Texas County Public Records /Texas County Property Records

Texas County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Texas County in 2026

Members of the public seeking property records in Texas County, Missouri may access publicly available information through TexasRecords.us and official county offices. Texas County maintains records that may include deeds, tax assessments, mortgage filings, liens, ownership histories, and recorded encumbrances. The availability and completeness of individual records may vary depending on the document type, recording date, and the office responsible for maintenance.

Records may be searched through the following official resources:

Texas County Assessor — property valuations, personal property classifications, and assessment data
Texas County Collector/Treasurer — tax collection, payment history, and delinquency records
Texas County Recorder of Deeds — recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens
Search County Records portal — centralized access to county record categories
Real Estate (Real Property) information — assessed values, tax bills, and property transfer data

Online Search Methods

1. Texas County Assessor

The Texas County Assessor maintains assessment records for all real and personal property within the county. Members of the public may access property valuation data, ownership information, and classification details through the Assessor's office. Under Missouri law, the Assessor is responsible for determining the assessed value of real estate and personal property for tax purposes.

Search options available through the Assessor include:

Property address
Owner name
Parcel identification number

Information available through Assessor records includes:

Current owner name and mailing address
Legal description and parcel number
Land use classification
Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size)
Assessed value (land and improvements)
Taxable value and applicable exemptions
Sales history

2. Recorder of Deeds

The Texas County Recorder of Deeds is the official custodian of recorded instruments affecting real property. As stated on the office's official page, "The mission of the Texas County Recorder of Deeds office is to record... [t]he consequences of lost or misplaced original real estate records would be disastrous." Members of the public may search recorded documents through the Recorder of Deeds office.

Documents available through the Recorder include:

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
Mechanic's liens and judgment liens
Easements and restrictions
Plats and surveys
Powers of attorney affecting property
Lis pendens filings

To search recorded documents:

Contact or visit the Recorder of Deeds office at the Texas County Courthouse
Provide the grantor or grantee name, property address, or document type
Specify a recording date range if known
Request document images or certified copies as needed
Pay applicable copy fees at the time of request

3. Collector/Treasurer — Tax Records

The Texas County Collector/Treasurer is responsible for the collection and distribution of all real and personal property taxes. According to the office, "The Collector's responsibilities apply to the collection and distribution of all real and personal property taxes, the collection of both current and delinquent" amounts. Tax records may be accessed through the Collector/Treasurer's office.

Information available through tax records includes:

Current tax bill amounts
Payment history
Outstanding balances and delinquency status
Exemptions applied
Millage rates by taxing authority
Tax receipt requests

4. Real Estate and Property Transfer Records

Property transfer data, including deed transfers and assessed value determinations, is maintained jointly by the Recorder of Deeds and the Assessor. As noted in the county's real estate and real property records, "These transfers are given to the Assessor, who makes the changes on their files, which prints on the tax bills."

In-Person Searches

Texas County Assessor
210 N. Grand Ave., Room 109
Houston, MO 65483
Phone: (417) 967-2541
Texas County Assessor

Texas County Recorder of Deeds
210 N. Grand Ave.
Houston, MO 65483
Phone: (417) 967-3742
Texas County Recorder of Deeds

Texas County Collector/Treasurer
210 N. Grand Ave., Room 101
Houston, MO 65483
Phone: (417) 967-3742
Texas County Collector/Treasurer

By Mail Requests

Members of the public may submit written requests for property records by mail to the respective office at 210 N. Grand Ave., Houston, MO 65483. Requests should include:

The property address or parcel number
The type of document requested
The approximate recording date or date range
A return mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Through Professionals

Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers may conduct comprehensive title searches and provide abstracts of title. These professionals have access to the same public records and may provide legal opinions on ownership and encumbrances. Costs vary by provider and scope of search.

Search Tips

When searching by owner name, attempt both the full legal name and variations, including business entity names
When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
Very recent transactions may not yet appear in online or office indexes due to recording processing time
Historical records predating digitization may require an in-person visit to the courthouse

What Is Texas County Property Records

Property records in Texas County, Missouri are official documents maintained by county government offices that establish legal ownership, record encumbrances, and document the history of real property transactions. These records are essential for establishing a clear chain of title and are relied upon by property owners, buyers, lenders, title companies, and legal professionals.

