Find Tuscaloosa County Public Records

Tuscaloosa County public records are kept by the Probate Court and Circuit Clerk in Tuscaloosa. With a population of about 215,000, Tuscaloosa County offers free online access to probate and land records dating back to 1823.

Tuscaloosa County Probate Court

The Probate Court handles property records for Tuscaloosa County. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, wills, and marriage licenses. The current Probate Judge is Rob Robertson. The office is in the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse on Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa.

Tuscaloosa County has records going back to 1823. That makes it one of the older record sets in west Alabama. The courthouse was built in the 1960s after the previous building was torn down. All land records, probate matters, and vital records go through this office. You can visit in person or use their online portal.

The staff is helpful and can assist with searches. They handle a lot of requests because Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama. Many people need records for real estate deals, estate matters, and genealogy research. The office stays busy but wait times are reasonable.

Search Tuscaloosa County Records Online

Tuscaloosa County has free online access to probate records. The county removed fees during COVID and kept them off. This is unusual for Alabama. Most counties charge for online record access. You can search without creating an account or paying anything.

The online portal at probate.tuscco.com/ProbateRecords contains these records:

• Land records from 1823 to present
• Deeds, mortgages, and liens
• Marriage licenses
• Wills and probate matters
• Plats and surveys

The search system is easy to use. You can search by name, book and page, or instrument number. Results show the document type, recording date, and parties involved. Click any result to view the full document image. No login needed. No fees at all.

E-recording is also available for title companies and attorneys. This lets you submit documents electronically instead of mailing them or visiting in person. Contact the Probate Court for e-recording setup information.

Tuscaloosa County Court Records

The Circuit Clerk maintains trial court records in Tuscaloosa County. This is separate from the Probate Court. Court records include civil cases, criminal cases, family matters, and traffic tickets. Tuscaloosa is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit, which also covers parts of surrounding counties.

You can search Tuscaloosa County court records through tuscaloosa.alacourt.gov. The Alacourt system covers all Alabama courts. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case detail. Each extra case is $9.99. Document images are $5.00 for the first 20 pages.

The Circuit Court handles serious criminal cases, civil suits over $20,000, and divorce cases. The District Court handles misdemeanors, small claims, and traffic. Both courts file records with the Circuit Clerk. The courthouse is at 714 Greensboro Avenue, the same building as the Probate Court.

For in-person research, the Circuit Clerk office is open weekdays. Bring a valid ID. Staff can help you find cases and make copies. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Call ahead if you need certified copies of specific documents.

Tuscaloosa County Recording Fees

Tuscaloosa County charges standard fees for recording documents. These fees match most other Alabama counties. The online search is free, but recording new documents costs money. Fees can change, so confirm current rates before sending payment.

Current recording fees for Tuscaloosa County:

• Standard document recording: $39 for first page, $3 each additional page
• Plat recording: $39 plus $3 per page
• Copy of recorded document: $1 per page
• Certified copy: $2 per page plus $5 certification fee
• Marriage license: $71

Deed tax in Alabama is $0.50 per $500 of property value. Mortgage tax is $0.15 per $100 of debt. These state taxes apply in addition to recording fees. The Probate Court collects these at the time of recording. Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted.

Historical Records in Tuscaloosa County

Tuscaloosa County has deep roots in Alabama history. It was one of the original counties when Alabama became a state. Records go back to 1823, just four years after statehood. The county was named for a Choctaw chief, Black Warrior, whose name translates to Tuscaloosa.

The Probate Court has preserved these old records well. Many have been digitized and are available online. Genealogy researchers often visit Tuscaloosa to trace family lines. The University of Alabama also maintains historical archives that complement the county records.

Some records were lost or damaged over the years. A fire in the 1800s destroyed some early documents. But most records from 1823 forward survived. The county has worked to preserve what remains and make it available to researchers. Microfilm copies exist for the oldest records as a backup.

How to Request Public Records

Tuscaloosa County responds to public records requests under Alabama law. For property records, go directly to the Probate Court online portal or visit in person. Court records are available through Alacourt. Other county records require a formal request.

To request county government records outside of courts and probate, contact the specific department. The county does not have a centralized request portal like some larger counties. You may need to call or email the department that has the records you need. Under recent law changes, the county must respond within 15 business days.

For records held by the city of Tuscaloosa, contact the city directly. City and county records are separate. The city has its own request process. Check the city website at tuscaloosa.com for information on city records.

Cities in Tuscaloosa County

Tuscaloosa County has several cities and towns. The city of Tuscaloosa is by far the largest, with over 100,000 people. All cities in the county file property records at the Tuscaloosa County Probate Court. Court cases go through the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court.

Other communities in Tuscaloosa County include Northport, Cottondale, Brookwood, Coaling, Lake View, Vance, and Moundville. These smaller towns do not have their own records offices. All records are handled at the county level in Tuscaloosa.

Nearby Counties

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