Motley County, TX Property Records

    Motley County is in the Rolling Plains of northwest Texas, on the Caprock Escarpment. Its population at the 2020 U.S. Census was 1,063, with 2024 estimates near 1,183 and growing slightly. The county seat is Matador, with a population of approximately 569. Roaring Springs is a smaller incorporated community. The county was created in 1876 and organized in 1891. The county is named for Junius William Mottley, a participant in the Texas Revolution. The name was misspelled as "Motley" in the original organizing legislation and was never corrected.

    Matador became the county seat by a colorful route. In 1912, the state required a town to have at least 20 businesses before incorporation. Local ranch hands established fraudulent, temporary businesses using ranch supplies to meet the threshold; the only real business at the time was a saloon. The Matador Ranch, consolidated in 1882 by a Scottish syndicate and the dominant economic force in the area for decades, was liquidated in 1951. On June 21, 2023, a tornado struck Matador, causing significant damage to residential structures.

    The median household income is approximately $61,154. The county's appraisal functions are handled by the Floyd County Appraisal District in Floydada, not a standalone Motley County CAD.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    The Motley County Clerk maintains all official land records in Motley County. The office is at the Motley County Courthouse in Matador, 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 Motley County Property Records

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

    Online Access

    Motley County property records are available online through TexasFile, a statewide records portal. Select Motley 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 Floyd County Appraisal District (serves Motley County) at co.motley.tx.us. 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 Floyd County Appraisal District (serves Motley County) by mail to 104 E. California St., Floydada, TX 79235. Include a clear description of the property or information requested.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    Motley 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 (806) 347-2621 for information on approved e-recording services and submission requirements.

    What's Not at the County Clerk's Office

    • Property Appraisal: Floyd County Appraisal District serves Motley County. Chief Appraiser: Jim Finley. 104 E. California St., P.O. Box 249, Floydada, TX 79235. Phone: (806) 983-5256. Note: the appraisal district for Motley County is located in Floydada, Floyd County.

    • Property Taxes: Tax Assessor-Collector Ronda Miller, 701 Dundee St., P.O. Box 727, Matador, TX 79244. Phone: (806) 347-2252. Motley County Tax A/C collects property taxes.

    • 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 (806) 347-2621 or mail a request to 701 Dundee St., Matador, TX 79244.

    • Verify appraisal data: Cross-reference the parcel at Motley County Texas for assessed value, ownership, and exemption status.

    • Check mineral interests: Search the Texas RRC 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 Motley County

    • Matador: County seat. Named for the Matador Ranch. The 2023 tornado caused significant residential damage.

    • Roaring Springs: A small incorporated community. Pop. ~200. Named for nearby springs on the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    • Floyd County Appraisal District (serves Motley County, located in Floydada): (806) 983-5256. P.O. Box 249, Floydada, TX 79235.

    • Tax Assessor-Collector (Ronda Miller): (806) 347-2252. Collects property taxes for Motley County.

    • Texas Comptroller

    County-Specific Nuances

    • Appraisal district is in Floyd County, not Motley County: The Floyd County Appraisal District in Floydada serves Motley County. Researchers who need to contact the appraisal district for Motley County properties must contact the Floyd CAD in Floydada, not a Motley County office.

    • County name is a spelling error: The county is named for Junius William Mottley, but the organizing legislation spelled it "Motley." The error was never corrected. The county has always been officially "Motley County."

    • Matador Ranch historical instruments: The Matador Ranch, consolidated in 1882 by a Scottish syndicate and dominant in the county for seven decades, was liquidated in 1951. Deep title searches in Motley County may encounter Matador Land and Cattle Company instruments from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

    • 2023 Matador tornado: On June 21, 2023, a tornado struck Matador, causing significant damage to residential structures. Properties in affected areas may have insurance-related liens, government assistance instruments, or changed appraisal values following the disaster. Research post-tornado recorded instruments for any affected parcels.

    • 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 conveying or encumbering 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 Motley County Property Record

    • Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Releases:

      • Standard conveyance

      • Lien instruments.

    • Ranch and Cattle Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee names

      • Description of leased premises

      • Term

      • Permitted use

      • Annual payment.

    • Historical Matador Ranch Instruments:

      • Matador Land and Cattle Company instruments from the late 19th to early 20th century may appear in deep title searches.

    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 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 Motley County

    Motley County has 2 incorporated cities and several unincorporated communities.

    • County Seat and Largest Town: Matador.

    • Other City: Roaring Springs.

    • Unincorporated Communities: Flomot, Folley, Mac Bain, Northfield, Russellville, Whiteflat, and Whitestar.

    Full municipality list at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motley_County,_Texas.

    Appendix B: Key Contacts & Portals

    • Motley County Clerk and District Clerk:

      • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 660, Matador, TX 79244.

      • Clerk: D'anna Russell.

      • Phone: (806) 347-2621

      • Fax: (806) 347-2220

      • Hours: Regular courthouse business hours, Monday–Friday.

      • Website: co.motley.tx.us/page/motley.County.Clerk

    • Online Deed Search and Records:

    • Floyd County Appraisal District (serving Motley County - Tax Maps, Property Values, & Assessment):

      • Street Address: 104 East California Street, Floydada, TX 79235-2818.

      • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 249, Floydada, TX 79235-0249.

      • Chief Appraiser: Jim Finley.

      • Phone: (806) 983-5256

      • Fax: (806) 983-6230

      • Email: floydcad@suddenlinkmail.com

      • Note: Floyd County Appraisal District serves both Floyd and Motley counties.

    • Motley County Tax Assessor-Collector (Property Tax Collection):

    • Motley County Official Website:

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