St. Clair County Public Records
St. Clair County public records are maintained at two locations. The county operates offices in both Ashville and Pell City, making it the only county in Alabama with dual county seats.
St. Clair County Quick Facts
Alabama's Only Dual County Seat
St. Clair County holds a unique place in Alabama. It is the only county in the state with two official county seats. Ashville was the original seat when the county formed in 1818. As the county grew, residents in the southern part needed closer access to government services. In 1907, Pell City was added as a second county seat.
This dual arrangement means you can access public records at either location. Both offices maintain the same records. You do not have to travel to a specific office based on where you live in the county. Pick the one that works best for you. The Pell City office tends to be busier since it serves the more populated southern half.
Each office has its own staff and hours. They share the same database systems, so a record filed at one office shows up at the other. This setup has worked for over a century. Other states have counties with dual seats, but St. Clair is the only one in Alabama.
St. Clair County Probate Court
The Probate Court handles property records for St. Clair County. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and marriage licenses. You can file documents and get copies at either the Ashville or Pell City office. Both are full service locations.
The Ashville office is the original courthouse location. It sits in the town square and has served the county since the early 1800s. The building has been updated over the years but keeps its role as a working courthouse. If you need records from the northern part of St. Clair County, this office may be more convenient.
The Pell City office opened to serve the growing population in the southern part of the county. It handles more traffic than Ashville due to the larger population base nearby. Interstate 20 runs through this area, making access easier for many residents. Both offices offer the same services at the same fees.
| Ashville Office |
165 5th Avenue, Suite 101 Ashville, AL 35953 Phone: (205) 594-2120 |
|---|---|
| Pell City Office |
1815 Cogswell Avenue, Suite 212 Pell City, AL 35125 Phone: (205) 338-9449 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Search St. Clair County Records Online
St. Clair County provides online access to certain records. The county tax and revenue office maintains a website at stclairtax.com where you can look up property tax information. This site shows assessed values, tax amounts due, and payment status.
For property deeds and other recorded documents, you may need to visit an office in person or call ahead. Some Alabama counties have put their full record indexes online while others have not. St. Clair County continues to expand its online services. Check with the Probate Court for the most current online search options.
The state Alacourt system covers court records. You can search St. Clair County cases at pa.alacourt.com. This requires an account and fees apply. Name searches cost $9.99. Each case detail costs $9.99. Document images have extra fees. The Circuit Clerk website at stclair.alacourt.gov has more information about court services.
St. Clair County Court Records
The Circuit Clerk maintains trial court records for St. Clair County. These include civil lawsuits, criminal cases, domestic relations matters, and traffic violations. St. Clair County is part of the 30th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Talladega County.
Court records are separate from property records. The Circuit Clerk handles court files. The Probate Court handles deeds and other recorded documents. If you need a court case file, go to the Circuit Clerk. If you need a deed or mortgage, go to the Probate Court. Both have offices at the Ashville and Pell City locations.
You can get copies of court records in person at either courthouse. Bring the case number if you have it. Staff can also search by name, but having the case number speeds things up. Copy fees apply. The clerk can certify copies if you need them for legal purposes. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.
Some older records may only be available at one location. When in doubt, call ahead. Staff can tell you where to find what you need. Historical court records may have been moved to archives or storage.
St. Clair County Recording Fees
St. Clair County charges standard Alabama rates for most recordings. Fees are the same at both the Ashville and Pell City offices. Always confirm current fees before sending payment, as rates can change.
Common fees in St. Clair County include:
- Deed recording: base fee plus per-page charges
- Mortgage recording: base fee plus per-page charges
- Copy of recorded document: $1 per page
- Certified copy: additional fee per page
- Marriage license: state-set fee
Alabama charges deed tax at $0.50 per $500 of property value. Mortgage tax is $0.15 per $100 of debt. These state taxes apply on top of county recording fees. The Probate Court collects both when you file documents. Payment methods may vary by office, so ask about cash, check, or card options.
St. Clair County Property Tax Records
The Revenue Commissioner handles property tax records for St. Clair County. You can search property tax information online at stclairtax.com. The site shows current tax bills, payment history, and property details.
Property taxes in Alabama are due October 1 and become delinquent after December 31. St. Clair County sends tax bills in the fall. You can pay online, by mail, or in person at the revenue office. The county also holds tax lien sales for properties with unpaid taxes.
Tax records can help you research a property. They show the assessed value, which is based on a percentage of market value in Alabama. Tax records also show the current owner of record. This can be useful when tracing property ownership or finding who to contact about a parcel.
How to Request Public Records
You can request St. Clair County public records in person, by mail, or by phone. Walk into either the Ashville or Pell City office during business hours. Staff can help you find what you need. Bring as much detail as possible about the record you want.
For mail requests, write a letter that describes the record. Include names, dates, and any reference numbers you have. Send your request to either office address. Include payment or ask them to bill you. Some offices want payment upfront. Others will send an invoice.
Phone requests work for simple lookups. Call and ask if they can check something for you. For copies, you will likely need to visit in person or send a written request. Email may be an option for some offices. Ask about their preferred method when you call.
Alabama law gives you the right to access public records. The county must respond to requests in a reasonable time. Complex requests may take longer than simple ones. If you have trouble getting records, you can file a complaint with the state.
Cities in St. Clair County
St. Clair County has several cities and towns. All property records are filed at the St. Clair County Probate Court at either Ashville or Pell City. Court cases go through the St. Clair County Circuit Court.
Major communities in St. Clair County include Pell City, Ashville, Moody, Ragland, Springville, Steele, and Odenville. Pell City is the largest city in the county. The county straddles two metro areas, with the southern part connected to Birmingham and the northern part closer to Gadsden.
Nearby Counties
These counties border St. Clair County. If you need records from a neighboring area, select the county below.