Matagorda County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Matagorda County in 2026
MatagordaRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to property records in Matagorda County, Texas. Members of the public may access records that could include deeds, mortgage documents, tax assessments, liens, plat maps, ownership histories, and recorded encumbrances. The availability and completeness of individual records may vary depending on the document type, recording date, and the office maintaining the record.
Official property records in Matagorda County are maintained and searchable through several government offices. The primary resources are:
- Matagorda County Clerk's Office — official recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Matagorda County Official Records Search — online index and document images certified through the current period
- Matagorda County Tax Assessor-Collector — property tax accounts, payment history, and vehicle registration
- Matagorda County property records via CIRA State Tools — index of property records from 1955 to present
- Matagorda County Maps — GIS and FEMA flood maps for parcel boundary reference
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Matagorda County Appraisal District serves as the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may search records at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID or account number
- By subdivision name
- By GIS map location
- By legal description
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value of land and improvements
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and transfer dates
- GIS map location and aerial imagery
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Matagorda County Appraisal District website
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or account number)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned
- Select the specific property to view the full property card
- Review ownership details, valuation history, and sales records
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk Official Records Search
The Matagorda County Clerk maintains the official repository for all recorded instruments affecting real property. The online portal provides free index searches; document image access may involve a per-page fee.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or conveying party)
- Grantee name (buyer or receiving party)
- Document type (deed, mortgage, lien, easement, etc.)
- Recording date range
- Instrument number or book and page reference
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and deed restrictions
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Lis pendens notices
- HOA declarations and covenants
How to Search:
- Access the official records search portal
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the index results returned
- Select a document to view the image (fees may apply per page)
- Note the instrument number or book and page for future reference
- Request certified copies in person or by mail if official copies are required
3. Tax Collector Website
The Matagorda County Tax Assessor-Collector, currently Becky Barrett Cook, maintains property tax account records accessible to the public at no charge.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel or account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and amount due
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied to the account
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Delinquency status and tax certificate information
- Installment plan status and payment options
Members of the public may also pay property taxes online through the county's official portal. Questions regarding specific tax accounts may be directed to the Tax Office at (979) 244-7670.
4. GIS and Mapping System
The county provides official county maps including preliminary FEMA flood zone maps and parcel boundary reference layers. The Texas Department of Insurance also maintains wind and property boundary maps for Matagorda County, though those maps represent approximate relative locations and do not constitute on-the-ground surveys.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the subject property location
- Click on a parcel to view associated property information
- Review flood zone designations and zoning overlays
- Access linked records from the parcel layer
- Measure distances and view multiple map layers simultaneously
In-Person Searches:
Matagorda County Clerk's Office
1700 7th Street, Room 105
Bay City, Texas 77414
Phone: (979) 244-7680
County Clerk | Matagorda County, Texas
Matagorda County Tax Assessor-Collector
1801 7th Street
Bay City, Texas 77414
Phone: (979) 244-7670
Tax Assessor-Collector | Matagorda County
By Mail Requests:
Requests for copies of recorded documents may be submitted by mail to the County Clerk's Office. Each request should specify the instrument number, book and page reference, or the property address and approximate recording date range. Payment for copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon written request with the applicable fee enclosed.
Through Professionals:
- Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments identifying all recorded interests against a property.
- Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions, address complex ownership disputes, and advise on chain-of-title deficiencies.
- Real estate agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull comparable sales histories, and provide market analysis as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
- When searching by address, attempt variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W) and check spelling alternatives.
- When searching by owner name, try last name first, then full name, and consider maiden name or business entity name variations.
- When searching by legal description, use the exact subdivision name, lot number, and block number as they appear on the recorded plat.
- For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the County Clerk's Office is required; staff can assist with retrieval from microfilm or archived record books.
What Is Matagorda County Property Records
Property records in Matagorda County are official legal documents related to real property — land and any improvements affixed to it — maintained by county government offices pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 192.001, which requires county clerks to record all instruments affecting real property. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the evidentiary foundation for real estate transactions, title insurance, and property taxation.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish and verify legal ownership of real property
- Provide an unbroken chain of title from original grant to present owner
- Record encumbrances including mortgages, liens, and easements
- Document all property transfers and conveyances
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights through constructive notice to the public
- Enable title insurance and facilitate real estate transactions
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer and conveyance documents
- Ownership history and chain of title
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting real property
Encumbrance Records
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements and deed restrictions
- HOA declarations and covenants
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records
- Property tax assessments and annual tax bills
- Payment history and exemption records
- Homestead, senior, veteran, and disability exemptions
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions and Plats
- Subdivision plat maps and re-plats
- Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Condominium declarations
Building and Permit Records
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violation records
- Zoning classifications and land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Matagorda County Clerk maintains all officially recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. The County Clerk's office is responsible for recording, indexing, and preserving these documents as permanent public records. The Matagorda County Appraisal District maintains property valuation records, ownership information, and exemption applications. The Tax Assessor-Collector maintains tax billing, payment, and delinquency records. The Matagorda County Tax Office is also listed with TxDMV for vehicle title and registration services administered through the same office.
