Last Updated on March 21, 2026 by Editorial Staff
Alabama public records are government-created documents, data, and materials maintained by public officers and agencies that are accessible to Alabama residents under the Alabama Open Records Act, codified at Ala. Code §§ 36-12-40 through 36-12-46. Public records include all “written, typed or printed books, papers, letters, documents and maps made or received in pursuance of law by the public officers of the state, counties, municipalities and other subdivisions of government in the transactions of public business” (Ala. Code § 41-13-1). The Act’s underlying principle, established by the Alabama Supreme Court in 1887, is that “the right of free examination is the rule, and the inhibition of such privilege… is the exception.”
Residents frequently perform an Alabama public records search — sometimes called an Alabama open records request or Alabama FOIA request — to locate court filings, property records, criminal history, business registrations, vital records, and other government documents. Alabama has 67 counties, and much of the state’s public records infrastructure runs through county-level offices — particularly the County Probate Judge, who serves the unusual triple role of judicial officer, chief election official, and chief property records custodian. The most significant recent development is Act 2024-278 (SB 270), which took effect October 1, 2024 and added mandatory response deadlines to Alabama’s open records framework for the first time in more than 50 years.
Quick Answer: Where to Search Alabama Public Records
- Alacourt ACCESS (alacourt.com) — subscription-based statewide court case search; $150 one-time + $84–$134/month; free at some county courthouse libraries for Alabama State Bar members
- Alabama Appellate Courts (judicial.alabama.gov) — free appellate decisions from Alabama appellate courts
- ALEA Criminal Records (alea.gov) — Alabama Law Enforcement Agency; criminal history background checks; $25 fee + fingerprinting
- Alabama Sex Offender Registry (alea.gov/sbi) — free statewide sex offender registry
- Alabama DOC Inmate Search (doc.alabama.gov) — Department of Corrections inmate search by name or AIS number; free
- Alabama Secretary of State Business Search (sos.alabama.gov) — corporations, LLCs, and business registrations; free
- County Probate Court portals — deeds, mortgages, and recorded property instruments; County Probate Judge is the primary property records custodian in Alabama
- Alabama ADPH Vital Records (alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords) — birth (1908+), death, marriage (1936+), and divorce (1950+) certificates; $15 for first copy; available at any county health department statewide
⚠️ Legal Notice
Alabama’s open records law is governed by the Open Records Act, Ala. Code §§ 36-12-40 through 36-12-46, as significantly amended by Act 2024-278 (SB 270), effective October 1, 2024. Access is limited to Alabama residents (Act 2024-278 changed “citizen” to “resident”). There are only two express statutory exemptions in the Act itself (library circulation records and security/critical infrastructure records), but Alabama courts have recognized additional common-law grounds for withholding records including: confidential information received in confidence, sensitive personnel records, pending criminal investigations, and records whose disclosure would be detrimental to the public interest. These grounds must be narrowly construed in favor of public access. The Act expressly prohibits parties to pending or threatened legal actions from using the Open Records Act as a substitute for formal discovery (§ 36-12-46). Agencies are not required to create new records to satisfy a request (§ 36-12-44(d)).
This guide explains lawful public records research methods and does not constitute legal advice.
Why This Guide Is Reliable
This guide is written by the research team at inet-investigation.com and based directly on Ala. Code §§ 36-12-40–46, Act 2024-278, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Open Government Guide for Alabama (updated July 2025), official agency websites including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Alabama Department of Public Health, Alabama Secretary of State, and the Alabama Judiciary. We cite specific statutory provisions so readers can verify our statements independently. We update our guides when laws or agency procedures change. We do not accept payment from agencies, databases, or third-party vendors to shape our content.
