logo
PotterRecords.us
Search Public Records

Potter County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Potter County?

Public records in Potter County, Texas are defined according to the Texas Public Information Act, specifically under Texas Government Code § 552.002, which states that public information means "information that is written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business" by a governmental body. Potter County maintains numerous types of public records that are accessible to citizens pursuant to state law.

The following categories of public records are maintained by various Potter County departments:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Potter County District Courts and County Courts at Law
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and property assessments maintained by the Potter County Clerk's Office
  • Vital Records: Birth certificates (if born in Potter County), death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
  • Business Records: Assumed name certificates (DBA), alcohol permits, and other business licenses
  • Tax Records: Property tax statements, payment records, and assessment information maintained by the Potter County Tax Office
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports available through the Potter County Elections Administration
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of Potter County Commissioners Court meetings and other county boards and commissions
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
  • Law Enforcement Records: Certain arrest records, incident reports, and jail records (with statutory limitations)
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, permits, and zoning decisions

The Potter County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many of these records, particularly property records, marriage licenses, and assumed name certificates. Court records are maintained by the respective court clerks, while specialized records are kept by their corresponding departments.

Is Potter County an Open Records County?

Potter County fully complies with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), codified under Texas Government Code § 552. This comprehensive state law establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain exceptions as defined by statute.

Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision ensures that Potter County residents and others have the legal right to access county records during regular office hours.

Potter County adheres to the state's transparency requirements, which include:

  • Responding to public information requests promptly, typically within 10 business days
  • Providing reasonable access to public records for inspection
  • Making copies available at reasonable costs
  • Maintaining records according to state retention schedules

The county follows the procedures outlined in the TPIA for handling requests, including the process for seeking clarification on broad requests and for withholding information that falls under statutory exceptions. Potter County's compliance with open records laws is overseen by the Texas Attorney General's Office, which provides guidance on interpretation of the law and issues opinions on disputed records.

Additionally, Potter County complies with the Texas Open Meetings Act (Texas Government Code § 551), which requires that meetings of governmental bodies be open to the public, with proper notice given in advance.

How to Find Public Records in Potter County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records from Potter County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county provides multiple access points for public records retrieval:

  1. Submit a Public Information Request:

    • Complete the county's public information request form, available at the Potter County Clerk's Office
    • Submit requests in person, by mail, by email, or by fax to the appropriate department
    • Clearly identify the records being sought with reasonable specificity
    • Include contact information for follow-up communications

  2. Visit the Appropriate County Office:

  3. Access Online Resources:

    • Property records are searchable through the county's online portal
    • Court case information is available through the county's judicial records system
    • Meeting agendas and minutes are posted on the county's website
    • Election results and voter information are accessible through the elections website

  4. Research at the County Law Library:

    • Located in the Potter County Courts Building
    • Provides access to legal resources and certain public records
    • Available during regular business hours

  5. Contact the Records Management Department:

    • For assistance with locating historical records
    • For guidance on complex records requests
    • For information about records retention schedules

Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, Potter County must respond to requests promptly, typically within 10 business days. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the county will notify the requestor in writing of the reasonable date when the information will be available.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Potter County?

Potter County assesses fees for public records in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and the fee guidelines established by the Texas Attorney General under Texas Administrative Code § 70.3. The current fee structure for obtaining public records includes:

  • Standard Paper Copies: $0.10 per page for standard 8.5" x 11" black and white copies
  • Oversized Copies: $0.50 per page for documents larger than 8.5" x 14"
  • Certified Copies: Additional $5.00 certification fee per document
  • Electronic Records: $0.10 per page for PDF documents; actual cost for other electronic formats
  • Labor Charges: $15.00 per hour for requests requiring more than 50 pages or extensive programming/manipulation
  • Overhead Charge: 20% of labor charge when applicable
  • Media Costs:
    • CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
    • USB drive: Actual cost of the device

Specific record types have statutorily set fees:

  • Birth Certificates: $23.00 per certified copy
  • Death Certificates: $21.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
  • Marriage Licenses: $82.00 to issue; $8.00 per certified copy
  • Deed Records: $26.00 for first page, $4.00 for each additional page for recording; $5.00 per page for certified copies

The county accepts the following payment methods:

  • Cash (in-person only)
  • Personal checks
  • Money orders
  • Credit cards (subject to a processing fee)

Under Texas Government Code § 552.267, fee waivers or reductions may be granted if the county determines that providing the information primarily benefits the general public. Additionally, the first 50 pages of standard paper copies are provided at a reduced rate under certain circumstances as specified in Texas Government Code § 552.261.

Does Potter County Have Free Public Records?

Potter County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost, in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.221, which allows for the inspection of public information without charge during normal business hours. The following free public records services are available:

  • In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may examine non-confidential records at no cost by visiting the appropriate county office during regular business hours. No fees are charged for viewing records unless copies are requested.

