Travis County Texas Real Property Records: Search Deeds, Taxes, Appraisals & Maps
Use this Travis County real property records guide to search the right official system first. TCAD is best for owner, address, account, market value, exemptions and protest data; the Travis County Tax Office is best for bills, balances and receipts; the County Clerk is best for deeds, deeds of trust, tax liens and recorded documents; and GIS maps help verify parcel location.
Fastest Way to Search Travis County Texas Real Property Records
Travis County Real Property Records Are Split by Job
Texas property records are local, but different offices control different data. This router prevents common mistakes such as paying the wrong tax account or treating an appraisal record as title proof.
| Your Question | Correct Route | What It Shows | What It Does Not Prove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who is listed for this property? | TCAD property search | Owner clue, address, account number, appraisal data, exemptions and map links. | It is not a full title report or lien clearance. |
| Is the tax bill paid? | Travis County Tax Office account search | Paid/balance status, current and prior tax statements, receipt, eBill and payment-plan options. | It does not prove deed chain or all recorded liens. |
| Where is the deed or deed of trust? | County Clerk Recording / Public Records Search | Real property records, deeds, tax liens, trustee sale notices and recording images/indexes. | One document does not replace a full title search. |
| Where is the parcel on the map? | TCAD Maps / Travis County GIS | Tax map, parcel map, GIS open data and TNR maps. | It is not a survey, title policy or legal boundary decision. |
| Can I protest value? | TCAD protest process | Market value, net appraised value, taxable value and protest options. | A protest does not automatically stop tax payment deadlines. |
How to Search Travis County Property by Owner, Address, Account Number or DBA
Start with Travis Central Appraisal District when you need the parcel identity, account number, market value, exemption status, appraisal notice or protest route. TCAD says its entire database is searchable by owner name, property address, account number or doing business as.
Account Number
Best when copied from a bill, appraisal notice, prior record or closing file.
Property Address
Best first step when you do not know the account or geographic ID.
Owner Name
Useful, but verify by address because trusts, LLCs and common names can overlap.
DBA
Helpful for commercial or business personal property records.
1
Open the official TCAD search pageUse TCAD before third-party property websites.
▾
Open TCAD Property Search, search by owner, address, account number or DBA, then save the account number, property address, owner clue, value, exemption and map details. Action link: Travis Central Appraisal District Property Search.
2
Understand what TCAD doesAppraisal district sets value, not tax rates.
▾
TCAD determines the value of real and business personal property in Travis County. Local taxing units such as cities, school districts, counties and special districts set tax rates, and the Tax Office collects the tax bills.
3
Use the map/geographic ID when neededMap number starts with the Geographic ID.
▾
TCAD says the map number is the first six digits of the Geographic ID on the property search result. The first two digits identify the PDF folder and the next four digits identify the file.
4
Contact TCAD for value, exemption or protest questionsUse this office for appraisal data and exemptions.
▾
TCAD contact: 850 East Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752. Phone: 512-834-9317. Email: CSInfo@tcadcentral.org. Business hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7:45 AM-4:45 PM; Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 AM-4:45 PM.
How to Search, Pay or Print Travis County Property Tax Records
Use the Travis County Tax Office account search when your question is bill amount, paid status, receipt, current/prior statements, eBill, mailing address change or payment plan.
January 31
Last day to pay without penalty and interest. If it falls on a weekend, the deadline moves to Monday.
February 1
State law requires penalty and interest at 12:01 AM on February 1.
$1
Online eCheck gives immediate emailed receipt and low fee.
$3 or 3%
$3 convenience fee for balance under $100 or 3% for balance over $100.
1
Open the Tax Office account searchFind balance, tax statement, receipt and payment plan options.
▾
The account search can show whether taxes are paid or what balance is due, original/current/previous year statements, eBill signup, mailing address change, online payment/receipt and payment-plan enrollment. Action link: Travis County Tax Office Account Search.
