Ellis County, TX Property Records

    With a population exceeding 249,000, Smith County ranks as the 24th most populous county in Texas. Smith County spans 921 square miles, ranking 108th among Texas counties in land area. Smith County's average home value stands at $300,532, representing a 1.5% decline from previous years. The county's median home price of $300,000 is nearly the same as the Texas average of $294,807

    Ellis County is identified as a growth market with a real estate sector marked by rising inventory and moderating prices. On average, listings go under pending in 57 days, with 16.2% of houses selling for more than the listed price. According to the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), approximately 28.69% of households in Ellis County, TX, are considered cost-burdened.

    Property records in Ellis County are managed at the county level across multiple offices. To conduct comprehensive research, individuals must consult three separate offices responsible for property assessments, parcel records, and tax data.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    In Ellis County, Texas, the County Clerk functions as the official recorder, managing all land records through a centralized system. This office maintains land records for all jurisdictions within the county, providing access via an Online Records Search portal. On this platform, individuals may search using multiple search criteria, such as name, date range, and document type. Records may also be obtained in person at 109 S. Jackson St., Second Floor, Waxahachie, TX 75165, or by calling (972) 825-5070.

    What Ellis County Property Records Include

    Ellis County maintains property records classified as Official Public Records (OPR) that provide legal documentation of property-related matters. These records encompass deeds, mortgages, mechanic liens, judgments, releases, plats, restrictions, leases, affidavits, powers of attorney, bills of sale, and more.

    The recorded land title system in Ellis County ensures that property documents such as deeds, liens, releases, easements, and plats are organized chronologically. Each filing receives a unique instrument number and is referenced by volume and page. Records are indexed by grantor, grantee, document type, and legal description. All records are publicly accessible, with the County Clerk's index covering entries from August 12, 1841, and plat maps from April 30, 1957.

    How to Access Ellis County Property Records

    Individuals may review Ellis County property records using multiple platforms. These include submitting in-person requests, online portals, or other county-provided methods of access.

    Online Access (Free)

    The Ellis County Clerk's Official Public Records portal provides online access to property records dating back to 1841. Individuals may perform a free public search through the Ellis County Official Public Records (OPR) portal. This search may be performed using a grantor/grantee name, date range, document type, or instrument number. Residents may also download or access specialized data on this platform, which typically requires an account and a fee. For older records, especially before the 1970s, locating documents may require searching by volume and page number.

    In Person

    Individuals may obtain property records by visiting the Ellis County Clerk's Office at 109 S. Jackson Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165. The Property Recording division is on the second floor and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To locate records, requesters may need to provide details such as the owner's name or a legal description, and applicable copy fees will be charged.

    By Phone or Email

    The Ellis County Clerk's Office(property records division) may be reached at (972) 825-5070 for general inquiries and assistance with property record access. Members of the public must be aware that the issuance of copies and official record requests is only processed through online, in-person, or mail channels.

    By Mail/Overnight

    To record documents by mail in Ellis County, send originals or court-certified copies to the Clerk's Office at P.O. Box 250, Waxahachie, TX 75168. The document must meet the County-Specific requirement, including a self-addressed stamped envelope, and proper fees must accompany submissions. The standard charges are $25.00 for the first page, $4.00 for each additional page, and $0.25 for each name over five indexed.

    Requests for certified copies of recorded documents in Ellis County must be mailed to the Clerk's Office, P.O. Box 250, Waxahachie, TX 75168. Requests must include the recording year, party names, document type, and volume/page details if known. Fees cost $1.00 per page and $5.00 per certification, payable by cashier's check or money order. A self-addressed stamped envelope is required, and the Clerk's Office may be contacted at (972) 825-5070 for current fee information.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    Ellis County, Texas, offers electronic recording (e-recording) for Official Public Records (OPR) through its partnership with CSC, a primary vendor. The Ellis County Clerk's Official Public Records page highlights a partnership with this vendor to enable secure electronic submission of documents and expedite processing. Individuals may also utilize other major e-recording providers in Texas to facilitate filings within the county.

    What's Not at the Recorder's Office (But Matters for Property Research)

    In Ellis County, the Clerk's Office is responsible for recording documents, including deeds, liens, mortgages, and plats. Nevertheless, the Clerk's Office does not maintain all property-related information. The Ellis Central Appraisal District (ECAD) maintains appraisal values, property characteristics, and exemption information. Tax-related records, including billing, collections, and certificates, are handled by the Ellis County Tax Assessor-Collector. For broader oversight and transparency, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts provides statewide property tax information and appraisal standards guidance.

    Step-by-Step: How to Pull a Deed Online

    Individuals may retrieve deeds and other recorded documents online by following these outlined steps:

    • Go to the Ellis County Official Public Records portal, the county's primary resource for property and land records.

    • Select from available search options, including Grantor/Grantee, Document Type, Date Range, or specific recording details, including Volume and Page number.

    • Fill in the necessary search fields. Individuals may use optional filters such as instrument number or date range to narrow down results.

    • Select a record from the search results for detailed viewing. Watermarked previews are usually free. Non-watermarked copies require a fee of $1.00 per page for download, email, or print generally.

    Cities & Towns in Ellis County (and Their Record Custodians)

    The Ellis County Clerk is the official recorder and custodian of property-related documents within the county. It serves all incorporated cities and towns within the county.

