Potter County Court Records Search
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Potter County is in the Texas Panhandle, with its county seat in Amarillo. The county operates five District Courts (47th, 108th, 181st, 251st, and 320th), two County Courts at Law, four Justice of the Peace Courts, and several specialty courts including a drug court, a veterans treatment court, and a child protection court. The Potter County District Clerk maintains records for all district-level proceedings, while the Potter County Clerk handles records for the County Courts at Law and the constitutional county court with probate jurisdiction.
Texas court records may be searched through clerk offices, public-access terminals at courthouses, and various online tools. TexasStateCourts.us can also help users identify publicly available court case information across the state’s counties, including Potter County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Potter County?
Potter County provides multiple channels for locating court records: online databases, in-person visits, and written requests by mail.
Online case search
The primary online resource is the Potter County Court Records Portal, which consolidates data from both the District Clerk and the County Clerk. Users can search by case number or by party name. When searching by party name, enter the last name followed by a comma and first name (e.g., Smith, Jane). A first initial followed by an asterisk works as a wildcard (e.g., Smith, J*). Case numbers must be entered in full. Email portal@mypottercounty.com with questions.
The County Clerk also provides a Self-Service Web portal for searching official public records including marriage licenses, deed records, and related instruments.
In-person access
Free public search computers are available at the District Clerk’s office during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). Court records maintained by the County Clerk are likewise available for public inspection at no charge at the County Clerk’s Court Department.
Mail requests
Written requests should be sent to the appropriate clerk’s office. For District Court records, include a money order or cashier’s check for $30 as a deposit for copies and postage, plus a $5 search fee required by law. For County Clerk records, include applicable fees (detailed below) and provide the information needed for the specific record type.
Potter County District Clerk
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9570, Amarillo, TX 79105
Physical Address: 350 SE 6th Ave., Suite 1B, Amarillo, TX 79101
Email: districtclerk@co.potter.tx.us
District Clerk: Stephnie Menke
Potter County Clerk
Address: 500 South Fillmore Street, Suite 201, Amarillo, TX 79101
Official Public Records & Marriage License Phone: (806) 379-2275
Court Department Phone: (806) 379-2284
Fax: (806) 379-2296
Email: countyclerk@co.potter.tx.us
Copy fees at the District Clerk
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Non-certified copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified document copies (online portal) | $2–$8 per document |
| Search fee (required by law) | $5.00 |
| Mail deposit (money order/cashier’s check) | $30.00 |
Copy fees at the County Clerk (Court Department)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies | $5.00 certification + $1.00 per page |
| Certification of facts (search results without copies) | $5.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Potter County?
Potter County court records are public records under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, commonly known as the Texas Public Information Act. This statute defines public records as information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies for official business and establishes a right of public access.
Not all records are available, however. The Act provides two categories of exceptions:
- Mandatory exceptions — Agencies must withhold certain information, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth of living persons, and other data classified as confidential by law, federal statute, or court order.
- Discretionary exceptions — Agencies may withhold non-confidential information in specific circumstances, such as attorney-client privileged material and audit working papers.
Records that are sealed, expunged, or subject to nondisclosure orders are not available to the general public. Birth and death records in Texas are confidential vital records, accessible only to the individual named, immediate family members by blood or marriage, or other persons authorized by statute. Juvenile records and mental health commitment case records maintained by the County Clerk are also restricted.
To submit a formal public information request for records under Commissioners Court jurisdiction, send a written request to:
Potter County Judge, Attn. Open Records Division
Potter County Attorney’s Office
500 S. Fillmore, Room 301
Amarillo, TX 79101
Email: openrecords@co.potter.tx.us
Potter County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Potter County are prosecuted in the District Courts (felonies) and the County Courts at Law (misdemeanors). The four Justice of the Peace Courts handle Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, and other minor offenses. The District Clerk maintains records for District Court criminal matters, while the County Clerk maintains misdemeanor criminal records for the County Courts at Law.
