Johnson County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Johnson County in 2026
Members of the public seeking publicly available information related to public records in Johnson County, Texas may access a range of documents through official government channels and directory resources such as JohnsonTXRecords.us. This resource aggregates publicly available data that may include court filings, property records, vital records, and other documents maintained by county and state agencies.
Record categories that may be available through official sources include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, liens, and mortgage documents
- Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates
- Business licenses and assumed name filings
- Property tax and assessment records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement records, where permitted by law
Online Access:
Members of the public may search property and land records through the Johnson County Appraisal District online portal. Court records for district and county courts are accessible through the Texas Judicial Branch case search. Some records require account registration prior to access.
In-Person Requests:
Requests may be submitted in person at the Johnson County Clerk's Office, located at 2 North Mill Street, Cleburne, TX 76033. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should identify the specific record sought, provide any known case numbers or document identifiers, and complete any required request forms provided by staff.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be mailed to the Johnson County Clerk's Office at P.O. Box 662, Cleburne, TX 76033. Requests should include the requestor's full name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and any relevant dates or identifiers. Under the Texas Public Information Act, governmental bodies are required to respond promptly, and in most cases within ten business days.
Phone/Email:
- Phone: (817) 556-6323
- Email: countyclerk@johnsoncountytx.org
What Are Public Records in Johnson County?
Public records in Johnson County are documents and information created or maintained by government agencies that are subject to public disclosure under Texas law. Under Texas Government Code § 552.002, a "public record" is defined 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 currently maintained by Johnson County agencies:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | District Clerk, County Clerk |
| Probate and family court records | County Clerk |
| Property deeds and liens | County Clerk |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | County Clerk, Texas DSHS |
| Business/assumed name filings | County Clerk |
| Property tax and assessment records | Johnson County Appraisal District |
| Voting and election records | County Elections Administrator |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Judge's Office |
| Law enforcement records | Johnson County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning Department |
The Johnson County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for the majority of official county records.
Is Johnson County an Open Records County?
Johnson 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 § 552.001, the legislature declares that "government is the servant of the people, and not the master of them," and that the public is entitled to complete information about the affairs of government.
The Texas Attorney General's Office provides oversight and guidance on open records compliance. 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."
Johnson County governmental bodies are required to make public information available for inspection and copying upon request. The county follows state sunshine laws, which mandate open meetings and transparent recordkeeping. The Texas Attorney General's Open Government resources provide additional guidance on the rights of requestors and the obligations of governmental bodies.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Johnson County?
The current fee structure for public records in Johnson County is governed by state law and the policies of individual county offices. Standard fees applicable to most requests include:
- Copies (standard paper): $0.10 per page for the first 50 pages; $0.085 per page for pages 51–100; $0.05 per page for pages over 100
- Certified copies: Fees vary by document type; certified copies of vital records are $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same record requested at the same time
- Electronic format: Charges may apply for programming or manipulation of data; standard electronic copies of existing documents are provided at cost
- Inspection: No charge for inspection of public records
- Search fees: May apply when a request requires programming or extensive retrieval
Accepted payment methods at the Johnson County Clerk's Office include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card. Fees are established in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Government Code, which sets limits on what governmental bodies may charge for public information. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest.
Does Johnson County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Johnson County government offices during regular business hours. Under Texas law, governmental bodies may not charge a fee for the inspection of public records; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Free online access to certain records is currently available through the following official resources:
- Property and appraisal records: The Johnson County Appraisal District provides free online search of property ownership, valuations, and tax information.
- Court records: Basic case information for district and county courts may be searched at no cost through the Texas Judicial Branch.
- Voter registration records: The Texas Secretary of State maintains voter registration information accessible to the public.
Free inspection differs from free copies. While any person may inspect public records at no charge, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Johnson County?
Any person may request public records in Johnson County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Under the Texas Public Information Act, requestors are not required to be Texas residents, and governmental bodies may not require a requestor to provide identification or explain the reason for the request as a condition of access to most public records.
Specific provisions include:
- Residency: Not required; non-residents retain full rights to request public information.
- Identification: Not required for most requests; however, certain sensitive records may require proof of identity or legal standing.
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state a purpose for standard public information requests.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals seeking their own records, such as personal vital records or criminal history, may be required to provide identification and, in some cases, a notarized authorization.
- Restrictions: Certain record types, including juvenile records, sealed court files, and records subject to statutory exemptions, are restricted regardless of who is requesting them.
The Texas Attorney General's Open Government resources provide detailed guidance on requestor rights and the obligations of governmental bodies under state law.
What Records Are Confidential in Johnson County?
Not all government records are subject to public disclosure. Texas law provides specific exemptions that protect certain categories of information from release. The following record types are currently exempt from public disclosure under Texas Government Code § 552.101 and related provisions:
- Sealed court records: Records 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 investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active criminal investigations are exempt to protect the integrity of the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are protected from disclosure.
- Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only under specific legal circumstances.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Confidential under Texas Family Code.
- Personnel records: Certain employee information held by governmental bodies is exempt, with exceptions for salary and general employment information.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt when submitted to a governmental body under a confidentiality agreement or statutory protection.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Exempt to protect public safety.
As noted by the Texas Attorney General's Office, "the exceptions to disclosure are listed in the Act itself and in other statutes. If a governmental body believes information is excepted from disclosure, it may ask the attorney general for a ruling." Requestors who believe a record has been improperly withheld may seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Open Government Division.
Johnson County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Johnson County Clerk's Office 2 North Mill Street, Cleburne, TX 76033 (817) 556-6323 Johnson County Clerk's Office
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed on state and federal holidays.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 662 Cleburne, TX 76033
Email: countyclerk@johnsoncountytx.org
Additional Offices:
Johnson County District Clerk's Office 2 North Mill Street, Suite 360, Cleburne, TX 76033 (817) 556-6330 Johnson County District Clerk
Johnson County Appraisal District 109 North Main Street, Cleburne, TX 76033 (817) 648-3000 Johnson County Appraisal District
Johnson County Sheriff's Office 204 South Buffalo Avenue, Cleburne, TX 76033 (817) 556-6000 Johnson County Sheriff's Office
Johnson County Elections Administration 2 North Mill Street, Cleburne, TX 76033 (817) 556-6310 Johnson County Elections