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Aransas County District Clerk

301 N. Live Oak
Rockport, Texas 78382
Phone: 361-790-0128
Fax: 361-790-5211

Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday

Attorney General Child Support Contact Number: 800-687-8271
State Disbursement Unit 800-252-8014

As an elected court official and records keeper, the District Clerk offers the highest level of public assistance and serves as an "ambassador" of the judicial system. The clerk's office is usually the first point of contact with the general public for procedural information about the court process, copies of court records, jury service, passport information and related information of other government offices.

The District Clerk's duties are extensive and interface with each phase of the judicial process. The clerk operates within the realm of procedure while attorneys and judges operate within the realm of application, direction and enforcement. Efficient management and administration of all functions of the clerk's office are necessary to insure the timely and accurate progression of cases through the court system.

Petit Jury Information

Jurors are selected electronically at random from a list compiled by the Secretary of State's Office, utilizing a list of voter registrations and a list of driver's license registrations from this County. As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions are the foundation of our judicial system. Remember that it is an honor and a privilege to be summoned or to serve as a juror.

Please read your summons carefully. The exemptions and disqualifications for petit jury service are stated on the summons. If any disqualification applies to you, you cannot serve. You must circle the disqualification and return the card to the District Clerk. If any exemption applies to you, you do not have to claim it and you may serve. If you claim an exemption or disqualification, please do so immediately upon receipt of your summons. Please circle the appropriate number, then sign and date the summons card and return it (the whole card) to the District Clerk.

Grand Jury Information

If you receive a summons for Grand Jury duty and feel that you cannot serve, please contact the 36^th District Court Judge's office at 361-364-6200 for more information. The Judge is the only person who can excuse you from Grand Jury service prior to the summons date.

Passports

It is our pleasure to offer you the opportunity to apply for a passport through our office 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding County holidays. As an Official Agent of the United States Department of State, our goal is to facilitate the process of acquiring a passport for Aransas County residents, as well as any U.S. Citizens who may be visiting Aransas County.

To apply for a passport, you will need to prove U.S. citizenship and your identity. A certified copy of your birth certificate or an expired passport and your Driver's License are most commonly used. You will need two (2) passport sized photographs. Several vendors locally provide this service. Uniforms of any kind should not be worn unless you are in the active military. If prescription glasses or a hearing device are consistently worn, they should be worn when the photograph is taken.

The fee for a passport for an adult (16 years and older) is $67.00 and is good for 10 years. For minors (15 years and younger) the fee is $52.00 and is valid for 5 years. For each new application presented there is also a $30.00 execution fee. There is no execution fee for renewals.

Please allow at least 12 weeks to receive your passport. It is possible to have an application expedited for an additional fee of $76.25 and one overnight, postage paid envelope. Expedited passports will be received in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. One day service is available in emergency situations by going directly to the Houston Passport Agency, by appointment only. For appointments, please call 877-487-2778.

For further information, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov and click on "Passport Information", or contact our office at 361-790-0128.

Most Commonly Asked Questions

How do I file for divorce, and can I get the forms from your office?
Please understand that the employees in the District Clerk's Office are not attorneys and are prohibited by law from giving legal advice of any kind, which includes answering questions about what you need to file or the accuracy of any document presented for filing. If you intend to represent yourself pro se, you are responsible for knowing what documents to file for your case to progress through the court system. The information needed to file for divorce may be found at your Public Library or on the Internet. The District Clerk's office is neutral to all parties involved in litigation and does not have the papers or forms necessary for the filing of a divorce, or any other lawsuit or pleading. In all cases, we recommend that you contact an attorney for advice.

I was served with a document that says I have to file an answer. What is an answer?
Filing an answer with the District Clerk's Office entitles you to receive notice of all court hearings concerning your case. If you do not file an answer, it is possible for the case to proceed without notice to you until after a final judgment is rendered. An attorney can advise you as to what to include in your answer.

Can I still make a payment agreement to pay my delinquent taxes now that a suit has been filed against me?
Contact the Aransas County Tax Assessor-Collector at 361-790-0160 regarding the amount of taxes owed, or for information on payment of the taxes. Since a tax suit has been filed, court costs will also be due in addition to the taxes. Please contact an attorney for legal advice in the pending lawsuit.

I do not have an attorney. How do I get my case set for a hearing?
To set your case for a hearing, please call the court administrator of the appropriate court as follows:
36^th, 156^th or 343^rd District Courts - 361-364-6200
County Court at Law, Family Law - 361-790-0138

Where do I get copies of my divorce decree?
If your case was filed in Aransas County, you can purchase a copy from our office for $1.00 per page and an extra $1.00 to certify the document. If you would like us to mail your documents to you, please make your request in writing and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. If your divorce was filed in another county, please contact that county.