Why Alabama Open Records Law Is Distinctive
Alabama had no mandatory response deadlines for public records requests for over 50 years — until Act 2024-278 took effect October 1, 2024, creating a two-tier system of “standard” and “time-intensive” requests. Prior to Act 2024-278, Alabama’s Open Records Act contained no deadline for agencies to respond or acknowledge requests. The only enforcement mechanism was a lawsuit. Governor Ivey’s 2023 Executive Order 734 created voluntary timelines for state executive agencies, but that order could be withdrawn at any time. Act 2024-278 codified and expanded mandatory timelines for all public bodies. The two-tier system: all requests (both types) require acknowledgment within 10 days; a substantive response (production, denial, or classification as time-intensive) is required within 15 business days of acknowledgment for standard requests; for time-intensive requests (those requiring more than 8 hours of staff time), a substantive response is due within 45 business days of acknowledgment. Critically, agencies may extend both deadlines unilaterally an unlimited number of times by providing written notice — a significant weakness practitioners have flagged as requiring further reform.
Alabama restricts Open Records Act access to state residents — Act 2024-278 changed “citizen” to “resident” but preserved the residency requirement, making Alabama one of roughly seven states with such a restriction. Prior to 2024, Alabama’s Act used the word “citizen,” which the U.S. Supreme Court noted in McBurney v. Young (2013) effectively limited access to Alabama citizens. Act 2024-278 replaced “citizen” with “resident” while expressly preserving the residency requirement — agencies may require reasonable proof of residency such as an Alabama driver’s license or voter registration card. Non-residents have no statutory right to Alabama public records; a public officer’s voluntary response to a non-resident request does not waive the right to deny future requests from non-residents (§ 36-12-44(f)).
Alabama has no administrative enforcement body for open records — circuit court is the only enforcement mechanism, and the open records legal landscape is heavily shaped by case law rather than statutory exemptions. Unlike Iowa (IPIB), Mississippi (Ethics Commission), or Maryland (Ombudsman + Compliance Board), Alabama has no administrative enforcement agency for open records disputes. The sole recourse is a lawsuit in circuit court. This means that the average Alabama resident who is improperly denied records must litigate to enforce their rights — a significant practical barrier. The Act has only two express statutory exemptions, but the Alabama Supreme Court has recognized a number of common-law grounds for withholding records that agencies frequently cite. This case-law-driven exemption landscape requires requesters to be familiar with not just the statute but decades of Alabama appellate decisions.
Alabama’s County Probate Judge is the primary property records custodian — a unique arrangement not seen in most states, where the probate judge simultaneously serves as a judicial officer, chief election official, and county recorder. In Alabama’s 67 counties, the elected County Probate Judge wears multiple hats that in most states are held by separate officials. The Probate Judge serves as judge of the Probate Court (estates, wills, guardianships, mental commitments), county chief election official (voter registration and elections), and county recorder (deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other recorded instruments). This concentration of functions in one elected office — held for a six-year term — means that all property records research in Alabama begins at the County Probate Court, not a “County Recorder” or “County Clerk” office as in most states.
Alabama’s primary court records database, Alacourt ACCESS, requires a paid subscription — $150 one-time fee plus $84–$134/month — making Alabama one of the most expensive states for online public court records access. While free access is available at some county courthouse libraries for Alabama State Bar members, the general public must pay subscription fees to access Alacourt ACCESS’s statewide trial court case database. Alacourt ACCESS charges $9.99 per name search, $5 for the first 20 document pages, and $0.50/page thereafter, plus monthly subscription fees. Alabama’s appellate decisions are available free at judicial.alabama.gov, but trial court records — where the vast majority of cases are filed — require the paid Alacourt ACCESS subscription. This creates a meaningful financial barrier compared to states with free public court portals.
Alabama birth certificates are restricted for 125 years from the date of birth — the longest birth record restriction period of any state in this guide series. Under Alabama law, birth certificates are confidential records for 125 years from the date of birth. Death certificates are restricted for 25 years. Only persons with a qualifying relationship (registrant, parents, spouse, adult children, siblings, and legal representatives) may obtain restricted records. After 125 years (births) or 25 years (deaths), records become publicly accessible to anyone upon payment of the fee.
