Alabama PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

Alabama State Public Records Search Online

Alabama's public records are governed by internal rules specified in Alabama Code Section 36-12-40. This code highlights citizens' rights to access public records, alongside the exceptions.

This includes records concerning protected information about the state or those that could compromise its security, databases, systems, or software.

Moreover, individuals must be able to distinguish whether or not the requested record is publicly available. Criminal records, for instance, are kept as public records. On the contrary, Alabama protects confidential data such as Social Security numbers.

Knowing the right step to access this information provides a credible blueprint of relevant data such as company profiles, vehicle reports, or even a potential applicant's job qualifications.

What Records are Public in Alabama?

In Alabama, a wide range of government-maintained documents and files are considered part of the public record. For instance, business records are public records that give citizens an insight into the business's performance and history.

Thus, these public records provide people with insights about the entities they wish to review, which also allows them to make data-driven decisions.

What is Considered Public Information in Alabama?

The Code of Alabama defines public records as a wide range of government-generated materials such as written documents, files, and other media created or received by public officials and agencies during their official duties.

These public records include:

• Criminal records
• Court records
• Vital records
• Property records

Obtaining access to these public records entails legal responsibilities from the requestor. Though they are made available for general consumption, the law protects them in certain areas, as stated in the Records Exempt from Disclosure Requirements.

Alabama Public Records Laws

The state's primary statutes governing public records are the Alabama Open Records Act and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). These laws establish the premises for public records and inform individuals of their rights to access information.

What is the Alabama Open Records Act?

Alabama's Public Records Law, also known as the Alabama Open Records Act, controls how people can access government records in Alabama. This law aims to make government work more open and responsible and gives people the right to look at and copy public records.

This law defines a public record broadly. It includes any document, paper, letter, book, map, photo, audio or video recording, or other material a public agency makes, gets, or keeps as part of its official work.

This definition covers both physical and digital records. The law applies to all state, county, and city agencies, boards, commissions, and other government groups. It covers records from all three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.

What is the FOIA in Alabama?

FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) is a federal law that applies to federal agencies. Alabama doesn't have a direct state law on FOIA, but it has equivalents: the Alabama Open Records Act and the Alabama Open Meetings Law. The latter aims to highlight openness in government by giving citizens the right to watch how different government bodies work.

The law stipulates that meeting records should be made accessible to the public promptly after approval. This provision guarantees that citizens can stay informed about the activities and decisions of their governmental bodies without undue delay.

Who Can Access Public Records in Alabama?

The general public is given access to these public records. This includes state residents, non-residents, organizations, media, researchers, legal professionals, government officials, and even minors without a reason for the request.

Though the law aims for transparency, some limitations exist, such as exemptions for sensitive information and possible fees for processing records.

Alabama Public Records Search

Navigating the Alabama public records landscape may involve interacting with different agencies and platforms, depending on the nature of the information sought. Some records are readily available online, while others may require formal requests or in-person visits to specific offices.

How To Find Alabama Public Records Online

Alabama government departments have dedicated online portals for record searches. This gives requestors a wide range of choices for online platforms.

Here are some of the steps requestors must consider when searching for public records online:

• Identify the needed specific record.
• Determine the appropriate agency.
• Visit the official website of the relevant agency.
• Look for a "Public Records" or "Search Records" section on the website.
• Use the search tools provided. The requestor might need to enter specific information, such as names, dates, or case numbers.
• Pay the applicable fees for the requested copies.

Once the required fee has been processed, the record custodian must promptly deliver the requested document. The authority involved must also inform the requester of delays.

Furthermore, numerous third-party platforms offer free access to Alabama public records. However, requesters are advised to exercise caution due to potential inaccuracies and unreliable data sources.

How To Find Alabama Public Records Offline

Locating Alabama public records offline comes with a more traditional approach that can be valuable for certain types of information or when online resources are insufficient.

Most often, this is done personally, which may come with advantages. For instance, in-person visits allow for direct assistance from staff knowledgeable about local records.

Here are some of the ways to guide requestors when searching for records offline:

In-person visits:

• Know the appropriate government office in charge of maintaining the desired records.
• Visit the office during business hours.
• Bring pertinent documents and identification.
• Fill out the needed forms.
• Prepare the required fees.

