Brazos County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Brazos County?

Public records in Brazos County are official documents and information maintained by county government agencies that are accessible to the public under Texas Public Information Act. These records include property documents, court records, vital statistics, tax information, and various other official documents created or maintained by county offices.

The Brazos County Clerk's Office is the primary custodian of many public records, including property deeds, marriage licenses, assumed name certificates, and birth and death records.

Brazos County Clerk's Office: 300 E 26th St, Suite 120, Bryan, TX 77803

The District Clerk's Office maintains court records for district courts, including civil, criminal, and family court cases.

Brazos County District Clerk: 300 E 26th St, Suite 1200, Bryan, TX 77803

Is Brazos County an Open Records County?

Yes, Brazos County is an open records county that operates under the Texas Public Information Act (formerly known as the Open Records Act). This law ensures that citizens have the right to access government records unless specifically exempted by law.

The county has established procedures for requesting and obtaining public information from various departments. The Brazos County Attorney's Office handles and coordinates many open records requests to ensure compliance with state law.

Brazos County Attorney's Office: 300 E 26th St, Suite 325, Bryan, TX 77803

Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, email, or through the county's online portal. The county must respond to requests promptly, typically within 10 business days.

How Do I Find Public Records in Brazos County in 2025

Finding public records in Brazos County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website and dedicated public records portals. The Brazos County Clerk's Office provides an online search system for property records, marriage licenses, and other documents.
JustFOIA Portal: Submit formal open records requests through the county's online request system.

JustFOIA Portal: https://brazoscountytx.justfoia.com/publicportal
In-Person Visits: Visit the appropriate county office depending on the type of record needed:
- Property records, marriage licenses, birth/death certificates: County Clerk's Office
- Court records: District Clerk's Office
- Tax records: Tax Assessor-Collector's Office (300 E 26th St, Suite 1500, Bryan, TX 77803)
Written Requests: Submit written requests to the specific department that maintains the records you seek.
Email Requests: Many departments accept records requests via email.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Brazos County?

The cost of obtaining public records in Brazos County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

Copy Fees: Standard paper copies typically cost $0.10 to $0.50 per page
Certified Copies: Additional fees apply for certified documents (typically $1-$5 per document)
Birth/Death Certificates: $23 for the first copy, $3 for each additional copy
Marriage Licenses: $82 for issuance, $5-$10 for copies
Court Records: Fees vary by document type and length
Research Fees: $15-$30 per hour may apply if extensive research is required

The county follows the fee guidelines established by the Texas Administrative Code. For large requests, the county may provide a cost estimate before proceeding with the request.

Does Brazos County Have Free Public Records?

Brazos County does offer some public records at no cost:

Online Searches: Basic searches through the county's online portals are generally free, though downloading or printing documents may incur fees
Public Terminals: Computer terminals at the County Clerk's Office and District Clerk's Office allow free viewing of certain records
Inspection of Records: In-person inspection of non-confidential records is typically free
Some Electronic Records: Certain electronic records may be provided free of charge if they require minimal processing

However, most official copies, certified documents, and records requiring significant staff time to compile will incur fees as outlined in the county's fee schedule.

Who Can Request Public Records In Brazos County?

Under the Texas Public Information Act, anyone can request public records in Brazos County, regardless of:

Citizenship status
Residency
Age (though minors may face some restrictions)
Purpose of the request

Requestors do not need to provide identification or explain why they want the records, except in specific circumstances where access is limited by law. Government agencies, businesses, media organizations, and private individuals all have equal rights to access public information.

The county cannot ask about the purpose of your request or how you plan to use the information, except in very limited circumstances where such information might help determine if an exception to disclosure applies.

What Records Are Confidential In Brazos County?

Certain records in Brazos County are confidential by law and exempt from public disclosure:

Personal Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifiers
Juvenile Records: Most records related to juvenile offenders
Medical Information: Health records and information protected by HIPAA
Ongoing Investigations: Records related to active law enforcement investigations
Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice between county officials and attorneys
Certain Personnel Records: Employee evaluations, personal information of public employees
Victim Information: Details about victims of crimes, especially in sensitive cases
Adoption Records: Information about adoptions and related proceedings
Mental Health Records: Information about mental health treatment and evaluations
Certain Court Records: Records sealed by court order

The Brazos County Attorney's Office reviews requests that might contain confidential information to ensure compliance with privacy laws while maximizing transparency where possible.