Legal Framework:
Under Texas Property Code § 13.001, a conveyance of real property is void as to a subsequent purchaser for value without notice unless the instrument is acknowledged, sworn to, or proved and filed for record as required by law. This recording requirement forms the foundation of the constructive notice doctrine in Texas, meaning that any instrument properly recorded in the county clerk's office is deemed notice to all subsequent parties regardless of actual knowledge.
Are Property Records Public Information in Matagorda County?
Property records in Matagorda County are public information. Under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552.001, members of the public have the right to access government records, and property records maintained by the County Clerk and Appraisal District are among the most broadly accessible categories of public information in the state. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to inspect or obtain copies of property records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code § 552.001 et seq.)
- Texas Local Government Code § 192.001 (recording requirements)
- Texas Property Code § 13.001 (constructive notice through recording)
- Centuries-old common law tradition of public land records in American jurisprudence
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency in property ownership serves multiple public interests. The public has a recognized right to know who owns real property within a jurisdiction, enabling accountability in property taxation, prevention of fraudulent transfers, and integrity in real estate markets. Commercial users — including title companies, lenders, appraisers, and investors — rely on the public nature of these records to conduct due diligence and underwrite transactions. Researchers, journalists, genealogists, and historians also depend on open access to property records for legitimate investigative and scholarly purposes.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Property addresses and site information
- Sale prices and transfer amounts from recorded deeds
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens, encumbrances, and easements
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, year built, building type)
- Plat maps and surveys
- All recorded instruments in the County Clerk's index
Privacy Considerations:
Certain categories of personal information are protected even within otherwise public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from documents recorded after applicable state privacy requirements took effect. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of family violence or stalking — may qualify for address confidentiality protections under Texas law, which can limit the public availability of their residential address information. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the County Appraisal District administers these policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may access Matagorda County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, mortgage lenders, appraisers, attorneys, property investors, developers, genealogists, historians, and members of the media. Out-of-state and international requesters hold the same access rights as local residents.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial aggregation and use of public property records is legally permissible in Texas. Title insurance companies, data analytics firms, and subscription-based property information services compile and redistribute public record data. Anti-harassment statutes and fair housing laws continue to apply regardless of the public nature of the underlying records, and no use of property record information for illegal purposes is authorized.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Matagorda County?
The cost to obtain property records in Matagorda County depends on the type of record, the format requested, and the office providing the record. Online index searches through the official records search portal are available at no charge. Fees apply when requesting document images, certified copies, or extensive staff-assisted searches.
Standard Fee Schedule — County Clerk's Office:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a document (first page) | $25.00 |
| Recording a document (each additional page) | $4.00 per page |
| Certified copy of a recorded instrument | $5.00 (first page) + $1.00 per additional page |
| Non-certified copy of a recorded instrument | $1.00 per page |
| Online document image access | Fees may apply per document viewed or downloaded |
Recording fees in Texas are governed by Texas Local Government Code § 118.011, which establishes the schedule of fees county clerks may charge for recording instruments and providing copies of official records.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online index searches by grantor, grantee, document type, or date range
- Property appraisal data and ownership information through the Appraisal District's public portal
- Tax account information through the Tax Assessor-Collector's online system
- GIS map and parcel boundary viewing through the county's maps portal
Accepted Payment Methods:
The County Clerk's Office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card for in-person transactions. Mail requests must include a check or money order payable to the Matagorda County Clerk. Online payment options vary by portal.
Fee Waivers:
Texas law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Governmental entities and certain nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees in specific circumstances; requesters should inquire directly with the County Clerk's Office regarding eligibility.
Matagorda County Clerk's Office
1700 7th Street, Room 105
Bay City, Texas 77414
Phone: (979) 244-7680
County Clerk | Matagorda County, Texas
What's Included in a Matagorda County Property Record?
A complete Matagorda County property record encompasses information drawn from multiple county offices, including the County Clerk, the Appraisal District, and the Tax Assessor-Collector. The following categories represent the full scope of information that may be available for a given parcel.
