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County clerk to require photo ID to record documents beginning tomorrow; cites SB16 changes
Summary
The Washington County clerk told commissioners the office will begin requiring in-person filers to present valid photo identification when recording documents, citing a change to the government code (SB16) intended to deter fraudulent filings; the clerk said online recording will require identity verification when activated.
The Washington County clerk announced at the Sept. 30 Commissioners Court meeting that, beginning the next day, the clerk’s office will require a valid photo ID to record documents in the public record.
Clerk staff said the change is a proactive compliance step tied to SB16’s amendments to the Texas Government Code, which strengthen penalties and detection for fraudulent filings. The clerk told the court the requirement will help staff identify who submitted a document and allow prosecutors to pursue cases if fraudulent documents are filed.
At the meeting the clerk provided August statistics for the office — $66,001.42 in intake for the month, about 700 public-records requests and 33 marriage licenses — and explained that requiring ID for in-person filings will assist in preventing wrongful or fraudulent recordings. The clerk also told the commissioners the county does not currently accept online recordings; when an online option is later enabled, the clerk said filers will have to verify identity before using the electronic system.
Commissioners asked whether the ID requirement would affect title companies and frequent filers; the clerk said title companies will be required to present identification when filing in person and that the office is working on procedures to minimize disruption for frequent filers while complying with the statute.
Ending: The clerk set Dec. 4 as the date when the statute’s mandate becomes effective for required filings; the office will already begin the in-person ID requirement the day after the meeting and will update procedures for online recording when that service is available.
