Taylor County Public Records

Taylor County public records are maintained by the County Clerk and District Clerk in Abilene, the county seat and the largest city in West Central Texas. These offices hold property deeds, court case files, marriage licenses, and other official documents for the county. With a population of over 140,000, Taylor County has a larger volume of records than most West Texas counties. In-person and mail requests are accepted at the Abilene courthouse, and many court records are also searchable online. This page explains how to access public records in Taylor County, which offices maintain them, and what search tools are available.

County Clerk Records

The Taylor County Clerk in Abilene keeps the official county records. When property is sold or refinanced in Taylor County, the deed or mortgage must be recorded with the County Clerk to create a public record. The Clerk maintains indexes for grantor and grantee names so you can find all recorded transactions connected to a person or parcel. Liens, easements, and releases are also on file.

The County Clerk also holds marriage licenses, business assumed name filings, and Commissioners Court minutes. County Court at Law records for misdemeanor criminal cases, smaller civil matters, and probate are filed here as well. Taylor County has a County Court at Law that handles a significant volume of these cases given the county's size.

Copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies are $1 per page plus $5. Visit the Taylor County Courthouse in Abilene or submit a mail request. You may also find some records searchable online through the County Clerk's website. Check before visiting to see what is available digitally.

District Court Records

The Taylor County District Clerk manages records for the district courts. These courts handle felony criminal cases, large civil suits, family law matters including divorce and custody, and juvenile cases. With a population around 140,000, Taylor County's district courts see a high volume of cases. The District Clerk files and keeps all case documents, motions, orders, and judgments.

Search Taylor County district court records at re:SearchTX. This free statewide tool from the Texas Office of Court Administration lets you look up cases by name or case number. Many Taylor County records are available through this portal, making it a good first step before contacting the courthouse.

For records not found online or for certified copies, contact the Taylor County District Clerk in Abilene. Staff can search and provide copies at the standard $1 per page rate.

Property Records and Appraisal

The Taylor County Appraisal District sets assessed values for all taxable property in the county. Their records include current ownership, property type, acreage, and assessed value. These are public records and likely available online through the Appraisal District's website. Search by owner name, address, or property ID. This is useful for verifying ownership, checking values, and reviewing exemptions before making a real estate decision in Taylor County.

For deed records, mortgage history, and lien filings, go to the County Clerk. The Appraisal District has current valuation data. The County Clerk has the full recorded instrument history. Use both for thorough property research.

Electronic court filings in Texas are handled through eFileTexas. This is the statewide system used by attorneys and filers for district and county courts.

Texas court structure and records information is available at txcourts.gov.

The Texas Office of Court Administration explains how district and county courts work and where to find records in Taylor County and across the state.

Open Records Requests

The Texas Public Information Act lets you request records from Taylor County government. Submit a written request to the relevant office. The agency must respond in 10 business days. Records can only be withheld in limited circumstances, and the agency must get Texas Attorney General approval to deny a request. Get help at texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government.

PIA copies are $0.10 per page. Some records may be available at no charge if they are easy to produce electronically. Certified copies follow the standard clerk fee schedule.

Vital Records

Birth and death certificates from Taylor County are issued through Texas DSHS Vital Statistics. Certified birth certificates cost $23. Death certificates cost $21. Marriage licenses are issued and recorded at the County Clerk's office in Abilene. For statewide vital records, visit Texas DSHS Vital Statistics.

Cities in Taylor County

Taylor County is home to Abilene, the county seat and a major city in West Texas.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Taylor County.