Central Library FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What is Central Library?

A1: Central Library houses all of Tarrant County’s Official Public Records (OPR) for Real Property and provides a way for the public to easily obtain copies of those records both online and in person.  Central Library is located in the historic Tarrant County Courthouse, 100 W. Weatherford Street, in Room B30 and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For information on obtaining a copy of an official public record, please visit our Copies of Official Public Records page.

Q2. What types of documents can be printed by Central Library?

A2: Our office can print and certify the following types of documents:

·         Plats

·         Real estate-related documents (deeds, liens, release of liens)

·         Foreclosure postings

·         Marriage documents

·         Probate records

Q3. What types of documents cannot be printed by Central Library?

A3:  Our office cannot print the following types of documents:

·         Property surveys

·         Birth certificates

·         Death certificates

Q4: Where is Central Library located?

A4: Our office is located in the historic Tarrant County Courthouse at 100 W. Weatherford Street, Room B30.  If you cannot visit us in person, you can always visit our Official Records Search page to find and print records related to Real Property, Assumed Names, Marriage Records, and Foreclosure filings.

 

Q5: What are your hours?

A5: Our office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  You can also search for and print documents 24 hours a day via our online Official Records Search page.

 

 Q6: Does your office provide forms or templates that I can use to prepare my document for filing?

A6: Central Library does not provide any forms or templates for use by the public.  It is in your best interest to contact an attorney or title company for assistance with document preparation.

 

Q7: Can you provide me with Legal advice or guidance, or simply guidance on how to complete a document for filing?

A7: Central Library cannot provide legal advice or guidance, nor can it assist you with completing a document for filing.

 

Q8: How can I remove and/or add someone from/to my real property deed?

A8: Previously filed documents are part of the public record and cannot be corrected or amended.  To add to or remove someone from a deed, a new deed document will need to be filed in the Intake office (Room B20 of the historic Tarrant County Courthouse).  It is in your best interest to contact an attorney or title company for assistance with document preparation.

 

Q9: How do I obtain a copy of my plat?

A9: Plats are available in the Central Library office located in Room B30 of the historic Tarrant County Courthouse.  If you cannot visit Central Library in person, you can always visit the Official Records Search page to find and print plat records.  For information on obtaining a copy of a plat, please visit our Copies of Plats page.

 

Q10: How do I obtain a survey of my property?

A10: Central Library does not have access to property surveys.  Property surveys are not recorded in the Office Public Records but are retained by the homeowner.

 

Q11: What is the difference between a plat and a property survey?

A11: A plat is a comprehensive map of an entire addition or subdivision that provides an overview of a larger area that shows dimensions of property before any improvements are made.  Plats are required to be filed with the Records Intake office.  A property survey, on the other hand, is a detailed analysis of individual properties (lots) that focus on physical characteristics and boundaries.  Property surveys are not recorded in the Office of Public Records.

 

Q12: Can you tell me if I have any Liens on my property?

Q12: Central Library does not perform searches and cannot determine if there are liens filed on a piece of property.  Members of the public are welcomed to search the Central Library records using the Official Records Search page online or the public kiosks in the Central Library office located in Room B30 in the basement of the historic Tarrant County Courthouse.

 

Q13: Where can I get the title or a clear title to my property?  I just paid it off.

A13: A home title is not like a car title; you do not receive a clear title once a property is paid off.  Your deed (that you receive at the beginning of the home purchase) is your title to the property.

 

Q14: What forms of payment do you take?

A14: Central Library accepts cash, check, or credit card.  Payments made by credit card are subject to a small convenience fee.

 

Q15: Can I obtain copies of documents online?

A15: Yes; you may obtain free or certified copies of documents using the Official Public Records search page and following the guidance on the Copies of Official Public Records page.  For assistance with obtaining copies of Civil documents please call the Central library at 817-884-1069.

 

Q16: I have a judgment against me, who do I pay?

A16: Central Library does not have access to judgments or accept payments for judgments.  Members of the public will need to contact the court in which the judgment was ordered to obtain payment information.

Q17: Can I obtain a copy of my birth certificate or a copy of a family member’s death certificate from Central Library?

A17: No.  You may obtain copies of birth and death certificates from the Vitals Records office.  For information on how to obtain any of these documents from the Vitals Records Office, please visit the Vital Records FAQs page.

 

Q18: Can I obtain a copy of probate and guardianship records from Central Library?

A18: Yes.  Members of the public can look up County Courts at Law (CCL) and/or Probate files at the Tarrant County Court Records Search page.  Note that the Central Library does not perform searches, so you must know what documents you need based upon your own search.  Once the files that are needed have been located, please contact the Central Library at 817-884-1069 to obtain copies of these types of records.