Ownership Information
Current Ownership:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type: individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, or life estate
- Ownership percentage where multiple owners hold undivided interests
- Acquisition date and deed instrument number or book and page reference
- Mailing address on file for tax billing purposes
Previous Ownership:
- Chain of title listing prior owners in sequence
- Transfer dates and historical deed references
- Grantor and grantee names for each recorded conveyance
Property Identification
- Site address (physical location of the property)
- Mailing address if different from site address
- Legal description: lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range where applicable, or metes-and-bounds description
- Parcel ID and tax account number
- Alternate or previous parcel numbers if the parcel has been renumbered or subdivided
Physical Characteristics
Land Information:
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions, frontage, and depth
- Corner lot designation
- Land use designation and zoning classification
Building Information:
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms, full bathrooms, and half bathrooms
- Garage type and number of spaces
- Pool, porch, patio, and additional structure information
- Central air conditioning, heating type, water source, and sewer system
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information
- Land value and building value (assessed separately)
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Assessment year and historical values for prior years
- Agricultural use classification and value where applicable
Tax Information
- Total current tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city, special districts)
- Exemptions applied: homestead, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural, or other qualifying exemptions
- Tax payment history and delinquency status
- Due dates and available payment options, including the ability to pay property taxes online
Sales History
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent and historical transfers
- Grantor and grantee names for each transaction
- Sale type designation (arms-length, foreclosure, gift, inheritance, divorce transfer, tax deed)
- Deed document instrument numbers and documentary stamp amounts
Encumbrances and Liens
- Currently recorded mortgages and deeds of trust with lender names, recording dates, and original amounts
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, deed restrictions, and covenants
- Lis pendens notices and other instruments affecting title
Legal and Regulatory Information
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- Special district memberships (school, fire, water, community development)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- FEMA flood zone designation, accessible through the county's official maps portal
- Wetlands and environmental constraint designations
Maps and Images
- Property exterior photograph
- Aerial photograph and GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
- Historical aerial imagery where available
What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded instruments
- Interior photographs unless provided during an appraisal visit
- Social Security numbers (redacted from documents under current law)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Matagorda County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Matagorda County are maintained permanently. The County Clerk is required by law to preserve all recorded instruments affecting real property indefinitely, as these documents form the legal foundation of land title in Texas. Under the Texas State Library and Archives Commission records retention schedules, instruments recorded in the official public records — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are classified as permanent records and are never subject to scheduled destruction.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
Texas Local Government Code § 192.001 requires county clerks to record and maintain all instruments affecting real property. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission establishes retention schedules for local government records, and recorded instruments affecting title are designated as permanent under those schedules. The necessity of an unbroken chain of title further compels permanent preservation, as any gap in the historical record creates a title defect that can impair future transactions.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds of every type, dating to county formation
- All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- All subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- All recorded easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- All powers of attorney and court documents affecting real property
- Assessment rolls and property cards maintained by the Appraisal District
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Matagorda County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording. Very early records are preserved in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records are available on microfilm. Records from recent decades are maintained as digital scanned images within the county's electronic document management system. The official records search portal provides online access to indexed records, with the index currently certified through the present period.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent records (approximately last 20–40 years) | Searchable online through the official portal |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | May be available online; microfilm available at courthouse |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access at courthouse; microfilm or original books |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; staff retrieval required; advance notice helpful |
Property Appraiser and Tax Records:
The Matagorda County Appraisal District maintains current and historical assessment records permanently. Property cards and assessment rolls are preserved as permanent records. Tax payment records maintained by the Tax Assessor-Collector are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard retention schedules, while tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are retained for several years following resolution.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking records not available through the online portal may contact the County Clerk's Office directly. Staff can retrieve documents from microfilm archives or original record books. Very old records may require advance notice to allow for retrieval from storage. Standard copy fees apply regardless of the age of the record.
Matagorda County Clerk's Office
1700 7th Street, Room 105
Bay City, Texas 77414
Phone: (979) 244-7680
County Clerk | Matagorda County, Texas
Matagorda County Tax Assessor-Collector
1801 7th Street
Bay City, Texas 77414
Phone: (979) 244-7670
Tax Assessor-Collector | Matagorda County
How To Find Liens on Property in Matagorda County?
Liens on property in Matagorda County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the County Clerk's official records system. A lien is a legal claim against real property that must be recorded in the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and lenders. The following methods allow members of the public to identify liens currently or previously recorded against a specific parcel.
