Dallas County TX Recorder: Deeds, Official Public Records, Recording Fees & Document Search
In Dallas County, Texas, the office many people call the “recorder” is the Dallas County Clerk Recording Division. This division records property deeds, deed-related documents, liens, releases of lien, court-certified instruments presented for recording, UCC/personal property records and other Official Public Records.
This guide explains how to search Dallas County deeds online, how to record a deed or real-estate document, what the current filing and certified-copy fees mean, when e-recording helps, how property fraud alerts work, and when DCAD or the Dallas County Tax Office is the better office.
Does Dallas County Have a Recorder of Deeds?
Texas usually uses the County Clerk as the county recorder. In Dallas County, deed recording and Official Public Records are handled by the Dallas County Clerk’s Recording Division at the Records Building, 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100, Dallas, Texas 75202.
Use the County Clerk Recording Division For
- Searching deeds and Official Public Records.
- Recording deeds, releases, liens and deed-related documents.
- Requesting plain or certified real property record copies.
- Electronic certified OPR documents when available online.
- Property fraud alerts and certain redaction requests.
Use DCAD For
The Dallas Central Appraisal District is separate from the County Clerk. Use DCAD for property values, exemptions, appraisal records, account numbers, ownership updates for appraisal purposes, GIS/mapping and protests.
DCAD phone: 214-631-0910
Use the Dallas County Tax Office For
The Tax Office handles property-tax payments, tax certificates, tax statements, written statements, refunds and tax-account customer service. It does not decide deed validity or appraised value.
Tax Office phone: 214-653-7811
How to Search Dallas County Deeds and Official Public Records Online
Dallas County links users to an Official Records Search portal for Property Records. The portal supports quick and advanced searching, including search terms for grantor/grantee, subdivision, document type or document number, plus recorded-date filters.
Open the Official Dallas County Records Search
Start from the Dallas County Online Record Search page or the County Clerk Recording Division page. Avoid private deed-copy websites that may charge extra for records that can be searched through the official county-linked system.
Select the Property Records Department
The official search page requires the correct department selection. Choose Property Records before searching deeds, deed of trust records, releases, liens, foreclosures or related Official Public Records.
Search by the Best Identifier First
If you know the instrument or document number, use it first. If not, search by grantor/grantee name, subdivision, document type, or recorded-date range. For trusts, LLCs and family transfers, search both the individual name and the entity name.
Use Index Search and OCR Search Differently
The portal may offer an index-only search and a full-text OCR search. Index search is better for parties, document type and document number. OCR search can help when a phrase appears inside a document image, but OCR text can misread names or legal descriptions.
Open the Matching Document and Compare Details
Check the recording date, document type, grantor, grantee, legal description, subdivision, lot/block, property address if shown, and any reference to prior instruments. A name match alone is not enough for legal reliance.
Order a Copy or Electronic Certified Copy if Needed
If a lender, court, government agency or title company requires proof, use the County Clerk’s certified-copy process. Electronic certified OPR documents can be purchased online only when the document is available in digital format on the Clerk’s records website.
How to Record a Deed or Real-Estate Document in Dallas County TX
Dallas County records documents in the Official Public Records when the instrument is eligible and the filing requirements are met. Texas law generally requires a real-property instrument to be acknowledged, sworn with a proper jurat, or proved according to law, and Dallas County warns that court-action documents presented for recording must be certified copies.
Prepare Before Recording
- Use the correct document type, such as deed, deed of trust, release of lien or affidavit.
- Include a clear legal description when the document affects real property.
- Make sure signatures and notary acknowledgment/jurat are complete where required.
- Bring or provide photo ID when submitting a document conveying property.
- Use certified copies for court-action documents presented for recording.
- Confirm fees before mailing or submitting unusual documents.
Mail-In Recording Checklist
Dallas County’s request and fee instructions say business checks, cashier’s checks and money orders should be made payable to Dallas County Clerk. Personal checks are not accepted.
