Dallas County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Dallas County in 2026
DallasCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Dallas County, Alabama. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, liens, and encumbrances associated with real property. Available record categories may include:
- Deeds and title transfers
- Mortgage and lien documents
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Plat maps and legal descriptions
- Building permit records
Records may be searched through official county and state resources using several access methods.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — the most convenient option for current records
- In-person visits — required for certified copies and older documents
- By mail — written requests submitted to the appropriate office
- Through professionals — title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers
Online Search Methods
1. Property Appraiser / Tax Assessor Website
The Dallas County Revenue Commissioner serves as the primary resource for property assessment and ownership information. Members of the public may access the county's property tax portal at dallas.capturecama.com to search records at no cost and without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision or legal description
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Square footage, year built, lot size, and building type
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Dallas County property tax portal
- Select a search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria
- Review the results list
- Select a property to view the full property card, maps, and sales history
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Probate Court / Recorder Official Records Search
The Dallas County Probate Court maintains official recorded documents, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. Members of the public may search these records in person at the courthouse.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type and recording date range
- Book and page number or instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Lis pendens notices
3. Tax Collector / Revenue Commissioner Website
The City of Selma's Tax and License Department provides tax payment information for properties within the city limits. Members of the public may verify whether a property tax payment has been received or processed through the county portal.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel or tax account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and outstanding balances
- Payment history
- Exemptions and millage rates
- Delinquency status and installment plan information
4. GIS / Mapping System
Dallas County participates in Alabama's statewide GIS infrastructure. Interactive maps allow users to view property boundaries, aerial photography, zoning layers, flood zones, and environmental features. Users may click on any parcel to access linked property information.
In-Person Searches
Dallas County Revenue Commissioner
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2520
Alabama County Offices/Appraisal and Assessment Records
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, maps and plats, and exemption applications.
Dallas County Probate Court
105 Lauderdale Street, Suite 1
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2527
Services include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, and accessing record books.
City of Selma Tax and License Department
1300 Alabama Avenue
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2160
City of Selma Tax and License
Services include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and business license records.
By Mail Requests
Revenue Commissioner (Property Appraiser):
- Mailing address: 105 Lauderdale Street, Selma, AL 36701
- Include the property address or parcel number in the request
- Include a self-addressed stamped return envelope
- Copying fees may apply
Probate Court (Recorder):
- Mailing address: 105 Lauderdale Street, Suite 1, Selma, AL 36701
- Specify the document by book and page, instrument number, or property address and date range
- Include payment for copies
- Certified copies are available upon request
Through Professionals
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments identifying all recorded interests. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and obtain comparable sales data as part of their representation services.
Search Tips
- When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations, including maiden names and business entity names
- For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the courthouse or a written request to the Probate Court is required
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording delays
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel ID number when common names or similar addresses produce multiple results
What Is Dallas County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by Dallas County government as legal records of ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. These records establish clear title, document the chain of ownership, record mortgages and liens, support property tax assessment, and facilitate real estate transactions. Under Alabama Code § 35-4-50, instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the county Probate Court to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Title documents and transfer records
- Ownership history and chain of title
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Homeowner association (HOA) documents
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran)
- Millage rates, special assessments, and tax delinquency records
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and lot-and-block information
- Metes and bounds descriptions
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Dallas County Probate Court records and indexes official instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens, maintaining permanent records open to public inspection. The Dallas County Revenue Commissioner maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications. The City of Selma Tax and License Department administers tax bills, payment records, and delinquency information for properties within city limits. Building and planning departments maintain permit records, zoning files, and code enforcement records.
As the Alabama Department of Revenue notes, each county's revenue commissioner or tax assessor is responsible for maintaining appraisal and assessment records in accordance with state law.
Are Property Records Public Information in Dallas County?
Property records in Dallas County are public information. Under Alabama law, recorded instruments affecting real property are open to inspection by any member of the public. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access these records. This principle reflects centuries of American common law tradition establishing that land ownership must be transparent to protect buyers, lenders, and the public interest.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
Alabama's public records framework, codified at Alabama Code § 36-12-40, provides that every citizen has a right to inspect and copy public writings of the state. Property records recorded with the Probate Court are public writings subject to this right. The recording statutes further establish that recorded documents provide constructive notice to all persons, which by definition requires public accessibility.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency: The public has a right to know who owns property, ensuring accountability in taxation and preventing fraudulent secret transfers.
- Commercial purposes: Real estate transactions, title searches, title insurance, property appraisals, and mortgage lending all depend on open access to recorded documents.
- Legal protections: Recording establishes the priority of competing interests in property and protects against fraudulent conveyances.