2
Pay online before the system gets crowdedLast-hour payment traffic can slow the system.
▾
Online payments made by 11:59 PM Central Standard Time on January 31 are considered timely. The Tax Office warns that the online system can slow in the final two to three hours before the deadline. Action link: Online Property Tax Payment Methods.
3
Mail payment only with correct postmark and account detailsCommercial meter imprint is not a valid USPS postmark.
▾
Include the payment coupon or owner’s name and account number. Make payment payable to Travis County Tax Office. Mail to: Travis County Tax Office, PO Box 149328, Austin, TX 78714-9328. Do not mail cash or card information.
4
Use payment plans before legal costs growDelinquent plans can prevent expensive foreclosure actions if kept current.
▾
Partial payments made before January 31 are not charged penalty and interest. Delinquent payment plans may be available, including a 12-month residence homestead installment agreement or 6/12-month payment schedules depending on homestead status and account standing.
| Month | Penalty | Interest | Total P&I |
|---|---|---|---|
| February | 6% | 1% | 7% |
| March | 7% | 2% | 9% |
| April | 8% | 3% | 11% |
| May | 9% | 4% | 13% |
| June | 10% | 5% | 15% |
| July | 12% | 6% | 18% |
| December | 12% | 11% | 23% |
| January next year | 12% | 12%* | 24%* |
How to Search Travis County Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Tax Liens and Recorded Documents
Use the Travis County Clerk Recording Division when you need recorded real property documents. The Clerk’s permanent library contains millions of documents dating back to the 1800s; older records are on microfilm and newer records can be viewed online.
Most mid-1980s+
Recording indexes for most records from the mid-1980s to present are online.
Free Unofficial
Online documents printed from your computer are free but show an unofficial-copy watermark.
$5 + $1/Page
Certified copy service is $5 per document plus $1 per page.
| Need | Official Detail | Best Move |
|---|---|---|
| Deed / deed of trust search | Use Clerk Recording search; newer records online, older on microfilm. | Search grantor/grantee, owner names, legal description clues and date ranges. |
| Record a real property document | $25 first page and $4 each additional page. | Check formatting, notarization, legal description and return address before filing. |
| Certified copy | $5 certification service plus $1 per page. | Order certified only when court, lender, agency or title company requires it. |
| Email/Clerk copy | Electronic or clerk-made copies are listed at $1 per page. | Use for readable copies when unofficial online print is not enough. |
| Self-service copies | Photocopier copies 20 cents per page; microfilm/computer printer copies 25 cents per page. | Use in-office self-service for older microfilm or records not easily downloaded. |
| Search of microfilm/paper data | $10 per name per ten-year period searched plus copy cost. | Bring exact names and date range to reduce search cost. |
1
Collect parcel and party clues firstUse TCAD and Tax Office data before deed search.
▾
Save owner spelling, prior owner, property address, account number, legal-description clue, subdivision/lot/block, lender name, document type and date range. Search both grantor and grantee names.
2
Open Travis County Clerk Recording searchUse the official Clerk search, not a paid reseller first.
▾
Open the Recording Search page and use the Recording search link for official public records. Action link: Travis County Clerk Recording Search + Copies.
3
Search forward for releases, assignments and liensOne document rarely tells the full story.
▾
If you find a deed of trust, tax lien, abstract of judgment, trustee notice or assignment, search later dates for release, reconveyance, satisfaction, assignment, rescission or substitute trustee activity before assuming current status.
4
Contact the Clerk Recording Division for copy/recording questionsUse this for deeds and records, not tax bills.
▾
Main Office: Travis County Clerk Recording Division, 5501 Airport Blvd., Ste. 100B, Austin, TX 78751. Hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Civil Family Courthouse sub-station: 1700 Guadalupe St., 4th Floor, Ste. 4.300, Austin, TX 78701; hours 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; no plat recording at that location. Phone: 512-854-9188.
