Dallas County Public Records

Dallas County public records are managed by the Probate Court and Circuit Clerk in Selma. This county of about 38,000 residents sits in the heart of Alabama's Black Belt region and holds deep significance in American civil rights history.

Dallas County Probate Court

The Probate Court is your main stop for property records in Dallas County. This office handles deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and marriage licenses. The Probate Judge also oversees estate matters, guardianships, and mental health commitments. All land transactions in the county must be recorded here to be valid against third parties.

The Dallas County Courthouse sits in downtown Selma. It has served the community for many years and holds records that date back to the county's founding in 1818. Some older records were lost to fire and war, but most documents from the late 1800s forward are intact. The staff can help you search indexes and pull documents for copying.

When you visit in person, bring valid ID. The staff will need the property address or owner name to search records. For older documents, you may need the book and page number. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders for copies and certified documents.

Historical Records and Civil Rights Heritage

Dallas County holds some of the most historically significant public records in Alabama. The county played a central role in the 1965 Voting Rights Movement. The Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma became a symbol of the struggle for equal voting rights. Records from this era include voter registration documents, court filings, and property records that document this pivotal time in American history.

Researchers and genealogists often visit Dallas County for its archives. The county seat of Selma contains the largest contiguous historic district in Alabama. This means many property records tie to buildings and sites on the National Register of Historic Places. If you are tracing family history or researching civil rights events, the Probate Court and local archives can provide valuable documentation.

The courthouse itself has witnessed key moments in the civil rights struggle. Court records from the 1960s document legal battles over voting rights and civil liberties. These records are public under Alabama law, though some may require staff assistance to locate due to age and filing methods used at the time.

Dallas County Court Records

The Circuit Clerk handles all trial court records in Dallas County. This is a different office from the Probate Court. Court records cover civil lawsuits, criminal cases, domestic relations matters, and appeals. The Circuit Clerk also processes jury summons and maintains case files for all court proceedings.

Dallas County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Wilcox County. The Circuit Court hears felony criminal cases, civil cases over $20,000, and domestic relations matters. District Court handles misdemeanors, civil cases up to $20,000, and preliminary hearings. Both courts operate from the Selma courthouse complex.

You can search court records online through AlacourtAccess at pa.alacourt.com. This state system covers all Alabama courts. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail view. Each additional case costs $9.99. Document images run $5.00 for up to 20 pages. The system goes back several years but does not include all historical records.

For in-person searches, visit the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse. Staff can search by name, case number, or date range. Some older case files are stored offsite and may take a day or two to retrieve. Criminal background checks require specific forms and fees set by state law.

Search Dallas County Records Online

Dallas County participates in the statewide Alacourt system for court records. This gives you online access to case information, dockets, and some documents. The Probate Court has limited online access compared to larger counties. Most property searches still require a visit to the courthouse or a phone call to staff.

Here is what you can access online:

• Court case searches through AlacourtAccess
• Basic case information and hearing dates
• Some document images for recent cases
• Traffic ticket payment options

For property records, you will likely need to contact the Probate Court directly. Some Alabama counties have digitized their deed indexes and images, but Dallas County has not yet implemented a full online portal. The county is working on modernization but budget constraints have slowed progress. Call ahead to confirm what records are available and how to request copies by mail if you cannot visit in person.

Third-party services can sometimes provide faster access to Dallas County records. Companies like Alabama Title Company and regional abstractors maintain their own databases. These services charge fees but can save time for title searches and background checks. Always verify any information you find with official county records.

Dallas County Recording Fees

Dallas County follows Alabama state fee guidelines with some local variations. Recording fees help fund the Probate Court operations. These fees can change, so confirm current rates before sending payment.

Standard fees for Dallas County include:

• Deed recording: base fee plus $1 per page
• Mortgage recording: base fee plus $1 per page
• Copy of recorded document: $1 per page
• Certified copy: $2 per page plus certification fee
• Marriage license: $70-80 (includes ceremony if performed by Probate Judge)
• Deed tax: $0.50 per $500 of property value
• Mortgage tax: $0.15 per $100 of debt secured

Court filing fees vary by case type. Civil filings start around $300 for Circuit Court cases. Small claims in District Court cost less. The Circuit Clerk can provide a current fee schedule. Payment methods include cash, money orders, and certified checks. Personal checks may be accepted for some transactions.

How to Request Public Records

Alabama law gives the public a right to inspect most government records. Dallas County follows state guidelines for public records requests. You can request records in person, by mail, or sometimes by email. The county does not have a dedicated online portal like some larger counties.

To request records, contact the appropriate office directly. For property records, reach out to the Probate Court. For court cases, contact the Circuit Clerk. For other county records, try the County Administrator's office. Be as specific as possible about what you need. Include names, dates, case numbers, or property addresses if you have them.

Under Alabama law, the county must respond to standard requests within 15 business days. Complex requests may take longer. The county can charge reasonable fees for search time and copies. If your request is denied, you have the right to appeal. The Alabama Attorney General's office can assist with public records disputes.

Some records are not public under Alabama law. These include sealed court records, juvenile records, certain medical information, and ongoing investigation files. The county will let you know if any part of your request falls under an exemption.

Dallas County Vital Records

Vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce records. In Alabama, the state Center for Health Statistics maintains birth and death records. The Dallas County Health Department can help you request certified copies of these documents.

Marriage licenses are issued by the Dallas County Probate Court. Alabama no longer requires a ceremony for marriage. Couples complete a form, have it notarized, and file it with the Probate Court. The license becomes effective upon filing. Marriage records are public and can be searched at the courthouse.

Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk. Divorces are civil court cases, so the files contain petitions, agreements, and final decrees. You can search these through Alacourt online or in person at the courthouse. Certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the Circuit Clerk for a fee.

For genealogy research, older vital records may be found at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery. They have indexes and some digitized records. The Family History Library through FamilySearch also has Dallas County records on microfilm. Local libraries in Selma may have additional resources.

Cities in Dallas County

Dallas County contains several cities and towns. Selma is by far the largest and serves as the county seat. All property records for cities in the county are filed at the Dallas County Probate Court. Court cases go through the Dallas County court system regardless of which city the matter involves.

Selma has a population of about 18,000 and is the main commercial center. Other communities include Orrville, Valley Grande, and several smaller towns. None of the other cities in Dallas County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page on this site, but their records are all accessible through the county offices in Selma.

If you need records for a specific city, start with the county offices. The Dallas County Probate Court can search by property address to find deeds and liens. The Circuit Clerk can search by defendant or plaintiff name to find court cases. Both offices serve all residents of the county regardless of which city they live in.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Dallas County. If your records search needs to cover a wider area, you may need to contact these neighboring counties. Each county maintains its own separate records.

Dallas County shares the 4th Judicial Circuit with Wilcox County. The same Circuit Judge may hear cases from both counties. However, each county maintains separate court records and filing systems.

Legal Help and Resources

If you need legal assistance in Dallas County, several resources are available. Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. They can assist with housing issues, family law matters, and public benefits. Their office serves the Black Belt region including Dallas County.

The Alabama State Bar has a lawyer referral service that can connect you with attorneys in the Selma area. For criminal matters, the Public Defender's office serves defendants who cannot afford private counsel. The court will appoint an attorney if you qualify based on income.

Self-help resources are available through the Alabama Law Help website. They provide forms and instructions for common legal matters. The Dallas County Public Library in Selma also has legal reference materials. For simple matters like name changes or small claims, you may be able to handle the process yourself with these resources.