Yoakum County Public Records

Yoakum County public records are held by the County Clerk and District Clerk in Plains, the county seat in West Texas on the South Plains near the New Mexico border. These offices maintain property deeds, court case files, marriage licenses, and other official documents filed with the county. Plains is the only location for in-person record requests, and mail requests are also accepted. Some records are accessible through the Texas online case portal. This page explains how to find and request public records from Yoakum County offices, what types of documents are available, and how to contact the clerk offices in Plains.

County Clerk Records

The Yoakum County Clerk in Plains keeps official county records. Property deeds, mortgages, and liens are recorded here when real estate transactions occur. The Clerk indexes all documents by party name so researchers can trace ownership or find all recorded activity for a person or parcel. Oil and gas interests are also commonly recorded in this part of the Permian Basin.

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

Copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies carry a $5 fee. Visit the Plains courthouse or submit a mail request. Call before visiting to confirm hours.

District Court Records

The Yoakum County District Clerk handles records for the district courts. These courts see felony criminal cases, family law matters, and larger civil suits. The District Clerk files and keeps all case documents, orders, and judgments. These are public unless sealed.

Search Yoakum County court records at re:SearchTX. This free portal from the Texas Office of Court Administration covers many Texas courts. Search by name or case number to find basic case details quickly.

For records not online, contact the Yoakum County District Clerk in Plains directly.

Property Records

The Yoakum County Appraisal District sets assessed values for all taxable property. Their records are public and include current ownership and valuations. Contact the Appraisal District for owner lookups and parcel data.

For deed records and lien history, go to the County Clerk. Use both offices for full property research in Yoakum County.

Texas courts use eFileTexas for efile services. Texas court information is at txcourts.gov.

The Texas State Library holds historical records that may complement local research.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission holds historical records that may be useful for older Yoakum County research not available at local offices.

Open Records Requests

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

PIA copies are $0.10 per page. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus $5.

Vital Records

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

Cities in Yoakum County

Plains is the county seat of Yoakum County. No cities in Yoakum County exceed 100,000 residents.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Yoakum County.