Tuscaloosa County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Tuscaloosa County?
Public records in Tuscaloosa County are defined as information created, received, or maintained by public officials or government agencies in the course of their official duties. According to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, "Every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute." This statute establishes the foundation for public access to government records throughout Alabama, including Tuscaloosa County.
Tuscaloosa County maintains numerous types of public records, including:
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Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases are maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court, which serves as the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Alabama. These records include filings, judgments, and case dispositions.
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Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments are maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Probate Office. Land records dating back to the county's establishment are available for public inspection.
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Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees are maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Health Department and the Probate Office. Birth and death certificates from 1908 to present are available through the Health Department.
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Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations (doing business as) are maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Probate Office and the City of Tuscaloosa for businesses operating within city limits.
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Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax payment histories are maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Tax Assessor and Tax Collector offices. The Alabama Department of Revenue provides oversight for these records.
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Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results are maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk, who serves as the chief election official for the county.
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Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of Tuscaloosa County Commission meetings, including minutes, agendas, and resolutions, are maintained by the County Commission Office.
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Budget and Financial Documents: County financial records, including budgets, expenditures, and audits, are maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Commission.
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Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports, and other law enforcement records are maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, subject to certain confidentiality restrictions.
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Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and building permits are maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Planning and Zoning Department.
Each type of record is maintained by the respective county department or office responsible for its creation and maintenance. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides additional oversight and resources for court-related records.
Is Tuscaloosa County an Open Records County?
Tuscaloosa County adheres to Alabama's open records laws, primarily governed by the Alabama Public Records Law. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, every citizen has the right to inspect and copy public records, with certain statutory exceptions. This law establishes Alabama as an "open records" state, and Tuscaloosa County follows these state mandates.
The statute specifically states: "Every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute." This provision creates a presumption of openness for government records in Tuscaloosa County and throughout Alabama.
Tuscaloosa County government agencies are required to provide reasonable access to public records during regular business hours. The Alabama Supreme Court has interpreted the Public Records Law to include a "rule of reason" that balances the public's right to know against privacy interests and the efficient functioning of government.
In addition to the Public Records Law, Tuscaloosa County complies with Alabama's Open Meetings Act, codified in Alabama Code § 36-25A-1 et seq. This "sunshine law" requires that meetings of governmental bodies be open to the public, with limited exceptions for executive sessions.
Tuscaloosa County has implemented policies and procedures to facilitate public access to records while ensuring compliance with state law. County officials are trained to respond to records requests in accordance with statutory requirements and to provide assistance to requestors seeking public information.
How to Find Public Records in Tuscaloosa County in 2026
Members of the public seeking access to Tuscaloosa County records may follow these steps to locate and obtain the information they need:
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Identify the Appropriate Office: Determine which county department or office maintains the records you seek. Different types of records are maintained by different offices:
- Court records: Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court
- Property records: Tuscaloosa County Probate Office
- Vital records: Tuscaloosa County Health Department or Probate Office
- Tax records: Tuscaloosa County Tax Assessor/Collector
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Submit a Request: Prepare a written request specifying the records you seek. While Alabama law does not require requests to be in writing, a written request helps document your inquiry and provides clarity. Include:
- Your name and contact information
- A clear description of the records requested
- The time period covered by the records
- Your preferred format (paper copies, electronic files, etc.)
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Use Online Resources: Many Tuscaloosa County records are available through online portals:
- Court records can be searched through Alacourt.gov, Alabama's online court records system
- Property records and tax information can be accessed through the Tuscaloosa County website
- The Alabama Secretary of State provides access to certain land records
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Visit in Person: For records not available online or for assistance with complex requests, visit the appropriate office during regular business hours:
- The Tuscaloosa County Courthouse houses many county offices, including the Circuit Court, Probate Office, and Tax Assessor/Collector
- The Tuscaloosa County Health Department maintains vital records
- The City of Tuscaloosa maintains records for properties within city limits
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Review Records: Once your request is processed, you may inspect the records at the office where they are maintained. Many offices provide designated areas for public record inspection.
