Jefferson County Public Records
Jefferson County is the most populous county in Alabama with over 674,000 residents. Birmingham is the county seat and state's largest city. Jefferson County keeps public records through several county offices in downtown Birmingham.
Jefferson County Quick Facts
County Information
| County Seat | Birmingham |
|---|---|
| Founded | December 13, 1819 |
| Named For | Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. President |
| Area | 1,119 square miles (1,111 sq mi land) |
| Population | 674,721 (2020 Census) |
| Judicial Circuit | 10th Judicial Circuit |
| Time Zone | Central (UTC-6/-5) |
County Government Offices
Circuit Court Clerk
The Circuit Court Clerk's office keeps all court records. This includes civil cases, criminal cases, domestic relations, and appeals. The office handles case filings and certified copies. Jefferson County processes one of the highest case volumes in Alabama due to its large population. The clerk's office has both paper archives for old cases and electronic records for recent filings. You can request records in person at the downtown Birmingham courthouse or send written requests by mail. Copy fees run about $0.50 per page. Certified documents cost an extra $1. Staff can help you locate case numbers if you know the party names and filing date.
| Address | 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N Birmingham, AL 35203 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 325-5355 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Probate Court
The Probate Judge's office handles property records. This includes deeds, mortgages, and liens. This office also does marriage licenses, adoptions, mental health commitments, and estate matters like wills and probate.
| Address | 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Room 120 Birmingham, AL 35203 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 325-5300 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Revenue Commissioner
The Revenue Commissioner's office keeps property tax records. They handle tax payments and run tax sales. Property assessment and valuation info is available through this office.
| Address | 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Room 100 Birmingham, AL 35203 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 325-5500 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Sheriff's Office
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services for unincorporated areas and operates the county detention facilities. The Sheriff's Office runs the Birmingham Jail and maintains arrest records and booking information for the county. You can search current inmates online through the Sheriff's website at no cost. For copies of arrest reports or incident records, contact the Records Division at the main office on 8th Avenue North in Birmingham. Most arrest records are public unless sealed by court order. The Sheriff's Office also handles warrants, civil process service, and courthouse security.
| Address | 2200 8th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 325-1450 |
| Website | jeffcosheriff.com |
Available Public Records
Court Records
Jefferson County Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $20,000, domestic relations (divorce, custody, support), and appeals from district court. Records include case filings, judgments, orders, and related documents.
Property Records
Property records maintained by the Probate Judge include deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and subdivision maps. Records date back to the county's founding in 1819. The Revenue Commissioner maintains property tax records and assessment information.
Vital Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Probate Court. Birth and death certificates are available through the Alabama Department of Public Health or the Jefferson County Health Department.
Business Records
Business filings, assumed name certificates, and UCC filings are maintained by the Probate Court and the Alabama Secretary of State's office.
Cities & Towns in Jefferson County
Jefferson County contains over 35 incorporated municipalities including the state's largest city, Birmingham. The county includes major cities like Hoover, Bessemer, and Vestavia Hills, along with smaller towns throughout the area. Each city has its own municipal government, but all rely on the county offices for court records and property records. Birmingham serves as the county seat and houses all major county offices in the downtown courthouse complex. Most residents live in one of the larger cities rather than unincorporated areas. If you need records for someone who lives in a Jefferson County city, you still go through the county clerk, not the city hall.