Kinney County, TX Property Records

    Kinney County is in southwest Texas, between San Antonio and Del Rio. Its population at the 2020 U.S. Census was approximately 3,711, with 2025 estimates near 3,178. County seat: Brackettville. Created in 1850, organized in 1874. Named for Henry Lawrence Kinney, Texas Republic-era entrepreneur and founder of Corpus Christi.

    Fort Clark, established in 1852, is now Fort Clark Springs, a resort and residential community built on the historic fort grounds. The county also includes Alamo Village (now Chalk Bluff Park area), the movie set built for John Wayne's The Alamo (1960). The county is 53.4% Hispanic. Median income ~$66,341; median home value ~$92,481. The Tax Assessor-Collector does not collect property taxes.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    The Kinney County Clerk maintains all official land records in Kinney County. The office is at the Kinney County Courthouse, Brackettville, Texas.

    What County Property Records Include

    The County Clerk maintains all instruments affecting the ownership and encumbrance of real property. Recorded documents include:

    • Deeds: Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, special warranty deeds, trustee deeds, and correction deeds.

    • Deeds of Trust: The primary mortgage instrument in Texas conveys a security interest to a trustee on behalf of a lender.

    • Releases and Reconveyances: Discharge instruments releasing liens or deeds of trust once obligations are satisfied.

    • Oil and Gas Leases: Mineral leases, assignments, ratifications, and releases.

    • Easements and Rights-of-Way: Pipeline easements, utility easements, and access rights.

    • Mechanic's and Materialman's Liens: Filed under Chapter 53, Texas Property Code.

    • Powers of Attorney: Including durable and real-property-specific instruments.

    • Assignments: Including assignments of leases, rents, and mineral interests.

    • Lis Pendens: Notices of pending litigation affecting title.

    • Subdivision Plats: Plat maps of subdivisions within the county.

    How to Access Kinney County Property Records

    You can access Kinney County property records online, in person, by phone, and by mail. The process depends on the type of record you need.

    Online Access (Free)

    Kinney County property records are available online through TexasFile, a statewide records portal. Select Kinney County from the county list and search by grantor or grantee name, instrument number, document type, or recording date. Most deed, deed of trust, release, and lien instruments recorded in recent decades are indexed and available as scanned images.

    Property ownership, valuation, and exemption data are available through the Kinney County Appraisal District at kinneycad.org. The portal allows searches by owner name, property address, and legal description. This is the appropriate resource for assessed values, exemption status, and current ownership; it does not replace the County Clerk's deed records for title research.

    In Person

    While online portals are often the most convenient option, you can visit the relevant offices directly for certified copies, recording, or research assistance

    By Phone

    You can make inquiries, request general information, and ask about copy fees by phone

    By Mail/Overnight

    You can submit documents for recording or request copies of recorded instruments by mail. Before mailing a document for recording, ensure it is properly titled, acknowledged before a notary, includes the grantee's mailing address, and contains a complete legal description. Standard recording fees apply: $26.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page. Texas does not impose a realty transfer tax.

    To request copies of recorded documents, send a written request with sufficient identifying information (grantor/grantee name, approximate date, and document type).

    You may also request property record data from the Kinney County Appraisal District by mail to 412 S. Ann St., Brackettville, TX 78832. Include a clear description of the property or information requested.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    Kinney County supports e-recording of property documents through authorized third-party providers. E-recording is primarily used by title companies, lenders, and legal professionals. Contact the County Clerk's office at (830) 563-2521 for information on approved e-recording services and submission requirements

    What's Not at the County Clerk's Office

    • Property Appraisal: Kinney County Appraisal District (Todd Tate), 412 S. Ann St., P.O. Box 1377, Brackettville, TX 78832. Phone: (830) 563-2323.

    • Property Taxes: Tax Assessor-Collector Martha Pena-Padron, (830) 563-2688. Does NOT collect property taxes. Contact the CAD.

    • Texas RRC

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

    To research a property deed using online resources:

    • Search TexasFile: Go to Texasfile and select the county. Search by grantor/grantee name, document type, and date range.

    • Identify the instrument: Note the volume and page number or instrument number and recording date.

    • Retrieve a copy: Download images if available. If not, contact the County Clerk at (830) 563-2521 or mail a request to P.O. Box 9, Brackettville, TX 78832.

    • Verify appraisal data: Cross-reference the parcel at www.kinneycad.org for assessed value, ownership, and exemption status.

    • Check mineral interests: Search the Texas RRC at www.rrc.texas.gov for well locations and production data.

    • Confirm tax status: Verify current tax payment history with the Tax Assessor-Collector or appraisal district.

    Cities & Towns in Kinney County

    • Brackettville: County seat. Named for Oscar B. Brackett, who supplied Fort Clark.

    • Fort Clark Springs: Unincorporated resort/residential community on historic Fort Clark (est. 1852, closed 1944). Spring-fed swimming pool; historic officers' quarters.

    • Spofford: Small incorporated community.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    • Kinney County Appraisal District (Todd Tate): (830) 563-2323.

    • Tax Assessor-Collector (does NOT collect property taxes): Contact CAD.