Mail requests:

• Determine which agency holds the records needed.
• Contact the agency and request a public records request form.
• Fill out the form with the requestor's name, contact information, and a detailed description of the needed record.
• Pay for the required application fee.
• Send the completed form, payment, etc., to the agency's mailing address.

Phone requests:

• Identify the appropriate government agency.
• Call the agency's public records office during business hours.
• Provide relevant information.
• Inquire about the process.
• In case of delays, consider following up with a written request.

Fax requests:

• Obtain the fax number of the relevant government office.
• Prepare a written request or complete the required forms.
• Fax the request along with the contact information for follow-up.

Types of Public Records in Alabama

Public records in Alabama vary depending on the service offered by different agencies. From criminal histories to bankruptcy, the state provides specific processes for obtaining them legally.

As such, here are the common types of public records in Alabama:

State of Alabama Public Court Records

Alabama court records hold a wide range of information, such as details from civil cases, traffic violations, wills, and criminal charges. These records adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Alabama general court rules. They are kept according to a specific retention scheduleset by the court where they were created.

This is particularly helpful for investigating legal matters, checking the status of ongoing cases, or researching someone's criminal history. Requests for court records can be made by mail, online, or in person at the court where the case was heard.

Alabama Public Bankruptcy Records

The U.S. Bankruptcy Administrator Program (USBA) oversees bankruptcy cases and private trustees and checks that parties involved adhere to bankruptcy laws and regulations.

Alabama bankruptcy records contain information about bankruptcy cases filed within the state. It includes a comprehensive record of a bankruptcy case from beginning to end. This includes details about the following:

• Parties involved
• Court documents
• The type of bankruptcy filed
• Names and addresses of the debtor and creditors
• The assigned trustee
• Case number
• Filing date
• Attorneys
• Judge
• Assets
• Court docket
• Motions
• Schedules

These cases are handled by specialized bankruptcy courts, which follow federal laws to offer financial assistance to those struggling with debt.

Three bankruptcy courts are operating in Alabama, namely:

• U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Alabama
• U.S. Bankruptcy Court Middle District of Alabama
• U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of Alabama

Bankruptcy records in Alabama can be obtained through several methods.

PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is a comprehensive federal database that requires account registration and charges per page viewed. It provides detailed information, including court dockets.

Alternatively, the MCVCIS (Multi-Court Voice Case Information System) offers a free, automated telephone service at (866) 222-8029. While it provides less detail than PACER, it offers basic case information without charge.

Public access terminals at courthouses provide another option. These free-to-use electronic systems offer information as comprehensive as PACER, though printing incurs fees.

County Court Records in Alabama

While Alabama generally follows a standardized process for accessing court records, 67 counties in this state have their own specific rules and procedures. They also utilize distinct court record systems, such as software or databases, to manage their court records.

For individuals to access these court records, they may consider the following options:

• In-person: Visit the clerk of the court's office where the case was heard.
• By mail: Submit a written request to the clerk's office, including the necessary information and fees.
• Online: Some counties offer online portals for accessing court records. Check the county's website for availability.
• Third-party services: There are companies that specialize in providing court records, but they may charge additional fees.

To access information on the location and services of these trial courts, individuals may visit the Alabama Judicial System page. From there, they can access the Alabama Judicial Circuits to view county-specific information.

Alabama Criminal Records

Alabama maintains a comprehensive system for tracking criminal records and has established ways for the public to access certain information under specific guidelines.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Criminal Records Department(ALECRD) manages public criminal records, and individuals seeking access to these records can submit applications in person or by mail.

For mail requests, individuals must submit an application to review criminal history information to the ALECRD. A $25 administrative fee is required, payable by money order or cashier's check to the ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) Criminal Records and Identification Unit.

Alabama Public Arrest Records

Alabama offers public access to arrest records under specific conditions, which can be helpful for various purposes. The record includes crime history and the premises surrounding the criminal record.

Arrest records contain detailed information about a person's crime and arrest, including:

• Physical details such as race, height, eye and hair color, as well as any distinguishing features of the offender like tattoos or scars
• Offender's booking information, mugshot, fingerprints, arrest type, location, arresting agency, bail, warrants, and release details
• Offender's full name, aliases, and personal details like Social Security number, birthplace, address, and occupation.
• Information about the crime, such as its classification (felony or misdemeanor), details of the incident based on witness and victim statements, charges filed, and the scheduled court date
• Description of the process of police interrogation

Under Alabama's Open Records Law, individuals can access arrest records using the arrestee's name, booking number, or booking date. An Alabama arrest search can be conducted online or in person at the relevant record custodian's office.