How to Use Travis County Maps With Real Property Records
Use GIS maps after you identify the parcel. Maps are excellent for context around roads, floodplain, permit area, preserves, subdivisions and jurisdiction layers, but they do not replace deeds or surveys.
Tax Map Context
TCAD maps are tied to Geographic ID and ad valorem tax purposes.
County GIS Data
Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources links to GIS open data and map resources.
Not a Survey
Use recorded plats and licensed survey work for legal boundaries.
1
Start with TCAD account/geographic IDThis reduces wrong-parcel map mistakes.
▾
Use the TCAD property search first, then copy the Geographic ID or account number and open map resources. TCAD’s map page explains how to use the first six digits of the Geographic ID to find map PDFs.
2
Use official Travis County GIS / TNR mapsHelpful for permit, floodplain, BCP and county infrastructure context.
▾
Use Travis County maps and GIS datasets maintained by the county. Action link: Travis County Maps and GIS Data.
How to Handle Travis County Value Protests and Homestead Exemptions
Value and exemption issues belong with TCAD. Payment status and penalties belong with the Tax Office. Keep these tasks separate so you do not miss a deadline.
May 15
Deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later.
Own + occupy
TCAD says taxpayers who own and occupy the property may qualify.
512-873-1560
TCAD lists a dedicated exemption helpline during normal business hours.
Up to 90 days
TCAD says action on an exemption application occurs within 90 days from receipt.
1
Read the Notice of Appraised ValueIt contains market, net appraised and taxable value.
▾
TCAD explains that the notice includes market value, net appraised value and taxable value. If you do not receive a notice, you can view values using TCAD property search.
2
Protest market value if incorrectUse evidence, not only “my bill is high.”
▾
Use comparable sales, property-condition photos, incorrect building/land data, repair estimates, independent appraisal, neighborhood uniformity evidence or documented error. Action link: TCAD Protest Process.
3
Apply for homestead exemption if eligibleAvailable for general residence and several special categories.
▾
TCAD says homestead exemption can reduce property tax by removing part of the home value from taxation. Exemptions may also be available for over-65, disabled, disabled veterans and some surviving spouses. Action link: TCAD Homestead Exemptions.
If Your Travis County Real Property Search Fails
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No TCAD result by address | Street suffix, unit number, Austin ETJ, subdivision name or new-build timing. | Try owner name, account number, DBA, or search fewer address words. |
| Tax account not found | Using deed info instead of tax account/billing number. | Find the TCAD account first, then use Tax Office account search by name, address, account or six-digit billing number. |
| Online tax payment declined | Bank limit, large internet payment block or card security rule. | Contact bank/card issuer; consider eCheck, ACH/wire, mail, drop box or in-person payment if deadline allows. |
| Cannot find deed online | Wrong name spelling, older microfilm record or missing date range. | Search grantor/grantee, use Clerk search, and contact Recording Division for microfilm/paper search options. |
| Owner field seems outdated | Recent deed or appraisal roll update timing. | Check County Clerk deed date and instrument; then contact TCAD if appraisal record needs review. |
| Boundary or easement issue | GIS and appraisal maps are not surveys. | Review recorded plats/deeds and hire a licensed surveyor or attorney. |
Travis County Real Property Records Office Map
Use this map for planning only. Many searches can be completed online, but these are the key Austin offices for appraisal, taxes and recorded real property documents.
Travis Central Appraisal District
850 East Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752. Phone: 512-834-9317. Email: CSInfo@tcadcentral.org. Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 7:45 AM-4:45 PM; Tue/Thu 9:00 AM-4:45 PM.
Travis County Tax Office
2433 Ridgepoint Dr., Austin, TX 78754. Phone: 512-854-9473. Property tax mailing: PO Box 149328, Austin, TX 78714-9328. In-person hours listed as 7:30 AM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.
