What is a District Clerk?

The district clerk performs the duties assigned by the Texas Constitution as registrar, recorder and custodian of all court pleadings, instruments and papers that are part of any legal cause of action in the district courts.

What Does a District Clerk Do in Texas?

• Serves as clerk and custodian of all records for the District Courts
• Indexes and secures all court records, collects filing fees, and handles funds held in litigation and money awarded to minors
• Coordinates the jury panel selection process
• May process passport applications
• Manages court registry funds

For more complete information about the responsibilities of a district clerk and other county officials, see the “2018 Guide to Texas Laws for County Officials."

Please note: Some duties performed by officials may vary within individual counties. In Texas Counties with a population of fewer than 8,000 (unless there has been a special election) the county clerk also serves as the district clerk and assumes all constitutional and statutory duties of both positions.

District Clerk Requirements

District clerks are required to attain 20 hours of continuing education during each calendar year that begins after election or appointment.

For more information about the Duties and Responsibilities of the District Clerk can be found on the Texas Association of Counties website.

Please do not ask Clerks for legal advice. Unauthorized Practice of Law - Government Code, Sec. 81.101: Clerks cannot give advice or the rendering of any service requiring the use of legal skill or knowledge, such as preparing an instrument.