Start with the Circuit Clerk in the county where the person lives — that's where felony and civil case records are filed. For misdemeanors and small claims, go to the District Court in that same county. If you need property records, go to the Probate Judge's office first for deeds, then the Revenue Commissioner for tax assessments. For marriage licenses, go to the Probate Court — not the Circuit Clerk. For divorce records, go back to the Circuit Clerk. Alabama does NOT offer a free online statewide criminal search — you must search county by county or pay for a fingerprint-based background check through ALEA.
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Alabama Counties — Most Searched
Statewide Databases
Start with the database that matches your record type.
How to Search Alabama Criminal Records
There is no shortcut in Alabama — no statewide database, no centralized search, nothing that pulls criminal records from all 67 counties at once. Each county's Circuit Clerk keeps felony records. Each District Court keeps misdemeanor records. If you don't know the county, you're guessing. ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) runs the only statewide check, but it requires fingerprints, a fee, and authorization. The DOC inmate search at doc.alabama.gov covers state prisons. The sex offender registry sits at dps.alabama.gov. Alabama requires county-by-county searching.
How to Search Alabama Court Records
Alabama splits trial courts into Circuit Court (felonies, civil over $10,000, domestic relations) and District Court (misdemeanors, small claims, civil under $10,000). Each of the 67 counties has both. The Alacourt system offers some online access, but coverage is inconsistent — some counties are fully online, others barely. Appellate decisions are at judicial.alabama.gov. One thing people always get wrong: Probate Court in Alabama handles estates, wills, adoptions, AND marriage licenses. If you're looking for any of those, skip the Circuit Clerk and go straight to the Probate Judge.
How to Search Alabama Property Records
Alabama does property differently. The Probate Judge — not a County Recorder or Clerk — files deeds, mortgages, and land records. The Revenue Commissioner (or Tax Assessor in some counties) handles property valuations and tax bills. Jefferson County (Birmingham), Madison County (Huntsville), and Mobile County have solid online property search. Smaller counties may require an in-person visit. Don't mix up the offices: the Probate Judge records documents, the Revenue Commissioner assesses values and collects taxes. Two offices, two different jobs.
How to Get Alabama Vital Records
Alabama's Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) at alabamapublichealth.gov handles statewide birth and death certificates — $15 per certified copy. County health departments also issue copies for events that occurred in their jurisdiction. Marriage certificates come from the Probate Court, and Alabama made headlines in 2019 by eliminating the traditional marriage ceremony requirement — couples now file a marriage certificate directly with the Probate Judge, no officiant or witnesses needed. Divorce records go through the Circuit Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to find Alabama records? ▼
Start with the Circuit Clerk for court and criminal case records — this is the main source for felony filings, civil cases, and dispositions. If nothing comes up, try the Probate Judge — some record types are maintained by a different office.
Why does my Alabama search return no results? ▼
Each record type is stored separately by a different office. If your search returns nothing, you are almost certainly in the wrong system. Use the filter above to identify the correct database for your record type.
Is there a single database for all Alabama records? ▼
No. Alabama records are maintained by separate offices with separate systems. There is no unified search that covers everything in one place.
Is there a free statewide criminal search in Alabama? ▼
No. Alabama does not have a centralized statewide criminal court search. You must search county by county through the Circuit Clerk (felonies) or District Court (misdemeanors). For a statewide background check, ALEA requires fingerprints and charges a fee.
Do I need a ceremony to get married in Alabama? ▼
No. Since 2019, Alabama eliminated the traditional marriage license and ceremony requirement. Couples now file a signed marriage certificate directly with the Probate Court — no officiant, witnesses, or ceremony required.
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