El Paso County Court Records Search
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El Paso County sits at the western tip of Texas, with the county seat in El Paso and a population exceeding 860,000. The county’s judicial system includes sixteen district courts, a criminal district court, seven county courts at law, four criminal courts at law, two statutory probate courts, seven justice of the peace precincts, and several municipal courts. Two separate clerks manage court records: the District Clerk handles filings in the district courts, criminal district court, and family courts, while the County Clerk oversees county courts at law, probate courts, and vital records. Both clerks operate out of the El Paso County Courthouse at 500 East San Antonio Avenue in downtown El Paso.
Residents of Texas can search for court case information through multiple official channels, including the clerk offices at the courthouse, public access terminals, and electronic portals. The El Paso County records search page provides a centralized directory of online databases covering civil, criminal, probate, jail, warrant, and property records. The statewide resource at TexasStateCourts.us may also help users identify publicly available case information across Texas counties.
How to Look Up a Court Case in El Paso County?
El Paso County maintains several overlapping online databases that correspond to different clerk offices and case types. Understanding which system to use depends on the court that handled the matter.
Online Case Search Portals
- Criminal Case Records – search felony, misdemeanor, and traffic cases by defendant name or case number (maintained by both the County Clerk and District Clerk)
- Civil, Family & Probate Case Records – search open and closed civil suits, family law cases, and probate/guardianship matters
- Jail Records – search current bookings only
- Jail Bond Records – search bond details
- Warrant Search – search warrants issued by the Sheriff’s Office
- Official Public Records – deeds of trust, liens, and other recorded instruments (County Clerk)
Viewing basic case data through these portals is free. Copies and certified documents require payment.
In-Person Access
Both the District Clerk and County Clerk maintain public service counters at the El Paso County Courthouse. Walk-in requests are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
District Clerk Office
Address: 500 East San Antonio Avenue, Suite 103, El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 546-2021
Fax: (915) 546-8139
Email: districtclerk@epcounty.com
County Clerk Office
Address: 500 East San Antonio Avenue, Suite 105, El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 546-2071
Fax: (915) 546-2012
Mail and Email Requests
Requests for District Clerk records can be sent by email to districtclerk@epcounty.com or mailed to the Suite 103 address above. Include the case number or full party names, dates of birth, and case type. Probate record copy requests should be emailed to probaterecordsrequest@epcounty.com.
Electronic Filing
All civil and family filings in the district courts must be submitted electronically through eFileTexas.gov. Self-represented litigants can use the eFile Texas Self Help portal for guided assistance.
Copy and Miscellaneous Fees (District Clerk)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Electronic copy (per document, up to 10 pages) | $1.00 |
| Electronic copy (each page over 10) | $0.10 |
| Certified copy (certification fee) | $5.00 |
| Exemplified copy | $3.00 |
| Research fee | $5.00 |
| Record retrieval from archives | $6.00 |
| Criminal background check | $10.00 |
| Bill of costs | $5.00 |
| Name change certificate | $10.00 |
| Credit card surcharge | 2.50% ($2.00 minimum) |
| Debit card fee | $2.95 |
The complete District Clerk fee schedule (revised effective January 1, 2025 per SB 1612) is available in PDF format.
Are Court Records Public in El Paso County?
Texas court records are presumed open to the public under two principal authorities. The Common Law Right of Access provides a constitutional and common-law basis for inspecting court case documents. Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration governs access to all judicial records maintained by the courts, establishing that these records are open for inspection and copying during regular business hours.
Under these frameworks, record custodians in El Paso County must make most court filings available upon request. Certain categories, however, are exempt from public disclosure:
- Judicial work products, drafts, and internal deliberative materials
- Personnel records related to the hiring of court-appointed or elected officials
- Documents sealed by court order or classified as confidential under state or federal law
- Records containing identifying information about crime victims, witnesses, or minors
- Settlement negotiation details and mediation communications
- Adoption records, which are sealed under Texas Family Code Chapter 162
- Mental health commitment proceedings under Texas Health and Safety Code §§ 571–574
- Juvenile case records, which carry restricted access under Texas Family Code Title 3
When exempt information appears within an otherwise public filing, the clerk will redact the protected portions before releasing the document. Requesters who are denied access may challenge the decision through the procedures outlined in Rule 12.6 of the Rules of Judicial Administration, which requires that requests be submitted in writing.
El Paso County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in El Paso County is shared among the district courts (felonies), the criminal district court, four criminal courts at law (misdemeanors), and seven justice of the peace courts (Class C misdemeanors and traffic offenses). The District Clerk maintains records for all felony and criminal district court cases, while the County Clerk handles misdemeanor filings in the criminal courts at law.
