OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Alabama Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Alabama. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 67 counties across 41 judicial circuits
  • Federal courts: 3 U.S. District Courts (Northern, Middle, Southern)
  • Background checks: ALEA — Alabama Background Check
  • Records law: Alabama Open Records Law
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through ALEA
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Alabama has 67 counties across 41 judicial circuits. Court records can be accessed through Alacourt.com, a subscription-based service run by the Administrative Office of Courts, and through the AlaFile system for e-filing information.

County-level court records include circuit courts, district courts, and municipal courts. Availability varies by county — some have online access through Alacourt, others require an in-person visit or written request to the circuit clerk.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Alabama are handled by three U.S. District Courts:

  • Northern District — Birmingham, Huntsville, Jasper, Gadsden
  • Middle District — Montgomery, Dothan, Opelika
  • Southern District — Mobile

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Alabama Administrative Office of Courts 🏛️ AlaFile — Court Records Access

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Alabama are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either a city police department, county sheriff's office, or state agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly.

For statewide criminal history, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) operates the Alabama Background Check program. You can request a criminal history check online or by contacting ALEA directly.

🔍 ALEA — Alabama Background Check 📋 ALEA — Criminal Records Unit

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Alabama operates under the Alabama Open Records Law (Ala. Code §36-12-40). Alabama citizens can request to inspect and copy public records maintained by state and local agencies. Requests go to the agency that holds the records.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Alabama

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's circuit clerk. Criminal history is centralized through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Alabama

Alabama has 67 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Alabama state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Alabama for free?
Use Alacourt.com, the official court records access system run by the Administrative Office of Courts. Some services require a subscription. Basic case information may also be available through the AlaFile system.
Are arrest records public in Alabama?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Alabama Open Records Law. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Alabama?
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency offers the Alabama Background Check program. Contact ALEA at 1-866-740-4762 for details.
What is the Alabama Open Records Law?
It is the state law that gives Alabama citizens the right to inspect and copy public records. Submit a written request to any state or local government agency.
How many court systems does Alabama have?
Alabama has a multi-level court system: municipal courts, district courts, circuit courts (41 circuits), the Court of Civil Appeals, the Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Supreme Court. Each county has a circuit clerk who maintains records.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026