    • Alma

    • Bardwell

    • Cedar Hill (portion)

    • Ennis

    • Ferris (portion)

    • Garrett

    • Glenn Heights (portion)

    • Grand Prairie (portion)

    • Italy

    • Mansfield (portion)

    • Maypearl

    • Midlothian

    • Milford

    • Oak Leaf

    • Ovilla (portion)

    • Palmer

    • Pecan Hill

    • Red Oak

    • Venus (portion)

    • Waxahachie

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    In Ellis County, property valuations and tax information are maintained by the Ellis Central Appraisal District (ECAD) and the Ellis County Tax Office. Both provide online databases for valuations, exemptions, parcel maps, and payment history by account number, address, and other criteria:

    The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and its Property Tax Assistance Division provide statewide access to local tax rates, appraisal data, and transparency tools.

    Ellis County-Specific Nuances

    Property research in Ellis County is shaped by several distinct local characteristics:

    • Property functions in Ellis County are split between three departments. First, the County Clerk manages official land records. The Appraisal District administers property valuations and exemptions. Furthermore, the Tax Assessor-Collector conducts billing and collections.

    • Ellis County uses a Property ID, also called a Parcel ID, to track land assets. It serves as the key reference connecting appraisal records with tax office data.

    • Ellis County provides digital access to Official Public Records dating to August 12, 1841. Modern records can be accessed through the county's portal, while TexasFile offers research access to older documents and plat maps beginning in 1957.

    • In Ellis County's unincorporated areas, land use is regulated by development permits and county orders rather than zoning. For properties located within cities, zoning and building regulations are determined by the respective municipal governments.

    Typical Contents of an Ellis County Property Record

    Brazos County maintains property records that outline ownership rights, financial obligations, parcel boundaries, and governing conditions. Some of the information available when reviewing these records includes:

    • Deeds

      • Grantor and grantee names (seller and buyer)

      • The property's legal description (lot, block, subdivision, metes and bounds)

      • Consideration amount (the purchase price or nominal value)

      • Prior Book and Page References (links to earlier transactions)

      • Homestead declaration (if applicable)

      • The type of deed (warranty deed, quitclaim deed, trustee deed, etc.)

    • Deeds of Trust and Discharges

      • Lender and borrower names

      • Principal loan amount

      • Interest rate and term

      • Mortgage book and page reference

      • Satisfaction of mortgage or release of lien (when paid off)

      • Assignments (if the mortgage is transferred to another lender)

    • Plans and Plats

      • Subdivision names and plat book/page references

      • Lot and block identifiers

      • Site plans or boundary surveys (when recorded)

      • Condominium declarations and amendments

      • Master deeds

    • Encumbrances and Legal Notices

      • Easements (utility, access, drainage, etc.)

      • Lis pendens (notice of pending litigation)

      • Restrictive covenants (HOA rules, land use limitations)

      • Foreclosure postings

      • Tax or judgment liens

      • Code enforcement liens and special assessments

    In addition to standard property filings, Ellis County maintains records of affidavits, rent assignments, abstracts of judgment, trustee sale notices, mechanic's liens, oil and gas leases, and powers of attorney.

    Recording Changes to Property Titles

    The Ellis County Clerk records deeds, mortgages, lien satisfactions, assignments, releases, and other title updates. Documents may be filed at the County Clerk's office located at 109 S. Jackson Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. The office also accepts documents for recording by mail to “P.O. Box 250, Waxahachie, TX 75168.” The CSC eRecording authorized vendor also exists for electronic submissions. Individuals may get comprehensive information on recording options, guidelines, and fees through the Ellis County Clerk's Official Public Records webpage.

    Practical Research Flow (Checklist)

    Ellis County offers a structured, practical step for conducting property research in the county:

    • Access Ellis County's Official Public Records (OPR) Portal to locate land documents. If only an address is available, begin with the Appraisal District's search portal to identify the owner's name, since the Clerk's system is name-based.

    • Note reference numbers. In Texas, the Legal Description provides the most accurate confirmation of the tract.

    • Trace the property's ownership history. Individuals may use the grantor-grantee index to trace ownership changes and confirm legal transfers. These records are the main source for confirming transfers and detecting potential title issues. Also, services such as TexasFile can simplify access to archived documents.

    • Examine recorded plats, easements, and restrictive covenants. Individuals may consult the clerk's record to review property encumbrances. For a visual reference, residents may access the Ellis County GIS Portal or the Interactive GIS Map.

    • Verify parcel information by cross-referencing with the Ellis Central Appraisal District (ECAD). This database provides maps and property details such as square footage and year built, assessed values, and exemption statuses.

    Appendix A: Municipalities in Ellis County

    Ellis County, Texas, is made up of approximately 22 municipalities*, including 15 incorporated cities and 7 towns, as well as several census-designated places and unincorporated communities**.

    • Cities: Cedar Hill, Ennis, Ferris, Garrett, Glenn Heights, Grand Prairie, Italy, Mansfield, Maypearl, Midlothian, Milford, Oak Leaf, Ovilla, Palmer, Pecan Hill, Red Oak, Venus, and Waxahachie.

    • Towns: Alma and Bardwell.

    *Ellis County consists of 22 incorporated municipalities, each established on specific dates of incorporation. (https://www.elliscountytx.gov/488/The-Cities-of-Ellis-County).

    **Census-designated places and unincorporated communities are recognized areas but do not operate under municipal governments. (Wikipedia).

    Appendix B: Key Contacts & Portals

    1%