Searching criminal court records
- Online — Use the Potter County Court Records Portal to search criminal case information by case number or party name.
- In person — Visit the District Clerk’s office at 350 SE 6th Ave., Suite 1B, or use the public search computers available there.
- By mail — Send a written request to the District Clerk (for felony records) or the County Clerk Court Department (for misdemeanor records) with the applicable fees and the defendant’s name, approximate date of offense or conviction, and type of offense if known.
Justice of the Peace Courts maintain their own case records independently. Contact the relevant precinct for JP-level criminal records:
| JP Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Precinct 1 | 900 S. Polk, Suite 418, Amarillo, TX 79101 | (806) 349-4880 |
| Precinct 2 | 500 S. Fillmore, Suite 502, Amarillo, TX 79101 | (806) 379-2390 |
| Precinct 3 | 13651 I-40 West, Amarillo, TX 79124 | (806) 355-3070 |
| Precinct 4 | 500 S. Fillmore, Suite 302A, Amarillo, TX 79101 | (806) 379-2817 |
Arrest records and the Sheriff’s Office
The Potter County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, active warrants, and sex offender information. Active warrants and the sex offender registry are viewable on the Sheriff’s public records page. For other criminal records, submit a Public Information Request form online, by email, or by mail.
Potter County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 13103 NE 29th Avenue, Amarillo, TX 79111
Phone: (806) 379-2900
Fax: (806) 379-2919
Public Records Email: LEC-PublicRecords@co.potter.tx.us
The Sheriff’s Civil Division is located at the Santa Fe Building, 900 S. Polk Street, 12th Floor, Amarillo, TX 79101, Phone: (806) 379-2938
Criminal appeals from Potter County are heard by the Texas 7th Court of Appeals, located at 501 S. Fillmore Street, Amarillo, TX 79101, Phone: (806) 342-2650
Potter County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Potter County is divided between the District Courts (cases over $200 in controversy, contested matters, and appeals) and the County Courts at Law (misdemeanor criminal, civil cases within statutory limits, and probate). The Justice of the Peace Courts hear small claims and civil cases up to $20,000.
The District Clerk maintains all civil case files for the District Courts. Notably, the District Clerk also serves as clerk of the court for civil and family cases in the County Courts at Law. The County Clerk handles probate matters and Commissioners Court records.
Searching civil records
- Online — The Potter County Court Records Portal allows searches of civil case information from both the District and County Courts. The County Clerk’s Self-Service Web portal covers deed records, liens, and other instruments in the official public records.
- In person — Free access is available at the District Clerk’s public search computers or at the County Clerk’s Court Department.
- By mail — Send a written request with the applicable fees to the relevant clerk’s office.
District Court civil filing fees
District Court filing fees are set by state statute and include various statutory surcharges. For specific, current fee amounts, the District Clerk provides downloadable fee schedules on its website. Copy fees for District Court civil records are $0.50 per page (non-certified) and $1.00 per page (certified).
Property records
Deed records are maintained by the County Clerk and can be searched through the Self-Service Web portal. Real estate document copies cost $1.00 per page for non-certified and $5.00 certification plus $1.00 per page for certified copies. Recording fees for new instruments start at $15.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page.
The Potter-Randall Appraisal District maintains property owner and valuation data for Potter County.
Potter County Family Court Records
Potter County does not have a separate family court. All family law matters — including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, protective orders, paternity, and termination of parental rights — are heard in the District Courts. Family case records are maintained by the District Clerk. Two specialty courts focus on child-related matters:
- IV-D Child Support Court — 500 S. Fillmore, Suite 601, Amarillo, TX 79101, Phone: (806) 379-2820 Handles contested contempt cases, document-intensive matters, and cases requiring an uncommon foreign-language translator.
- High Plains Child Protection Court — 350 SE 6th Ave., Suite 2A, Amarillo, TX 79101, Phone: (806) 379-2228 Hears child protection cases.
