Alabama Public Records Act
Alabama's base public-records statute is Alabama Code § 36-12-40. It gives Alabama citizens the right to inspect and copy public writings unless another law makes the record confidential. Court records also depend on the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, particularly Rule 33, which governs public access to court files. Juvenile records, adoption files, mental health commitments, and expunged records have additional restrictions.
"Public writings" under Alabama law include records made or received in the course of public business. Practical Mobile County application means most county records are open unless a specific exception applies. The Mobile County records request form references Alabama residency and existing-record limits, which means a request must seek records the county already holds rather than ask for new analysis.
What Records the County Maintains
Mobile County maintains records across many offices. The Circuit Clerk holds circuit and district court records. Probate Court holds wills, estates, marriage certificates, recorded deeds, and election records. The Sheriff's Office holds jail rosters, warrants, and booking data. The County Commission and county departments hold contracts, budgets, board minutes, and operational records. Each office has its own records process; one request will not reach all of them.
- Circuit and district court records, fees, and filings (Circuit Clerk)
- Recorded deeds, mortgages, marriage certificates, and land instruments (Probate)
- Wills, estates, guardianships, and probate judicial files (Probate)
- Sheriff custody data, warrants, and bonding (MCSO)
- County budgets, contracts, and board minutes (County Commission)
- Tax assessment and collection records (Revenue Commissioner)
How to File a Public Records Request in Mobile County
The Mobile County Commission publishes an official public records request form. The form references Alabama residency and asks for a description of the records requested, contact information, and an acknowledgment of fees. The form is at mobilecountyal.gov. For court records, submit the request to the Circuit Clerk. For Probate records, submit to the Probate Court. For Sheriff records, submit to MCSO records.
- Identify the right office. Court, probate, sheriff, county commission, or another department.
- Describe the records you want in specific terms (dates, case numbers, document types).
- Complete the official Mobile County records request form.
- Submit by mail, email, or in person to the office that holds the record.
- Wait for the response. Pay any copy or preparation fees, then receive the records.
The Alabama State Treasury publishes the official text of Alabama Code § 36-12-40 for reference.
Quote the statute number in your request to make the legal basis clear.
Public Records Request Form Fields
The Mobile County records request form collects identifying information for the requester, a description of the records, and an acknowledgment that fees may apply. The field set below summarizes what to expect on the form.
| Field | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Requester name | Yes | Person requesting county records |
| Alabama residency statement | Likely yes | Form references Alabama residency for record review under state law |
| Contact information | Yes | Phone, email, or mailing address for fulfillment |
| Description of records requested | Yes | The county provides existing records, not custom analysis |
| Preferred delivery method | Optional | Mail, email, or pickup; verify with the office |
| Fee acknowledgment | Likely yes | Requester may pay copy or preparation fees before release |
| Signature / date | Yes | Certifies the request |
Response Timelines
Alabama law does not set a single statutory deadline for every public records request; agency practice and the nature of the request control timing. Routine requests at Mobile County offices often turn around within a reasonable period after fees are paid. Complex or large requests can take longer. If the office needs more time, it should communicate. If the office denies a request, ask for the legal basis in writing.
Public Records Fees in Mobile County
Mobile County offices charge copy and preparation fees consistent with Alabama practice. Probate Court charges $1.00 per photocopy page and $2.00 for certification. Landmark WEB image purchase is $0.10 per page. The county records request form includes a fee acknowledgment. Fees vary by office; confirm before submitting a large request.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Probate photocopy per page | $1.00 |
| Probate certification | $2.00 |
| Landmark WEB image | $0.10/page |
| Landmark WEB subscription | $125/month |
| Court copy / certified copy | Set by circuit clerk fee schedule |
Records That Are Exempt
Several categories of Mobile County records are not open under Alabama law. Juvenile legal and social records are confidential. Adoption files are confidential. Mental health commitment files contain medical data and are restricted. Sealed and expunged records are not public. Ongoing investigative files may be withheld while open. Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, minor names, and protected-victim information should be redacted.
If Your Request Is Denied
If Mobile County denies a public records request, ask for the legal basis in writing. The next steps depend on the record type and the reason for denial. For court records, a motion in the court that holds the file may be appropriate. For general county records, the Alabama Attorney General's Office addresses public-records questions; private counsel can also pursue a civil action to compel disclosure. The Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-392-5660 can refer you to an attorney with public-records experience.
Statewide help resources include Legal Services Alabama for qualifying clients and South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program for low-income Mobile-area residents in qualifying civil matters.