Milam County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Milam County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Milam County, Texas, may access publicly available information through MilamRecords.us, which aggregates data related to a range of official record categories maintained by county and state agencies. Milam County government offices maintain records that may include court filings, property documents, vital records, tax assessments, and law enforcement logs, subject to applicable state law and individual office policies.
Records that members of the public may find through official channels include:
- Civil and criminal court records
- Property deeds, liens, and mortgage documents
- Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records
- Business licenses and assumed name filings
- Property tax and appraisal records
- Voter registration and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
- Arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning records
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Access:
- The Milam County Appraisal District provides online property search tools for appraisal and tax records.
- The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a portal for ordering vital records locally through county clerk offices.
- The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides access to Milam County historical records available on microfilm, including deed records, probate minutes, and tax rolls.
- Some court records are accessible through the Texas Office of Court Administration's online case search tools.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Milam County Clerk's Office to inspect or request copies of records. The office is located at 102 S. Fannin Ave., Cameron, TX 76520. Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should identify the record type, approximate date range, and names of parties involved when submitting a request at the public counter.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Milam County Clerk's Office at P.O. Box 191, Cameron, TX 76520. Requests should include the requestor's full name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for response. Under the Texas Public Information Act, governmental bodies are required to respond promptly, with a standard response period of ten business days.
Phone/Email:
- Milam County Clerk's Office: (254) 697-7049
- Email inquiries may be directed through the county's official contact channels.
What Are Public Records in Milam County?
Public records in Milam County are defined under 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 and criminal court records | Milam County District Clerk |
| Probate and family court records | Milam County Clerk |
| Property deeds, liens, mortgages | Milam County Clerk |
| Birth, death, marriage, divorce records | Milam County Clerk / Texas DSHS |
| Business licenses, assumed name filings | Milam County Clerk |
| Property tax and appraisal records | Milam County Appraisal District / Tax Assessor-Collector |
| Motor vehicle records | Milam County Tax Office |
| Voter registration records | Milam County Elections Administrator |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Milam County Judge's Office |
| Arrest logs and incident reports | Milam County Sheriff's Office |
The Milam County Clerk serves as the primary custodian for the majority of official county records, including real property instruments and vital statistics filings.
Is Milam County an Open Records County?
Milam County operates in full compliance with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), codified at Texas Government Code § 552.001 et seq., which establishes the public's right to access government records. The Act applies to all governmental bodies in the state, including county offices, and presumes that government information is open to the public unless a specific statutory exception applies.
As stated by the Texas Office of the Attorney General: "The people of this state, as the sovereign, have the inherent right to know how their public business is conducted." This principle underlies the TPIA's broad disclosure requirements and applies directly to Milam County's record-keeping practices.
The Texas Attorney General's Office provides guidance and open records letter rulings that govern how county offices respond to public information requests. County departments are required to either release requested records, seek an Attorney General ruling on claimed exceptions, or notify the requestor of the applicable exception within ten business days of receiving a written request.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Milam County?
The cost to obtain public records in Milam County is governed by the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Administrative Code, Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70, which sets standard charges for public information. Current fees applicable to most requests include:
| Fee Type | Standard Charge |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copy (8.5" x 11") | $0.10 per page |
| Oversized paper copy | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy (documents) | Varies by record type |
| Electronic records (existing format) | No charge for the medium if emailed |
| Personnel time (over 50 pages) | Charged per hour at set rates |
| Postage and shipping | Actual cost |
- Inspection fees: Members of the public may inspect records at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
- Certification fees: Certified copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage) carry fees set by the Texas Health and Safety Code, at present $22.00 for the first certified copy of a birth certificate and $3.00 for each additional copy.
- Search fees: Search fees may be assessed when a request requires programming or extensive retrieval.
- Payment methods: The Milam County Clerk's Office accepts cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance may vary by office.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest, subject to the governmental body's discretion under applicable state guidelines.
Does Milam County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to any member of the public at the offices of the Milam County Clerk and the Milam County District Clerk during regular business hours. No fee is charged to view records at a public access terminal or at the public counter, provided no copies are made.
The following resources provide free access to certain Milam County records:
- The Milam County Appraisal District provides free online access to property appraisal data, ownership information, and tax estimates.
- The Texas State Library and Archives Commission offers free access to Milam County records on microfilm, including historical deed records, probate minutes, and tax rolls, through its research facilities.
- The Texas Secretary of State's office provides free online access to assumed name (DBA) filings and certain business entity records.
- Court case information may be searched at no cost through public access terminals located within the Milam County courthouse.
Free inspection differs from free copies. While inspection at a government office carries no charge, reproduction of records is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Milam County?
Any person may request public records from Milam County governmental bodies under the Texas Public Information Act. The Act does not restrict access based on residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Requestors are not required to be Texas residents or to explain why they are seeking the information.
Key eligibility provisions include:
- Identification: Requestors are not required to provide identification to submit a public information request, though identification may be required for certain sensitive record types, such as certified vital records.
- Purpose: Governmental bodies may not require a requestor to state the purpose of a request as a condition of access, except in limited circumstances defined by statute.
- Non-residents: Non-residents of Texas retain the same rights of access as residents under the TPIA.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals requesting their own records, such as personal vital records or criminal history, may be required to provide proof of identity and, in some cases, a notarized authorization.
- Third-party records: Requests for records pertaining to other individuals are subject to the same open records standards, with exceptions for records protected by privacy statutes.
As the Texas Attorney General's Office notes: "A governmental body may not ask a requestor to identify themselves or to state the reason for the request as a condition of processing the request."
What Records Are Confidential in Milam County?
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158, which enumerates specific exceptions to the general rule of openness. Records that are at present withheld from public access include:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are confidential under the Texas Family Code.
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active criminal investigations are exempt from disclosure.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are protected from release.
- Medical records: Health information is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by statute.
- Child welfare records: Records maintained by child protective services are confidential.
- Personnel records: Certain employee records are exempt, with exceptions for information relating to public duties and compensation.
- Trade secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to a governmental body may be withheld.
- Security and infrastructure plans: Documents detailing security vulnerabilities or critical infrastructure are exempt from disclosure.
When a governmental body believes a requested record falls under an exception, it must seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Office within ten business days, unless the exception is mandatory and self-executing.
Milam County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Milam County Clerk's Office
102 S. Fannin Ave., Room 1
Cameron, TX 76520
(254) 697-7049
Milam County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
The Milam County Clerk maintains official county records including real property instruments, vital records, probate filings, commissioners court minutes, and assumed name certificates. Certified copies of birth, death, and marriage records may be obtained at this office; the Texas Department of State Health Services also provides guidance on ordering vital records through local county clerk offices.
Additional Offices:
Milam County District Clerk's Office
102 S. Fannin Ave.
Cameron, TX 76520
(254) 697-7052
Milam County District Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The District Clerk maintains civil, criminal, and family court records filed in the Milam County District Courts.
Milam County Tax Assessor-Collector
102 S. Fannin Ave.
Cameron, TX 76520
(254) 697-7017
Milam County Tax Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
The Tax Assessor-Collector processes motor vehicle registrations, title transfers, and property tax payments. Motor vehicle records and related services are administered in coordination with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Milam County Appraisal District
204 W. 4th St.
Cameron, TX 76520
(254) 697-6640
Milam County Appraisal District
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Appraisal District maintains property appraisal records, ownership data, and exemption information for all taxable property within Milam County.