Without county clerks, many of government's underlying responsibilities would go undone. The main duties of the county clerk are:

• Serving as clerk of the county court and the commissioners court and keep records of the proceedings;

• Acting as recorder of deeds and other instruments;

• Filing and recording birth and death certificates;

• Recording assumed names, wills and probate;

• Issuing marriage licenses; and

• Accounting for all funds paid to the office by way of fines and fees, and the amount owed to county court jurors for service.