The Legal Framework
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Ala. Code §§ 36-12-40 through 36-12-46; as amended by Act 2024-278 (SB 270), effective October 1, 2024 |
| Who May Request | Alabama residents only (Act 2024-278 changed “citizen” to “resident”); proof of residency may be required; non-residents have no statutory right |
| Request Must Be | Written; reasonably specific (agencies need not respond to vague, ambiguous, overly broad, or unreasonable requests); purpose may be stated but not required for access — only for fee determination |
| Acknowledgment Deadline | 10 days for all requests (both standard and time-intensive) |
| Standard Request Response | Substantive response (production or denial) within 15 business days of acknowledgment; request requires <8 hours of staff time |
| Time-Intensive Request Response | Agency designates request as time-intensive (≥8 hours of staff time) within 15 days of acknowledgment; substantive response within 45 business days of acknowledgment |
| Extensions | Agencies may extend both deadlines unilaterally and unlimited times by written notice — a significant weakness |
| Timeline Tolling | Deadlines are paused (“tolled”) when agency requests clarification or additional information from requester |
| Fees | Reasonable fees for actual cost of searching and copying; no statutory per-page cap; time-intensive request fees may cover administrative cost of searching, reviewing, and redacting |
| Exemptions — Statutory | Library circulation records; security/critical infrastructure records (§ 36-12-40) |
| Exemptions — Case Law | Confidential records received in confidence; sensitive personnel records; pending criminal investigations; records detrimental to public interest — must be narrowly construed |
| Discovery Bar | § 36-12-46: parties to pending or threatened legal actions may not use Open Records Act as discovery substitute |
| Enforcement | Circuit court only; no administrative body; attorney’s fees available if requester substantially prevails |
| Counties | 67 |
| Federal Districts | 3 (Northern — Birmingham/Huntsville/Tuscaloosa; Middle — Montgomery/Dothan/Opelika; Southern — Mobile/Selma) |
Alabama Court Records
Alabama has a five-level court system: the Alabama Supreme Court (nine justices; highest appellate; general appellate jurisdiction), the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals and Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals (two specialized intermediate appellate courts), Circuit Courts (general jurisdiction trial courts; 41 circuits covering all 67 counties; felony criminal, major civil, domestic relations, and juvenile cases), District Courts (limited jurisdiction; misdemeanors, small claims, and civil cases up to $20,000), and Municipal Courts (ordinance violations and misdemeanors). County Probate Courts handle estates, wills, guardianships, and mental commitments.
Alacourt ACCESS — Paid Subscription Required
The primary online court records database for Alabama trial courts is Alacourt ACCESS at alacourt.com. It provides case action summaries for all pending and recent civil and criminal cases in Alabama trial courts, with search capability. Pricing: one-time fee of $150, plus a monthly fee of $84–$134 depending on the number of users. This is one of the most expensive public court access systems in the country. Free access is available at a limited number of county courthouse libraries for Alabama State Bar members.
For those who need occasional lookups without a subscription, in-person access at the clerk’s office of the relevant county courthouse is the alternative. Each county circuit clerk and district court clerk maintains physical case files accessible during business hours.
Alabama Appellate Court Decisions — Free
Decisions from the Alabama Supreme Court, Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, and Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals are freely available at judicial.alabama.gov. Opinions are searchable by party name, case number, and date. This free access covers appellate decisions only — not trial court records.
Federal Court Records
Alabama has three federal judicial districts. The Northern District of Alabama (Birmingham, Huntsville, and Tuscaloosa divisions), the Middle District of Alabama (Montgomery, Dothan, and Opelika divisions), and the Southern District of Alabama (Mobile and Selma divisions). Federal case records are available through PACER (pacer.gov) at $0.10 per page after the quarterly free threshold.
Expungement in Alabama
Alabama allows expungement of certain criminal records under Ala. Code §§ 15-27-1 et seq. Eligible records include charges dismissed with prejudice, cases where the defendant was acquitted, certain non-violent misdemeanor and felony convictions after waiting periods, and cases involving first-time, non-violent drug offenders. A petition is filed in the circuit court of conviction; a filing fee applies. Expunged records are sealed from public access in both court records and ALEA criminal history databases.