If mailing a document for recording, include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the file-stamped duplicate copy can be returned.
| Recording / Copy Item | Current County-Listed Fee or Rule | What It Means for the User |
|---|---|---|
| Standard recording first page | $25 per document first page. | Use this as the starting cost for most ordinary recorded instruments. |
| Additional pages | $4 per additional page. | Count every page carefully. Information on the back side is charged as a full page. |
| Federal tax lien / release | $30 listed for federal tax lien or release involving real estate or personal property. | Special lien documents can have set fees instead of the ordinary first-page formula. |
| State tax lien public filing | $25 public filing fee, with separate state filing fee listed. | State tax lien filings and releases have their own fee rows. |
| Plain real property record copy | $1 per page. | Use this when you need an informational copy and certification is not required. |
| Certified real property record copy | $1 per page plus $5 certification per document. | Use certified copies when requested by a court, lender, title company or agency. |
| Payment restrictions | No personal checks accepted. | Use cash in person, money order, cashier’s check, business check or accepted card method with applicable convenience fee. |
Dallas County Certified Copies and Electronic Certified OPR Documents
Dallas County offers electronic certified Official Public Record documents for purchase through the Clerk’s website when the document is available in digital format. Each electronic certified document uses a County Clerk digital signature and can be verified with the unique reference code.
When E-Certify Works
Use e-certified copies when the document is already available online in the Clerk’s records system and the receiving party accepts electronic certification.
When to Use a Copy Request
If the document is not available online for e-certification, submit a certified recording copy request or contact the Recording Division to purchase or view copies.
How Verification Helps
The e-verify tool lets a recipient check the unique reference code and authenticate an electronic certificate issued by the Dallas County Clerk.
Dallas County E-Recording: Who Can Use It and When It Helps
Dallas County states that its Clerk’s office processes a large share of real-estate documents electronically. E-recording can reduce paper, postage and in-person waiting, but Texas law limits who is authorized to electronically file real-property documents.
Best for Frequent Filers
E-recording is most useful for title companies, lenders, attorneys and other eligible high-volume filers who already work with approved recording vendors.
Authorized Filer Limits
Dallas County points to Texas Local Government Code rules limiting electronic filing authorization to categories such as licensed attorneys, banks, lenders, title insurance companies or agents, state agencies and certain public offices.
Rejection Handling
If a document cannot be filed, the e-recording system can return it electronically with a reason. Dallas County asks filers to include the package or remote ID when sending expedited or rejection requests to the Recording Division email.
Dallas County Property Fraud Alert, Fraudulent Deeds and Redaction Requests
Dallas County encourages property owners to use its free property fraud alert system. The alert service can help you learn when a document is recorded under a monitored name, but it does not prevent recording or automatically remove a fraudulent instrument.
Property Fraud Alert
Sign up through the county’s Property Fraud Alert page or the official search portal’s Property Alert option. Use owner names, trust names or business names that may appear in the deed record.
If You Suspect Fraud
Dallas County’s guidance references the Owner’s Affidavit Regarding Purported Conveyance process and Texas Government Code 51.9035. If a fraudulent deed issue is serious, contact law enforcement and a Texas real-estate attorney.
Redaction Requests
The County Clerk FAQ says eligible personal information redaction requires a Redaction Request Form submitted by mail or in person. Redaction does not erase the underlying public record.
Dallas County Clerk vs DCAD vs Tax Office: Who Handles What?
Dallas County property tasks often involve three separate offices. Use this table before calling so you do not lose time with the wrong department.
| Question or Task | Correct Office | Why | Main Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find or record a deed, lien, release, deed of trust or Official Public Record. | Dallas County Clerk Recording Division | The County Clerk is the recorder for deeds and Official Public Records. | 214-653-7099 |
| Check property value, exemptions, account number, ownership update or GIS mapping. | Dallas Central Appraisal District | DCAD appraises property and maintains appraisal/exemption records. | 214-631-0910 |
| Pay property taxes or check payment status, tax certificates or statements. | Dallas County Tax Office | The Tax Office handles property-tax billing, collection and payment support. | 214-653-7811 |
| Need court records, probate court files or certified court documents. | County Clerk court divisions or District Clerk | Court records are separate from ordinary deed recording and may require certified court copies before recording. | Use the correct court division |
| Need a title decision, deed drafting or ownership dispute help. | Attorney or title company | County staff cannot give legal advice or guarantee title effect. | Professional legal/title help |
Dallas County Recording and Copy Fee Estimator
This planning tool uses Dallas County’s ordinary recording and copy fee examples: $25 first page, $4 each additional page, $1 per copy page and $5 certification per document. Always confirm the final fee with the Recording Division before mailing, e-recording or presenting specialty documents.