- Public interest: Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, genealogical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open property records.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and property addresses
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded documents
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Under current Alabama law, Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents before public release. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may qualify for address confidentiality protections under applicable state programs. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Revenue Commissioner's office can advise on applicable policies.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person may access Dallas County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, property investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial aggregation of public property records is permitted under current law. Companies such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records into subscription databases. Anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern how information derived from public records may be used, regardless of the public nature of the underlying data.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Dallas County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified documents are requested. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges applicable in Dallas County.
Standard Copy and Recording Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Viewing records online | Free |
| In-person inspection at courthouse | Free |
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of recorded document | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Recording a new deed or instrument | $5.00 for first page + $2.00 each additional page |
| Plat recording | Fees vary by size |
Alabama recording fees are governed by Alabama Code § 12-19-90, which establishes the schedule of fees collectible by probate judges for recording instruments.
Online Access:
- The Dallas County property tax portal provides free public access to assessment and ownership information with no registration required.
- Viewing document images online, where available, is free.
- Downloading or printing documents may incur per-page fees depending on the system used.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person)
- Check or money order (in-person and by mail, payable to Dallas County Probate Court or Revenue Commissioner)
- Credit and debit cards may be accepted; confirm with the specific office prior to visiting
Fee Waivers:
- No statutory fee waiver provision applies to standard property record copy requests in Alabama. Governmental agencies and certain nonprofit organizations may request fee accommodations on a case-by-case basis.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of assessment records and property characteristics
- In-person inspection of recorded documents at the courthouse
- GIS map access
- Tax payment status verification through the city and county portals
What's Included in a Dallas County Property Record?
A complete Dallas County property record draws from multiple official sources and may include the following categories of information.
Ownership Information:
Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners by name, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, deed book and page or instrument number, and mailing address for tax billing. Previous ownership information documents the chain of title, including prior owners' names, transfer dates, and historical deed references.
Property Identification:
Each parcel is identified by a site address, mailing address (if different), legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds description), parcel ID or folio number, and tax account number.
Physical Characteristics:
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, depth, corner lot designation, land use designation, and zoning classification. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and additional features such as garage spaces, pools, fireplaces, and HVAC systems.
Valuation Information:
Assessment records reflect land value, building value, total assessed value, market value, and taxable value. Historical values for prior assessment years are available, typically covering the most recent three to ten years.
Tax Information:
Tax records include the current year's total tax amount, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, municipality, and special districts). Tax payment history and any delinquency records are also included. The Alabama Department of Revenue maintains a statewide listing of tax delinquent properties currently in state inventory, which supplements county-level records.
Sales History:
Sales history documents recent transfers including sale dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, etc.), grantor and grantee names, deed document numbers, and qualified or unqualified sale designations.
Encumbrances and Liens:
Recorded mortgages, including lender names, recording dates, book and page references, and original mortgage amounts, appear in the official records. Liens — including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens — are indexed by the Probate Court. Other encumbrances such as easements, deed restrictions, covenants, life estates, and lis pendens notices are also part of the official record.
Legal and Regulatory Information:
Zoning classification, land use code, special district assignments (school, fire, water), deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, HOA information, flood zone designation (FEMA), and any recorded code violations are included where applicable.
Maps and Images:
Property records may include exterior photographs, aerial photographs, GIS maps with property boundaries, plat maps, property sketches, and historical aerials where available.
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at recording)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Private agreements not submitted for recording
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Dallas County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Dallas County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property are never destroyed, as they form the legal foundation for establishing chain of title and protecting property rights across generations.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
Alabama law requires the Probate Court to maintain a permanent record of all instruments submitted for recording. The Alabama Department of Archives and History establishes records retention schedules for state and local government agencies; recorded property instruments are classified as permanent records not subject to destruction. This requirement reflects the principle that any gap in the chain of title creates a title defect that can cloud ownership for all future transactions.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's deeds, and all conveyance types) dating back to county formation
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments
- All recorded liens and releases of liens
- All plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, and powers of attorney affecting property
- Court documents affecting title
Format and Storage:
Historical records from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries exist as handwritten ledgers and typed record books. Mid-twentieth century records are available on microfilm. More recent records are maintained as digital scans in electronic document management systems with off-site backup and disaster recovery protocols. The Dallas County Probate Court maintains original books in protected storage and provides access through in-person terminals.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Typical Access Method |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20 years) | Online via county portal |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Microfilm or in-person at courthouse |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person; staff retrieval may be required |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice recommended |
Property Appraiser Assessment Records:
Assessment rolls, property cards, and exemption applications are retained permanently or for a minimum of five to seven years depending on document type. Recent assessment history (typically the last ten to twenty years) is accessible through the online property tax portal.
Tax Collector Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years. Tax certificates remain on file until redeemed or a tax deed is issued. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution.
Accessing Historical Records:
Dallas County Probate Court
105 Lauderdale Street, Suite 1
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2527
Members of the public requesting very old records should contact the Probate Court in advance, specify the property address or legal description, the approximate time period, and the document type. Retrieval time ranges from same-day to several business days for records in archive storage. Standard copying fees apply.