Alabama Criminal Records
ALEA Criminal History — $25 Fee + Fingerprinting
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), through its Criminal Records Identification Unit, maintains the state’s criminal history repository at alea.gov. Name-based criminal history checks are available to the public; the fee is $25, and fingerprinting is required for most background check purposes (fingerprinting fees vary by provider). Submit the “ALEA Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information” — available at alea.gov — signed before two witnesses or a Notary Public, along with a copy of valid ID and fingerprint cards. Requests can be submitted to a local sheriff’s office or police department. Results typically take 2–5 business days.
Note: ALEA’s criminal history database covers Alabama records only — not other states, federal convictions, or FBI records. For federal-level checks, use the FBI’s Identity History Summary Check (fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks).
Alabama Sex Offender Registry
The Alabama Sex Offender Registry, maintained by ALEA, is publicly searchable at alea.gov/sbi. The registry is free and searchable by name, address, county, or zip code. Alabama has strict sex offender registration and notification laws including community notification requirements for certain risk levels. The registry includes photographs, addresses, and offense details.
Alabama Property Records
Alabama’s property records are concentrated in the County Probate Court, where the elected Probate Judge serves as the county’s recording officer. This is one of Alabama’s most distinctive public records features — in most states, property recording is handled by a separate County Recorder or County Clerk. In Alabama’s 67 counties, all deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded land instruments are filed with and maintained by the Probate Court. Property valuation and tax records are held by the County Revenue Commissioner or County Tax Assessor (the title varies by county).
County Probate Court — Land Instruments
The County Probate Court records deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, easements, plats, and other property instruments. When property is sold in Alabama, the deed is recorded with the Probate Court in the county where the property is located. Recording fees start at $9.50–$16 for the first page, with additional pages at $3 each. Many Alabama county probate courts provide free online searching — Jefferson County and Mobile County use the Landmark Web system; Tuscaloosa County and Madison County have their own free portals. Smaller counties may require in-person visits.
County Revenue Commissioner / Tax Assessor — Ownership and Valuation
The County Revenue Commissioner (sometimes called County Tax Assessor-Collector, depending on county) maintains current property ownership, assessed values, and tax records. Alabama assesses residential property at 10% of fair market value for taxation purposes (rates differ by property class). Most county Revenue Commissioner offices provide free online parcel searching by owner name, address, or parcel number. The Alabama Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Division (revenue.alabama.gov) oversees assessment standards statewide.
Alabama Business Records
The Alabama Secretary of State’s Business Services Division at sos.alabama.gov maintains business entity records. The free online search covers corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited liability partnerships, and other registered entities. Entity status, registered agent, principal address, and filing history are publicly accessible at no cost. UCC financing statement filings are also maintained by the Secretary of State and publicly searchable. Alabama requires most entities to file annual reports; failure to file may result in administrative dissolution, which is visible in the public database.
Alabama Vital Records
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery maintains statewide vital records. Birth and death certificates have been recorded since 1908 (statewide requirement). Marriage records are maintained from 1936; divorce records from 1950. Older pre-statewide records may be available at the county probate court or county health department where the event occurred, or through the Alabama Department of Archives and History (archives.alabama.gov).
Fees
- Birth certificates: $15 for the first certified copy; $6 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time
- Death certificates: $15 for the first certified copy; $6 for each additional copy
- Marriage certificates: $15 for the first certified copy; $6 for each additional copy
- Divorce records: $15 for the first certified copy; $6 for each additional copy
- Note: The $15 fee covers the search plus one copy; if no record is found, the $15 search fee is still retained
How to Order — County Health Departments Are the Fastest Route
A notable Alabama advantage: vital records can be obtained from any county health department in the state — not just the county where the event occurred, and not just the central ADPH office in Montgomery. Most birth certificates are issued while you wait at any county health department location. This statewide same-county-access model makes Alabama vital records among the most convenient to obtain in the country. Records may also be ordered by mail to: Alabama Vital Records, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103 (or ADPH Center for Health Statistics, 201 Monroe Street, Montgomery for in-person), or online through VitalChek (additional service fees apply; call toll-free 1-888-279-9888).
Access Restrictions
Birth certificates are confidential for 125 years from the date of birth — the longest restriction period in this guide series. Death certificates are restricted for 25 years. Restricted records are available only to persons with a qualifying relationship: the registrant (if 18+), parents, spouse, adult children, siblings, grandparents, and legal representatives. After the restriction period, records are open to anyone upon payment of the fee. Primary photo ID is required for all restricted record requests.
Historical Records
The Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) at archives.alabama.gov holds historical vital records, county records, census data, and genealogical collections. ADAH is a FamilySearch affiliate library providing access to digital copies of Alabama death records from 1908–1974. Birth and death certificates before 1908 may be found in county probate records and church registers. Ancestry.com and FamilySearch also hold significant Alabama genealogical collections.
Alabama Inmate and Corrections Records
The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) provides a free public inmate search at doc.alabama.gov. Searches can be run by first name, last name, or Alabama Institutional Serial (AIS) number. Results include offense information, sentence details, current facility, and release status. County jail records are maintained by individual county sheriff’s offices — most Alabama county sheriffs maintain online jail rosters or inmate lists.
Professional License Records
Alabama professional licensing is distributed across numerous boards. The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners (albme.org) licenses physicians; the Alabama Board of Nursing (abn.alabama.gov) licenses nurses; the Alabama Real Estate Commission (arec.alabama.gov) licenses real estate agents and brokers. All major boards provide free online license verification with current status and public disciplinary history. The Alabama State Bar (alabar.org) maintains the official attorney roster with searchable disciplinary records and license status.
Charity and Nonprofit Records
Charitable organizations soliciting contributions in Alabama must register with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office at ago.alabama.gov. The AG maintains a publicly searchable database of registered charitable organizations and annual filings. Alabama requires registration for most organizations raising more than $25,000 annually from Alabama donors.
For federal tax-exempt organizations, the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (apps.irs.gov/app/eos) provides free access to Form 990 returns and exemption status. ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer (projects.propublica.org/nonprofits) also provides searchable Form 990 data for Alabama nonprofits.
How to Submit an Alabama Open Records Request
Only Alabama residents have a statutory right to request records under the Open Records Act. Requests must be in writing and must reasonably describe the records sought. An agency may require proof of Alabama residency (driver’s license, voter registration card, or other Alabama-issued photo ID with address).
Step 1 — Check the Agency’s Written Procedures and Designated Coordinator
Act 2024-278 and Governor Ivey’s Executive Order 734 require all state executive agencies to designate a public records coordinator and maintain a public records webpage. Check the agency’s website first — many agencies use online request portals (Jefferson County uses NextRequest; Huntsville uses JustFOIA; ADPH uses NextRequest at adph.nextrequest.com). If written procedures exist, the agency may refuse to respond to requests not submitted through those procedures. Always follow the agency’s specified procedure.
Step 2 — Submit a Written Request with Proof of Residency
Include: your name and Alabama address; description of the records sought (as specific as possible — vague or overly broad requests need not be answered); proof of Alabama residency if required; and whether you consent to any applicable fees. Cite “Ala. Code § 36-12-40” to signal formal intent. Submit by email, mail, or online portal, and note the submission date. For time-intensive requests, the agency may require use of a specific form.
Step 3 — Track the Two-Track Timeline
All requests: acknowledgment within 10 days. Standard request (agency determines <8 hours of staff time): substantive response within 15 business days of acknowledgment. Time-intensive request (≥8 hours): agency must notify you within 15 days of acknowledgment that it is classifying your request as time-intensive; substantive response then due within 45 business days of acknowledgment. Timelines are tolled if the agency requests clarification. Agencies may extend both deadlines by providing written notice — an unlimited number of times. Document all communications and deadline dates carefully.
Step 4 — Respond to Fee Estimates
Agencies may charge reasonable fees for actual cost of searching and copying. There is no statutory per-page cap. For time-intensive requests, the administrative cost of searching, reviewing, and redacting is recoverable. Agencies may require prepayment before producing records. If you believe fees are unreasonable, that becomes a ground for a circuit court challenge.
