Find Wise County Public Records

Wise County public records are maintained by the County Clerk and District Clerk in Decatur, the county seat in North Texas in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. These offices hold property deeds, court case files, marriage licenses, and other official documents filed with the county. With continued population growth from the DFW metro, Wise County has a high volume of property and court filings. In-person and mail requests are accepted at the Decatur courthouse, and many records are also searchable online. This page explains how to access public records in Wise County and what options are available to the public.

County Clerk Records

The Wise County Clerk in Decatur keeps official records for the county. As part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, Wise County has seen significant growth and a corresponding increase in real estate transactions. Property deeds are recorded here when land is sold or transferred. Mortgages, liens, and other instruments affecting property are also filed. The Clerk indexes all documents by name so you can search for all recorded transactions involving a person or parcel.

Marriage licenses, assumed name filings, and Commissioners Court minutes are also part of the Clerk's records. County Court case records for misdemeanor matters and probate proceedings are filed with the Clerk as well. These are public records.

Visit the Wise County Courthouse in Decatur or submit a mail request. Copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies are $1 per page plus $5. Check the County Clerk's website to see if online record searches are available before making a trip.

District Court Records

The Wise County District Clerk maintains records for the district courts. These courts handle felony criminal cases, large civil suits, family law matters, and juvenile cases. The District Clerk files and keeps all case documents, orders, and final judgments. Records are public unless sealed by a judge.

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

For more detailed records or certified copies, contact the Wise County District Clerk in Decatur directly.

Property Records and Appraisal

The Wise County Appraisal District sets assessed values for all taxable property in the county. Their records include current ownership, property type, acreage, and valuations. These are public and likely available online through the Appraisal District's website. Search by owner name, address, or property ID to find current ownership and valuation data. This is particularly useful in a growing county where property values and ownership change frequently.

For deed records and the recorded instrument history, go to the County Clerk. The Appraisal District has current data. The County Clerk has the full chain of recorded transactions. Use both for complete property research in Wise County.

Texas courts use eFileTexas for electronic court document submission.

Texas court structure is detailed on the Office of Court Administration website.

The Texas Office of Court Administration explains how the district and county courts serving Wise County fit into the statewide court structure.

Open Records Requests

The Texas Public Information Act gives you the right to request records from Wise County government. Write a request and submit it to the appropriate office. The agency must respond in 10 business days. Records can only be withheld with Texas Attorney General approval. Get help at texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government.

PIA copies are $0.10 per page. Some records may be available online. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus $5.

Vital Records

Birth and death certificates from Wise 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 Decatur. For statewide vital records, visit Texas DSHS Vital Statistics.

Cities in Wise County

Decatur is the county seat of Wise County. No cities in Wise County currently exceed 100,000 residents as standalone municipalities.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Wise County.