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Access the Matagorda County Official Records Search portal
- Select the search type — searching by grantee name (the property owner) is the most effective method for identifying liens recorded against a specific individual or entity
- Enter the property owner's name as it appears on the deed
- Filter results by document type to isolate lien categories: tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and abstract of judgment
- Review each result for the recording date, lienholder name, amount, and instrument number
- Note whether a corresponding release or satisfaction has been recorded for each lien identified
- For in-person verification or certified copies, visit the County Clerk's Office at 1700 7th Street, Bay City
Types of Liens Searchable Through the County Clerk:
- Federal tax liens — filed by the IRS against a taxpayer's property; searchable by debtor name
- State tax liens — filed by the Texas Comptroller for unpaid state taxes
- Judgment liens — arise from court judgments and attach to all non-exempt real property in the county upon recording of an abstract of judgment
- Mechanic's liens — filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid construction work under Texas Property Code § 53.001 et seq.
- HOA liens — filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
- Child support liens — recorded by the Texas Attorney General's Office
- Code enforcement liens — filed by municipalities for unpaid code violation penalties
Property Tax Delinquency:
Outstanding property tax obligations are not recorded as traditional liens in the County Clerk's index but are maintained as delinquent accounts by the Tax Assessor-Collector. Members of the public may verify current tax status and any outstanding balances through the property tax payment portal or by contacting the Tax Office at (979) 244-7670.
Important Search Considerations:
- Search under all name variations the property owner may have used, including maiden names, business entity names, and name abbreviations
- Verify whether a release or satisfaction has been recorded for each lien found, as an unreleased lien of record remains a cloud on title even if the underlying debt has been paid
- Very recent liens may not yet appear in the online index due to processing time; in-person verification at the County Clerk's Office provides the most current information
- Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title insurance process and have access to additional search tools beyond the public portal
What Is Property Owner Rule in Matagorda County?
The property owner rule in Matagorda County, as throughout Texas, refers to the legal principle that a property owner is competent to testify to the market value of their own real property without being qualified as an expert witness. This rule is well established in Texas jurisprudence and has significant practical implications in property tax protests, condemnation proceedings, and property damage litigation.
The Texas Property Owner Rule:
Under Texas law, a property owner — whether an individual or a corporate entity acting through a representative with knowledge of the property — may offer opinion testimony regarding the market value of their real property. Texas courts have consistently held that ownership of property is sufficient qualification to testify as to its value, provided the owner has a basis for the opinion. This principle applies in proceedings before the Matagorda County Appraisal Review Board, in eminent domain cases, and in civil litigation involving property damage or diminution in value.
Application in Property Tax Protests:
Property owners in Matagorda County who disagree with the appraised value assigned by the Matagorda County Appraisal District have the right to protest that value before the Appraisal Review Board. Under the Texas Tax Code, a property owner may present evidence of market value — including their own opinion of value supported by comparable sales, independent appraisals, or other relevant data — without retaining a licensed appraiser. The property owner rule supports this right by allowing the owner's testimony to constitute competent evidence of value.
Ownership Rights and Protections Under Texas Law:
Texas law provides robust protections for property owners. Article I, Section 17 of the Texas Constitution prohibits the taking, damaging, or destruction of private property for public use without adequate compensation. Texas Property Code provisions govern the rights of owners with respect to recorded encumbrances, adverse possession claims, boundary disputes, and easement rights. Property owners are entitled to receive notice of any instrument recorded against their property and may challenge fraudulent filings through the County Clerk's Office.
Homestead Protections:
Texas provides one of the strongest homestead protection frameworks in the United States. Under Article XVI, Section 50 of the Texas Constitution, a homestead is protected from forced sale for most debts, with limited exceptions including purchase money liens, home equity loans, tax liens, and mechanic's liens for work performed on the homestead. Property owners who occupy their residence as a primary homestead may also qualify for the homestead exemption administered by the Matagorda County Appraisal District, which reduces the taxable value of the property for county, school, and other taxing authority purposes.
Adverse Possession:
Texas law recognizes adverse possession claims under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.021 et seq., which allows a person who has openly, continuously, and exclusively possessed another's real property for a statutory period — ranging from 3 to 25 years depending on the circumstances — to acquire legal title. Property owners are advised to monitor their property boundaries and address unauthorized occupation promptly to protect against adverse possession claims.
Matagorda County Courthouse
1700 7th Street
Bay City, Texas 77414
Matagorda County, Texas | Homepage
Lookup Property Records in Matagorda County
- Matagorda County property records and deeds
- Official records search — deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Matagorda County Tax Assessor-Collector
- Matagorda County property records index (1955 to present)
- Matagorda County official government homepage
- Pay and search property taxes online
- Matagorda County Tax Office — TxDMV
- Matagorda County GIS and flood maps
- Matagorda County wind and property boundary maps — Texas Department of Insurance