Find Alabama Public Records

Is Alabama a Public Records State?

In accordance with the Alabama Open Records Law, most records generated by government entities in Alabama are accessible to the public. Individuals can request to inspect or obtain physical copies of non-confidential records from the relevant custodian agencies. Alabama law defines public records as any information created or received by public officers that is necessary for conducting public business. This includes records from state officers, county officials, municipalities, and other governmental subdivisions (Ala. Code § 41-13-1).

To access these records, individuals can make a public record request to the appropriate custodian or utilize self-service options at the agencies. Additionally, third-party websites offer both paid and free public data search options.

What is Public Information in Alabama?

Public information in Alabama encompasses a variety of records, including:

Court records
Sex offender information
Divorce records
Inmate records
Property records
Bankruptcy records

While these records are available to the public, Alabama law does not mandate the perpetual maintenance of all public records. According to Ala. Code § 41-13-5, public agencies have the discretion to destroy or dispose of records deemed non-essential, pending approval from the State and Local Government Records Commissions.

How Do I Look Up Public Records in Alabama?

Citizens have the right to access public records generated or maintained by Alabama agencies by submitting formal requests. Although the law does not obligate agencies to respond, individuals can follow these steps to find public records:

Identify the Desired Record: Determine the specific type of record needed. For example, marriage information requires a marriage license or certificate, while criminal information may require court records from the relevant clerk.
Determine the Applicable Agency: Identifying the record type helps pinpoint the custodian agency. For instance, arrest records are available at the arresting police department or sheriff’s office, while property records can be found at county Department of Revenue offices.
Create a Request: While requests can be oral or written, it is advisable to provide detailed descriptions of the desired records. Written requests often facilitate easier retrieval by the custodian. Include the record type, relevant information, your name, and contact details.
Review and Submit the Request: Ensure that all provided information is accurate before submission. Requests can typically be submitted in person, by mail, phone, fax, or online, depending on the agency’s accepted methods. Fees may vary based on the submission method and delivery preferences.

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Alabama Public Records Obtaining

City Records

Third-party websites provide access to public city records through user-friendly tools. These platforms allow for comprehensive searches of specific or multiple records. Users must provide sufficient information to assist with the search, such as:

The name of the individual involved in the record (must be over 18 or not a juvenile)
The requestor’s address
A case or file number (if known)
The document's or person’s location
The registrant's last known or current address

These sites are not government-sponsored, so record availability and accuracy can vary.

Public Records

Third-party websites also offer expansive searches for public records. These platforms are non-geographically limited, making the search process straightforward. Users need to provide sufficient information, such as:

The name of the individual involved in the record (must not be a juvenile)
The last known location of the record subject

Because these services are not government-sponsored, the availability and accuracy of results may differ.

How To Look Up Public Records in Alabama for Free?

Although the Alabama Open Records Law does not mandate fee waivers, public agencies may offer free access for inspecting non-confidential records. Individuals can conduct free public records searches by visiting the relevant agency. For example, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency provides a searchable online sex offender registry, and the Alabama Department of Corrections offers an online inmate search tool. Additionally, county clerk or recorder’s offices may have self-service computers for public use.

Search Public Records in Alabama

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