Types of Property Records

Ownership Records

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Chain of title and ownership history
Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Transfer records reflecting changes in ownership

Encumbrance Records

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
Easements and restrictive covenants
Homeowner association (HOA) documents
Lis pendens filings (notice of pending litigation)

Tax and Assessment Records

Property tax assessments and tax bills
Payment history and delinquency records
Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, agricultural)
Special assessments and millage rates

Legal Descriptions and Plats

Plat maps and subdivision plats
Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
Lot and block information
Condominium declarations

Building and Permit Records

Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Code violations and zoning designations
Land use classifications

Who Maintains Property Records

The Texas County Recorder of Deeds is the official custodian of recorded instruments, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.010, which governs the duties of county recorders. The Texas County Assessor maintains property valuation and assessment records. The Texas County Collector/Treasurer maintains tax billing and payment records.

Legal Framework

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 442.380, instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. The recording system ensures that all interests in real property are publicly documented and accessible.

Are Property Records Public Information in Texas County?

Property records in Texas County, Missouri are public records. Members of the public, regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose, may inspect and obtain copies of recorded property documents. This principle is grounded in both Missouri statute and centuries of common law tradition governing land records.

Legal Basis for Public Access

Missouri's Sunshine Law, § 610.010 et seq., establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records maintained by county offices. Additionally, the recording statutes under Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.010 require that recorded instruments be open to public inspection. The recording system itself is premised on the principle of constructive notice — that recorded documents are deemed known to all members of the public.

Why Property Records Are Public

Transparency in ownership: The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property within a community.
Real estate transactions: Title searches, title insurance, and mortgage lending depend on open access to recorded instruments.
Tax accountability: Property tax assessments and payment records are public to ensure transparency in government revenue collection.
Legal protections: Recording provides constructive notice and establishes priority among competing interests in property.
Historical and genealogical research: Property records document land use and ownership across generations.

What Property Information Is Publicly Accessible

Current and historical ownership names
Legal descriptions and parcel numbers
Sale prices and transfer dates
Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
Liens and encumbrances
Tax assessments and payment history
Property characteristics (size, year built, improvements)
Deeds and other recorded instruments
Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations

Certain personal information within property records is subject to protection under Missouri law. Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from recorded documents pursuant to state privacy requirements. Certain individuals, including law enforcement officers and domestic violence victims, may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under applicable Missouri statutes. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the Assessor's office for specific policies.

Who May Access Property Records

Any member of the public may access Texas County property records, including:

Prospective buyers and sellers
Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers
Title companies and mortgage lenders
Attorneys and legal researchers
Journalists and academic researchers
Genealogists and historians
Out-of-state and foreign inquirers

Commercial Use

Commercial use of public property records, including aggregation for marketing, valuation services, and investment analysis, is permitted under Missouri law, subject to applicable anti-harassment, fair housing, and privacy statutes. Commercial data providers may compile and resell public property information as a lawful business activity.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Texas County?

The cost to obtain property records in Texas County varies by record type and the office responsible for maintaining the records. Members of the public may inspect many records at no charge; fees apply to copies and certified documents.

Recorder of Deeds — Recording and Copy Fees

Under Missouri law, the Recorder of Deeds is authorized to collect fees for recording instruments and providing copies. Current standard fees for the Texas County Recorder of Deeds include:

Service	Fee
Recording a deed or instrument (first page)	$24.00
Each additional page	$3.00
Certified copy of a recorded document	$1.00 per page + $1.00 certification
Non-certified copy	$0.50 per page
Search fee (if applicable)	Varies

These fees are established pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.310, which governs recorder fee schedules. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Recorder's office, as fee schedules are subject to legislative adjustment.

Assessor Records

Property assessment information maintained by the Texas County Assessor is available for public inspection at no charge. Copies of assessment records may be subject to standard per-page copy fees consistent with the county's fee schedule.

Collector/Treasurer — Tax Records

Tax receipts and payment records are available through the Collector/Treasurer's office. Tax receipts may be obtained online or in person. Standard copy fees apply to printed records.

What Is Available at No Cost

Online inspection of assessment data through the Assessor's portal
Online tax payment status and receipt retrieval
In-person inspection of recorded documents at the Recorder's office
General property information through the county records search portal

Accepted Payment Methods

The Texas County offices accept payment by cash, check, and money order for in-person transactions. Online payment options, including credit and debit cards, are available for tax payments through the Collector/Treasurer's online portal. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting mail requests.

Fee Waivers

Texas County does not publish a general fee waiver policy for property records. Requests for fee waivers should be directed to the relevant office in writing, with a statement of the basis for the waiver request.

What's Included in a Texas County Property Record?

