Limestone County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Limestone County in 2026
LimestoneRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Limestone County, Texas. Members of the public may use this resource to locate records across a range of categories, including property documents, court filings, vital records, and election information. The availability and completeness of individual records may vary depending on the custodial office and the nature of the request.
Record categories that may be accessible through official county channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, liens, and mortgage documents
- Vital records such as birth and death certificates
- Marriage and divorce records
- Tax assessment and property tax records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Business licenses and fictitious name filings
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted by law)
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by Limestone County, Texas.
Online Access: The Limestone County Clerk's Office maintains official public records and provides information about available online search tools. Members of the public may access certain property and land records through the county's online portal. No registration is required to conduct basic searches, though some document retrieval functions may require additional steps.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the County Clerk's Office at the Limestone County Courthouse in Groesbeck, Texas. The recording window for official public records is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Pursuant to Texas House Bill 1195, effective July 1, 2023, a government-issued photo ID is required for the submission of all documents for recording.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted by mail to the County Clerk's Office at the Limestone County Courthouse, 200 W. State St., Groesbeck, TX 76642. Requests should include the full name of the subject, the type of record sought, the approximate date range, and the requester's contact information. Under the Texas Public Information Act, governmental bodies are required to respond to written requests promptly, and in most cases within ten business days.
Phone/Email: The County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (254) 729-3810. Contact information for specific departments is available through the official county website.
What Are Public Records in Limestone County?
Public records in Limestone County are defined under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552.002, as any information that is collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body in connection with the transaction of official business. The following record types are maintained by county offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | District Clerk's Office |
| Probate and family court records | County Clerk's Office |
| Property deeds, liens, mortgages | County Clerk's Office |
| Birth and death certificates | County Clerk's Office |
| Marriage licenses | County Clerk's Office |
| Tax assessment records | County Appraisal District |
| Voting and election records | Limestone County Elections Office |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Judge's Office / County Clerk |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk's Office |
| Law enforcement records | Sheriff's Office (where permitted) |
The Limestone County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for the majority of official public records, including land records, vital records, and commissioners court documents.
Is Limestone County an Open Records County?
Limestone County operates in full compliance with the Texas Public Information Act, which establishes the right of the public to access government records. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to any person upon request. The statute provides that "a member of the public is entitled to inspect or receive a copy of public information of a governmental body."
The Texas Attorney General's Office oversees compliance with the Act and issues open records rulings when agencies seek to withhold information. As stated by the Office of the Attorney General, "The Public Information Act gives you the right to access government records; and an officer for public information and the officer's agent may not ask why you want them." This provision ensures that members of the public are not required to justify their requests in order to obtain access to non-exempt records.
Limestone County governmental bodies are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act, codified at Texas Government Code Chapter 551, which requires that meetings of governmental bodies be open to the public and that advance notice be provided. Meeting minutes and agendas are maintained as public records and are available through the County Clerk's Office.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Limestone County?
The standard fee structure for public records in Limestone County is governed by the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Local Government Code. Current fees applicable to most requests are as follows:
- Standard paper copies: $0.10 per page (black and white, letter or legal size)
- Certified copies of official documents: Fees vary by document type; the County Clerk's Office charges a standard certification fee per document
- Birth certificates (long form): $23.00 for the first copy; $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Marriage license copies: Fees set by the County Clerk's Office per applicable state schedule
- Electronic format: Charges may apply for programming or manipulation of data; standard document copies in electronic format are subject to the same per-page rate
- Postage and handling: Actual cost of postage is charged for mailed responses
Accepted payment methods at the County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order. The Limestone County District Clerk's Office accepts online payments for criminal case fees through its designated payment portal.
Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, including when the requester demonstrates that release of the information primarily benefits the general public. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing with supporting documentation.
Does Limestone County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to members of the public under Texas law. Texas Government Code § 552.021 establishes that any person is entitled to inspect public information without charge. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records at a public counter or terminal carries no fee, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the standard fee schedule described above.
The following resources provide free access to certain Limestone County records:
- County Clerk's public access terminal: Located at the Limestone County Courthouse, this terminal allows members of the public to search and view land records, deed indexes, and related documents at no cost during regular business hours.
- District Clerk's Office: Court case information and docket records may be inspected in person at no charge.
- Limestone County Elections Office: Voter registration information and election results are available at no cost through the county elections page.
- Texas Department of State Health Services: Certain vital records indexes are available for free online inspection through the state agency's official portal at dshs.texas.gov.
Who Can Request Public Records in Limestone County?
Any person is entitled to request public records from Limestone County governmental bodies under the Texas Public Information Act. Requesters are not required to be Texas residents, and governmental bodies may not require a requester to state the purpose of the request as a condition of access to non-exempt records.
Specific eligibility considerations include:
- Identification: For standard inspection and copy requests, identification is not required. However, pursuant to Texas House Bill 1195, a government-issued photo ID is required when submitting documents for recording with the County Clerk's Office.
- Vital records access: Access to birth certificates and other vital records is restricted under Texas Government Code § 552.115. Only the registrant, immediate family members, legal guardians, or authorized representatives may obtain certified copies of birth records.
- Court records: Most civil and criminal court records are open to the public. Sealed records, juvenile records, and certain family law matters are restricted by court order or statute.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals requesting their own records may be required to provide proof of identity to ensure the accuracy of the response and to protect against unauthorized disclosure of personal information.
Non-residents of Texas retain the same rights as residents with respect to access to non-exempt public records.
What Records Are Confidential in Limestone County?
Certain categories of records maintained by Limestone County governmental bodies are exempt from public disclosure under state and federal law. The Texas Public Information Act identifies numerous exceptions to the general rule of openness. Records that are currently exempt from disclosure include:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are confidential under the Texas Family Code.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Information related to active law enforcement investigations is exempt to the extent that disclosure would interfere with the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are protected from 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 or specific statutory procedures.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Confidential under the Texas Family Code.
- Personnel records: Employee personal information, including home addresses and medical history, is exempt, though certain employment information such as salary and job title remains public.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt when submitted to a governmental body under a claim of confidentiality.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Exempt to protect public safety.
The Texas Attorney General's Office publishes a comprehensive Open Records Decision index that addresses the application of specific exemptions. Governmental bodies seeking to withhold records must request a ruling from the Attorney General within ten business days of receiving a public information request.
Limestone County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Limestone County Clerk's Office
200 W. State St., Groesbeck, TX 76642
(254) 729-3810
Limestone County Clerk's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Recording of Official Public Records: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Limestone County District Clerk's Office
200 W. State St., Groesbeck, TX 76642
(254) 729-5504
District Clerk – Limestone County
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Limestone County Elections Office
200 W. State St., Groesbeck, TX 76642
Limestone County Elections
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Limestone County Appraisal District
200 W. State St., Groesbeck, TX 76642
(254) 729-3009
Limestone County Appraisal District
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM