Public Records in King County

King County is one of the least-populated counties in Texas, and its public records are maintained at the small courthouse in Guthrie, the county seat on the Rolling Plains of northwest Texas. Land records, court files, marriage licenses, and vital records are all handled through the County Clerk and District Clerk offices. Texas state databases provide online access to court case indexes and criminal history statewide. This guide tells you what King County records exist, who holds them, how to request copies in person or by mail, and where to search online.

King County Clerk

The King County Clerk in Guthrie records all real property instruments filed in the county. Most of King County is large ranch land, so the records often involve big acreage transactions, ranch sales, oil and gas leases, and grazing leases. Deeds, liens, easements, and related instruments are indexed by the clerk. Name searches cost $5.00 per name. Copies are $1.00 per page and certified copies add $5.00 per document.

Marriage licenses are issued and recorded by the County Clerk. Because King County is extremely small, you should call the Guthrie courthouse before visiting to confirm hours and staffing. Mail requests with prepayment are accepted. The clerk also handles commissioners court minutes and older county administrative records.

Certified birth and death records are available from the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics. Birth certificates cost $23 and death certificates cost $21.

King County District Court Records

The King County District Clerk handles records for the 50th Judicial District Court. This is a multi-county district court that also serves other small West Texas counties. The court manages felony criminal cases, civil suits above the county threshold, and family law matters including divorce and custody. Certified copies of court orders and case files are available from the District Clerk in Guthrie.

The re:SearchTX portal provides free online access to the statewide case index. Search by name or case number. For actual documents, contact the King County District Clerk directly. Cases filed through eFileTexas.gov appear in the portal after processing.

Federal cases for King County residents fall under the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Access federal civil, criminal, and bankruptcy records through PACER.

Public Information Act Requests

King County government bodies must comply with the Texas Public Information Act. Any person can request records from the county and any public entity it contains. Submit a written request describing what you want. No reason is needed. The agency has 10 business days to respond.

Copy fees are $0.10 per page. If a King County agency claims an exemption, it must seek approval from the Texas AG's Open Government division before withholding. Given the county's tiny size and minimal staff, phone contact before sending a written request often helps. The AG's office can help if you face resistance.

State Systems and Criminal History

Criminal history for King County cases is available statewide through the Texas DPS Crime Records Service. Name-based searches cover all Texas jurisdictions. For a certified copy of a specific King County case, contact the District Clerk in Guthrie.

Historical records and archived documents may be available through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Business entity and UCC filings are at the Texas Secretary of State.

Statewide efiling in Texas courts means that even King County case filings show up in the public case index accessible through the re:SearchTX system.

The state's efiling platform ensures King County court records are accessible through the public case index even for small rural courts.

Cities in King County

Guthrie is the only community in King County and serves as the county seat. All county records are maintained at the Guthrie courthouse. There are no incorporated cities beyond Guthrie.

No city in King County meets the population threshold for a dedicated records page. All record requests go through the offices in Guthrie.

Nearby Counties

King County sits in the rolling plains of West Texas, bordered by several other small rural counties.