Formula used: documents × $25, plus additional pages × $4, plus copy pages × $1, plus certified documents × $5. This does not include specialty document fees, card convenience fees, e-recording vendor fees, postage, tax certificate requirements, court-copy certification costs or rejection/resubmission costs.
Dallas County Clerk Recording Division Address, Hours, Phone and Map
The Recording Division is located in the Dallas County Records Building. Because Dallas County pages may display building-operation notices during repairs or closures, call before traveling if you need in-person recording, copy pickup or redaction help.
Dallas County Clerk Recording Division
Address:
Records Building
500 Elm Street, Suite 2100
Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: 214-653-7099
Email for recording help: recording@dallascounty.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except court-approved holidays.
Mailing address:
Dallas County Clerk’s Office
Recording Division
500 Elm Street, STE 2100
Dallas, Texas 75202
Official Dallas County Recorder Links and What to Do After Opening Each One
Use these official Dallas County and Texas resources to complete a specific task. Each link includes a short walkthrough so the reader knows exactly what to click or verify.
Dallas County Clerk — Recording Division
Official department page for deed recording, Official Public Records, office contact, e-certified documents and property fraud alert access.
- Confirm the Records Building notice and office status before traveling.
- Use the Recording Division phone for deeds, liens, releases and OPR questions.
- Review the notice about certified court documents if your instrument comes from a court action.
- Use the fraud alert link if you want to monitor name-based recordings.
Dallas County Official Records Search
County Clerk public search portal for property records, grantor/grantee search, document number search, document type search and date-range filtering.
- Select the Property Records department.
- Use quick search for grantor/grantee, subdivision, document type or document number.
- Use date range if you know the approximate recording date.
- Open matching results and compare names, legal description, document type and recording date.
Dallas County Recording Fees and Payment Information
Official fee page for standard recording fees, specialty filing fees, payment rules and mailing instructions.
- Check the standard first-page and additional-page fees.
- Review specialty rows for tax liens, foreclosure notices, plats, marks and brands or other unusual documents.
- Confirm accepted payment methods and remember that personal checks are not accepted.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if mailing a document for recording.
Dallas County Request for Documents PDF
Official request form for plain or certified copies of recorded documents such as deeds and releases of lien.
- Search the record first and write down the instrument number if available.
- Enter requester information, recorded name, document type and property address.
- Select plain copy or certified copy.
- Mail with correct payment and a prepaid self-addressed stamped envelope.
Dallas County E-Recording
Official page explaining authorized e-recording users, benefits, processing schedule and vendor options.
- Review who is authorized to e-record under Texas Local Government Code rules.
- Choose an e-recording vendor if your organization is eligible.
- Submit documents through the vendor and monitor rejection reasons.
- Use recording@dallascounty.org for expedited or rejection requests with package/remote ID.
Dallas County Electronic Certified Documents
Official page for purchasing electronic certified OPR documents when available in digital format.
- Search the document in the Clerk records website first.
- Confirm the document is available in digital format.
- Purchase the electronic certified copy if the receiving party accepts it.
- Use the reference code verification page when someone needs to authenticate the certificate.
Dallas County Property Fraud Alert
Official county guidance for property fraud alerts and steps related to purported fraudulent conveyances.
- Sign up for alert monitoring using the owner or entity names that may appear in records.
- If an alert appears, open the document and save the instrument number.
- Review the county’s Owner’s Affidavit guidance if you believe a deed is fraudulent.
- Contact law enforcement and a qualified Texas attorney for suspected property fraud.
Texas Property Code Chapter 12
State law covering recording of instruments, acknowledgments, jurats, plats and related real-property recording rules.
- Review Section 12.001 for general recording eligibility.
- Check whether the instrument needs acknowledgment, jurat or proof.
- Review plat-related sections if the property is in a subdivision or replat issue.
- Use legal counsel if you are unsure whether the document is legally recordable.
Dallas Central Appraisal District
Official appraisal district for Dallas County property values, exemptions, property records, GIS and appraisal-related ownership updates.
- Use owner, account number or street address search for appraisal records.
- Compare DCAD ownership and account data with the latest recorded deed.
- Use DCAD for exemptions and value questions, not the County Clerk.
- Contact DCAD if appraisal ownership or mailing address needs update review.
Common Dallas County Recorder Mistakes
Mistakes That Delay Recording or Research
- Searching “Dallas County Recorder” and missing the actual County Clerk Recording Division.