County Clerk Recording Division
5501 Airport Blvd., Ste. 100B, Austin, TX 78751. Hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Phone: 512-854-9188. Limited recording/copy service also at 1700 Guadalupe St., 4th Floor, Ste. 4.300.
Local Tips That Save Time on Travis County Real Property Records
Use these before paying taxes, filing a protest, ordering deed copies, buying a home, checking a lien, or researching Austin-area land.
Use TCAD account as your anchor
The account number connects appraisal, tax and map research more reliably than owner name alone.
Pay before the final hours
The Tax Office warns online payment can slow near the January 31 midnight deadline.
eCheck is usually cheaper
Tax Office lists eCheck at $1, while card/PayPal fee is $3 under $100 or 3% over $100.
Do not pay deed-copy mailers first
Check Clerk records directly; unofficial online copies can be free and certified copies have clear county pricing.
Search releases after liens
For deeds of trust, tax liens and judgments, always search later dates for release or satisfaction.
GIS is not a survey
Use GIS for location and planning context; rely on recorded plats, deeds and a surveyor for legal boundaries.
Travis County Texas Real Property Records FAQs
QHow do I search Travis County real property records online?▾
Start with TCAD Property Search for owner, address, account and appraisal data. Use the Travis County Tax Office for bill/payment status, the County Clerk Recording search for deeds and liens, and Travis County GIS/TCAD maps for map context.
QCan I search TCAD by owner name, address or account number?▾
Yes. TCAD says its property database is searchable by owner name, property address, account number or doing business as.
QWhere do I pay Travis County property taxes?▾
Use the Travis County Tax Office account search or payment portal. You can pay online by eCheck, credit/debit card or PayPal, mail a payment to PO Box 149328, or pay in person at 2433 Ridgepoint Dr., Austin, TX 78754.
QWhen are Travis County property taxes due?▾
January 31 is the last day to pay without penalty and interest. State law requires penalty and interest beginning at 12:01 AM on February 1. If January 31 falls on a weekend, the deadline moves to Monday.
QWhat are Travis County online property tax payment fees?▾
The Tax Office lists eCheck at $1. Credit/debit card and PayPal payments have a $3 convenience fee for balances under $100 or 3% for balances over $100.
QWhere do I search Travis County deeds and tax liens?▾
Use the Travis County Clerk Recording search. The Recording Division preserves documents related to real property, including deeds and tax liens, and has millions of documents dating back to the 1800s.
QHow much does it cost to record a Travis County real property document?▾
The County Clerk lists real property filing fees at $25 for the first page and $4 for each additional page. Check the full fee page for document-specific costs before recording.
QHow much are Travis County certified deed copies?▾
The Clerk lists certified copies at $5 per document for certification plus $1 per page. Online unofficial copies printed from your computer are free but carry an unofficial-copy watermark.
QWhen is the TCAD protest deadline?▾
TCAD says the protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later.
QIs Property-Recordss.org the official Travis County website?▾
No. Property-Recordss.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify appraisal records, tax bills, payments, deeds, maps, fees, exemptions, protests, liens and legal documents directly with TCAD, Travis County Tax Office, Travis County Clerk or official Texas sources.
Final Takeaway
For Travis County Texas real property records, start with TCAD to identify the parcel and appraised value. Use the Travis County Tax Office for tax bills, balances and receipts. Use the County Clerk Recording search for deeds, tax liens and official records. Use TCAD maps and Travis County GIS for parcel context. For legal, tax, title or boundary decisions, verify with the office that controls that record.
Independent guide notice: Property-Recordss.org is not affiliated with Travis Central Appraisal District, Travis County Tax Office, Travis County Clerk, Travis County GIS/TNR, Texas Comptroller, any court, title company or surveyor. This guide is for educational help only. Always verify parcel data, assessed values, tax balances, payment status, deed copies, liens, maps, legal descriptions, exemptions and ownership status directly with official sources before making legal, financial, tax, title or real estate decisions.