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Request Copies: After reviewing records, you may request copies of specific documents. Fees may apply for reproduction services.
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Appeal if Necessary: If your request is denied, you may appeal the decision through administrative channels or seek judicial review in accordance with Alabama law.
County officials are required to respond to records requests within a reasonable time, though Alabama law does not specify a particular timeframe for response.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Tuscaloosa County?
Tuscaloosa County agencies charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records, as authorized by Alabama law. These fees are designed to recover the actual costs of reproduction rather than to generate revenue. Current fee structures for public records in Tuscaloosa County include:
- Standard Paper Copies: $0.25 to $1.00 per page, depending on the office and document type
- Certified Copies: Additional $5.00 to $10.00 certification fee per document
- Large Format Documents (maps, plats, blueprints): $3.00 to $10.00 per sheet, depending on size
- Electronic Records: Variable fees based on storage medium and staff time required for compilation
- Research Fees: Some offices charge research fees for requests requiring extensive staff time, typically $20.00 to $30.00 per hour after the first hour
Specific fee examples include:
- Birth or Death Certificate: $15.00 for the first copy, $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Marriage License: $75.00 for issuance, $15.00 for certified copies
- Property Deed Copies: $1.00 per page
- Court Records: $0.50 per page for copies, $5.00 for certified copies
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, "The fee for copying public records may not exceed the actual cost of making the copies available." This provision limits the fees that county offices may charge for reproducing public records.
Tuscaloosa County accepts various payment methods, including:
- Cash (in-person requests only)
- Personal checks (with proper identification)
- Money orders
- Credit/debit cards (in most offices, subject to processing fees)
Some specialized records, such as maps or large data sets, may incur additional fees based on the resources required to produce them. Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances, particularly for requests that serve the public interest or for requestors demonstrating financial hardship.
Does Tuscaloosa County Have Free Public Records?
Tuscaloosa County provides free access to certain public records, particularly for in-person inspection. Under Alabama law, citizens have the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
The following records are available for free inspection during regular business hours:
- County Commission Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Available for review at the County Commission Office
- Property Tax Assessment Rolls: Available for inspection at the Tax Assessor's Office
- Voter Registration Lists: Available for inspection at the Circuit Clerk's Office
- Court Dockets: Available for review at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- County Budgets and Financial Reports: Available for inspection at the County Commission Office
Additionally, Tuscaloosa County provides free online access to certain records through official government websites:
- The Alabama Judicial System offers free access to basic case information through its public portal
- The Tuscaloosa County Property Tax Office provides free online access to property tax records
- The City of Tuscaloosa offers free access to city ordinances, meeting minutes, and certain permit information
- The Alabama Secretary of State provides free access to certain land records and business entity information
While inspection is generally free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested. Some records may require payment of statutory fees regardless of the format, particularly vital records such as birth certificates and marriage licenses, which have fees established by state law.
Government agencies in Tuscaloosa County maintain public access terminals at their offices where citizens can search electronic records at no charge, though printing from these terminals typically incurs standard copy fees.
Who Can Request Public Records in Tuscaloosa County?
Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, "every citizen" has the right to inspect and copy public records. The Alabama Supreme Court has interpreted this provision broadly to include:
- Alabama residents
- Non-residents of Alabama
- Business entities
- Media organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
Requestors are not generally required to:
- State the purpose of their request
- Explain why they want the records
- Demonstrate a "need to know"
- Be personally affected by the records
However, certain exceptions apply. For specific record types, requestors may need to demonstrate a legitimate interest or legal right to access the information. These include:
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Vital Records: Birth certificates less than 125 years old and death certificates less than 25 years old are restricted to the person named in the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a demonstrated legal interest. The Tuscaloosa County Health Department enforces these restrictions.
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Adoption Records: Access is limited to parties to the adoption, their legal representatives, or by court order.
