State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Alabama
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Alabama under the Alabama Open Records Act (est. 2000).
Overview of Public Records in Alabama
Alabama's public records framework is governed by the Alabama Open Records Act, which grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public writings prepared in the course of government duties. The state defines public records broadly to include documents, maps, books, and other materials made or received by any governmental body. Alabama courts have generally interpreted the law to favor disclosure, though certain exemptions exist for law enforcement investigations and personal privacy.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Alabama
Response Time
Alabama law does not set a specific statutory deadline for responding to public records requests. Agencies are expected to respond within a reasonable time. In practice, most agencies respond within 5 to 10 business days for straightforward requests.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge reasonable fees for search time and copying. Standard copy fees are typically $0.25 per page. Commercial requesters may be charged higher rates. There is no requirement to waive fees for any category of requester.
How to Submit a Request
Written request to the custodian of the records, either by mail, email, or in person. No specific form is required, but the request must reasonably describe the records sought. Requesters do not need to state a reason for the request.
Appeal Process
If a request is denied, the requester may file a civil action in circuit court. The Alabama Attorney General can also issue advisory opinions on open records disputes.
Types of Public Records Available in Alabama
Property Records
Property records in Alabama include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Alabama contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Alabama election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Alabama court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Alabama include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Alabama vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Alabama document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Alabama Public Records
To request public records in Alabama, you can submit a written request to the specific government agency that maintains the records. There is no mandatory form required, but your request should clearly describe the records you seek. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying, and response times vary by agency. Many Alabama counties now offer online portals for property records, court records, and vital records through the Alabama Department of Public Health and individual county probate offices.
Online Access
Alabama does not have a centralized online request portal. Requests must be directed to individual agencies. Many counties offer online property record searches through their revenue commissioner websites, and Alacourt.com provides court record access.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Alabama
While the Alabama Open Records Act establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Alabama.
- Personal information in law enforcement investigative files
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Records related to ongoing criminal investigations
- Student educational records protected under FERPA
- Medical and mental health records
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Alabama provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Alabama Open Records Act
Enacted: 2000
The Alabama Open Records Act, codified in Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, establishes that every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the state. The law was strengthened in 2000 to provide clearer guidelines on exemptions and enforcement. Unlike some states, Alabama does not have a centralized public records ombudsman, so disputes over records access are typically resolved through the courts.
Key Features of Alabama's Records Law:
- Alabama does not require requesters to state the purpose of their records request
- The state has a relatively low fee structure for copies of public documents
- Alabama probate courts serve as the primary repository for property and estate records at the county level
Alabama Public Records Facts
Alabama has 67 counties, each maintaining its own set of local public records
The Alabama Department of Public Health processes over 200,000 vital record requests annually
Property records in Alabama date back to the early 1800s in many counties
The state maintains over 4 million active voter registration records
Search Alabama Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Alabama. Enter a name below to search public records in AL.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Public Records
How do I obtain a birth certificate in Alabama?
Are Alabama court records available to the public?
How long does Alabama have to respond to a public records request?
Can I access Alabama property records online?
Related Articles
Court Records Guide
How to search federal and state court records online, including PACER and state databases.
Property Records Explained
Research real estate ownership, deeds, tax assessments, and transaction history.
Voter Registration Lookup
What voter files contain, why they are public, and how to access them.
FOIA Request Guide
Step-by-step instructions for filing public records requests with government agencies.
Background Check Guide
Everything you need to know about background checks, FCRA compliance, and your options.
FCRA Compliance Guide
What the Fair Credit Reporting Act covers and how it affects people search sites.
How Public Records Work
An overview of what information is publicly available and how government records are maintained.
People Search Tips
10 practical tips to improve your people search results using public records.
Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Alabama Open Records Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Alabama or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.