Step 5 — Enforce Through Circuit Court
Alabama has no administrative enforcement body. If records are improperly denied or the agency fails to respond within the required timeframes:
- File a lawsuit in circuit court in the county where the public body is located.
- Consider contacting the Alabama Press Association (alabamapress.org) or an Alabama media law attorney for guidance before filing — some disputes are resolvable through professional pressure short of litigation.
- If you substantially prevail in court, attorney’s fees may be available.
- Note: The discovery bar of § 36-12-46 prohibits using the Open Records Act as a substitute for court discovery — if you are a party to pending litigation, consult an attorney about proper discovery channels.
Free Government Databases for Alabama Public Records
| Database | Record Type | URL | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alacourt ACCESS | Statewide trial court case information and documents | alacourt.com | $150 one-time + $84–$134/month |
| Alabama Appellate Courts | Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals, Court of Criminal Appeals decisions | judicial.alabama.gov | Free |
| Alabama Sex Offender Registry | Registered sex offenders statewide | alea.gov/sbi | Free |
| Alabama DOC Inmate Search | State prison inmates; search by name or AIS number | doc.alabama.gov | Free |
| Alabama Secretary of State Business Search | Corporations, LLCs, partnerships, UCC filings | sos.alabama.gov | Free |
| Alabama ADPH Vital Records | Birth (1908+, restricted 125 yrs), death (restricted 25 yrs), marriage (1936+), divorce (1950+) | alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords | $15/first copy; $6/additional |
| Alabama Dept. of Archives and History | Historical records; genealogy; death records 1908–1974 digitized | archives.alabama.gov | Free search; fees for copies |
| ALEA Criminal History | Alabama criminal history records (name-based + fingerprint) | alea.gov | $25 + fingerprinting |
| Alabama State Bar | Attorney licenses and discipline | alabar.org | Free |
| Alabama AG Charitable Organizations | Registered charitable organizations | ago.alabama.gov | Free |
| PACER | Federal court records (N.D. Ala., M.D. Ala., S.D. Ala.) | pacer.gov | $0.10/page |
| IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search | Federal nonprofit 990 returns and status | apps.irs.gov/app/eos | Free |
Common Mistakes When Researching Alabama Public Records
Submitting a records request without establishing Alabama residency. Alabama is one of approximately seven states limiting open records access to residents. Since Act 2024-278 took effect October 1, 2024, agencies may require proof of residency — a valid Alabama driver’s license, voter registration card, or other Alabama-issued photo ID with address. Non-resident requests have no statutory backing; agencies may lawfully refuse them. If you lack Alabama residency, check whether the records you need are publicly available online without a formal request (Secretary of State business search, appellate decisions, ADOC inmate search, sex offender registry, county probate portals).
Relying on the response deadlines without accounting for unlimited extensions. Act 2024-278’s 10-day acknowledgment and 15/45-business-day response deadlines are real improvements over the pre-2024 no-deadline framework, but agencies may extend both deadlines an unlimited number of times by simply providing written notice. There is no cap on extensions. As a practical matter, persistent follow-up — by phone, email, and in person — is often more effective than relying on the statutory deadlines alone. Build in regular follow-up cadences (weekly or bi-weekly) after the initial deadlines pass.
Looking for property records at the County Circuit Clerk instead of the County Probate Court. In most states, property records are held by a “County Recorder,” “County Clerk,” or “Register of Deeds.” In Alabama, property recording is the responsibility of the County Probate Judge — an elected official who serves as the recording officer for all 67 counties. Searching the circuit clerk’s office for deeds, mortgages, or liens will come up empty. Always go to the County Probate Court for Alabama property records research.
Paying for Alacourt ACCESS without first checking if records are available in person for free. Alacourt ACCESS requires a substantial subscription investment ($150 + $84–$134/month). For occasional users who need one or a small number of case lookups, in-person access at the relevant county court clerk’s office is free. Visit the circuit clerk (for circuit court records) or district clerk (for district court records) in the county where the case was filed. You can view case files and request copies at the courthouse without subscribing to Alacourt. Free computer terminals may also be available at the courthouse for self-service lookups.
Not checking every county health department for vital records. Alabama’s vital records system allows any county health department statewide to issue certified copies of any Alabama vital record — not just the county where the event occurred and not just the ADPH central office in Montgomery. If you need a birth or death certificate, your nearest county health department can likely process it same-day. This is faster than mail orders and avoids VitalChek’s additional service fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Alabama public records open to anyone?
No — Alabama restricts Open Records Act access to Alabama residents. This is one of approximately seven states with a residency requirement. Non-residents have no statutory right to request records, though many agencies will respond voluntarily. Proof of residency (Alabama driver’s license or voter registration) may be required. Within this limit, purpose is generally irrelevant — commercial, personal, and public-interest purposes are all valid.
Does Alabama have a FOIA law?
Alabama calls its open records law the Open Records Act, codified at Ala. Code §§ 36-12-40–46. It does not use the term “FOIA.” The Act was most recently and significantly amended by Act 2024-278 (SB 270), effective October 1, 2024 — the most significant amendment in over 50 years — adding mandatory acknowledgment and response deadlines for the first time. There is no administrative enforcement body; circuit court is the only enforcement mechanism.
Are Alabama criminal records public?
Alabama criminal history records are available through ALEA ($25 + fingerprinting). Court case records are available through Alacourt ACCESS (subscription) or in person at county clerks (free). The Sex Offender Registry (alea.gov/sbi) is free and publicly searchable. Expunged records are sealed. Juvenile records are generally confidential.
Where are Alabama property records searched?
All Alabama property records — deeds, mortgages, liens — are held by the County Probate Court in the county where the property is located. Alabama has 67 counties; there is no statewide consolidated portal. Many county probate courts provide free online access; Jefferson County and Mobile County use the Landmark Web system. Property valuation and tax records are held by the County Revenue Commissioner (or Tax Assessor) in each county.
Are Alabama arrest records public?
Arrest records that resulted in criminal charges are generally accessible through Alacourt court records and the ALEA criminal history system. Active criminal investigations may be withheld under case-law exemptions. Expunged records are sealed. Juvenile arrest records are generally confidential.
Can an Alabama public agency charge fees for records?
Yes — agencies may charge reasonable fees for actual searching and copying costs. There is no statutory per-page cap. For time-intensive requests, fees may include administrative costs of searching, reviewing, and redacting. Agencies may require prepayment. Fee disputes are ultimately resolved in circuit court, as there is no administrative fee review body.
Final Thoughts
Act 2024-278 (effective October 1, 2024) is a genuine improvement to Alabama’s public records framework — the first mandatory response deadlines in over 50 years, a codified two-tier request system, and clearer written procedures requirements. However, the unlimited extension provision remains a significant weakness that experienced practitioners have flagged, and the lack of any administrative enforcement body means circuit court litigation is still the only remedy for non-compliance. Alabama continues to be one of the more challenging states for public records access: Alacourt ACCESS’s subscription fees create a financial barrier to court records, the residency requirement excludes non-residents, and the 125-year birth certificate restriction is the longest in this guide series.
Operationally: vital records are unusually convenient — any county health department can issue same-day copies statewide. Property records go to the County Probate Court (not a recorder or clerk). Criminal background checks through ALEA require fingerprinting. Business records at the Secretary of State are free online. Appellate court decisions are free at judicial.alabama.gov; trial court records require the paid Alacourt ACCESS subscription or an in-person courthouse visit.
Related Guides
- Mississippi Public Records: A Complete Research Guide
- Georgia Public Records: A Complete Research Guide
- Tennessee Public Records: A Complete Research Guide
- Arkansas Public Records: A Complete Research Guide
- Florida Public Records: A Complete Research Guide
- How to Search Property Records Step by Step
- How FOIA Requests Work
- Best Government Databases for Background Research
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Public records laws and agency procedures change over time. Always verify current law and agency requirements directly with the relevant government office or a licensed Alabama attorney before relying on this information for legal or official purposes.