Finding Alabama public records is fast and mostly free when you use official statewide portals like AlaCourt, AlacourtAccess, and county clerk/recorder sites. Court cases, criminal records, arrest records, property deeds, marriage records, death records, birth records, probate, tax records — everything you need is covered here with complete step-by-step instructions for both state-level and county-level access.
No paid third-party sites. Just official clickable links, detailed guides, maps, and practical tips that work perfectly on your phone or desktop.
Quick facts you need first
Alabama Public Records at a Glance – 2026
Alabama offers centralized access to many records through state portals, while property, deeds, and some court records are managed at the county level. Here is every major type and the exact official starting point.
| Record Type | Best Official Portal | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Court & Criminal Records | AlacourtAccess / AlaCourt | Free search / fees for copies |
| Arrest Records | Alabama Courts Portal | Free / county sheriff sites |
| Property Records & Deeds | County Recorder / Probate Judge sites (e.g., Landmark Web, Ingenuity, countyfusion) | Free viewing |
| Property Tax / Appraiser Data | County Revenue Commissioner or Assessor sites | Free |
| Marriage Records | County Probate Judge / Clerk | $10+ |
| Death Records | Alabama Dept of Public Health | $10–$15 |
| Birth Records | Alabama Dept of Public Health | $10–$15 |
| Probate Records | County Probate Court | Free search |
| Tax Records & Liens | County Tax Assessor / Revenue Commissioner | Free |
What this guide helps you do
How to Access Alabama Public Records – Statewide Overview
Alabama does not have one single portal for all records. Court records are centralized through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, while property and probate records are handled by each county’s Probate Judge, Clerk, or Recorder. Vital records are managed by the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Start with court records via AlacourtAccess or county-specific portals.
Most property, marriage, probate, and some criminal records are county-specific.
Search Alacourt for cases or county recorder sites for deeds.
Use county clerk/probate offices or VitalChek for vital records.
How to Search Alabama Court & Criminal Records Online
Go to pa.alacourt.com (AlacourtAccess) for trial court records.
Some features require registration.
Enter party name, case number, or other details.
Narrow by county, case type (civil, criminal, traffic), or date.
View dockets and available documents.
Save PDFs or order certified copies through the system or county clerk.
How to Search Alabama Property Records and Deeds
Go to the specific county’s Probate Judge or Recorder website.
Many counties use Landmark Web, Ingenuity, or countyfusion systems (e.g., Jefferson, Mobile, Baldwin).
Enter grantor/grantee name or property address.
Download available PDFs of deeds, mortgages, and liens.
Combine with county revenue/assessor sites for current ownership and valuation.
How to Get Alabama Marriage, Birth, and Death Records
Go to the Alabama Department of Public Health vital records section.
Order through authorized services like VitalChek for faster processing.
Provide full names, dates, and your relationship to the person.
$10–$15 per certified copy plus shipping.
Contact the county Probate Judge where the marriage occurred.
15 Alabama Public Records FAQs people actually search in 2026
1) How do I search Alabama court records for free?
Use the statewide AlacourtAccess portal at pa.alacourt.com for trial court records across Alabama.
2) How do I find arrest records in Alabama?
Search through the Alabama Courts portal or contact the specific county sheriff or clerk of court.
3) Where can I search official records and deeds in Alabama?
Most counties maintain their own recorder or probate judge online search portals (Landmark Web, Ingenuity, etc.).
4) How do I find who owns a property in Alabama?
Use the county revenue commissioner or assessor website for the specific county where the property is located.
5) How do I order a marriage certificate in Alabama?
Contact the Probate Judge in the county where the marriage license was issued.
6) Where do I get a death certificate in Alabama?
Order through the Alabama Department of Public Health vital records or authorized vendors.
7) How do I get a birth certificate in Alabama?
Use the Alabama Department of Public Health vital records system.
8) Are probate records public in Alabama?
Yes. Probate records are generally public and accessible through the county Probate Court.
9) How do I check for tax liens or tax deeds in Alabama?
Search the county assessor/revenue commissioner site and the recorder of deeds for liens.
10) Is there a fee for viewing records online in Alabama?
Basic viewing is often free. Certified copies and some document images have fees.
11) How long does it take to get certified records in Alabama?
Online viewing is instant where available. Certified copies are usually processed within days to weeks.
12) Can I search records from any year in Alabama?
Most modern records are online. Older records may require an in-person visit to the county courthouse.
13) What if my search returns no results in Alabama?
Try spelling variations, different counties, or contact the specific county clerk/probate office.
14) How do I request other public records in Alabama?
Submit a public records request to the specific agency or county office under Alabama Code § 36-12-40.
15) Are criminal records sealed or expunged in Alabama?
Some records can be sealed or expunged by court order and will not appear in standard public searches.
Official Alabama Public Records Links and Resources
Final practical takeaway
Start with the statewide Alacourt portal for court records and the specific county Probate/Recorder site for property and probate. Have exact names, dates, and county information ready. Save every result. These three habits save you time and money on every Alabama public records search.