Alabama Vital Records

Alabama vital records offer official documentation of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. These records contain information about the individuals involved and the event details.

Alabama Public Birth Records

The Alabama Center for Health Statistics is responsible for keeping vital records, including birth records. Alabama law mandates that these documents remain confidential for 125 years from birth.

Only family members, legal representatives, and the person whose name appears on the document are authorized to access birth records. Effective May 1, 2017, requestors are strictly asked to adhere to the identification requirements.

For in-person requests, requestors are asked to visit their local health department office along with the completed Vital Record Application Form(also available in Spanish), acceptable identification, and appropriate fees.

To request a certified Alabama birth record by mail, submit a completed Vital Record Application Form, together with the required fee and identification. The requestor must send the mail to the mailing address indicated in the form.

Individuals may also request a copy online through a third-party online service provider. Payment can be made via a major credit or debit card. Online orders typically take 3-5 business days to complete.

Alabama Public Death Records

Death records in Alabama older than 25 years are considered public records. These documents contain personal information about the deceased and are created to provide details about their passing.

These records also include:

• Personal and statistical information such as sex, race, date of death, age, place of death, date and place of birth, and usual residence
• Medical certification of the cause of death

The funeral director, who assumes custody of the deceased, is tasked with compiling, filing, and registering a death certificate within five days with the Office of Vital Statistics, as per Alabama Vital Statistics Laws Section 22-9A-14.

Obtaining death records in Alabama shares the same procedure as obtaining birth records. Individuals may visit their local health department office for in-person requests, or they can request a copy via mail and online using third-party services.

Alabama Public Marriage Records

The Alabama Center for Health Statistics maintains marriage records from December 1936 onwards. Older records are available from probate courts. Alabama marriage records are typically considered public, meaning anyone with enough information to conduct a search can access them.

These records contain details about marriage proceedings within the state, including information about the individuals involved, the date the license was issued, and the date of the marriage.

Residents can verify their marriage status online using the local county clerk's website or by searching county court dockets. These databases contain marriage licenses, dissolution records, certificates, divorce decrees, and related information.

To search, individuals may use the subjects' names, places, dates of marriage, birth dates, and marriage license numbers.

To request public marriage records by mail, the applicant should complete the vital records request application form and submit it along with the required fee for the search and copying (a check or money order payable to the State Board of Health) to:

For walk-in requests, the applicant should complete the application form and deliver it, along with the required fee, to the nearest county health department. Most marriage certificates can be issued while the applicant waits.

Alabama Public Divorce Records

Alabama courts maintain three types of divorce documents: certificates, decrees, and records. Court clerks hold the divorce records, which the public can access through third-party public records websites.

The most commonly used divorce document is the divorce certificate, which typically includes:

• The names of the divorced individuals
• The date of the divorce
• The location of the divorce

Online divorce records often contain sensitive information, so they have stricter access restrictions compared to other public records.

The Center for Health Statistics maintains divorce records from January 1950 onwards. For records before this date, contact the clerks responsible in every relevant county. As for the requesting process, individuals may opt for applications online, by mail, or in person.

Both government portals and third-party websites offer court record search tools.

To request records by mail, complete a vital records request application form. Send the completed form along with the payment to the address provided on the form. Payment can be made by check or money order, payable to the State Board of Health.

For walk-in requests, submit the completed vital records request application form and the appropriate fee to a local health department office. In many cases, the certificate can be issued immediately.

Alabama Property Records

Alabama property records are public documents containing information about land and properties. Property owners typically file these records with county officials following real estate transactions.

Property records in Alabama include various types, such as mortgages, deeds, liens, plats, and judgments. Deeds are the most commonly sought-after type.

Property records can be obtained from local probate offices, land records departments, or revenue commissioner's offices. These offices allow in-person or mail requests and often provide online databases for remote access.

Third-party sites also offer convenient access to property records, but the information may vary due to their independent nature. To obtain complete records, searchers should include:

• The property's exact location
• Property owner's details

Alabama Inmate Records

Alabama inmate records typically include general offender information like full names, aliases, race, gender, date of birth, and nationality/ethnicity. Many jails also provide mugshots, charges, sentences, bail or bond details, and pending trial information.