Searching Criminal Records Online
The county’s criminal case records portal allows free searches by defendant name or case number across both District Clerk and County Clerk databases. The portal displays case status, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information. Active warrant searches and jail records for current bookings are also available online.
Requesting Criminal Record Copies
For certified copies of criminal court filings maintained by the District Clerk, submit a request by email, mail, or in person to:
District Clerk Office
500 East San Antonio Avenue, Suite 103
El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 546-2021
Email: districtclerk@epcounty.com
Fees: $1.00 per page for plain copies; $5.00 certification fee per document. A CD copy of an entire criminal case file costs $5.00.
Criminal Background Checks
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office processes local criminal background checks for $8.00 per search, payable by money order (mail) or credit card (email). Submit the completed criminal background check form, a valid photo ID, and a signed authorization letter from the record subject. Mail or deliver requests to:
El Paso County Sheriff’s Department
Attn: Records
3850 Justice Drive
El Paso, TX 79938
Email: EPCSORecords@epcounty.com
In-person requests are accepted Tuesdays (9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and Wednesdays (9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). The Sheriff’s Office releases criminal records only to the subject of the record or to third parties presenting a signed authorization.
For statewide criminal history, the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a secure online criminal history search portal that covers records from all Texas jurisdictions.
Misdemeanor Court Costs (County Clerk)
Basic court costs for adult misdemeanor cases total $325.00 (State consolidated $147.00 + Local consolidated $123.00 + peace officer fees). DWI cases carry a higher total of $435.00 due to drug/alcohol rehabilitation evaluation and EMS trauma fund surcharges. The full County Clerk fee schedule details every line item by offense category.
El Paso County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in El Paso County are distributed across multiple courts depending on the amount in controversy and subject matter. The district courts hear general civil matters without a dollar cap, while the county courts at law handle cases within their statutory jurisdiction. Justice of the peace courts hear small claims up to $20,000, eviction suits, and certain debt cases.
Searching Civil Records
The civil, family & probate case records portal provides free online access to open and closed civil suits filed with both the District Clerk and County Clerk. Searches can be conducted by party name, case number, or attorney name.
For recorded instruments such as deeds of trust, liens, and judgments, the County Clerk maintains the Official Public Records database. Historical deed index books from the county’s sovereignty through 1963 are available through the QuickLinks remote access portal.
Requesting Civil Case Documents
To obtain copies of civil filings from the District Clerk, complete a civil case information sheet and submit it by email, mail, or in person to the Suite 103 address. Include applicable fees: $1.00 per page for regular copies, $5.00 for certification.
Civil Filing Fees (District Clerk, Effective January 1, 2025)
| Case Type | Total Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil lawsuit (contract, damages, real property, foreign judgment) | $350.00 |
| JP appeal / driver’s license suspension | $350.00 |
| Certificate of title | $357.00 |
| Cross-action / counterclaim / intervention | $80.00 |
| Incoming transfer from another county | $80.00 |
| Notice of appeal | $35.00 |
| Citation issuance | $8.00 |
| Sheriff/constable personal service | $125.00 |
| Service by publication or posting | $85.00 |
| District Clerk citation by mail | $57.00 |
Small Claims in Justice Courts
Small claims are filed in the appropriate justice of the peace precinct. The El Paso County Justices of the Peace directory lists all seven precincts with addresses and phone numbers. Filing fees and procedures vary by precinct.
El Paso County Family Court Records
Family law matters in El Paso County are heard by the district courts designated for family cases, including the 65th, 383rd, and 388th District Courts. The District Clerk files and maintains all family court records, including divorce, custody, paternity, adoption, protective orders, and child support enforcement actions.
Searching Family Records
Family case records are searchable through the same civil, family & probate portal used for civil cases. Enter the party name or case number to view docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. Confidential family records, including adoption files and documents involving minors, are restricted to parties, their attorneys, and authorized individuals.
