Access Decatur Deed Records
Decatur deed records are kept at the Morgan County Probate Court. Known as "The River City," Decatur is the county seat and offers deed archives going back to 1818, before Alabama even became a state.
Decatur Quick Facts
Where Are Decatur Deed Records Filed?
The Morgan County Probate Court handles all deed records for Decatur. In Alabama, the Probate Judge records land documents instead of a county recorder. Decatur is the county seat of Morgan County, so the Probate Court is right in the city on Lee Street.
Morgan County has some of the oldest land records in Alabama. The archives date back to 1818. Alabama did not become a state until 1819. This means Decatur deed records predate statehood. If you are researching historical property or family land, Morgan County has an unusually deep archive.
Every property transfer in Decatur must be recorded at the Probate Court. When you buy a home, your closing company files the deed. Staff assign a book and page number, index the document by name, and store the original. This creates the public record that proves ownership of Decatur real estate.
Morgan County Probate Court
The Morgan County Probate Court serves Decatur residents who need to file or search deed records. The office is in the Morgan County Courthouse on Lee Street in downtown Decatur. Staff handle recording, searches, and copies for all properties in the city and county.
| Office | Morgan County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 302 Lee Street NE, 2nd Floor Decatur, AL 35601 |
| Phone | (256) 351-4680 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The courthouse is in downtown Decatur near the Tennessee River. Street parking and public lots are nearby. The Probate Court is on the second floor. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit to search Decatur deed records in person.
Decatur Deed Records Mobile App
Morgan County offers a mobile app for accessing deed records. This puts Decatur property searches in your pocket. You can look up records from your phone or tablet without visiting the courthouse or sitting at a computer.
The mobile app lets you:
- Search deed records by name
- View index information
- Access document images
- Check recording status
Mobile access is convenient for real estate agents, title searchers, and anyone who needs to check Decatur deed records while away from the office. The app works on both iPhone and Android devices. Check the Morgan County Probate Court website for download links and instructions.
Not every Alabama county offers mobile access. Morgan County is ahead of many in providing this option. If you frequently need to search Decatur deed records, the app can save time compared to using a web browser or visiting in person.
Historical Deed Archives from 1818
Morgan County has land records going back to 1818. Alabama became a state in 1819. This means Decatur deed records predate statehood by a year. The area was part of the Mississippi Territory when the earliest records were created.
These old records are valuable for:
- Genealogy research tracing family land
- Historical property research
- Title searches on old parcels
- Academic and historical studies
Early deeds used different formats than modern ones. Legal descriptions may reference old survey marks, trees, or neighbors that no longer exist. Handwritten documents can be hard to read. But the information is there for those who need it. The Probate Court staff can help locate old records and explain what you are looking at.
Some historical records have been digitized. Others exist only in old book form at the courthouse. If you need records from the 1800s, call ahead at (256) 351-4680 to ask about availability. Staff can tell you whether records are online or require an in-person visit.
Decatur Deed Recording Fees
Morgan County charges fees to record deeds and make copies. These fees apply when you file a new document at the Probate Court. Fees follow Alabama state guidelines plus any local additions.
Typical fees for Decatur 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 every five hundred dollars of property value. Some transfers are exempt, including transfers between spouses. Call the Probate Court at (256) 351-4680 to confirm current fees before you visit.
Filing a Deed in Decatur
Alabama has specific requirements for deeds. The Morgan County Probate Court will reject documents that do not meet these standards. Make sure your deed is complete before you bring it in.
Every deed filed in Decatur 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 transfers. Your closing company handles these items during a normal property sale in Decatur.
Morgan County Deed Records
Decatur is in Morgan County, and all deed filings go through the Morgan County Probate Court. The county covers the Decatur area along the Tennessee River in north Alabama. For more on the county system and additional resources, visit the county deed records page.
Nearby Cities
These major Alabama cities are near Decatur. Each uses its county Probate Court for deed records. Click a city to learn about deed records in that area.