Gillespie County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Gillespie County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Texas Hill Country may access a broad range of publicly available information through GillespieRecords.us and through official county offices. Gillespie County maintains records across multiple departments, and the information available may include property documents, vital records, court filings, and official government proceedings. The scope and completeness of accessible records depends on the record type, the custodial office, and applicable state law exemptions.
Record categories that members of the public may find include:
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Birth, death, and marriage records
- Assumed business names and fictitious name filings
- Commissioners Court minutes and resolutions
- Criminal and civil court case records
- Tax assessment and appraisal records
- Voting and election records
- Land use and zoning documents
Records may be accessed through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access:
The Gillespie County official website provides a centralized portal for residents and researchers. The county's online records search portal allows users to search assumed names, birth records, Commissioners Court minutes, death records, marriage records, and real estate documents. Additionally, the county's official public records search tool provides quick and advanced search functionality for land and official records, with certification current through the present date. No registration is required to conduct basic searches through these portals.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Gillespie County Clerk's Office to inspect records in person. The office is located at 101 W. Main Street, Suite 103, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should identify the record type and approximate date range when presenting a request at the public counter.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted to the Gillespie County Clerk's Office at 101 W. Main Street, Suite 103, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. Requests should include the full name of the subject, the type of record sought, the approximate date or date range, and the requestor's contact information. Under Texas Government Code § 552.228, governmental bodies are required to respond to written requests promptly, and in no event later than ten business days after receipt.
Phone/Email:
The Gillespie County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (830) 997-6515. Members of the public are encouraged to call in advance to confirm record availability and any applicable fees before submitting a formal request.
What Are Public Records in Gillespie County?
Public records in Gillespie County are government-generated or government-held documents that are subject to disclosure under Texas law. Under Texas Government Code § 552.002, public information is defined as 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.
The following record types are currently maintained by Gillespie County offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | County Clerk |
| Birth and death certificates | County Clerk |
| Marriage licenses | County Clerk |
| Assumed business names | County Clerk |
| Commissioners Court minutes | County Clerk |
| Civil and criminal court records | District Clerk / County Clerk |
| Tax assessment records | Gillespie County Appraisal District |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk / Elections Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning Department |
The Gillespie County Clerk's office serves as the official records keeper of the Commissioners Court, the County Court, the County Court at Law, all land records, and other official public documents. The county's official public records page provides access to electronic recording requirements, land record index books, and supplementary information for researchers and title professionals.
Is Gillespie County an Open Records County?
Gillespie County fully complies with the Texas Public Information Act, which governs public access to government records throughout the state. Under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, all governmental bodies in Texas are required to make public information available for inspection and copying upon request. The Act establishes a presumption of openness, meaning that records are presumed to be public unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
As stated by the Texas Attorney General's Office, "The people of this state, as the ultimate masters of government, have the right to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees." This principle underlies the county's records access policies and procedures.
The Texas Public Information Act applies to all county offices, including the County Clerk, District Clerk, Sheriff's Office, and all other departments operating under the authority of Gillespie County. The county does not maintain a separate local open records ordinance, as state law provides the governing framework. The Texas Attorney General's Office provides open government resources and complaint procedures for members of the public who believe a request has been improperly denied.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Gillespie County?
The standard fee structure for public records in Gillespie County is governed by the Texas Public Information Act and the cost rules established by the Texas Attorney General. Current fees applicable to most requests are as follows:
| Fee Type | Standard Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies (8.5" x 11") | $0.10 per page |
| Oversized copies | Actual cost |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $21.00 for first copy; $4.00 each additional |
| Electronic records (CD/DVD) | $1.00 per disc |
| Labor charge (requests over 50 pages) | $15.00 per hour after first hour |
| Postage and shipping | Actual cost |
Inspection of records at the public counter is available at no charge. Fees for certified copies of vital records, such as birth and death certificates, are set by the Texas Health and Safety Code and are subject to periodic adjustment. Accepted payment methods at the Gillespie County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order made payable to the Gillespie County Clerk. Members of the public submitting mail requests should include payment with their written submission.
Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, particularly for requests made by indigent individuals or for records that primarily benefit the general public rather than a private interest, as provided under Texas Attorney General cost rules.
Does Gillespie County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to all members of the public at the Gillespie County Clerk's Office during regular business hours. Under the Texas Public Information Act, governmental bodies are required to allow inspection of public records without charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
The following free resources are currently available:
- Online records search: The county's public records search portal allows free online searching of land records and official documents without registration.
- In-person inspection: Members of the public may inspect records at the County Clerk's public counter at no cost.
- Commissioners Court minutes: Available through the county's online records search at no charge.
- Property and real estate index records: Searchable at no cost through the county's digital portal.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records in person or online carries no fee, obtaining physical or certified copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Gillespie County?
Any person may request public records from Gillespie County offices, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. The Texas Public Information Act does not restrict access to Texas residents; members of the public from any state or country may submit requests. As affirmed by the Texas Attorney General's Office, "Any person, corporation, or other entity may request public information from a governmental body."
Requestors are not required to:
- Provide proof of Texas residency
- State the purpose of the request
- Provide identification for most general public records requests
Identification may be required when requesting certain restricted records, such as certified copies of vital records, where the requestor must demonstrate a direct and tangible interest. For example, certified birth certificates are available to the registrant, immediate family members, or legal representatives, as specified under the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Individuals requesting their own records are subject to the same fee structure as third-party requestors, though certain personal records may be obtained at reduced cost or through specific procedures established by the custodial office.
What Records Are Confidential in Gillespie County?
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act enumerates specific exemptions, and governmental bodies are required to withhold information that falls within these categories. Exempt and confidential records in Gillespie County include:
- Juvenile records: Protected under the Texas Family Code and not subject to general public disclosure
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Information compiled during active law enforcement investigations
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted prior to disclosure
- Medical and health records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only through court order
- Child welfare and protective services records: Confidential under the Texas Family Code
- Personnel records: Employee personal information is exempt, with limited exceptions for salary and position information
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt when submitted to a governmental body in confidence
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Withheld to protect public safety
Under Texas Government Code § 552.101, information is confidential if it is considered to be confidential by law, either constitutional, statutory, or by judicial decision. When a governmental body believes a requested record may be subject to an exemption, it is required to seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Office within ten business days of receiving the request.
Gillespie County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Gillespie County Clerk's Office
101 W. Main Street, Suite 103
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-6515
Gillespie County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Mailing Address:
Gillespie County Clerk
101 W. Main Street, Suite 103
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
The County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian of land records, vital records, court records, and official public documents for Gillespie County. The office maintains both physical and electronic records, and the official public records page provides information on electronic recording requirements and land record index books.
Additional Offices:
Gillespie County Appraisal District
301 W. Main Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-9807
Gillespie County Appraisal District
Gillespie County District Clerk
101 W. Main Street, Suite 203
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-6521
Gillespie County Sheriff's Office
405 E. San Antonio Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-7585