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.
See the full continuing education requirements and more.
Legal source: Government Code, Section 51.605