Dallas County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Dallas County in 2026
DallasCountyRecords.us provides publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Dallas County, Alabama. Members of the public seeking official documentation may access records through multiple channels, including online portals, in-person visits to county offices, written requests, and telephone inquiries. The categories of records that may be available include court filings, property documents, vital statistics, tax assessments, business licenses, and law enforcement records, subject to applicable exemptions under state law.
Online Access:
The Fourth Circuit Court of Alabama maintains an online portal through which members of the public may search court case information for Dallas County. The Alabama Department of Revenue provides access to county appraisal and assessment records through its statewide property tax database. The City of Selma's Public Records Portal allows access to municipal documents maintained by the City Clerk. No registration is required to conduct basic searches through these platforms, though certified copies must be obtained through the respective offices.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Dallas County Circuit Clerk's Office to inspect court records during regular business hours. The Dallas County Revenue Commissioner's Office handles property tax and assessment records in person. Requestors are advised to bring a valid government-issued photo identification and to specify the record type and date range when submitting a request at the counter.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests must include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time. Requests may be mailed to the relevant office at the addresses listed in the contact section of this page.
Phone/Email:
- Dallas County Circuit Clerk: (334) 874-2500
- Dallas County Revenue Commissioner: (334) 874-2520
- City of Selma City Clerk: (334) 874-2100
- Alabama Department of Public Health, Dallas County: (334) 872-4531
What Are Public Records in Dallas County?
Public records in Dallas County are defined under Alabama Code § 36-12-40 as all written, typed, or printed books, papers, letters, documents, and maps made or received in pursuance of law by any public officer in the transaction of public business. The following record types are maintained by various county and municipal offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, and family court records | Dallas County Circuit Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, and liens | Dallas County Judge of Probate |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | Dallas County Health Department |
| Business licenses and permits | Dallas County Revenue Commissioner |
| Property tax and assessment records | Dallas County Revenue Commissioner |
| Voting and election records | Dallas County Board of Registrars |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Dallas County Commission / City Clerk |
| Budget and financial documents | Dallas County Commission |
| Arrest logs and incident reports | Dallas County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Dallas County Planning Department |
The City Clerk of Selma maintains the official record of actions that govern and regulate municipal operations, including ordinances, resolutions, and public hearing notices.
Is Dallas County an Open Records County?
Dallas County operates in full compliance with Alabama's open records law. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, 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. The Alabama Attorney General's Office has affirmed that this provision applies broadly to records held by county and municipal agencies throughout the state.
As stated in guidance issued by the Alabama Attorney General: "The Public Records Law reflects a strong public policy in favor of open government and the right of citizens to know what their government is doing." Dallas County agencies are bound by this policy and are required to make non-exempt records available upon request without requiring the requestor to state a reason for the inquiry. The county does not maintain a separate local ordinance that restricts access beyond what state law permits. Compliance with Alabama's sunshine laws is enforced through the circuit court system, and any denial of access may be challenged through a civil action in the appropriate court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Dallas County?
The fee structure for public records in Dallas County is governed by state statute and individual office schedules. Current standard fees are as follows:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 (varies by office) |
| Certified copy of court document | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Certified vital record (birth/death) | $15.00 (state fee) |
| Property record copy | $0.50 per page |
| Electronic record (where available) | No additional charge in most cases |
| Search fee | Varies by office and record type |
Accepted payment methods at Dallas County offices include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective office. Credit card acceptance varies by department. Under Alabama law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of producing copies but may not impose fees that function as a barrier to access. Fee waiver provisions are not broadly codified in Alabama statute, though individual agencies retain discretion to waive fees in cases of demonstrated financial hardship or public interest.
Does Dallas County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Dallas County government offices during regular business hours. Members of the public may review non-exempt records in person without charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. The following resources provide free access to certain records:
- The Fourth Circuit Court of Alabama provides online case search functionality at no cost, allowing members of the public to view case status, party names, and filing dates for civil and criminal matters.
- The Alabama Department of Revenue's county appraisal and assessment records portal allows free online searches of property ownership and assessed values statewide, including Dallas County.
- The Dallas County Health Department's vital records page provides informational access; certified copies carry the standard state fee.
- The City of Selma's Public Records Portal offers free access to municipal documents including meeting minutes, agendas, and ordinances.
Free inspection differs from free copies. Inspection at a public counter carries no charge, while reproduction of documents is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Dallas County?
Any person may request public records in Dallas County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Alabama's open records statute does not restrict access to residents of the state, nor does it require requestors to identify themselves or explain the reason for their inquiry for standard public records. Members of the public, businesses, attorneys, journalists, and researchers all hold equal standing to submit requests.
Certain record types carry additional eligibility requirements. Vital records, including birth and death certificates, are restricted under state law to immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a demonstrated legal interest. The Dallas County Health Department notes that "birth records can be obtained by immediate family members," and requestors must present valid identification and documentation of their relationship to the subject. Driver record information maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Dallas County office is subject to the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act, which limits disclosure to authorized purposes. Individuals requesting their own records are subject to the same procedures as any other requestor, though they may be entitled to access certain records that would otherwise be restricted when requested by a third party.
What Records Are Confidential in Dallas County?
Not all government records in Dallas County are subject to public disclosure. Alabama law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from the general right of inspection. The following records are currently withheld from public access:
- Sealed court records: Orders of the court sealing case files remove those records from public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to minors involved in delinquency or dependency proceedings are confidential under Alabama Code.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled in connection with active investigations are exempt to protect the integrity of the process.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted prior to disclosure.
- Medical records: Protected under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and state health privacy provisions.
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only through court order.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Maintained as confidential by the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
- Personnel records: Employee records held by government agencies are exempt from disclosure with limited exceptions for salary and position information.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Submitted to government agencies under confidentiality agreements.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Withheld to protect public safety.
Alabama Code § 36-12-40 provides the general right of access, while specific exemptions are codified throughout the Alabama Code, including provisions within Title 12 (Courts), Title 22 (Health), and Title 26 (Infants and Incompetents). When an agency denies a request, it is required to identify the specific statutory basis for the exemption.
Dallas County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Dallas County Judge of Probate (Records and Deeds)
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
(334) 874-2516
Dallas County Probate Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Dallas County Circuit Clerk (Court Records)
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
(334) 874-2500
Fourth Circuit Court of Alabama
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Dallas County Revenue Commissioner (Property Tax and Assessment Records)
105 Lauderdale Street, Suite 100
Selma, AL 36701
(334) 874-2520
Alabama Department of Revenue – County Appraisal and Assessment Records
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Dallas County Health Department (Vital Records)
1506 Medical Center Parkway
Selma, AL 36701
(334) 872-4531
Vital Records – Alabama Department of Public Health
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
City of Selma City Clerk (Municipal Records)
1300 Alabama Avenue
Selma, AL 36701
(334) 874-2100
City Clerk – City of Selma
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Dallas County Driver License Office
102 Church Street, Room 101
Selma, AL 36701
(334) 675-0120
Dallas County Driver License Office – ALEA
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Note: Testing must be completed prior to office closing.