Collin County Property Records

What Is Collin County Property Records

Property records in Collin County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout Collin County, Texas. Pursuant to Texas Property Code § 13.001, all instruments concerning real property must be properly recorded to provide constructive notice of their contents.

The primary purposes of Collin County property records include:

• Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
• Providing public notice of property interests
• Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
• Facilitating real estate transactions
• Supporting property tax assessment and collection

The Collin County Clerk's Office maintains the official property records for the county, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents affecting real property interests. These records date back to the county's formation in 1846 and continue to the present day.

Collin County Clerk's Office
2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 2104
McKinney, TX 75071
972-548-4185
Collin County Clerk

Are Property Records Public Information In Collin County?

Property records in Collin County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) establishes the fundamental right of access to government records, including property records. Additionally, Texas Property Code § 11.004 specifically mandates that county clerks maintain public records of real property ownership.

The public nature of property records serves several important functions:

• Transparency in land ownership and transfers
• Protection of property rights through public notice
• Prevention of fraud in real estate transactions
• Support for proper taxation and assessment
• Facilitation of legitimate business activities

Any member of the public may access Collin County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy reflects the longstanding legal principle that property ownership is a matter of public record in the United States.

At present, Collin County provides multiple avenues for accessing public property records, including in-person visits to county offices, online search tools, and formal written requests. The county maintains these records in both physical and digital formats to ensure comprehensive public access.

How To Search Property Records in Collin County in 2026

Collin County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:

Online Search Method:

1. Visit the Collin County Clerk's official records search portal
2. Select the appropriate search type (name, property address, document type)
3. Enter the relevant search criteria
4. Review the list of matching records
5. Select specific documents to view or download
6. Pay any applicable fees for certified copies if needed

In-Person Search Method:

1. Visit the Collin County Clerk's Office during regular business hours
2. Complete a records request form at the public terminal
3. Provide specific information about the property or document
4. Staff will assist in locating the requested records
5. Review documents on-site or request copies
6. Pay the required fees for any copies or certified documents

Written Request Method:

1. Download the Records Request Form from the county website
2. Complete all required fields with specific property information
3. Include payment for any applicable fees
4. Submit the form via mail to:

Collin County Clerk's Office
Records Division
2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 2104
McKinney, TX 75071
972-548-4185
Collin County Clerk

For property tax records, individuals may also contact:

Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector
2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 2324
McKinney, TX 75071
972-547-5020
Collin County Tax Office

How To Find Property Records in Collin County Online?

Collin County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several official digital platforms. The following step-by-step guide outlines how to effectively search for property records using these online resources:

1. Access the Collin County Clerk's Public Records Search portal
2. Create a free user account or log in as a guest user
3. Select from available search options:
   • Name Search: Enter grantor/grantee name
   • Property Address: Enter street number and name
   • Document Type: Select from deed, mortgage, lien, etc.
   • Date Range: Specify recording dates if known
4. Review search results showing matching documents
5. Click on document identifiers to view document details
6. Purchase and download copies if needed (fees apply for certified copies)

For property tax and appraisal records:

1. Visit the Collin Central Appraisal District website
2. Select "Property Search" from the main navigation
3. Search by:
   • Property address
   • Owner name
   • Property ID number
   • Geographic ID
4. Review detailed property information including:
   • Current ownership
   • Property value
   • Tax assessment information
   • Property characteristics

For property tax payment records:

1. Navigate to the Collin County Tax Assessor's search portal
2. Enter search criteria such as:
   • Account number
   • Property address
   • Owner name
3. View current and historical tax information
4. Access payment history and current tax status

These online resources are available 24 hours a day, providing convenient access to property records without visiting county offices in person. System maintenance may occasionally limit availability during off-peak hours.

How To Look Up Collin County Property Records for Free?

Collin County residents and interested parties can access many property records at no cost through several official channels. The following methods provide free access to basic property information:

Free Online Access Options:

1. Collin County Clerk's Public Records Search - Basic document index information is available at no charge. The system allows:

   • Free searching of the property records index
   • Viewing basic document information (recording date, document type, parties)
   • Limited document preview capabilities

2. Collin Central Appraisal District Property Search - Provides free access to:

   • Property ownership information
   • Property value assessments
   • Property characteristics and improvements
   • Tax jurisdiction information

3. Collin County Tax Office Property Search - Offers free access to:

   • Current tax status
   • Payment history
   • Tax rates and jurisdictions

Free In-Person Access Options:

Individuals may visit the following locations to access property records at no charge:

Collin County Clerk's Office
2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 2104
McKinney, TX 75071
972-548-4185
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Collin County Clerk

Collin Central Appraisal District
250 Eldorado Parkway
McKinney, TX 75069
469-742-9200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Collin Central Appraisal District

While basic record searches are free, please note that fees apply for:

• Printed copies ($1.00 per page)
• Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
• Electronic document downloads ($1.00 per page)
• Research assistance ($10.00 per name/transaction)

These fees are established pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 118.011, which authorizes county clerks to collect reasonable fees for document reproduction.

What's Included in a Collin County Property Record?

Collin County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices and contain specific details about property ownership, characteristics, and legal status.

Types of Property Records:

• Real Property Records - Documents pertaining to land and permanently attached structures
• Personal Property Records - Information about taxable movable property (business equipment, inventory)

The following county offices maintain different components of property records:

Collin County Clerk's Office - Maintains recorded documents including:

• Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Plats and surveys
• Foreclosure notices
• Releases and satisfactions

Collin Central Appraisal District - Maintains appraisal records including:

• Property ownership information
• Property value assessments
• Property characteristics and improvements
• Land use classifications
• Exemption information

Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector - Maintains tax records including:

• Current tax status
• Payment history
• Delinquent tax information
• Tax rates and jurisdictions

A typical Collin County property record contains the following detailed information:

1. Property Identification

   • Legal description
   • Property address
   • Parcel/account number
   • Geographic ID

2. Ownership Information

   • Current owner name(s)
   • Previous owner(s)
   • Date of acquisition
   • Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, etc.)

