Brewster County Texas Property Records | Title & Lien Search
- January 29, 2026
- Posted by: Andreas Delfakis
- Categories: Posts, Real Estate Post
Brewster County, Texas Property Records
Access title searches, lien reports, and deed copies for properties throughout Texas’s largest county — including Alpine, Marathon, Terlingua, and the Big Bend region.
Brewster County encompasses 6,193 square miles of West Texas — making it the largest county in the state and larger than the states of Connecticut and Delaware combined. The county includes Big Bend National Park, the historic towns of Alpine and Marathon, and the ghost town of Terlingua. Whether you’re purchasing ranch land, investing in recreational property, or conducting title research for the unique real estate opportunities in this region, U.S. Title Records provides comprehensive property documentation services for all Brewster County properties.
Brewster County Property Records Services
U.S. Title Records provides professional title search and document retrieval services for all property types in Brewster County, from residential homes in Alpine to large ranch holdings throughout the Big Bend region. Our services include:
Title Search Reports
Comprehensive ownership history including all recorded transfers, conveyances, and chain of title documentation. Essential for property purchases, refinancing, and ownership verification in this remote region where property boundaries can span thousands of acres.
Lien Search Reports
Identify all voluntary and involuntary liens affecting the property, including mortgages, tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic’s liens, and mineral rights encumbrances common to West Texas properties.
Deed Retrieval
Obtain certified copies of warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, special warranty deeds, mineral deeds, and other recorded instruments. Brewster County records date back to the county’s formation in 1887.
Full Chain of Title
Complete ownership history from the original land patent or grant deed through the current owner. Critical for large ranch transactions and properties with complex mineral rights histories.
Documents Available for Brewster County
The Brewster County Clerk’s Office maintains official public records for all real property transactions. Through U.S. Title Records, you can obtain copies of the following document types:
- Warranty Deeds and Special Warranty Deeds
- Quitclaim Deeds
- Deeds of Trust and Mortgages
- Release of Liens and Satisfactions
- Oil and Gas Leases
- Mineral Deeds and Royalty Deeds
- Mechanic’s Liens and Releases
- Lis Pendens Notices
- Judgment Liens
- State and Federal Tax Liens
- Easements and Rights-of-Way
- Plat Maps and Surveys
- Powers of Attorney
- Affidavits of Heirship
- Transfer on Death Deeds
- UCC Financing Statements
The County Clerk’s online records system includes land records from 1998 to present, with historical index books available from 1877 to 1988 through the QuickLink system.
Brewster County Government Offices
Brewster County Clerk
Sarah Vasquez, County Clerk
201 W. Avenue E
Alpine, TX 79830
Mailing: P.O. Drawer 119, Alpine, TX 79831
Phone: (432) 837-3366
Fax: (432) 837-6217
Email: svasquez@co.brewster.tx.us
Website: brewstercounty.gov
Brewster County Appraisal District
1604 W. Highway 90
Alpine, TX 79830
Phone: (432) 837-2558
Fax: (432) 837-3871
Email: appraisaldistrict@brewstercotad.org
Website: brewstercotad.org
Brewster County Tax Assessor-Collector
Sylvia Vega, Tax Assessor/Collector
107 W. Avenue E #1
Alpine, TX 79830
Phone: (432) 837-2214
Fax: (432) 837-3871
Official Online Resources
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Brewster County Official Records Search
Search recorded documents from 1998 to present -
Brewster County QuickLink
Historical index books from 1877 to 1988 -
Brewster CAD Property Search
Property valuations, ownership, and tax information -
TexasFile — Brewster County
Deeds, liens, oil and gas leases, plat maps
Recording Fees in Brewster County
The Brewster County Clerk charges the following fees for recording real property documents:
Real Property Recording: $25.00 for the first page (includes all surcharges), $4.00 for each additional page
Additional Names: $0.25 for each name to be indexed beyond the first five names
Federal Tax Lien: $30.00 total (includes recording fee, records management, and archive fees)
State Tax Lien: $15.00 for first page
Certified Copies: $1.00 for up to 10 pages, $0.10 for each additional page (online)
Communities Served in Brewster County
U.S. Title Records provides property research services for all communities within Brewster County, including:
Alpine (County Seat)
Population 6,035. Home to Sul Ross State University and the center of commerce for the Big Bend region. Alpine features historic downtown properties, university-area homes, and surrounding ranch land at elevations exceeding 4,400 feet.
Marathon
A small community of approximately 430 residents known for the historic Gage Hotel. Properties include residential lots, commercial buildings, and large ranches in the surrounding high desert landscape.
Terlingua
A former mercury mining ghost town now popular with tourists visiting Big Bend National Park. Real estate includes recreational properties, off-grid parcels in Terlingua Ranch (200,000+ acres of subdivided land), and commercial properties serving park visitors.
Study Butte
Gateway community to Big Bend National Park with lodging, restaurants, and services for visitors. Properties include commercial developments and residential parcels with desert mountain views.
Special Considerations for Brewster County Property
Mineral Rights
West Texas properties often have severed mineral rights from historical oil, gas, and mining activities. The Terlingua Mining District was a major mercury (cinnabar) producer from 1900 through World War II. A thorough title search should identify any mineral reservations, oil and gas leases, or royalty interests that may affect the property.
Water Rights
In this arid region receiving approximately 15 inches of annual rainfall, water rights are critical. Properties may have documented water rights, well permits, or access to springs that should be verified through county records.
Large Acreage Transactions
Brewster County contains some of the largest ranch properties in Texas, including holdings exceeding 400,000 acres. Title searches for large parcels require careful examination of multiple tracts, historical surveys, and complex chains of title that may span over a century.
Terlingua Ranch Properties
The Terlingua Ranch subdivision encompasses over 200,000 acres divided into parcels ranging from 5 to 100+ acres. Property owners association (POA) dues and deed restrictions should be verified. Many parcels are off-grid with no utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back do Brewster County property records go?
Brewster County was formed in 1887 from Presidio County. The County Clerk maintains records from that date forward, with historical index books available from 1877 (predating the county’s formation) through the QuickLink online system.
How long does a Brewster County title search take?
Standard title searches are typically completed within 24-48 hours. Complex searches involving large ranch properties, multiple tracts, or extensive mineral rights history may require additional time.
Can I search Brewster County records online for free?
Yes, the Brewster County Clerk provides free online access to recorded documents from 1998 to present. Historical records from 1877-1988 are available through the QuickLink system. The Appraisal District also offers free property value searches.
What should I know about buying property in Terlingua Ranch?
Terlingua Ranch is a large subdivision with annual POA dues (approximately $165/year). Many parcels are remote with no utilities, water, or improved roads. A title search will reveal any deed restrictions, but buyers should also verify road access, well permits, and utility availability through the POA and county.
Are mineral rights included with Brewster County properties?
Not always. Due to historical mining and oil/gas activity, mineral rights are frequently severed from surface rights. A comprehensive title search will identify any mineral reservations or existing leases affecting the property.
Do I need title insurance for a Brewster County property purchase?
While not legally required, title insurance is strongly recommended, especially for remote properties with complex ownership histories. Our title search reports provide the documentation needed for title insurance underwriting.
Ready to Search Brewster County Property Records?
Get professional title search, lien search, and deed retrieval services for any property in Texas’s largest county.
About U.S. Title Records: We provide nationwide property records research including title searches, lien searches, and document retrieval for all 50 states. For Brewster County property research, contact us at office@ustitlerecords.com or visit www.ustitlerecords.com.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for research purposes only and does not constitute a title insurance policy or guarantee of title. Contact the Brewster County Clerk’s Office to verify current fees and procedures.
