TexasEl Paso’s sunbaked streets and its role as a crossroads city mean a lot of things get recorded, and for good reason. Maybe you’re a landlord in the Mission Hills neighborhood double-checking a rental applicant’s background. Maybe you heard a rumor about a small-claims judgment against a local business near the county seat and want to confirm it. Or perhaps you’re helping a relative trace a decades-old property line in the Upper Valley.
Whatever the reason, El Paso County’s public records exist to give you answers. They’re kept by the county clerk, the district clerk, the sheriff’s office, and other agencies in and around El Paso, and most can be accessed either online or in person. This page walks you through what you can learn, where to look, and how to avoid common pitfalls when searching.
Why people dig into El Paso County’s records
Public records in Texas are just that: public. That means documents like property deeds, court filings, marriage licenses, and arrest reports are generally open for anyone to review. In El Paso County, these records are spread across different offices, but they all serve the same purpose, transparency.
For example:
- Landlords and property managers often pull criminal or civil court records to screen tenants.
- Homebuyers check deed histories and lien records before closing on a house in the Northeast or far Eastside.
- Family researchers might hunt down old probate files or birth certificates to fill in a genealogy chart.
- Concerned neighbors could look up a recent police incident report after hearing sirens near their block.
The key is knowing which office holds the record you need, and whether it’s available online or requires a trip to El Paso.
What you can actually find in El Paso County Public Records
Not every document is stored in the same place, but here’s a breakdown of the most commonly requested records and where they’re typically kept:
Property and real estate records
- Deeds, mortgages, and liens - Held by the El Paso County Clerk’s office. These show ownership history, sales prices, and any financial claims against a property.
- Property tax records - Managed by the El Paso County Tax Assessor-Collector. Useful for checking assessed values or delinquent tax status.
- Plat maps and subdivisions - Often filed with the clerk or the El Paso County Engineers Office for development and boundary details.
Court and legal records
- Civil, criminal, and family court cases - Filed with the El Paso County District Clerk (for district courts) or the County Clerk (for county-level courts).
- Probate records - Wills, estate administrations, and guardianships are also with the County Clerk.
- Small claims and justice of the peace cases - These are typically at the Justice of the Peace courts in El Paso.
Law enforcement and corrections
- Arrest records and jail bookings - The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office maintains inmate rosters and arrest logs. The El Paso Police Department handles city-level incident reports.
- Sex offender registry - Texas maintains a statewide database, but local law enforcement in El Paso can provide additional context.
Vital records
- Birth and death certificates - The El Paso County Clerk issues these, though older records may require a visit to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Marriage licenses - Also through the County Clerk.
How to search El Paso County Public Records
Not every record is online, but many are. Here’s how to start, whether you’re at your desk or planning a visit to downtown El Paso.
Online lookup: The fastest route
Many El Paso County records are searchable through third-party sites that aggregate public data. These tools let you run a name, address, or case number without leaving home.
Try a search here to pull up records tied to El Paso County.
If you’re looking for something specific, like a property deed or a court case, you can also use:
- El Paso County Clerk’s online portal (for property and some court records).
- Texas Courts Online (for statewide case lookups, including El Paso County).
- Texas DPS or Sheriff’s Office websites (for arrest and inmate information).
These official portals are free to use, though some may charge for copies or certified documents.
In-person or official requests
Some records, especially older ones, aren’t digitized. For those, you’ll need to visit:
- El Paso County Clerk’s Office (500 E. San Antonio Ave., El Paso) for property, vital records, and some court files.
- El Paso County District Clerk’s Office (500 E. San Antonio Ave.) for district court cases.
- El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (3850 Justice Dr., El Paso) for arrest and jail records.
If you’re unsure which office has what you need, the county’s main website (elpasocounty.texas.gov) has a directory to point you in the right direction.
Common mistakes when searching El Paso County records
Even with the best intentions, people often hit snags when digging into public records. Here’s how to avoid them:
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Assuming everything is online Older records (pre-1990s, in many cases) may only exist on paper. If your search comes up empty, try calling the relevant office in El Paso to ask about in-person access.
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Searching the wrong office Property records? Clerk’s office. Criminal court cases? District Clerk. Arrest reports? Sheriff or city police. Mixing these up can waste hours.
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Ignoring name variations A person might appear in records under a middle name, maiden name, or even a misspelling. Try multiple variations if your first search fails.
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Overlooking fees and wait times Some records are free to view but cost money to copy. Others (like certified vital records) require a fee upfront. Official offices in El Paso may also have processing times, especially for mailed requests.
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Forgetting to verify Third-party sites can be convenient, but they’re not always up to date. If you’re making a big decision (like buying a house or hiring someone), cross-check with the official county or court source.
FAQ about El Paso County Public Records
How do I find out if someone has a criminal record in El Paso County?
Start with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office website for recent arrests and jail bookings. For court cases, check the District Clerk’s online portal or visit in person. The Texas Department of Public Safety also offers a statewide criminal history search (for a fee).
Can I look up someone’s property ownership in El Paso County for free?
Yes. The El Paso County Clerk’s office has a free online search for property records, including deeds and mortgages. For tax information, the Tax Assessor-Collector’s website is another free resource.
Where do I get a copy of a will or probate file in El Paso?
Probate records are filed with the El Paso County Clerk. Some may be searchable online, but older files often require an in-person visit or a mailed request.
Are divorce records public in El Paso County?
Yes, divorce decrees are part of the public record. You can request them from the District Clerk’s office (for divorces filed in district court) or the County Clerk (for county-level cases).
How do I check if a contractor has a lien against their business in El Paso?
Liens against a business or property are recorded with the El Paso County Clerk. Search their online database or visit the office in downtown El Paso.
Can I access police reports from the El Paso Police Department?
Yes, but the process varies. For incident reports, you can request copies through the El Paso Police Department’s records division. Some reports may be available online, while others require a formal request.
Disclaimer
This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by El Paso County, the city of El Paso, or any Texas government agency. While we aim to provide accurate, helpful guidance for searching public records, third-party tools and databases may not always reflect the most current or complete information. For official records, especially those used in legal, financial, or critical personal matters, always verify directly with the El Paso County Clerk, District Clerk, Sheriff’s Office, or other relevant authority.