    • Texas Comptroller

    County-Specific Nuances

    • Tax Assessor-Collector does NOT collect property taxes: Confirm payment point with the Kinney County Appraisal District at (830) 563-2323.

    • Fort Clark Springs, MUD and HOA instruments: Properties within Fort Clark Springs are subject to Fort Clark MUD regulations, HOA covenants, and historic post easements. Search these instruments in addition to standard deed records.

    • Alamo Village / John Wayne film set: The 1960 Alamo film set site (now Chalk Bluff Park area) is a local landmark. Film production easements or access agreements may appear as recorded instruments for nearby properties.

    • Texas uses a County Clerk, not a Recorder of Deeds: The County Clerk is the statutory custodian of all recorded land instruments under the Texas Local Government Code.

    • Texas uses deeds of trust, not traditional mortgages: Search for "deed of trust" rather than "mortgage" when examining encumbrances.

    • Severed mineral estates are common: A deed to the surface does not convey mineral rights unless explicitly stated. Mineral ownership must be traced through a separate chain of instruments.

    • Texas homestead rights: Both spouses must sign a deed or deed of trust to convey or encumber the homestead.

    • Community property state: Property acquired during marriage is generally owned equally by both spouses.

    • Agricultural land exemptions: Land qualifying for ag appraisal is valued on productive capacity rather than market value. Assessed values may be substantially lower than market value.

    Typical Contents of a Kinney County Property Record

    • Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Releases:

      • Standard conveyance

      • Lien instruments.

    • Ranch and Hunting Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee

      • Leased premises;

      • Term

      • Hunting rights

      • Annual payment.

    • Fort Clark Springs MUD and HOA Instruments:

      • MUD-related easements

      • Utility agreements

      • HOA covenants.

    Recording Changes to Property Titles

    All instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the County Clerk in person, by mail, or through an approved e-recording service.

    Documents must satisfy the following requirements:

    • Acknowledgment: Must be acknowledged before a notary public; dated on or after execution.

    • Legal Description: Complete legal description referencing the appropriate survey, abstract number, and block/lot designations.

    • Legibility: 8.5 x 11 inches, clearly printed, with a 3-inch top margin on the first page.

    • Grantor/Grantee Names: All parties identified by full legal name.

    Practical Research Flow (Checklist)

    • Identify the parcel: Obtain the legal description from the deed, tax records, or the county appraisal district.

    • Search the grantor/grantee index: Use TexasFile or the County Clerk's in-office index.

    • Retrieve deed documents: Trace all deeds in the chain of title. Review for legal description accuracy, warranty covenants, and reservations.

    • Search for encumbrances: Search for deeds of trust, mechanic's liens, lis pendens, and other recorded encumbrances.

    • Review oil and gas instruments: Search for mineral-related instruments. Determine whether the mineral estate has been severed from the surface estate.

    • Check Texas RRC records: Visit RRC www.rrc.texas.gov for active wells, operators, and production data.

    • Verify appraisal and tax status: Confirm assessed value, exemption status, and tax payment history.

    • Confirm homestead status: Determine whether the property carries a homestead exemption.

    • Review plat records: For subdivided properties, confirm plat recording.

    • Obtain certified copies: Confirm the current fee schedule with the Clerk before mailing payment.

    Appendix A: Municipalities in Kinney County

    Kinney County has 2 incorporated cities and several unincorporated communities and historic sites.

    • County Seat and Largest City: Brackettville (population 1,341; Kinney County Courthouse, 1910 Beaux Arts Classicism architecture, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004).

    • Other City: Spofford.

    • Historic and Unincorporated Areas: Fort Clark Springs (former United States Army post, established 1852 as Fort Riley), Las Moras area, scenic Rio Grande Valley, Edwards Plateau region, and ranch lands.

    Full list at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinney_County,_Texas.

    Appendix B: Key Contacts & Portals

    • Kinney County Clerk and District Clerk:

    • Online Deed Search and Property Records:

      • TexasFile provides free access to Kinney County Official Public Records.

      • Website: texasfile.com

      • All property searches, protests, and exemptions through Kinney CAD are free. Report any payment requests to (830) 563-2323.

    • Kinney County Appraisal District (Tax Maps, Property Values, & Assessment):

      • Street Address: 412 South Ann Street, Brackettville, TX 78832-9998.

      • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1377, Brackettville, TX 78832-1377.

      • Chief Appraiser: Todd L. Tate, RPA, RTA/C.

      • Phone: (830) 563-2323

      • Fax: (830) 563-9292

      • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

      • Website: kinneycad.org

      • Free Online Property Search: Available at Kinney CAD

      • Online Property Tax Protests: Free filing available.

    • Kinney County Tax Assessor-Collector (Property Tax Collection & Vehicle Registration):

    • Fort Clark Springs (Historic Federal Military Installation):

      • Fort Clark Springs is a historic site in Kinney County, originally established as a United States Army post in 1852.

      • Information: Contact the Kinney County office at (830) 563-2401.

    • Kinney County Official Website:

    • Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (Tax Rates & Finance Data):