Tuscaloosa Deed Records
Tuscaloosa deed records are filed at the Tuscaloosa County Probate Office. Home to the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa offers one of the best deals in the state with completely free online access to deed images and documents.
Tuscaloosa Quick Facts
Where Are Tuscaloosa Deed Records Kept?
The Tuscaloosa County Probate Office handles all deed records for Tuscaloosa. In Alabama, the Probate Judge records land documents instead of a county recorder. Tuscaloosa is the county seat, so the main office is downtown on Greensboro Avenue.
Every property transfer in Tuscaloosa must be recorded at the Probate Office. When you buy a home, your closing company files the deed. Staff assign a book and page number, index the document by grantor and grantee names, and store the original. This creates the public record of ownership.
Tuscaloosa stands out among Alabama counties for offering free online access to deed records. Many counties charge fees to view document images. Tuscaloosa does not. You can search, view, and download deed images at no cost. This saves money for anyone researching property records in Tuscaloosa.
Tuscaloosa County Probate Office
The Tuscaloosa County Probate Office serves residents who need to file or search deed records. The office is in the county courthouse on Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa. Staff handle recording, searches, and copies for all properties in the city and county.
| Office | Tuscaloosa County Probate Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 714 Greensboro Avenue, Suite 121 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 |
| Phone | (205) 464-8204 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | probate.tuscco.com |
The courthouse is in downtown Tuscaloosa near the University of Alabama campus. Street parking and public lots are available. The Probate Office is on the first floor, Suite 121. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit to search Tuscaloosa deed records in person.
Search Tuscaloosa Deeds Online for Free
Tuscaloosa County provides free online access to deed records. This includes both index searches and document images. You do not need a paid account. You do not pay per page. Everything is free. This makes Tuscaloosa one of the best places in Alabama to research property records online.
To search Tuscaloosa deed records online:
- Go to probate.tuscco.com/ProbateRecords
- Select "Land Records" from the menu
- Choose your search type: name, book/page, or other
- Enter your search terms
- View results and document images for free
The system shows book and page numbers, recording dates, and party names for each document. You can view the actual deed images without paying. You can also download and print them at no cost. This is unusual in Alabama where most counties charge for document images.
If you are researching property in Tuscaloosa, this free system saves real money. Title searches that would cost dollars per page elsewhere are completely free here. Students, homebuyers, and researchers all benefit from this open access policy.
Tuscaloosa Deed Recording Fees
While online searches are free, recording a new deed still costs money. Tuscaloosa County charges standard Alabama fees to file documents. These fees apply when you record a deed, not when you search records.
Typical fees for Tuscaloosa 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 Office at (205) 464-8204 to confirm current recording fees.
Copy fees at the counter are reasonable if you need certified copies with the official seal. But for most purposes, you can print what you need from the free online system. Certified copies are only required for certain legal uses like court filings or title insurance claims.
Filing a Deed in Tuscaloosa
Alabama has specific requirements for deeds. The Tuscaloosa County Probate Office will reject documents that do not meet these standards. Make sure your deed is complete before you bring it in.
Every deed filed in Tuscaloosa 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 Probate Office will not record a deed that lacks this information. The RT-1 form is required by the Alabama Department of Revenue for all transfers. Your closing company handles these details during a normal property sale.
Tuscaloosa County Deed Records
Tuscaloosa is in Tuscaloosa County, and all deed filings go through the Tuscaloosa County Probate Office. The county covers the city of Tuscaloosa and surrounding communities including Northport. For more on the county system and additional resources, visit the county deed records page.
Nearby Cities
These major Alabama cities are near Tuscaloosa. Each uses its county Probate Court for deed records. Click a city to learn about deed records in that area.