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Medical Records: Protected by federal HIPAA regulations and accessible only to the patient or their authorized representative.
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Juvenile Court Records: Generally confidential under Alabama law, with limited exceptions for parties to the case or by court order.
For most public records requests, identification is not required. However, when requesting sensitive records or those with access restrictions, government officials may require:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Proof of relationship (for vital records)
- Documentation of legal authority (for representatives)
- Court orders (for sealed or confidential records)
Non-residents have the same rights as Alabama residents to access public records in Tuscaloosa County, as the Alabama Supreme Court has interpreted the "every citizen" language to include all persons regardless of residency status.
What Records Are Confidential in Tuscaloosa County?
Certain records in Tuscaloosa County are exempt from public disclosure under Alabama law. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 establishes the general right of access but acknowledges exceptions "expressly provided by statute." The following records are generally considered confidential:
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Juvenile Court Records: Records pertaining to minors in juvenile court proceedings are confidential under Alabama Code § 12-15-133, with limited exceptions for parties to the case or by court order.
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Adoption Records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by court order and accessible only to parties to the adoption, their legal representatives, or by specific court order.
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Grand Jury Proceedings: Grand jury testimony, deliberations, and voting records are confidential under Alabama law and court rules.
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Ongoing Criminal Investigations: Records related to pending investigations by law enforcement agencies are exempt from disclosure until the investigation is complete or formally closed.
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Medical and Mental Health Records: Protected by federal HIPAA regulations and state privacy laws, these records are confidential even when maintained by government agencies.
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Certain Personnel Records: While basic employment information is public, records containing sensitive personal information about government employees (including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and medical information) are generally confidential.
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Social Security Numbers and Financial Information: Personal identifying information contained in public records is often redacted before disclosure.
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Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and communications between government agencies and their attorneys are protected by attorney-client privilege.
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Certain Educational Records: Student records are protected under federal FERPA regulations, limiting disclosure without consent.
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Trade Secrets and Confidential Commercial Information: Proprietary business information submitted to government agencies may be exempt from disclosure.
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Security Information: Records detailing security measures, emergency response plans, or critical infrastructure are exempt to protect public safety.
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Vital Records: Birth certificates less than 125 years old and death certificates less than 25 years old have restricted access under Alabama Department of Public Health regulations.
Alabama courts apply a balancing test when determining whether records should be disclosed, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests and the efficient functioning of government. This test was established in Stone v. Consolidated Publishing Co., 404 So. 2d 678 (Ala. 1981), which remains a controlling precedent for public records access in Alabama.
When records contain both public and confidential information, government agencies typically redact the confidential portions and release the remainder of the document.
Tuscaloosa County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Tuscaloosa County Probate Office
714 Greensboro Avenue, Room 100
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (205) 464-8203
Tuscaloosa County Probate Office
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
The Probate Office serves as the primary recorder of documents in Tuscaloosa County, maintaining records including:
- Property deeds and transfers
- Mortgages and liens
- Marriage licenses
- Business licenses and fictitious name registrations
- Notary public commissions
- Military discharge records (DD-214)
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk
714 Greensboro Avenue, Room 214
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (205) 464-8259
Email: Tuscaloosa@vote.alabama.gov
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Tuscaloosa County Health Department
2350 Hargrove Road East
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
Phone: (205) 562-6900
Tuscaloosa County Health Department
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays
Tuscaloosa County Tax Assessor
714 Greensboro Avenue, Room 123
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (205) 464-8220
Tuscaloosa County Tax Assessor
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Tuscaloosa County Tax Collector
714 Greensboro Avenue, Room 124
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (205) 464-8230
Tuscaloosa County Tax Collector
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Lookup Public Records in Tuscaloosa County
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Records
Alabama Judicial System Electronic Filing
City of Tuscaloosa Public Records
Tuscaloosa County Vital Records
Tuscaloosa County Voter Registration Information
Alabama Driver License Records