3. Transaction Details

   • Sale/transfer date
   • Purchase price (if disclosed)
   • Financing information
   • Document recording information

4. Property Characteristics

   • Land size/acreage
   • Building size and features
   • Year built
   • Construction type
   • Improvements

5. Valuation and Tax Information

   • Assessed value
   • Market value
   • Applicable tax rates
   • Exemptions
   • Tax payment status

The maintenance of these records is mandated by Texas Property Code § 11.001, which establishes requirements for recording and preserving property records.

How Long Does Collin County Keep Property Records?

Collin County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of property records.

Permanent Retention Records:

The following property records are maintained permanently by Collin County:

• Deeds and other instruments affecting real property title
• Plats and surveys
• Subdivision maps
• Annexation records
• Original tax maps and property indexes
• Abstracts of title

Extended Retention Records:

Other property-related records are kept for specified periods:

• Tax rolls and assessment records: 10 years after tax year ends
• Building permits: Life of structure + 3 years
• Zoning change applications: 5 years after final action
• Property tax payment records: 10 years
• Appraisal cards/sheets: Until superseded + 5 years
• Property tax correspondence: 7 years

Collin County has implemented a comprehensive records management program that exceeds these minimum requirements in many cases. The county maintains:

1. Historical Archives - Records dating back to the county's formation in 1846
2. Microfilm Backups - Duplicate records stored in secure off-site facilities
3. Digital Archives - Electronic records with multiple redundant backups

The Collin County Records Management Department oversees the preservation and retention of all county records, ensuring compliance with state mandates while providing continuous public access to these important documents.

For research involving historical property records, the county maintains a dedicated research area at:

Collin County Historical Records
2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 1100
McKinney, TX 75071
972-548-4185
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Collin County Historical Commission

How To Find Liens on Property In Collin County?

Liens on property in Collin County can be identified through several official channels. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. The following methods provide comprehensive access to lien information:

Online Lien Search Method:

1. Visit the Collin County Clerk's land recordings portal
2. Select "Public Records Search"
3. Choose "Advanced Search" option
4. Enter the property address or owner name
5. Filter document types to include:
   • Tax liens
   • Mechanic's liens
   • Judgment liens
   • Federal tax liens
   • Homeowner Association liens
   • Child support liens
6. Review search results for active liens
7. Note recording information for each lien document

In-Person Lien Search Method:

For a comprehensive lien search, visit:

Collin County Clerk's Office
2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 2104
McKinney, TX 75071
972-548-4185
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Collin County Clerk

Staff can assist with:

• Searching for recorded liens by property address
• Identifying liens by owner name
• Providing copies of lien documents
• Verifying lien satisfaction or release status

Additional Lien Search Resources:

For tax liens specifically, contact:

Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector
2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 2324
McKinney, TX 75071
972-547-5020
Collin County Tax Office

For judgment liens, search:

Collin County District Clerk
2100 Bloomdale Road, Suite 12132
McKinney, TX 75071
972-548-4320
Collin County District Clerk

Professional title companies also provide comprehensive lien search services for a fee. These searches typically include examination of records from multiple jurisdictions to identify all potential encumbrances on a property.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Collin County?

The Property Owner Rule in Collin County refers to a set of regulations and principles governing property ownership, taxation, and record-keeping within the county. These rules are derived from Texas state law and local ordinances that establish the rights and responsibilities of property owners.

Key Components of the Property Owner Rule:

1. Disclosure Requirements

   Under Texas Property Code § 5.008, property sellers in Collin County must provide buyers with a Seller's Disclosure Notice detailing:

   • Known property defects
   • Previous flooding or water damage
   • Structural issues
   • Environmental hazards
   • Homeowners association information
   • Pending litigation affecting the property

2. Recording Requirements

   All property transfers in Collin County must be properly recorded with the County Clerk's Office to establish legal ownership. This includes:

   • Filing the original deed or transfer instrument
   • Paying required recording fees
   • Ensuring documents meet formatting standards
   • Providing proper notarization

3. Property Tax Responsibilities

   Property owners in Collin County are subject to:

   • Annual property tax assessments
   • Payment deadlines (typically January 31)
   • Potential penalties and interest for late payments
   • Responsibility for updating ownership information with tax authorities

4. Homestead Exemption Rules

   Collin County property owners may claim homestead exemptions under Texas Tax Code § 11.13 if:

   • The property serves as their primary residence
   • They owned the property as of January 1 of the tax year
   • They file the appropriate application with the Collin Central Appraisal District
   • They meet other qualifying criteria for specific exemptions

5. Property Use Regulations

   Property owners must comply with:

   • Applicable zoning ordinances
   • Building codes and permit requirements
   • Deed restrictions and covenants
   • Homeowners association rules (if applicable)

6. Adverse Possession Provisions

   Under Texas law, property ownership can be established through adverse possession after:

   • 10 years of continuous, open, and notorious possession under color of title
   • 25 years of continuous possession without color of title
   • Payment of applicable property taxes during the possession period

Property owners seeking specific information about these rules should contact:

Collin County Development Services
4690 Community Avenue, Suite 200
McKinney, TX 75071
972-548-5555
Collin County Development Services

Lookup Property Records in Collin County

County Clerk Land Recordings

Collin Central Appraisal District Property Search

Collin County Clerk Public Records Search

Collin County Property Tax Search

Frisco Property Tax Information