A complete Texas County property record encompasses information maintained across multiple county offices, including the Assessor, Recorder of Deeds, and Collector/Treasurer. The following categories reflect the full scope of information that may be available for a given parcel.

Ownership Information

Current ownership records include the legal owner's name(s), ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, deed book and page or instrument number, and mailing address for tax billing purposes. Previous ownership information, including chain of title, prior owner names, and historical transfer dates, is maintained in the Recorder's indexed records.

Property Identification

Each parcel is identified by a site address, legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds description), parcel identification number, and tax account number. Condominium units carry additional unit-specific identifiers.

Physical Characteristics

The Assessor's records include lot size (in square feet or acres), lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, land use designation, total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction materials, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, garage information, pool designation, and additional structures. Condition and quality ratings are also maintained for assessment purposes.

Valuation Information

Assessment records reflect land value, improvement value, total assessed value, and market value estimates. Missouri law requires that residential real property be assessed at 19% of its true value in money, and agricultural property at 12% of its true value, pursuant to Missouri's constitutional assessment framework. Historical assessed values for prior years are maintained in the Assessor's records.

Tax Information

Tax records include the current year's tax bill, taxable value after exemptions, millage rates by taxing authority (county, school district, city, and special districts), payment status, due dates, and discount information. Tax history reflects prior years' payments and any delinquency. Exemptions applied — including homestead, senior, disability, veteran, and agricultural exemptions — are reflected in the tax record.

Sales History

The Assessor and Recorder maintain sales history reflecting prior transfer dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, etc.), grantor and grantee names, and deed document numbers. Qualified and unqualified sale designations are noted for assessment purposes.

Encumbrances and Liens

Recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens are indexed in the Recorder's records. Easements, restrictive covenants, leases, life estates, and lis pendens filings are also recorded and publicly accessible.

Legal and Regulatory Information

Zoning classification, land use code, school district, fire district, water district, and other special taxing district designations are reflected in county records. Deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, and HOA information may be found in recorded declarations.

Maps and Visual Information

Property records may include exterior photographs, aerial imagery, GIS maps with property boundaries, plat maps, and property sketches maintained by the Assessor.

What Is Not Typically Included

Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
Social Security numbers (redacted from recorded documents)
Interior photographs
Private agreements not submitted for recording
Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
Confidential exemption application details

How Long Does Texas County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Texas County, Missouri are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed, as the integrity of the chain of title depends on the preservation of every recorded document from the county's formation to the present.

Legal Basis for Permanent Retention

Missouri's records retention requirements, established under the Missouri Secretary of State's records retention schedules, mandate permanent retention of recorded instruments affecting real property. The Recorder of Deeds is required by statute to maintain a permanent index of all recorded documents, ensuring that any instrument affecting title remains accessible to the public in perpetuity.

Records Kept Permanently

All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
All recorded liens and lien releases
All plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
All recorded easements, restrictions, and covenants
All powers of attorney affecting real property
All court documents affecting title
Assessment rolls and property cards (Assessor)

Format and Storage

Historical records in Texas County exist in multiple formats depending on the period of recording:

Pre-mid-20th century: Handwritten ledger books maintained in the Recorder's vault
Mid-20th century: Typed instruments recorded in bound books or on microfilm
Recent decades: Digitally scanned images maintained in electronic document management systems with off-site backup

Online Availability by Time Period

Time Period	Availability
Recent (last 20 years)	Likely available through office portal or in-person terminals
Moderate age (20–50 years)	Available in-person; may be on microfilm
Historical (50+ years)	Available in-person in original books or microfilm; advance notice helpful
Very old (100+ years)	Archive storage; staff retrieval required; same public access rights apply

Assessor and Tax Collector Retention

Assessment records and property cards are maintained permanently by the Assessor. Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years by the Collector/Treasurer, while tax deed records are maintained permanently as recorded instruments. Members of the public seeking historical assessment data beyond what is available online should contact the Assessor's office directly.

Accessing Historical Records

Texas County Recorder of Deeds
210 N. Grand Ave.
Houston, MO 65483
Phone: (417) 967-3742
Texas County Recorder of Deeds

Texas County Assessor
210 N. Grand Ave., Room 109
Houston, MO 65483
Phone: (417) 967-2541
Texas County Assessor

When requesting historical records, members of the public should specify the property address or legal description, the approximate time period, and the type of document sought. Retrieval time for very old records may range from same-day to several business days depending on storage format and staff availability.

Preservation Efforts

Many Missouri counties are engaged in ongoing digitization projects to scan historical record books and microfilm, making older records accessible through online portals. The Missouri State Archives provides guidance and grant resources to support county-level preservation efforts. Digital records are maintained with multiple backups and disaster recovery protocols to ensure permanent accessibility.

How To Find Liens on Property in Texas County?

Liens on property in Texas County, Missouri are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Texas County Recorder of Deeds. Members of the public may search for liens using the following methods.

Step-by-Step Search Process

Visit or contact the Texas County Recorder of Deeds at 210 N. Grand Ave., Houston, MO 65483, Phone: (417) 967-3742, or access the Recorder of Deeds office page.
Request a search of the grantor/grantee index by the property owner's name or by the property's legal description.
Specify the document types of interest, including mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens, and HOA liens.
Review the index results for all recorded lien instruments affecting the parcel.
Request copies of any identified lien documents; standard copy fees apply.

Types of Liens Searchable Through the Recorder

Mechanic's liens: Filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid construction work, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 429.010 et seq.
Judgment liens: Recorded abstracts of court judgments that attach to real property owned by the judgment debtor
Federal tax liens: Filed by the Internal Revenue Service and indexed in the Recorder's records
State tax liens: Filed by the Missouri Department of Revenue for unpaid state taxes
HOA liens: Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments

Searching for Tax Delinquency

Delinquent property tax information is maintained by the Texas County Collector/Treasurer. Members of the public may search for delinquent tax status through the Collector/Treasurer's office or by reviewing real estate tax records.

Federal Tax Liens

Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the county recorder and are searchable through the Recorder's index. Members of the public may also search the IRS lien database through the IRS website.

Court Judgment Liens

Judgment liens originate in court proceedings and are recorded as abstracts of judgment with the Recorder of Deeds. Members of the public may also search court records through the Missouri Case.net system maintained by the Missouri Courts to identify judgments that may have been recorded as liens.

Professional Lien Searches

Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. These searches cover all recorded instruments in the Recorder's index and may include searches of federal and state lien databases. Professional lien searches are the standard method used in real estate transactions to ensure clear title.

What Is Property Owner Rule in Texas County?

The property owner rule in Texas County, Missouri refers to the legal framework governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights attach to property ownership under Missouri law.

Establishing Ownership

Legal ownership of real property in Texas County is established by a recorded deed. Under Missouri law, a deed must be signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public, and recorded with the Texas County Recorder of Deeds to provide constructive notice of the transfer to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not protect the grantee against subsequent bona fide purchasers who record first, pursuant to Missouri's race-notice recording statute.

Forms of Ownership

Missouri law recognizes several forms of real property ownership:

Individual ownership: A single person holds title in their own name.
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased owner's interest automatically.
Tenancy in common: Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death.
Tenancy by the entirety: A form of joint ownership available only to married couples in Missouri, providing protection from individual creditors of either spouse.
Trust ownership: Property held in the name of a trustee for the benefit of trust beneficiaries.
Entity ownership: LLCs, corporations, and other legal entities may hold title to real property in Missouri.

Transfer of Ownership

Property ownership in Texas County is transferred by recorded deed. The Recorder of Deeds indexes all transfers, and the Assessor updates ownership records upon receipt of recorded transfer documents. As noted in the county's real estate records, "These transfers are given to the Assessor, who makes the changes on their files, which prints on the tax bills." Members of the public may verify current ownership through the Assessor's office or the Recorder of Deeds.

Property Owner Rights and Responsibilities

Property owners in Texas County hold the following rights and responsibilities under Missouri law:

The right to use, enjoy, and exclude others from their property, subject to zoning and land use regulations
The right to transfer property by deed, gift, devise, or inheritance
The obligation to pay real and personal property taxes assessed by the county, pursuant to Missouri's property tax statutes
The right to appeal assessed valuations through the Texas County Board of Equalization and, if necessary, the Missouri State Tax Commission
The right to apply for applicable exemptions, including homestead, agricultural, and other classifications recognized under Missouri law

Adverse Possession

Missouri law recognizes adverse possession as a means by which a person may acquire title to real property through open, notorious, continuous, hostile, and exclusive possession for a period of ten years, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.010. Claims of adverse possession must be established through a court proceeding, and any resulting judgment must be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds to establish title of record.

Eminent Domain

The government retains the power of eminent domain to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 26 of the Missouri Constitution. Property owners subject to condemnation proceedings have the right to contest the taking and the amount of compensation offered.