Gray County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Gray County in 2026
GrayRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Gray County, Texas. Members of the public seeking court documents, property filings, vital records, tax data, and other official documents may locate those materials through a combination of county office visits, written requests, and online search tools. The categories of records that may be available include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax assessment and property tax records
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
- Law enforcement records (where permitted by law)
- Land use and zoning records
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by Gray County government.
Online Access:
The Gray County official website provides departmental pages where members of the public may identify the appropriate office for a given record type. The Gray County Clerk's office maintains an external records portal at graycountyclerk.org, where certain land and official records may be searched online. The Gray County District Clerk maintains court case information for district-level proceedings. Child protection court dockets for Gray County are accessible through the Northern Panhandle Child Protection Court portal maintained by the Texas Judicial Branch. No registration is required to search publicly available docket information through the Texas courts system.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Gray County Courthouse in Pampa, Texas, to inspect records at the relevant clerk's office. The County Clerk's office handles land records, vital records, and official county documents. The District Clerk's office handles district court case files. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for on-site record inspection during regular business hours.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate office. Requestors should include the full name of the subject, the type of record sought, the approximate date range, and a return mailing address. Under Texas Government Code § 552.228, governmental bodies are required to respond to public information requests promptly and no later than ten business days after the date of receipt.
Phone/Email:
- County Clerk: 806-669-8004
- Tax Assessor-Collector: 806-669-8018
What Are Public Records in Gray County?
Public records in Gray County are defined under Texas law as any information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body in connection with the transaction of official business. Under Texas Government Code § 552.002, "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.
The following record types are maintained by Gray County offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | District Clerk |
| Probate and family court records | District Clerk / County Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | County Clerk |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | County Clerk |
| Tax assessment and property tax records | Tax Assessor-Collector |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk |
| Election and voting records | County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Clerk / County Judge |
| Budget and financial documents | County Auditor |
| Law enforcement records | Sheriff's Office (where permitted) |
| Land use and zoning records | County Clerk / Commissioners Court |
The Gray County Clerk serves as the primary custodian of official county records, including real property instruments and vital statistics documents filed within the county.
Is Gray County an Open Records County?
Gray County operates in full compliance with the Texas Public Information Act, which mandates public access to government records. Under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, all governmental bodies in Texas, including county offices, are required to make public information available upon request. The Act establishes a strong presumption in favor of disclosure.
As stated by the Texas Office of the Attorney General: "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 governs the operations of all Gray County offices that maintain public records.
The Texas Public Information Act applies to all records created or received by Gray County governmental bodies in the transaction of official business. County offices are required to post certain information proactively and to respond to written requests within the statutory timeframe. The Texas Attorney General's Office provides oversight and issues open records letter rulings when agencies seek to withhold information, ensuring consistent application of the law across all Texas counties.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Gray County?
The fee structure for public records in Gray County is governed by Texas law and the policies of each individual office. Standard fees that members of the public may encounter include:
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (standard size) | $0.10 per page |
| Oversize paper copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copies (County Clerk) | Varies by document type |
| Electronic records (where applicable) | May be provided at no charge or at cost of medium |
| Personnel costs for large requests | Charged when search exceeds one hour |
The Texas Office of the Attorney General publishes a cost rules schedule under Texas Government Code § 552.261, which establishes the maximum amounts governmental bodies may charge for copies of public information. Inspection of records at a public office is provided at no charge. Certification fees for vital records and official documents vary by document type and are set by the County Clerk's office. Accepted payment methods at Gray County offices include cash, check, and money order; individual offices should be contacted to confirm currently accepted payment forms. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest, subject to the discretion of the governmental body.
Does Gray County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to members of the public at Gray County government offices during regular business hours. Texas law requires that governmental bodies permit inspection of public information without charge. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while on-site review of records costs nothing, obtaining physical or electronic copies may incur the fees described above.
The following resources provide free access to certain Gray County records:
- The Gray County official website provides departmental information and links to online record portals at no cost.
- The graycountyclerk.org portal, maintained by the County Clerk's office, allows free online searching of certain land and official records.
- The Texas Judicial Branch's online docket system provides free access to Gray County child protection court dockets and related case information.
- The Gray County Tax Assessor-Collector office provides property tax account information that may be reviewed in person at no charge.
Members of the public may inspect records at the Gray County Courthouse without paying a fee, provided the inspection occurs during normal office hours and does not require the production of certified copies.
Who Can Request Public Records in Gray County?
Any person may request public records from Gray County governmental bodies, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Texas law does not require a requestor to be a Texas resident, to provide identification, or to explain the reason for the request in order to obtain public information. As affirmed by the Texas Office of the Attorney General, "a governmental body may not ask a requestor to explain the reason for a request as a condition of providing the requested information."
Specific provisions apply to certain record types:
- Vital records: Certified copies of birth and death certificates are restricted to eligible parties as defined by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Requestors may be required to demonstrate a qualifying relationship or legal interest.
- Court records: Most district court records are open to the public. Sealed records, juvenile records, and certain family law documents are restricted by court order or statute.
- Law enforcement records: Arrest logs and incident reports are subject to specific access rules under Texas law; certain information within those records may be redacted.
- Personal records: Individuals requesting their own records are subject to the same procedures as any other requestor, though additional verification may be required for certified vital records.
Non-residents of Gray County and of Texas retain the same rights to access public information as residents, consistent with the statewide application of the Texas Public Information Act.
What Records Are Confidential in Gray County?
Certain categories of records maintained by Gray County governmental bodies are exempt from public disclosure under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act enumerates specific exceptions to disclosure, and governmental bodies are required to seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General before withholding information not clearly covered by a statutory exception.
Records that are currently exempt from public disclosure in Gray County include:
- Sealed court records: Documents sealed by court order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are confidential under Texas Family Code provisions.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Information that would interfere with an active law enforcement investigation is exempt.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are protected from disclosure.
- Medical records: Health information is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by statute.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by child protective agencies are confidential.
- Personnel records: Certain employee information is exempt, with exceptions for salary and job title data.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Commercially sensitive information submitted to government agencies may be protected.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Information that could compromise public safety is withheld.
Texas Government Code Chapter 552, Subchapter C, enumerates the specific exceptions to disclosure applicable to all Texas governmental bodies. When a governmental body believes requested information falls within an exception, it must request a ruling from the Attorney General's Office within ten business days of receiving the public information request.
Gray County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
The primary offices responsible for maintaining public records in Gray County are the County Clerk, the District Clerk, and the Tax Assessor-Collector, all located at the Gray County Courthouse in Pampa, Texas.
Gray County Clerk
200 West Broadway, Pampa, TX 79065
P.O. Box 1902, Pampa, TX 79066
Phone: 806-669-8004
Gray County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Gray County District Clerk
200 West Broadway, Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: (Available through the Gray County Courthouse main line)
District Clerk – Gray County
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Gray County Tax Assessor-Collector
P.O. Box 382, Pampa, TX 79066
Phone: 806-669-8018
Gray County Tax Assessor-Collector
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
The Gray County, Texas official website provides current departmental contact information, courthouse directions, and links to online record search tools maintained by each office.
Lookup Public Records in Gray County
- Gray County District Clerk – court records and child support information
- Gray County Clerk – land, vital, and official county records
- Gray County, Texas – official county government portal
- Northern Panhandle Child Protection Court dockets for Gray County
- Gray County Tax Assessor-Collector – property tax records