Pike County Public Records

Pike County public records are maintained by the Probate Court and Circuit Clerk in Troy. The county serves about 33,000 residents and is home to Troy University.

Pike County Probate Court

The Pike County Probate Court handles all property records for the county. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. The office also processes marriage licenses and handles estate matters. Troy serves as the county seat, and all recordings go through the courthouse there.

The Probate Judge oversees these records. Staff can help you find what you need if you visit in person. They can pull old deeds, check mortgage records, or print copies of any recorded document. Phone requests work too, but complex searches may need an in-person visit.

Pike County is relatively small, so the records office tends to have shorter wait times than you might find in larger counties. Most people can get in and out in under an hour. Bring exact names and dates if you have them. This makes the search go much faster.

Search Pike County Records Online

Pike County uses the Ingenuity system for online records access. This platform lets you search property records from your computer. You can look up deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents without visiting the courthouse. The system is fairly easy to use once you create an account.

Registration is free. You only pay when you want to view or print document images. The index search itself costs nothing. This lets you find what you need before spending any money. Many people use this to verify a document exists, then visit in person to get a certified copy.

The Ingenuity system covers most Alabama counties. Pike County records go back several decades in the online system. Older records from the 1800s and early 1900s may only be available on microfilm at the courthouse. Staff can help locate these historical documents if needed.

For vehicle records, Pike County uses the AL Tags system. This covers title transfers, registration renewals, and tag purchases. You can handle many vehicle matters online now. The Revenue Commissioner oversees motor vehicle services in Pike County.

Pike County Court Records

The Circuit Clerk maintains all trial court records in Pike County. Court records are separate from property records at the Probate Court. The Circuit Clerk handles civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family court matters, and traffic violations. Pike County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit.

You can search Pike County court records through the state Alacourt system. The website at pike.alacourt.gov provides local court information. For actual case searches, use AlacourtAccess. This statewide system covers all Alabama courts.

AlacourtAccess charges fees for searches and documents. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Additional cases cost $9.99 each. Document images run $5.00 for the first 20 pages. These fees go to the state court system to maintain the database.

In-person requests work differently. You can visit the Circuit Clerk office in Troy to search records. Staff can help you locate cases and make copies. Fees at the courthouse may differ from online fees. Some people prefer the in-person method for complex searches.

Pike County Recording Fees

Pike County follows the standard Alabama fee schedule for recording documents. Fees can change, so call ahead to confirm current rates before sending payment. The Probate Court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some services may accept credit cards with an added fee.

Common fees in Pike County include:

• Recording fee: $36 for first page, $3 each additional page
• Copy of recorded document: $1 per page
• Certified copy: $2 per page plus certification fee
• Marriage license: $70
• Deed transfer tax: $0.50 per $500 of value
• Mortgage tax: $0.15 per $100 of debt

The recording fee structure in Alabama changed in recent years. State law now sets minimum fees that all counties must follow. Pike County adds a small local fee on top of the state portion. The combined fee still makes Pike County affordable compared to many other states.

Troy University and Public Records

Troy University is the largest institution in Pike County. The university brings thousands of students and staff to the area each year. This affects public records in several ways. Property records show many rental transactions and student housing deals.

Court records may include cases involving students or university employees. Landlord-tenant disputes appear regularly on the civil docket. Traffic violations spike during the school year. These patterns are common in college towns across Alabama.

The university itself maintains some public records under state law. Employment records, budget documents, and certain administrative files may be accessible through public records requests. These go directly to the university, not through the county offices.

How to Request Public Records

Alabama law gives everyone the right to access public records. You do not need to explain why you want the records. The county must respond to your request within a reasonable time. Most simple requests get filled within a few days.

For property records, contact the Probate Court directly. You can call, visit, or use the online Ingenuity system. Bring as much information as possible. Names, addresses, and dates help staff find records faster.

For court records, contact the Circuit Clerk or use AlacourtAccess online. Criminal background checks have special rules. You may need to go through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for official background reports.

For other county records, contact the specific department. Tax records go through the Revenue Commissioner. Building permits may be at the county engineering office. When in doubt, call the main county line and they can direct you.

Cities in Pike County

Pike County contains several cities and towns. All property records file at the Pike County Probate Court in Troy. Court cases go through the Pike County Circuit Court.

The main city is Troy, which serves as both the county seat and the largest population center. Other communities in Pike County include Brundidge, Banks, Goshen, and Spring Hill. None of these smaller towns have populations over 100,000, so they do not have dedicated pages on this site.

Residents in all Pike County communities use the same county offices for public records. Whether you live in Troy or one of the smaller towns, the Probate Court and Circuit Clerk in Troy handle your records.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Pike County. If you need records from a neighboring area, select the county below.