to 15 to 20 business days.
Wichita Falls Municipal Court Records
The Wichita Falls Municipal Court handles Class C misdemeanors, traffic citations, and city ordinance violations. These are city records, separate from county court records. If you got a ticket within the Wichita Falls city limits, that case is handled here.
The municipal court is reachable at (940) 761-7815. Court information is also available through the city's website at wichitafallstx.gov/departments/municipal-court. Some court records may require an in-person visit to access. For certified copies of court documents, contact the court directly or submit an open records request.
Below is a screenshot of the Wichita Falls Municipal Court page.
The court can handle deferred disposition requests for eligible cases. Audio and video records, such as body camera footage, may have variable fees depending on format and size. If you are disputing a case or need documentation for legal purposes, the court clerk can walk you through the request process.
Open Records Requests and the Texas PIA
Texas gives the public the right to request government records under the Texas Public Information Act. This law applies to city and county agencies. The City of Wichita Falls and Wichita County must respond to written requests within 10 business days. If an agency believes a record is exempt, it must seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General before withholding anything.
Standard paper copies cost $0.10 per page. Certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Audio and video records have variable fees. The agency must give you a cost estimate if total fees will exceed $40.00. You can ask for a fee waiver if releasing the records serves the public interest.
The Texas Attorney General's Open Government Division can help if you have a dispute with an agency over records access. If the city denies your request or claims an exemption without getting an AG ruling first, you have the right to file a complaint. The AG issues opinions that agencies must comply with.
Personnel records, active investigation files, and certain security records are exempt from release under state law. If part of a document is exempt, the agency should still release the non-exempt portions. They cannot withhold the entire document just because one section qualifies for an exemption.
Online Access and Other Search Tools
Several tools let you search records without making a trip to a government office. The statewide re:SearchTX portal covers many Texas courts and is free for basic case lookups. Wichita County may also have its own online search tools through the clerk's website in Wichita Falls.
For vital records, the Texas Department of State Health Services handles statewide requests for birth and death certificates. Marriage and divorce records are filed with the county clerk where the event occurred. Property records for Wichita Falls are held by Wichita County and are typically searchable through the county appraisal district website.
Building permits and zoning records for the city are maintained by Wichita Falls city departments. These can be requested through the city clerk or found online through the city website. The Texas court system provides general guidance on court structure in case you are not sure which court handled a particular case.