Access Winkler County Property Records

Winkler County property records are maintained by County Clerk Pam Greene at the courthouse in Kermit, Texas. The office holds deeds, oil and gas leases, mineral records, liens, plat maps, and other land instruments going back to the county's organization in 1910. Records are searchable through TexasFile and in person at the courthouse. This guide covers how to search, what you will find, and where to get copies.

Winkler County Clerk Office

County Clerk Pam Greene maintains all official property records for Winkler County. The office is at 100 East Winkler St. in Kermit. Staff are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1007, Kermit, TX 79745. The office holds deeds, liens, oil and gas leases, right-of-ways, plat maps, real property records, and genealogy records.

Winkler County is in the Permian Basin of West Texas. The county was organized in 1910, and land records go back to that date. Prior records from 1887 to 1910 may be found in Ward County. The oil boom transformed Winkler County, and the clerk's office reflects that history through extensive oil and gas lease and mineral deed records.

How to Search Winkler County Records

To search Winkler County property records online, use TexasFile. Create a free account and search by grantor or grantee name, document type, or date range. Digital records through TexasFile go back to 1883. Document images are available for purchase. You can also search through TaxNetUSA for property tax and appraisal information.

For in-person searches, visit the clerk's office at 100 East Winkler St. in Kermit. Staff can assist with navigating the index but cannot conduct the search on your behalf. For mail requests, send to Pam Greene, County Clerk, P.O. Box 1007, Kermit, TX 79745. Include the party name, document type, and approximate recording date. Include payment for any copies needed.

Records before 1910 may be held in Ward County since Winkler County was attached to Ward County before its organization in 1910. The Winkler County Library and Winkler County Museum also hold historical and genealogical materials including census records, obituaries, and newspaper clippings.

Types of Winkler County Property Records

The County Clerk records instruments that affect real property in Winkler County. Once filed, each document becomes part of the permanent public record. Under Texas Property Code Section 12.001, recording provides constructive notice to anyone dealing with the property later.

Common types include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, lien notices and releases, oil and gas leases, mineral deeds, royalty deeds, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and assumed name certificates. Winkler County's Permian Basin location means oil and gas lease records and mineral deed assignments are a major part of the filing system. Records include grantor and grantee information, legal descriptions, recording data, and document images.

Genealogy records are also available through the clerk's office, including historical materials dating back to the early oil boom era. Jail books from 1928 to 1936 are among the unique historical records available through the county.

Winkler County Appraisal District

The Winkler County Appraisal District maintains appraisal records for all taxable property in the county. Chief Appraiser Rhonda Shaw (Interim) oversees the office at 107 E. Winkler in Kermit. Mailing address is P.O. Box 1219, Kermit, TX 79745. Phone: (432) 586-2832. Email: winklercad@hotmail.com.

The appraisal district database shows current ownership, appraised values, and exemptions. You can search by owner name, address, or property ID. TaxNetUSA also provides access to Winkler County property tax and appraisal data. Standard Texas exemptions apply including homestead, over-65, disabled, disabled veteran, and agricultural use. The CAD records complement the County Clerk's deed records for complete property research.

The Tax Assessor and Collector office is at 100 East Winkler St. and can be reached at (432) 586-3465. Services include property tax collection and vehicle registration.

Recording Fees and Procedures

Recording a document with the Winkler County Clerk costs $26 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page. If a document names more than five parties to index, the fee is $0.25 per name over five. These fees are consistent with the standard Texas recording schedule. Some sources show fees as low as $16 for the first page, but the standard rate applies to most instruments.

Certified copies cost $5.00 per document. Non-certified copies are $1.00 per page. Documents can be submitted in person or by mail. Include payment with any mailed document. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of originals submitted by mail.

Texas Public Information Act

Winkler County property records are public documents. Under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, anyone can request copies of government records without giving a reason. You do not need to own the property to access records.

The clerk must respond promptly. For indexed records, access is generally immediate. The Texas Attorney General's Open Government Division handles disputes about public records access in Texas. Some information in online document images may be redacted, including social security numbers and financial account numbers.

Additional Resources

The Texas Comptroller's Property Tax Assistance Division provides statewide resources including exemption forms and protest procedures. For historical land grants in West Texas, the Texas General Land Office archive is a useful source. The Texas Secretary of State's SOSDirect system covers UCC filings and business entity records. The Texas State Law Library publishes free research guides on Texas property law and recording requirements.

Nearby Counties

Winkler County is in West Texas near the New Mexico border. Confirm the right county before searching if the property is near a county line.