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Before you go to your county courthouse, view these videos!

How to Change Your Name

How to Get Your Name Changed

  There are many reasons why you might want to change your name. Here's how.
How to Obtain or Renew a Passport

How to Obtain or Renew a Passport 

 What you need to know and what documents to bring with you when you apply for a passport
How to Obtain a Birth or Death Certificate

How to Obtain a Birth or Death Certificate

  There are many reasons you may need a copy of a birth or death certificate
How to Obtain a Marriage License

How to Obtain a Marriage License

  Know what you will need to take to the courthouse to get your marriage license
How to Pay Your Property Taxes

How to Pay Your Property Taxes

  View this short video to learn how and why you should pay property taxes
Disabled Plates and Placards

Disabled Plates and Placards

  What you need to know to apply for disabled plates and placards
      see listing of all county service videos

About Texas Counties

History  •  Function  •  Structure  •  Elected Offices  •  Fun Facts

The Structure of Texas County Government

County government structure is spelled out in the Texas Constitution, which makes counties functional agents of the state. Thus, counties, unlike cities, are limited in their actions to areas of responsibility specifically spelled out in laws passed by the Legislature.

At the heart of each county is the commissioners court. Each Texas county has four precinct commissioners and a county judge who serve on this court. Although this body conducts the gHarris County Commissioners Courteneral business of the county and oversees financial matters, the Texas Consitution established a strong system of checks and balances by creating other elective offices in each county.

The major elective offices found in most counties include county attorneys, county and district clerks, county treasurers, sheriffs, tax assessor-collectors, justices of the peace, and constables. As a part of the checks and balances system, counties have an auditor appointed by the district courts.

While many county functions are administered by elected officials, others are run by individuals employed by the commissioners court. They include such departments as public health and human services, personnel and budget, and in some counties, public transportation and emergency medical services.

 

How to Pay Your Property Taxes Disabled Plates and Placards Disabled Plates and Placards Marriage License Name Change Birth Certificate Passport