  • Online Access: Potter County offers free online access to several types of public records through its official websites:

  • Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at certain county offices, including the County Clerk's Office and the Law Library, allowing visitors to search electronic records at no charge.

  • Public Notices: Official county notices, announcements, and certain financial disclosures are published on the county website at no cost to viewers.

  • County Budget Documents: Annual budgets and financial reports are available for public inspection without charge.

The Seventh Court of Appeals, located in the Potter County Courts Building, also provides free access to appellate case information through its website.

While inspection is free, fees apply when requesting copies of records or when records require extensive labor to compile, as outlined in the county's fee schedule and in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.

Who Can Request Public Records in Potter County?

Under the Texas Public Information Act, specifically Texas Government Code § 552.023, any person may request access to public records maintained by Potter County. The law does not restrict access based on citizenship, residency, age, or purpose of the request for most public records. Key eligibility considerations include:

  • Residency Requirements: There is no residency requirement to request most public records in Potter County. Both Texas residents and non-residents have equal access rights under the law.

  • Identification: For general public information requests, requestors are not required to provide identification. However, certain records may require verification of identity, particularly when:

    • Requesting one's own confidential records
    • Seeking records with personally identifiable information
    • Requesting certain vital records (birth, death certificates)

  • Purpose Statement: Under Texas Government Code § 552.222, Potter County cannot inquire about the purpose of a request unless:

    • The purpose is needed to establish whether the requestor is eligible for specific information
    • The county reasonably believes the request is for a commercial purpose and the request is for a motor vehicle record

  • Special Categories:

    • Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records have specific eligibility requirements under Texas Health and Safety Code § 191.051
    • Criminal History Information: Access may be restricted based on the requestor's relationship to the subject
    • Juvenile Records: Access is generally limited to the juvenile, parents, guardians, and authorized representatives

  • Records About Oneself: Under Texas Government Code § 552.023, individuals have a special right of access to records that contain information relating to them, even if those records would otherwise be confidential under the law.

  • Commercial Use: While commercial use of public information is generally permitted, certain bulk requests or requests for motor vehicle records may have additional restrictions under Texas Transportation Code § 730.

Potter County processes all public information requests in compliance with state law, regardless of the requestor's identity or purpose, except where specific statutory exceptions apply.

What Records Are Confidential in Potter County?

Potter County maintains certain records that are confidential by law and exempt from public disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act. Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158 establishes numerous categories of information that are protected from disclosure. The following records are generally considered confidential in Potter County:

  • Personal Identifying Information:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Personal financial information
    • Email addresses of members of the public
    • Home addresses, phone numbers, and family information of public employees and officials who have requested confidentiality

  • Medical and Health Information:

    • Medical records protected under HIPAA
    • Mental health records
    • Disability information
    • Drug test results

  • Law Enforcement and Security Records:

    • Active criminal investigation records
    • Information that would interfere with prosecution
    • Juvenile criminal records
    • Victim information in certain cases
    • Critical infrastructure details and security plans

  • Personnel Information:

    • Performance evaluations
    • Personal financial information of employees
    • Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

  • Legal and Judicial Records:

    • Records sealed by court order
    • Attorney-client privileged communications
    • Attorney work product
    • Certain family court records including Child Protective Services cases

  • Proprietary Business Information:

    • Trade secrets
    • Commercial or financial information that would cause competitive harm if released
    • Economic development negotiations

  • Other Protected Records:

    • Adoption records
    • Birth records less than 75 years old (except to qualified individuals)
    • Death records less than 25 years old (except to qualified individuals)
    • Certain election records including individual voting history
    • Library records showing individual borrowing history

Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, Potter County applies the "presumption of openness" principle, meaning that information is considered public unless a specific exception applies. When a request includes both public and confidential information, the county will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder, as required by Texas Government Code § 552.114.

Potter County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Potter County Clerk's Office
500 South Fillmore Street, Suite 201
Amarillo, Texas 79101
(806) 379-2275
Potter County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

  • Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other property documents
  • Marriage licenses
  • Assumed name certificates (DBA)
  • Birth and death certificates (if event occurred in Potter County)
  • Commissioners Court records
  • Notary public registrations
  • Military discharge records (DD-214)

Potter County District Clerk's Office
500 S. Fillmore, Room 1B
Amarillo, Texas 79101
(806) 379-2300
Potter County District Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

  • District Court records (civil, criminal, family)
  • Jury service information
  • Passport application processing
  • Child support payment records

Potter County Elections Administration
900 S. Polk Street, Suite 320
Amarillo, Texas 79101
(806) 379-2299
Potter County Elections

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Extended hours during election periods
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Lookup Public Records in Potter County

County Clerk - Potter County

Potter County Elections Voting

Municipal Court - City of Amarillo

Seventh Court of Appeals

Categories

Criminal RecordsCourt RecordsInmate RecordsArrest recordsWarrant SearchProperty RecordsDivorce Records