The Alabama Department of Correction (DOC) oversees state-run correctional facilities. The agency operates over 20,000 inmates across 15 facilities, including Holman Correctional Facility for male death row inmates and Tutwiler Prison for Women.

The public can obtain information on inmates in these facilities by contacting the agency's central office located at:

The Alabama DOC also offers an online inmate lookup database for state-managed correctional facilities. The public can search for inmates by name or Alabama Institutional Serial Number (AIS) and submit a public record request.

Alternatively, requestors may obtain inmate records by submitting a public record request to the DOC using the above address. Requests must include a completed public records request form.

The DOC charges a $25 processing fee, with additional costs based on the number of pages and labor involved. Requests can be submitted via email.

For inmates in county-run facilities, the local sheriff's office can provide information. For individuals in federal facilities within Alabama, records can be obtained using the federal inmate search tool provided by the Bureau of Prisons.

Alabama Traffic Records

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Driver License Department, the judiciary, and the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DOR-DMV) are involved in generating and maintaining Alabama public traffic records.

Alabama traffic records contain information about drivers and their driving histories, including:

• Driver's full name and personal information
• Social Security number
• Medical information
• License status
• License suspensions
• Driver's license number
• Convictions
• Fines and sentences
• Accident or crash reports
• Outstanding or issued traffic tickets

Those interested in finding traffic citations in Alabama can visit the Alabama Traffic Service Center. The center offers an online ticket resolution system, credit card payments, a traffic call center, and automated phone service. Users can use the ticket number, case number, and birth date to look up citations online.

The ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) offers an online driver history record search, but users must register to access it. Note that ALEA does not provide personal driving records through this portal.

Alternatively, individuals can complete a driver's record request form and mail it along with a $5.75 fee to obtain personal three-year driving records. The mailing address is stipulated on the cited form.

When requesting another person's driving record, individuals must demonstrate compliance with the Driver's Privacy Protection Act. This usually involves completing a different form called " Request for Motor Vehicle Record Containing Personal Information".

License Plate Lookup in Alabama

License plate lookup in Alabama provides a means for individuals and organizations to access information associated with a vehicle's registration. The Alabama DOR (Department of Revenue) oversees this process, maintaining a database of registered vehicles within the state.

Conducting a license plate lookup can provide details such as the vehicle's make, model, year, and registration status. This information proves useful for various purposes, including insurance claims and personal inquiries. However, while some basic data may be available to the public, more sensitive details require proper authorization.

Alabama residents and interested parties can typically conduct license plate lookups online through the state's official portals, using third-party services, or visiting local DMV offices.

What Information is Exempt from the Public Information Act in Alabama?

Certain records are exempt from the Alabama Open Records Act due to their sensitive nature or to protect privacy and public safety. These exemptions fall into two categories:

• Records and information regarding the use of public schools, colleges, and university libraries
• Records that may compromise public welfare when disclosed include documents related to procedures, assessments, measures, systems, security plans, etc.

For a clearer perspective, here are some of the information not covered by the Open Records Act in Alabama:

• Personal Privacy Exemptions: This includes information that could be used to identify an individual, such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and addresses. Medical records and certain law enforcement records may also be exempt.
• Government Operations Exemptions: This includes trade secrets, attorney-client privilege, and certain internal government documents.
• Public Safety Exemptions: This includes information about public safety or security, such as law enforcement tactics or emergency response plans.

Other Public Records in Alabama

Other types of public records in Alabama include the following:

• Sex Offender Record: The ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) maintains the Alabama Sex Offender Registry and offers public access to offender information through its online search portal.
• Warrant Records: Individuals who believe they may have a warrant should promptly confirm with relevant authorities and address the issue. Law enforcement agencies utilize the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database to search for warrants and other records.
• Business Records: The Alabama Secretary of State (SOS) oversees the registry of business records across the state. Using the business entity search options, individuals can obtain information about the entity name, entity number, incorporator, and other essential information.
• Voter Information: The AL SOS manages the registry of voter information, including precinct number and registration status. For the virtual security of information, the state established the use of the Alabama Voter Integrity Database (AVID).
• Environmental Records: TheAlabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) oversees records concerning environmental reports. Reports may be obtained through an eFile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Review the following frequently asked questions for additional information about Alabama public records:

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