Bibb County Public Records

Bibb County public records are held at the courthouse in Centreville. The Probate Court and Circuit Clerk serve this rural county of about 22,000 residents in central Alabama.

Bibb County Probate Court

The Probate Court in Centreville handles property records for Bibb County. This office manages deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and marriage licenses. Property transfers must be filed here to be valid. The Probate Judge also handles estate matters, guardianships, and mental health commitments.

You can visit the courthouse in person to search records. The staff can help you find what you need. Bring the property address or owner name if you have it. For older records, you may need to search the index books by hand. The office does not charge for basic searches, but copies have a fee.

Bibb County records go back to 1820. Some early records were lost in courthouse fires, which was common in rural Alabama counties. The surviving records have been preserved and some have been indexed. Land records from the early years show the original grants and patents from when Alabama was still a territory.

Search Bibb County Records Online

Bibb County uses the Ingenuity system for some online record access. This is a third-party vendor that many Alabama counties use. The system lets you search property records from home. You will need to create an account to view document images.

The online system has limits. Not all records are online yet. Older documents may only be on microfilm at the courthouse. If you cannot find what you need online, call the Probate office. They can tell you if the record exists and how to get it.

For vehicle records, Bibb County uses the AL Tags system. You can renew tags and check registration status online at alabamainteractive.org/tags. This is part of the statewide system run by the Alabama Department of Revenue. Tag renewals can also be done in person at the courthouse.

Property tax records are available through the Bibb County Revenue Commissioner. You can look up tax amounts, payment history, and property values. The tax assessor sets the value, and the revenue commissioner collects the taxes. Both offices are in the courthouse.

Bibb County Court Records

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for Bibb County. This is a different office from the Probate Court. Court records cover civil lawsuits, criminal cases, divorces, and domestic matters. Traffic tickets and small claims also go through the court system.

Bibb County is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Tuscaloosa County. The circuit judges rotate between counties. District Court handles less serious matters and preliminary hearings. Circuit Court takes felonies, appeals, and larger civil cases.

You can search Bibb County court records through Alacourt. The state system at pa.alacourt.com covers all Alabama courts. A basic name search costs $9.99. This gets you one case detail free. More cases cost extra. The Circuit Clerk website is at bibb.alacourt.gov for local info.

Criminal records have some limits. Sealed or expunged cases will not show up. Juvenile records are confidential. Some mental health records are also protected. The clerk can tell you what is available if you call ahead.

Bibb County Recording Fees

Bibb County charges standard Alabama rates for most services. Fees can change, so check with the office before sending payment. Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted. Some offices take credit cards but may add a fee.

Common fees in Bibb County include:

• Deed recording: starts at $25 for first page
• Each extra page: $5
• Copy of recorded document: $1 per page
• Certified copy: $2 per page plus certification fee
• Marriage license: around $70

Recording fees include state and county parts. The state portion goes to Montgomery. Deed tax is $0.50 per $500 of property value. Mortgage tax is $0.15 per $100 of the loan amount. These taxes apply on top of the recording fee.

Court filing fees are set by state law. Civil cases cost more than small claims. Criminal defendants may owe court costs if convicted. The Circuit Clerk can give you a list of current fees. Many fees went up in recent years to fund court technology.

Bibb County Vital Records

Vital records include birth and death certificates. Alabama keeps these at the state level through the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. You cannot get birth or death certificates from the Bibb County courthouse.

To get a birth or death certificate, contact the Alabama Department of Public Health. You can order online at alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords. Mail orders are also accepted. You must show you have a right to the record. Close family members can get copies. Others may need a court order.

Marriage licenses come from the Probate Court in Centreville. Alabama changed the marriage process in 2019. There is no more ceremony required. You fill out a form, have it notarized, and file it with the Probate Court. The form must be filed within 30 days of signing. The Probate Court can give you certified copies of marriage certificates.

Divorce records are court records, not vital records. They stay with the Circuit Clerk where the case was filed. For a Bibb County divorce, contact the Circuit Clerk. You can also search through Alacourt online.

How to Request Public Records

Alabama law gives you the right to access most government records. This is in the Alabama Open Records Act. The law applies to county offices including the Probate Court, Circuit Clerk, and other departments. Some records have exceptions for privacy or safety.

To request records from Bibb County, you can visit in person or send a written request. Be as specific as you can about what you need. The office has 15 business days to respond under the 2024 law changes. They can ask for more time for large requests.

Fees depend on the type of record. Simple copies are usually $0.25 to $1 per page. Certified copies cost more. Research time may be charged at an hourly rate if the request takes a lot of staff time. The office must tell you the cost before doing the work.

If a request is denied, ask for the reason in writing. Some denials can be appealed. Legal aid groups can help if you think records are being wrongly withheld.

Cities and Towns in Bibb County

Bibb County has several small towns and communities. All property records are filed at the Bibb County Probate Court in Centreville. Court cases go through the Bibb County Circuit Court. None of the towns in Bibb County have their own court system.

The main communities in Bibb County are Centreville (the county seat), Brent, West Blocton, and Woodstock. Centreville has about 2,800 people. Brent has around 4,000. These are all small towns. For records from any of them, go to the county courthouse.

Some parts of Bibb County are very rural. The county has timber land, farms, and the Cahaba River running through it. People looking for land records may find large tracts owned by timber companies. Mineral rights can be separate from surface rights, so check both when researching property.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Bibb County. If you need records from a neighboring area, select the county below. Each county maintains its own records at its courthouse.

Additional Resources

Several agencies can help with records research in Bibb County. The local bar association can refer you to attorneys. Legal aid is available for low-income residents. Title companies handle property searches for real estate closings.

Useful contacts for Bibb County records:

• Bibb County Revenue Commissioner: (205) 926-3117
• Bibb County Tax Assessor: (205) 926-3114
• Bibb County Sheriff: (205) 926-4643
• Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral: (800) 392-5660

For genealogy research, the Bibb County Public Library may have resources. The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery has historical records. Some census records and military records are also available through federal databases like the National Archives.

If you need help with a legal matter involving records, consider consulting an attorney. Many offer free consultations. Legal aid organizations serve Bibb County residents who qualify by income. The court clerk cannot give legal advice but can explain procedures.