Family Law Filing Fees (District Clerk, Effective January 1, 2025)
| Filing Type | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce/annulment involving children | $401.00 |
| Divorce/annulment not involving children | $350.00 |
| Suit affecting parent-child relationship / paternity / termination | $401.00 |
| Adoption (child) / adoption and termination | $401.00 |
| Adoption (adult) | $350.00 |
| Protective order application | $381.00 |
| Name change (adult or child) | $350.00 |
| Family motion (modify/enforce child support) | $95.00 |
| Other family motions (contempt, counterclaim, etc.) | $80.00 |
| Spousal support enforcement | $15.00 |
A Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs form is available for litigants who cannot pay filing fees. The form, approved by the Texas Supreme Court, must be completed in the approved format or it will be rejected.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the El Paso County Clerk’s Vitals Division on a walk-in basis at the downtown office and three satellite annexes. An online marriage application can be completed before visiting in person. Both applicants must appear with valid government-issued photo ID. Texas law imposes a 72-hour waiting period after issuance (waivable with a Twogether in Texas certificate, active military status, or a judicial waiver). The license is valid for 89 days.
Marriage license fees:
- Formal license (Texas residents): $81.00
- Non-Texas residents: $181.00
- Informal marriage license: $46.00
- Certified copy of marriage license: $7.00
- Affidavit for marriage correction: $17.00
Marriage records can be searched online through the County Clerk’s marriage records database. Payment is accepted by cash, credit/debit card (2.50% credit surcharge / $2.95 debit fee), money order, cashier’s check, or business check payable to “El Paso County Clerk”.
Divorce Records
Copies of divorce decrees are obtained from the District Clerk. Complete a case information sheet and submit it with the applicable fee ($1.00 per page for plain copies, $5.00 for certified copies). The Texas Department of State Health Services also issues divorce verification letters for $20.00 per copy. Mail requests with a completed form and payment (money order or check payable to DSHS) to: DSHS-VSS, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are confidential in Texas. Eligible requesters (the named individual, parents, spouses, legal guardians, or authorized representatives) can obtain copies from the County Clerk’s Vitals Division at two satellite locations:
- Ysleta Annex: 9521 Socorro Road, Suite A-1, El Paso, TX 79927 – Phone: (915) 273-3468
- Northeast Annex: 4641 Cohen Avenue, Suite B, El Paso, TX 79924 – Phone: (915) 273-3452
Both offices are open weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Northeast Annex closed 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for lunch). Birth and death indexes are searchable through the County Clerk’s online birth index and death index databases.
The DSHS also provides birth certificates ($22.00) and death certificates ($20.00) by mail. Send a completed birth record application or death verification form, a copy of valid photo ID, and payment to: Texas Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040.
El Paso County Probate Court Records
El Paso County has two statutory probate courts that handle wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, and related proceedings. The Probate-Civil Division of the County Clerk serves as clerk of the court for both probate courts, managing all filings, record preservation, and public access.
Probate Court No. 1
Address: 500 East San Antonio Avenue, Suite 803, El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 546-2161
Fax: (915) 546-2019
Probate Court No. 2
Address: 500 East San Antonio Avenue, Suite 422, El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 546-8183
Fax: (915) 875-8530
Searching Probate Records
Probate and guardianship cases are searchable online through the civil, family & probate records portal. Enter a case number or party name to view filings, hearing dates, and case status.
Requesting Copies
To request copies of probate documents, letters testamentary, or guardianship letters, email the Probate-Civil Division at probaterecordsrequest@epcounty.com. Mail filings and requests to:
El Paso County Clerk’s Office
Attention: Probate Division
500 East San Antonio Avenue, Suite 105
El Paso, TX 79901
Walk-in services are available for filing original wills, withdrawing or depositing wills for safekeeping, filing annual guardianship reports, and obtaining letters testamentary or guardianship letters.
Probate Filing Fees (County Clerk)
| Filing Type | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Letters testamentary / administration | $447.00 |
| Muniment of title / small estate affidavit | $445.00 |
| Declaration of heirship | $455.00 |
| Probate of foreign will / management of trust | $362.00 |
| Guardianship of incapacitated adult | $565.00 |
| Guardianship of minor under 12 | $447.00 |
| Temporary guardianship | varies (includes multiple citation/service fees) |
| Mental health proceedings | $485.00 |
| Contest / objection in existing case | $120.00 |
| Open safety deposit box | $362.00 |
| Sale of real property without guardianship | $362.00 |
All probate filing fees include State consolidated ($137.00) and Local consolidated ($223.00) components, plus additional costs for sheriff posting, citation issuance, and court-specific surcharges. The full County Clerk probate fee schedule provides detailed line items for every proceeding type, including guardianship of minors and adults, bond forfeitures, and sale-of-property petitions.
Electronic filing of probate petitions is available through eFileTexas.gov. The County Clerk may charge a convenience fee for e-filed documents in addition to regular filing fees and any credit card surcharges. Posting citations are published on the County Clerk’s public bulletin board.