| Section 36-12-40[1991] of the Code of Alabama states 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."
Statewide Public Records
There are some Alabama public records online, although not all are updated as needed. The best way to get a public record is to go to the source and ask for it. Even though bound to provide records
to the public upon request, not all of the custodians are living up to this law. Some of Alabama's officials are indifferent to the needs of the public and will not provide requested records unless forced
by a judge.
A survey was done in all 67 counties and 192 cities which found only 45% of sheriffs offices supplied Incident / offense reports, 61% of police departments supplied Incident / offense reports, and
only 63% supplied jail logs.(1)
Not all Alabama records are public records. Any document containing sensitive information, such as ongoing criminal investigations, are not available to the public.
A reasonable fee to cover costs incurred for making copies, searching for records, etc., may be charged for providing public documents.
“Public Writing” has been broadly defined by the Supreme Court to mean “such a record as is reasonably necessary to record the business and activities required to be done
or carried on by a public officer so that the status and condition of such business and activities can be known by our citizens.”(2)
Alabama Statewide Public Records
Alabama State Archives:
Local Government Records Microfilm Database
Newspapers (check both databases):
Hardbound Newspapers Database
Newspapers on Microfilm Database
Map Database
Alabama Secretary of State:
Code of Alabama
Acts of Alabama Search Options:
Civil Law Notaries Search Options:
Corporations Search:
Elections Search:
Missing and/or exploited children
Notaries Public Search:
UCC Search Options:
BLM Land Records - Federal
Land Record Search- State
Alabama State Environmental Agencies:
Department of Environmental Management:
Alabama Engineers and Land Surveyors
Alabama Surface Mining Licenses
Forestry Commission Home Page
Burn permits, publications, updates, and services.
Geological Survey of Alabama (GSA)- founded in 1848 to explore and evaluates Alabama's natural resources.
State Oil and Gas Board (OGB) - regulatory agency in charge of promoting conservation of petroleum resources and protection
of both the environment and owners rights.
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources:
Alabama Dept. of Agriculture & Industries
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