Nueces County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Nueces County?

Public records in Nueces County are official documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and are generally accessible to the public. These records are created, maintained, and stored by government agencies, departments, and offices within Nueces County, Texas. They include vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), property records, court records, criminal records, and various other official documents that document the business of government and the actions of government officials.

The Texas Public Information Act (formerly known as the Open Records Act) governs the management and accessibility of public records in Nueces County and throughout Texas. This law ensures transparency in government operations by allowing citizens to request and review public documents.

Is Nueces County an Open Records County?

Yes, Nueces County is an open records county. Like all counties in Texas, Nueces County operates under the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552 of the Government Code), which provides the public with the right to access government records.

The Nueces County Clerk's Office maintains and provides access to many public records. 901 Leopard Street, Suite 201, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

The county is legally obligated to respond to public records requests promptly, typically within 10 business days. However, some records may be exempt from disclosure under specific provisions of the law, such as those containing confidential personal information or those related to ongoing investigations.

How Do I Find Public Records in Nueces County in 2025

To find public records in Nueces County in 2025, you have several options:

Visit the Nueces County Clerk's Office in person: 901 Leopard Street, Suite 201, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Access the Nueces County official website, which offers online access to many public records.
Contact specific departments directly:
- For property records: Nueces County Appraisal District - 201 N. Chaparral Street, Suite 206, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
- For court records: Nueces County District Clerk - 901 Leopard Street, Room 313, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
- For criminal records: Nueces County Sheriff's Office - 901 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Submit a Public Information Request form to the appropriate county department.
Use third-party online services that aggregate public records (though these may charge fees and might not have the most current information).

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Nueces County?

The cost to obtain public records in Nueces County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

Standard paper copies typically cost $0.10 per page
Certified copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) range from $20-$25 per copy
Property record searches may cost $5-$15 depending on complexity
Court records fees vary by case type and document requested

Additional fees may apply for:

Labor charges for requests requiring more than one hour of staff time
Overhead charges
Document retrieval from remote locations
Postage for mailed records

The Nueces County Clerk's Office (901 Leopard Street, Suite 201, Corpus Christi, TX 78401) can provide a detailed fee schedule upon request.

Does Nueces County Have Free Public Records?

Nueces County does offer some public records for free, particularly those available online through their public access systems. However, the availability of free records is limited:

The Nueces County Appraisal District (201 N. Chaparral Street, Suite 206, Corpus Christi, TX 78401) provides free online access to property information.
Basic court case information can be viewed online at no cost through the county's judicial records search.
Some public meeting minutes and county commissioner records are freely available on the county website.

For most official documents, especially certified copies or comprehensive searches, fees will apply as outlined in the county's fee schedule. Additionally, while viewing records in person may sometimes be free, obtaining copies typically incurs charges.

Who Can Request Public Records In Nueces County?

In Nueces County, as throughout Texas, public records are generally available to:

Any individual, regardless of citizenship or residency status
Media organizations
Businesses and corporations
Non-profit organizations
Government agencies
Legal representatives

The Texas Public Information Act does not require requestors to:

Explain why they want the records
Identify themselves (anonymous requests are permitted)
Make the request in person (requests can be submitted by mail, email, or fax)

However, certain records may have restricted access based on the type of information they contain. For example, some vital records may only be available to the person named in the record, immediate family members, or legal representatives.

Requests can be submitted to the Nueces County Clerk's Office (901 Leopard Street, Suite 201, Corpus Christi, TX 78401) or the specific department that maintains the desired records.

What Records Are Confidential In Nueces County?

In Nueces County, certain records are confidential and exempt from public disclosure under Texas law. These include:

Medical and mental health records
Juvenile criminal records (with some exceptions)
Certain personal information in motor vehicle and driver's license records
Social security numbers, bank account information, and other personal identifiers
Information related to ongoing law enforcement investigations
Records containing information that would compromise security measures
Certain personnel records of government employees
Records protected by attorney-client privilege
Certain victim information in criminal cases
Child welfare records and reports of child abuse
Information that would violate personal privacy if released

The Nueces County District Attorney's Office (901 Leopard Street, Room 206, Corpus Christi, TX 78401) can provide guidance on which records are confidential under state law.