Auburn Deed Records
Auburn deed records are filed at the Lee County Probate Court in Opelika. Home to Auburn University, the city has an active real estate market with students, staff, and families buying and selling property throughout the year.
Auburn Quick Facts
Where Are Auburn Deed Records Kept?
The Lee County Probate Court handles all deed records for Auburn. In Alabama, the Probate Judge records land documents instead of a county recorder. Auburn is in Lee County, but Opelika is the county seat. So you go to Opelika for Auburn deed records, not downtown Auburn.
Opelika is next door to Auburn. The cities share a border. The drive from Auburn to the Probate Court takes about ten minutes depending on traffic. The courthouse is on South 9th Street in downtown Opelika. This is where you file new deeds and search existing records for Auburn properties.
Every property transfer in Auburn must be recorded at the Lee County Probate Court. When you buy a home, your closing company files the deed. Staff assign a book and page number, index it by name, and store the original. This creates the public record of ownership for Auburn real estate.
Lee County Probate Court
The Lee County Probate Court serves Auburn residents who need to file or search deed records. The office is in the Lee County Courthouse in downtown Opelika, about a ten minute drive from Auburn. Staff handle recording, searches, and copies for all properties in Auburn and the rest of Lee County.
| Office | Lee County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 215 South 9th Street Opelika, AL 36801 |
| Phone | (334) 737-3670 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The courthouse is in downtown Opelika near other county offices. Street parking and public lots are nearby. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit to search Auburn deed records. Staff can help you find records and make copies.
How Auburn University Affects Deed Records
Auburn University brings a unique element to the local real estate market. The university attracts thousands of students, faculty, and staff. Many buy or sell property tied to their time in Auburn. This creates steady demand for deed searches and recordings.
Rental properties near campus change hands often. Investors buy homes to rent to students. When they sell, new investors step in. Each sale creates a new deed. The area around Auburn University has some of the most active deed recording in Lee County.
University employees often buy homes when they get tenure or permanent positions. Some sell when they retire or take jobs elsewhere. This creates a regular flow of transactions. The Probate Court sees consistent activity tied to the academic calendar and university hiring cycles.
If you are buying near Auburn University, do your deed research carefully. Some properties have complicated histories with multiple owners over short periods. A thorough title search shows the full chain of ownership and any issues like liens or easements.
Search Auburn Deed Records
Lee County provides access to deed records through the Probate Court. You can search in person at the courthouse in Opelika. Call ahead at (334) 737-3670 to ask about any online search options. Some Alabama counties have full online systems, while others require in-person visits for searches.
To search Auburn deed records, you typically need:
- Name of the property owner (grantor or grantee)
- Approximate date of the transaction
- Legal description or address if known
- Book and page number if you have prior records
Staff at the Probate Court can search the index books for you. They charge fees for copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. If you need many records, consider visiting in person rather than making multiple phone requests. The staff can help you navigate the records more efficiently when you are there.
Auburn Deed Recording Fees
Lee County charges fees to record deeds and make copies. These fees apply when you file a new document at the Probate Court. The costs follow Alabama state minimums plus any local additions.
Typical fees for Auburn deed filings:
- First page recording: approximately $15.00
- Each additional page: $3.00
- Deed transfer tax: $0.50 per $500 of value
- Certified copies: varies by page count
The deed transfer tax is set by Code of Alabama Section 40-22-1. You pay fifty cents for each five hundred dollars of property value. Some transfers are exempt, including transfers between spouses. Call the Probate Court at (334) 737-3670 to confirm current fees before you visit.
Filing a Deed in Auburn
Alabama has specific requirements for deeds. The Lee County Probate Court will reject documents that do not meet these standards. Make sure your deed is complete before you bring it to Opelika.
Every deed filed in Auburn must include:
- Full legal description of the property
- Grantor name, address, and marital status
- Grantee name and mailing address
- Derivation clause showing prior ownership
- Name of person who prepared the deed
- Notarized signatures of all grantors
- RT-1 Real Estate Sales Validation Form
The marital status rule comes from Code of Alabama Section 35-4-73. The RT-1 form is required by the Alabama Department of Revenue for all property transfers. Your closing company handles these items during a normal property sale in Auburn.
Lee County Deed Records
Auburn is in Lee County, and all deed filings go through the Lee County Probate Court in Opelika. The county also covers Opelika, Phenix City, and other communities. For more on the county system and additional resources, visit the county deed records page.
Nearby Cities
These major Alabama cities are within driving distance of Auburn. Each uses its county Probate Court for deed records. Click a city to learn about deed records in that area.