- Mailing a document with a personal check.
- Forgetting a self-addressed stamped envelope for mailed recording returns.
- Submitting a court-action document that is not a certified court copy.
- Using a DCAD appraisal record as proof of legal title.
- Assuming a recorded deed automatically proves clean title.
- Ignoring a property fraud alert after a suspicious recording.
Better Dallas County Workflow
- Start with the official Dallas County Clerk Recording Division page.
- Search the official records portal before requesting copies.
- Save the instrument number, date, document type and party names.
- Compare recorded documents with DCAD property-account details.
- Confirm fees and payment method before mailing.
- Use a title company or attorney for deed drafting and title questions.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Correct Office / Tool |
|---|---|---|
| You need to find a deed, lien or release. | Open the Official Records Search, select Property Records, then search by document number, grantor/grantee, subdivision, type or date. | Dallas County Clerk Records Search |
| You need to record a new deed. | Check Texas recording eligibility, prepare signatures/notary/legal description, bring photo ID if required, and confirm fees. | County Clerk Recording Division |
| You need a certified deed copy. | Try e-certified OPR if available online; otherwise use the Request for Documents form or contact the Recording Division. | County Clerk / E-Certify |
| You want notice of suspicious recordings. | Sign up for property fraud alerts and monitor owner, trust or company names. | Property Fraud Alert |
| Your property value or exemption looks wrong. | Search DCAD and contact the appraisal district, because value and exemptions are not County Clerk recording functions. | Dallas Central Appraisal District |
| Your property tax payment or statement is unclear. | Use the Dallas County Tax Office payment and customer-service resources. | Dallas County Tax Office |
Dallas County TX Recorder FAQs
Is the Dallas County Recorder the same as the County Clerk?
Yes for deed-recording purposes. In Texas, the county clerk serves as the county recorder. Dallas County deed and Official Public Records recording is handled by the Dallas County Clerk Recording Division.
Where is the Dallas County Clerk Recording Division located?
The Recording Division is located at the Dallas County Records Building, 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100, Dallas, TX 75202. The main phone number is 214-653-7099.
What are the Dallas County Recording Division hours?
The Dallas County Recording Division lists Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except court-approved holidays. Call before traveling because county pages may display building-operation or repair notices.
How do I search Dallas County deeds online?
Use the Dallas County Official Records Search portal. Select Property Records, then search by grantor/grantee, subdivision, document type, document number or recorded-date range. Open the matching record and verify names, date, legal description and document type.
How much does Dallas County charge to record a deed?
Dallas County lists the standard recording fee as $25 for the first page and $4 for each additional page. Specialty documents can have different fees, so check the official fee schedule before recording.
How much are Dallas County certified deed copies?
Dallas County lists real property record copies at $1 per page. Certified copies are $1 per page plus a $5 certification fee per document. Electronic certified OPR documents may be available online for documents in digital format.
Can I e-record documents in Dallas County Texas?
Yes, Dallas County offers e-recording, but Texas law limits who may electronically file real-property documents. It is mainly useful for authorized filers such as attorneys, lenders, title companies, state agencies and other eligible organizations.
Does Dallas County accept personal checks for recording?
No. Dallas County states that personal checks are not accepted. Use the official payment instructions for cash, money order, cashier’s check, business check or accepted in-person card payment with applicable convenience fee.
Who handles Dallas County property values and homestead exemptions?
The Dallas Central Appraisal District handles property appraisal records, values, exemptions, property records, ownership updates for appraisal purposes and GIS/mapping. The County Clerk records deeds and Official Public Records, but does not appraise property.
Can the Dallas County Clerk add or remove a person from my deed?
The County Clerk records properly presented documents but does not prepare deeds or give legal advice. To add or remove a person from title, work with a Texas real-estate attorney, title company or qualified professional to prepare the correct instrument, then record it if it meets legal and county requirements.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with Dallas County Government, the Dallas County Clerk, the Dallas Central Appraisal District, the Dallas County Tax Office, the Texas Legislature, GovOS, Neumo, any e-recording vendor or any title company.
Recording acceptance, certified-copy issuance, document indexing, redaction treatment, property fraud procedures, legal title effect, property valuation, tax billing and ownership disputes are determined by the responsible public office, statutes, courts or qualified professionals. This article is not legal, tax or title advice.
Public property and recorded-document information should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.