Montgomery County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Montgomery County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Montgomery County, Alabama, may access a broad range of publicly available information through official county and state channels. MontgomeryALRecords.us provides a directory of resources that may assist individuals in locating publicly available data related to Montgomery County government records. The types of records that may be found through official sources include, but are not limited to:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court filings)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and land records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Tax assessment and property tax records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use, zoning, and planning documents
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Access:
The Montgomery County Commission maintains an official website where members of the public may access certain government documents, including meeting minutes, budgets, and administrative records. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides online case search tools for court-related records. The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit court records portal allows users to search case information for courts serving Montgomery County.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Montgomery County Probate Court or the Circuit Court Clerk's Office to inspect records in person. Public access terminals are available during regular business hours. Requestors are advised to bring a valid photo identification and to specify the record type and date range when submitting a request.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time.
Phone/Email:
- Montgomery County Probate Court: (334) 832-1244
- Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk: (334) 832-1260
What Are Public Records in Montgomery County?
Public records in Montgomery County are defined under Alabama state law as any written, typed, or printed document prepared, made, or received by a public officer or employee in the conduct of official business. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, all public records are the property of the state and must be open for inspection by any citizen of Alabama.
The following record types are currently maintained by various county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Probate and estate records | Probate Court |
| Property deeds and mortgages | Probate Court / Judge of Probate |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Alabama Center for Health Statistics / Probate Court |
| Business licenses and permits | Montgomery City-County Revenue Department |
| Property tax and assessment records | Revenue Commissioner's Office |
| Voting and election records | Board of Registrars |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Commission Clerk |
| Law enforcement records | Montgomery Police Department / Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning and Development Department |
The Montgomery County Probate Court serves as the primary repository for property records, marriage licenses, and estate filings. Court case records for civil and criminal matters are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk under the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.
Is Montgomery County an Open Records County?
Montgomery County operates in full compliance with Alabama's open records law. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, every citizen has a right to inspect and copy any public writing of the state, including records maintained by county agencies. The statute establishes that public records belong to the people and must be made available for inspection during regular business hours.
As stated in the Alabama Attorney General's guidance on public records: "The Alabama Open Records Law reflects the Legislature's intent that government business be conducted in the open and that citizens have access to public records." This principle applies to all county departments, boards, and commissions operating within Montgomery County.
The county does not maintain a separate local ordinance that supersedes state law; rather, all departments adhere to the requirements established by the Alabama Legislature. The Alabama Attorney General's Office provides official guidance on the interpretation and application of the open records statute, including advisory opinions that clarify agency obligations.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Montgomery County?
Current fees for public records in Montgomery County vary by record type and the office maintaining the records. Alabama law permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of producing copies, but inspection of records is not subject to a fee.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Record Type | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copies of court records | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Certified copies of vital records (marriage) | $4.00 per copy (Probate Court) |
| Property deed copies | Varies by page count |
| Electronic copies | Varies by office |
- Inspection of public records: No charge
- Certification fees: Vary by document type and issuing office
- Search fees: Permitted only where authorized by statute
- Accepted payment methods: Cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (varies by office)
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, at the discretion of the custodial agency. The Alabama Law Institute provides reference materials on fee structures applicable under state law.
Does Montgomery County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to any citizen under Alabama's open records statute. Members of the public may inspect records at the custodial office without charge during regular business hours. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records in person carries no fee, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the standard fee schedule.
The following resources currently provide free access to certain records:
- The Alabama Judicial System's case search portal allows members of the public to search court case information at no cost.
- The Montgomery County Commission website provides free access to meeting minutes, agendas, and budget documents.
- The Alabama Department of Archives and History offers free online access to certain historical government records.
- Public access terminals located within the Circuit Court Clerk's Office and Probate Court allow free in-person record inspection.
Property assessment data and tax records may be searched at no cost through the Montgomery County Revenue Commissioner's online portal.
Who Can Request Public Records in Montgomery County?
Any citizen of Alabama holds the right to inspect and copy public records under state law. The statute does not require requestors to be residents of Montgomery County specifically, nor does it require individuals to state a purpose for their request in most circumstances.
Under current law, requestors are not required to:
- Demonstrate residency within the county
- Provide a reason or justification for the request
- Hold a professional license or credential
However, certain record types carry additional access restrictions. Requests for records containing sensitive personal information, sealed court documents, or records subject to statutory exemptions may require the requestor to demonstrate a legitimate legal interest or obtain a court order. Individuals requesting their own records — such as personal court filings or vital records — may be required to present valid government-issued photo identification to verify identity.
Non-residents of Alabama retain the right to inspect public records under the open records statute, as the law broadly extends access to "any citizen" without geographic limitation beyond state residency. The Alabama Secretary of State's Office provides additional guidance on records access rights for business and election-related documents.
What Records Are Confidential in Montgomery County?
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under Alabama law. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and related statutes identify the following as confidential or restricted:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to minors involved in delinquency or dependency proceedings are confidential under Alabama law.
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active criminal investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted from publicly released documents.
- Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only through court order or specific statutory procedures.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Maintained as confidential by the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
- Personnel records: Employee records held by government agencies are subject to limited disclosure, with exceptions for salary and disciplinary information.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt where disclosure would cause competitive harm.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Withheld to protect public safety.
As noted in official guidance from the Alabama Attorney General: "Not every document in the possession of a public official is a public record subject to inspection. The custodian must evaluate each request in light of applicable exemptions."
Montgomery County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
In Alabama, property and land records functions performed by a recorder's office in other states are carried out by the Judge of Probate. The Montgomery County Probate Court serves as the primary custodian of deeds, mortgages, liens, and related instruments.
Montgomery County Probate Court
100 South Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 832-1244
Montgomery County Probate Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk (Fifteenth Judicial Circuit)
251 South Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 832-1260
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Montgomery County Revenue Commissioner (Property Tax and Assessment Records)
100 South Lawrence Street, Suite 122
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 832-1250
Montgomery County Revenue Commissioner
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Montgomery County Commission Clerk (Meeting Minutes, Agendas, Budget Documents)
101 South Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 832-1210
Montgomery County Commission
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Alabama Department of Public Health – Vital Records Division (Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce Certificates)
201 Monroe Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 206-5418
Alabama Vital Records
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM