Texas Discovery Deadlines Chart

Texas Discovery Response Deadlines – Interrogatories, Production, and Admissions

Texas discovery response deadlines are strict. Under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, parties usually have 30 days to respond to interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission. Defendants get 50 days if discovery is served before their answer is due. Learn how the 30-day and 50-day rules work, when to add 3 extra days for mail or fax service, and the risks of missing the deadline for requests for admission.

Interrogatories (TRCP 197.2(a))

TriggerDeadlineNotes
Service of interrogatories30 days to respondExcept as modified below.
Defendant served before answer due50 days to respondGives extra time if discovery served with petition.
If served by mail/fax/deliveryAdd 3 days (TRCP 21a)No extra time for e-service/email.

Requests for Production & Inspection (TRCP 196.2(a))

TriggerDeadlineNotes
Service of requests30 days to respondExcept as modified below.
Defendant served before answer due50 days to respondSame as interrogatories.
If served by mail/fax/deliveryAdd 3 daysTRCP 21a.

Requests for Admission (TRCP 198.2(a))

TriggerDeadlineNotes
Service of RFAs30 days to respondMust specifically admit/deny or explain.
Defendant served before answer due50 days to respondSame as above.
Failure to timely respondDeemed admittedUnless court permits withdrawal.
If served by mail/fax/deliveryAdd 3 daysTRCP 21a.

Oral Depositions (TRCP 199.2(b)(5))

TriggerDeadlineNotes
Notice of oral depositionMust give reasonable noticeGenerally interpreted as 10+ days absent agreement or court order.

Written Depositions (TRCP 200.1(b))

TriggerDeadlineNotes
Notice of deposition upon written questionsServed at least 20 days before deposition dateCross-questions due 10 days after service; redirect due 5 days after cross.

Supplementation (TRCP 193.5)

TriggerDeadlineNotes
Duty to supplement discovery responses“Reasonably promptly”But no later than 30 days before trial.

Deadline Data Bites:

  • Most Texas discovery responses = 30 days, but 50 days if served before answer due.
  • Always check for +3 days if service was by mail, fax, or delivery.
  • Requests for admission are the most dangerous — miss it and they’re deemed admitted.
  • Supplementation must be timely, and always at least 30 days before trial.