Hockley County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Hockley County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Hockley County, Texas, may access a range of publicly available information through official county offices, state repositories, and online portals. HockleyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Hockley County. Records that may be available through official channels include court filings, property documents, vital records, tax records, and law enforcement reports, subject to applicable exemptions under state law.
Records in Hockley County may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access:
- The Hockley County court docket portal provides access to county court and district court dockets, jury services information, and public information request guidance.
- The Northern District of Texas federal court portal provides court information, filing resources, forms, and records for federal matters involving Hockley County.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains crime records and driver license information accessible through its online services division.
- Some records are available without registration; others may require account creation or identity verification depending on the record type.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Hockley County Clerk's Office to inspect or obtain copies of official records. Requestors should present a valid government-issued photo identification and specify the record type and date range sought. Staff will assist in locating responsive documents and advise on applicable fees.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests must include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Texas Government Code § 552.228, governmental bodies are required to respond to written requests within ten business days of receipt.
Phone/Email:
- Hockley County Clerk's Office: (806) 894-3185
- Email inquiries may be directed to the County Clerk's Office; contact the office directly to obtain the current official email address.
What Are Public Records in Hockley County?
Public records in Hockley County are defined under the Texas Public Information Act, codified at Texas Government Code § 552.002, as any information 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 county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, and family court records | District Clerk / County Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, and liens | County Clerk |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | County Clerk / Texas DSHS |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk / City offices |
| Property tax and assessment records | Hockley County Appraisal District |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk / Elections Office |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Judge's Office |
| Budget and financial documents | County Auditor |
| Arrest logs and incident reports | Hockley County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Commissioner's Court |
The county court docket system provides access to both county court and district court dockets for Hockley County, enabling members of the public to locate case information without visiting the courthouse in person.
Is Hockley County an Open Records County?
Hockley 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 § 552.021, "each person is entitled, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, at all times to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees." This provision applies to all county governmental bodies, including the County Clerk, Sheriff's Office, and Commissioner's Court.
The Texas Attorney General's Office serves as the primary enforcement authority for open records compliance. As stated in the Attorney General's open government guidelines, "the Public Information Act gives the public the right to access government records; and an officer for public information and the officer's agent may not ask why a person wants to access the information." Hockley County governmental bodies are required to comply with these provisions and may not condition access on disclosure of the requestor's purpose.
The 286th Judicial District Court, which serves both Cochran and Hockley Counties, operates under the same transparency requirements. Governor Greg Abbott's appointment of a judge to the 286th Judicial District Court in Cochran and Hockley Counties reflects the ongoing administration of judicial services subject to public accountability standards.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Hockley County?
The standard fee structure for public records in Hockley County is governed by the Texas Public Information Act and the rules promulgated by the Texas Office of the Attorney General. Current fees applicable to most requests are as follows:
| Fee Type | Standard Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies (8.5" x 11") | $0.10 per page |
| Oversized copies | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Certified copies | Varies by record type (typically $1.00–$5.00 per document) |
| Electronic format (CD/DVD) | $1.00 per disc |
| Labor charge (requests exceeding 50 pages) | $15.00 per hour after first hour |
| Postage and shipping | Actual cost |
Inspection of records at a public counter does not incur a copy fee unless the requestor requests reproductions. Accepted payment methods at the County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance may vary. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or when disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, pursuant to applicable Attorney General rules. Fees for certified vital records, such as birth and death certificates, are set separately under the Texas Health and Safety Code and are collected by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Does Hockley County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to any member of the public at the Hockley County Clerk's Office during regular business hours. Under the Texas Public Information Act, governmental bodies must allow inspection of non-exempt records without charge. The following resources provide free access to certain records:
- The Hockley County court docket portal provides free online access to county and district court docket information, including case numbers, hearing dates, and party names.
- The Northern District of Texas federal court provides case locator tools and public access to court information; PACER registration may be required for full document retrieval.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety provides certain crime records and sex offender registry information at no charge through its online portal.
- The Hockley County Appraisal District maintains a publicly accessible online database of property appraisal and tax records at no cost.
Free inspection differs from free copies. While inspection at a public terminal or government office carries no fee, reproduction of records is subject to the standard fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Hockley County?
Any person may request public records from Hockley County governmental bodies, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Under the Texas Public Information Act, requestors are not required to be Texas residents, provide identification, or explain the reason for their request when seeking non-exempt records. This right extends equally to individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and members of the press.
Certain record types carry additional access requirements. Requests for records containing sensitive personal information, such as sealed court files or records protected under federal privacy law, may require the requestor to demonstrate a legal right or interest. Individuals requesting their own records—such as personal criminal history or vital records—may be required to present valid government-issued identification to verify identity before release. Requests for juvenile records, adoption records, or child welfare documents are subject to statutory restrictions regardless of the requestor's identity. Non-residents retain the same rights as Texas residents for the vast majority of public records categories.
What Records Are Confidential in Hockley County?
Not all government records in Hockley County are subject to public disclosure. Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158 enumerates categories of information that are excepted from required public disclosure. The following record types are currently treated as confidential or restricted:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to minors involved in the juvenile justice system are confidential under the Texas Family Code.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active investigations are exempt to protect investigative integrity.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted prior to release.
- 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 through court order.
- Child protective services records: Maintained as confidential under the Texas Family Code.
- Personnel records: Employee personal information is exempt, with limited exceptions for disciplinary actions involving public officials.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt when submitted to a governmental body under a confidentiality agreement.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Exempt to protect public safety.
When a governmental body believes a requested record falls within an exception, it must seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Office within ten business days, as required by the Act.
Hockley County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Office Name: Hockley County Clerk
Physical Address:
802 Houston Street, Suite 108
Levelland, TX 79336
Mailing Address:
802 Houston Street, Suite 108
Levelland, TX 79336
Phone: (806) 894-3185
Fax: (806) 894-6809
Website: Hockley County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Additional Offices:
Hockley County District Clerk
802 Houston Street
Levelland, TX 79336
Phone: (806) 894-8527
Hockley County District Clerk
Hockley County Appraisal District
1103 Houston Street
Levelland, TX 79336
Phone: (806) 894-9654
Hockley County Appraisal District
Hockley County Sheriff's Office
802 Houston Street
Levelland, TX 79336
Phone: (806) 894-3126
Hockley County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety – Crime Records Division
P.O. Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
Phone: (512) 424-2474
Texas Department of Public Safety