The family department of the District Clerk’s office can be reached at (806) 379-2319 or familyinformation@co.potter.tx.us.
Searching family court records
Use the Potter County Court Records Portal to look up family case information online. In-person searches are available at the District Clerk’s office. Written mail requests follow the same procedures and fees described above for District Court records.
Divorce records
Divorce decrees are issued by the District Courts and maintained by the District Clerk. Copies can be obtained from the District Clerk’s office online, in person, or by mail. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Vital Statistics also provides verification of divorce records statewide.
Marriage records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Potter County Clerk. The license fee is $71.00 (or $11.00 if a Twogether in Texas premarital education certificate is presented, reflecting a $60.00 discount). A Declaration of Informal (Common Law) Marriage costs $36.00. Payment is accepted in cash or by credit/debit card with a 3% surcharge; checks are not accepted for marriage licenses. Both applicants must appear in person with valid photo identification. There is a 72-hour waiting period after issuance unless waived by completion of a marriage education class or by court order. The license expires after 90 days.
Certified copies of recorded marriage licenses cost $8.00 from the County Clerk. Marriage records can be searched through the Self-Service Web portal.
Birth and death records
Birth and death records in Potter County are confidential vital records maintained by the City of Amarillo Office of Vital Statistics, Phone: (806) 378-9344 Certified copies of birth certificates cost $23.00 and death certificates cost $21.00, with additional copies at $4.00 each. Records may also be ordered through Texas DSHS Vital Statistics, where fees range from $22.00 to $60.00 depending on the type of record and delivery method.
Access is limited to the person named on the certificate, immediate family members by blood or marriage (parent, sibling, spouse, adult child, grandparent), or persons with a court order.
Potter County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Potter County are heard by the constitutional County Court, which carries probate jurisdiction, with the County Clerk serving as the clerk of court for these proceedings. Cases include estate administration, wills, guardianship, conservatorship, and heirship determinations. The County Clerk’s Court Department manages all probate filings and records.
Probate filing fees (effective January 1, 2026)
The total consolidated filing fees for most probate actions are as follows:
| Cause of Action | Total Filing Fee (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | $472.00 |
| Independent Administration | $470.00 |
| Muniment of Title | $472.00 |
| Dependent Administration | $472.00 |
| Determination of Heirship | $470.00 |
| Small Estate / Open Safe Deposit Box | $362.00 |
| Guardianship | $580.00 |
| Foreign Will | $360.00 |
These totals include the consolidated local and state fees (typically $360.00) plus issuance fees for required citations/notices ($8.00 each), County Judge fees ($2.00 per order), and Sheriff service fees ($100.00, or $200.00 for guardianship). Potter County does not collect out-of-county service fees.
Additional probate-related fees include:
- Guardianship transfer from another county: $80.00
- Late inventory and appraisement filing: $27.00
- Claim against the estate: $12.00
- Annual or final account of the estate: $27.00 (plus citation costs)
- Application for sale of property: $27.00 (plus citation costs)
- Annual or final report of guardian of person: $12.00
- Will deposit for safekeeping: $5.00
- Actions other than original and adverse: $120.00
Copies of probate records are $1.00 per page (non-certified) or $1.00 per page plus $5.00 for the Clerk’s certificate (certified). Authenticated/exemplified copies cost $7.00 ($5.00 Clerk’s certification plus $2.00 for the Judge’s signature).
Searching probate records
Probate case information is searchable on the Potter County Court Records Portal by case number or party name. The County Clerk also accepts in-person and mail requests. For probate searches by mail, provide the decedent’s name and approximate date of death. For guardianship, provide the name of the ward and approximate filing date within a 10-year period. Send requests with applicable fees to:
Potter County Clerk, Court Department
500 S. Fillmore, Room 201
Amarillo, TX 79101
The County Clerk posts guardianship and probate cases ready for hearing on the county website. All probate records — except mental health commitment cases — are open to public inspection at no charge, with fees applying only for copies and certifications.