Your Comprehensive Guide to Alabama Public Records
Alabama Public Records
Alabama public records are official documents created, received, or maintained by state and local government agencies. These records are made available for inspection and copying in accordance with the Alabama Open Records Act, codified in Section 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama. Public records include documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, and electronic records generated in the course of public business. Alabama law ensures transparency and accountability by granting citizens access to government information, subject to specific exceptions.
Are Alabama Records Public?
Yes, most Alabama records are public under the Alabama Open Records Act (Ala. Code § 36-12-40). The Act provides that "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 means that the majority of state, county, and municipal records are open for public inspection, unless specifically exempted by law. However, there are statutory exemptions, such as records related to ongoing law enforcement investigations, certain judicial documents, and confidential personal information.
What Information Is Included in Alabama Public Records?
Alabama public records encompass a wide range of information generated by government agencies at all levels. This includes, but is not limited to:
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Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court documents)
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Property and land records
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Business filings and corporate registrations
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Marriage, divorce, birth, and death certificates
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Meeting minutes and agendas of public agencies
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Budgets, contracts, and financial records
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Arrest, jail, and inmate records
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Government employee salaries and personnel records
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State legislation, administrative rules, and executive orders
Exclusions apply to certain categories, such as active law enforcement records, student records protected under FERPA, personal medical records, and other information designated as confidential by statute.
What Does the Alabama Public Records Law Do?
The Alabama Public Records Law establishes the right for Alabama citizens to access public records and prescribes the process for requesting such records. Key provisions include
- Defining public records broadly to include all official writings
- Requiring government agencies to provide access to records for inspection and copying
- Prohibiting agencies from withholding records unless there is a statutory exemption
- Permitting agencies to charge reasonable fees for copies and labor, but not for mere inspection
The law also allows agencies to protect sensitive information through redaction and gives them the authority to deny access where statutory exemptions apply. Notably, Alabama law does not require agencies to create new records or provide records in a format not maintained by the agency.
How To Find Public Records in Alabama in 2025
To obtain public records in Alabama, individuals must typically submit a written request to the relevant agency. The request should specify the records sought and the preferred format for receiving them. Requests can often be made in person, by mail, or electronically.
Alabama Secretary of State
600 Dexter Avenue, Suite S-105, Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: (334) 242-7200
Alabama Secretary of State
- For business records, corporate filings, and UCC documents.
Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics
201 Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 206-5418
Alabama Department of Public Health
- For vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 676-6000
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
- For criminal history, arrest, and driver’s records.
Alabama Judicial System
300 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 229-0700
Alabama Judicial System
- For court records, case search, and dockets.
Public records may also be accessed online through agency websites, state archives, or local government portals. For example, property records are often available through county probate courts or revenue offices.
Does Alabama Have Free Public Records?
Many Alabama public records are available for free inspection at government offices during public counter hours. Some agencies provide free online databases for record searches, such as court dockets or legislative materials. However, fees may apply if copies are requested or if extensive staff time is required to fulfill a request.
Examples of free public record resources:
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Alabama Legislative Information System Online (ALISON) – Access to state laws, bills, and legislative documents.
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Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search – Online search for current inmates.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Alabama?
Under Alabama law, agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the actual cost of reproducing records and, in some cases, for the labor involved in fulfilling requests. Fees vary by agency and type of record.
Examples:
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Certified copy of a birth certificate: $15.00 (Alabama Department of Public Health)
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Copies of court records: Varies by county and type of document
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Copy fees for public documents: Typically $0.25 to $0.50 per page
Agencies are required to post their fee schedules, and requesters should verify current costs on the relevant agency’s website. Inspection of records in-person is generally free unless staff time is required for supervision or redaction.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Public Records in Alabama?
Alabama law does not mandate a specific timeframe for responding to public records requests. Agencies are required to fulfill requests within a "reasonable time." In practice, response times depend on the agency’s workload, the complexity of the request, and the volume of records sought.
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Simple requests for readily available records may be fulfilled the same day or within a few days.
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Requests requiring redaction or review may take several weeks.
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Agencies may contact the requester for clarification if the request is unclear.
Public counter hours for principal agencies are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state holidays.
What Records Are Confidential In Alabama?
Certain records are confidential or exempt from public disclosure under Alabama law, including:
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Active law enforcement investigation files (Ala. Code § 12-21-3.1)
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Juvenile court and adoption records
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Student records protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
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Medical records (protected by HIPAA and state law)
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Social Security numbers and personal identifying information
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Personnel files (except for basic employment information)
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Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to state agencies
Statutory exemptions are intended to balance the public’s right to know with privacy, security, and other policy considerations.
Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Alabama
Any citizen of Alabama has the right to inspect and copy public records. Some agencies may require proof of Alabama residency before granting access. While the law specifically references "citizens," many agencies accept requests from non-residents at their discretion.
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No stated requirement for requesters to disclose the purpose of their request.
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Agencies may require identification to ensure compliance with confidentiality provisions.
What Can Be Done With Public Records in Alabama
Alabama public records may be used for a variety of purposes, including:
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Researching court cases, property ownership, or legislative activity
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Background checks and due diligence
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Media reporting and investigative journalism
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Business or personal genealogy
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Academic or legal research
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Compliance and regulatory filings
Certain uses of public records, such as commercial solicitation or identity theft, may be restricted or subject to additional laws.
Key Agencies and Departments for Public Records in Alabama
Alabama Secretary of State
600 Dexter Avenue, Suite S-105, Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: (334) 242-7200
Alabama Secretary of State
Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics
201 Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 206-5418
Alabama Department of Public Health
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 676-6000
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Alabama Department of Corrections
301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 353-3883
Alabama Department of Corrections
Alabama Judicial System
300 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 229-0700
Alabama Judicial System
Alabama Department of Archives and History
624 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: (334) 242-4435
Alabama Department of Archives and History
How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Alabama
If a public records request is denied in Alabama, the requester should first contact the agency’s records custodian to seek clarification or negotiate a resolution. The denial must generally cite the specific statutory basis for withholding records.
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If informal resolution fails, the requester may file a civil lawsuit in the county circuit court where the agency is located.
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The court will determine whether the denial was lawful under the Alabama Open Records Act.
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Requesters may seek a writ of mandamus to compel disclosure.
There is no administrative appeals process; judicial review is the primary means for challenging denials.
Difference Between Federal and Alabama Public Records
Federal public records are governed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. § 552), which provides nationwide access to records held by federal agencies. Alabama public records, on the other hand, are governed by state law and pertain only to state and local agencies.
Key distinctions include:
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Jurisdiction: FOIA applies to federal agencies; the Alabama Open Records Act applies to state, county, and municipal agencies.
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Exemptions: Federal law lists specific exemptions, such as national security; Alabama law lists state-level exemptions.
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Eligibility: FOIA is open to "any person," regardless of citizenship; Alabama law specifies "citizens" but may be interpreted more broadly by agencies.
Requesters should direct their public records requests to the appropriate jurisdiction based on the agency maintaining the records. For federal records, refer to the FOIA.gov website for information on submitting requests. For Alabama state records, contact the agencies listed above.