Dallas County Revenue Commissioner
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2520
Alabama County Offices/Appraisal and Assessment Records
Historical assessment information is available at the Revenue Commissioner's office for records not accessible through the online portal.
How To Find Liens on Property in Dallas County?
A lien is a legal claim recorded against real property that must be satisfied before clear title can be conveyed. Members of the public may search for liens on Dallas County property through the following official methods.
Step 1: Search the Dallas County Probate Court Official Records
The Probate Court indexes all recorded instruments by grantor and grantee name. To locate liens:
- Visit the Dallas County Probate Court at 105 Lauderdale Street, Suite 1, Selma, AL 36701, or contact the office at (334) 874-2527
- Request a grantor/grantee index search for the property owner's name
- Review results for recorded liens, including:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Alabama Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens from civil court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors or materialmen
- HOA liens for unpaid assessments
- Code enforcement liens
Step 2: Search Federal Tax Liens
The Internal Revenue Service files federal tax liens with the county Probate Court where the taxpayer's property is located. These appear in the grantor/grantee index under the taxpayer's name. Members of the public may also search the IRS lien database through the IRS website.
Step 3: Check the Alabama Department of Revenue for State Tax Liens
The Alabama Department of Revenue maintains records of tax delinquent properties currently in state inventory. This resource identifies properties on which state tax obligations remain outstanding.
Step 4: Review the Property Tax Portal for Local Tax Delinquency
Members of the public may verify local property tax delinquency through the Dallas County property tax portal. Outstanding local tax obligations constitute a lien on the property by operation of law under Alabama Code § 40-1-3, which provides that all taxes assessed against property constitute a lien on that property from the date of assessment.
Step 5: Search Court Records for Judgment Liens
Judgment liens arise from civil court judgments and are recorded with the Probate Court. Members of the public may search Dallas County Circuit Court records through the Alabama Judicial System's online case search to identify judgments that may have been converted to recorded liens.
Step 6: Engage a Title Company or Real Estate Attorney
For transactions requiring a comprehensive lien search, title companies conduct full title examinations and issue title insurance commitments identifying all recorded interests. Real estate attorneys provide legal opinions on lien priority and enforceability.
Dallas County Probate Court
105 Lauderdale Street, Suite 1
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2527
City of Selma Tax and License Department
1300 Alabama Avenue
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2160
City of Selma Tax and License
What Is Property Owner Rule in Dallas County?
The property owner rule in Dallas County, Alabama, refers to the legal principle that a property owner is competent to testify to the value of their own real property without being qualified as an expert witness. This rule is well established in Alabama jurisprudence and has practical significance in property tax appeals, condemnation proceedings, and civil litigation involving real estate.
Legal Foundation:
Under Alabama law, a property owner possesses sufficient knowledge of their property to offer a lay opinion of its market value. Alabama courts have consistently held that ownership alone qualifies an individual to testify as to the value of their property. This principle applies in proceedings before the Dallas County Board of Equalization, the Alabama Tax Tribunal, and in circuit court litigation.
Application in Property Tax Appeals:
When a property owner disputes the assessed value assigned by the Dallas County Revenue Commissioner, the owner may appear before the Board of Equalization and present their own opinion of value. The owner is not required to retain a licensed appraiser, although professional appraisal evidence carries significant weight. The Board of Equalization reviews assessments and may adjust valuations based on evidence presented by the owner.
The appeal process proceeds as follows:
- The Revenue Commissioner mails annual assessment notices to property owners
- A property owner who disputes the assessed value must file a written protest with the Board of Equalization within the time period specified in the notice
- The owner presents evidence of value, which may include the owner's own testimony, comparable sales data, independent appraisals, or other relevant documentation
- The Board issues a written decision
- If the owner remains dissatisfied, an appeal may be taken to the Dallas County Circuit Court
Dallas County Revenue Commissioner / Board of Equalization
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2520
Alabama County Offices/Appraisal and Assessment Records
Application in Condemnation Proceedings:
When a governmental entity exercises eminent domain to acquire private property in Dallas County, the property owner has the right to contest the compensation offered. Under Alabama condemnation law, the owner may testify as to the fair market value of the property taken without retaining an expert appraiser, though expert testimony is advisable in contested proceedings.
Limitations of the Property Owner Rule:
The property owner rule applies to the owner's opinion of the value of their own property. It does not extend to opinions about the value of neighboring or comparable properties. Courts may limit or exclude owner testimony that is speculative, unsupported by any factual basis, or that pertains to property characteristics outside the owner's personal knowledge.
Ownership Verification and Title:
Members of the public may verify current property ownership in Dallas County through the Revenue Commissioner's online portal at dallas.capturecama.com or through the Probate Court's recorded deed index. Ownership is established by the most recently recorded deed in the chain of title. Disputes over ownership are resolved through quiet title actions filed in the Dallas County Circuit Court.