Search Baldwin County Deed Records

Baldwin County deed records are maintained at the Probate Court in Bay Minette. This is the largest county in Alabama by land area with over 1,600 square miles.

Baldwin County Probate Court

The Probate Court records all deeds in Baldwin County. The main office is in Bay Minette at the courthouse. Because Baldwin County is so large, there are satellite offices in Fairhope and Foley too. You can record deeds at any of these three locations. This makes it easy for people across the county to file their property records.

Baldwin County sees heavy real estate activity. The Gulf Coast beaches draw many buyers. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are popular. Fairhope has grown fast too. All this activity means lots of deeds get filed each year. The Probate Court has modern systems to handle the volume. Staff work hard to keep up with demand.

How to Search Baldwin County Deed Records

Baldwin County has a good online search system. You can look up deed records from home using their public portal. The site lets you search by name, date range, or document type. This saves a trip to the courthouse for basic research.

The online search portal is at baldwin.al.publicsearch.us. Create a free account to use the system. You can search index records at no cost. Viewing and printing document images has a small fee. The system includes deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents.

To search Baldwin County deed records, you need:

• Full name of the grantor or grantee
• Date range when the deed was filed
• Book and page number if known
• Property address or legal description

For complex searches, visit the courthouse in person. The main office has public terminals. Staff can assist with hard to find records. Older documents may need a manual search through paper books. Call ahead if you have a big research project.

Baldwin County Deed Recording Fees

Recording a deed in Baldwin County costs thirteen dollars for the first page. Each extra page adds three dollars more. These fees are mid-range compared to other Alabama counties. The total cost depends on how long your deed is.

Typical deed recording fees in Baldwin County:

• First page: $13.00
• Each additional page: $3.00
• Certified copy: Fee plus per page charge
• Name search: Varies by scope

The deed transfer tax applies on top of recording fees. Alabama charges fifty cents per five hundred dollars of property value. Given Baldwin County's beach property values, this tax can add up fast. A five hundred thousand dollar home means five hundred dollars in deed tax alone.

Baldwin County offers a Property Fraud Alert service. This free program notifies you when any document is recorded using your name. Sign up through the Probate Court website. It helps protect against deed fraud and title theft.

Baldwin County Property Information

Deed records tell you who owns land. But other records help too. The Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner keeps tax rolls and assessment data. Their office has parcel maps and property values. Tax records show who pays the bill each year.

Title searches in Baldwin County often go back many years. The chain of title shows every owner from the original patent forward. Older deeds may reference different landmarks. Property lines described in metes and bounds can be hard to trace. A surveyor or title company can help with complex parcels.

Baldwin County includes coastal areas subject to special rules. Waterfront property may have setback requirements. Some land near the beach falls under conservation easements. Check with the planning department for zoning and land use rules. These restrictions may not show up in deed records.

Document Requirements for Recording

Baldwin County follows Alabama law for deed requirements. Your document must meet state standards to be recorded. The Probate Court will reject deeds that do not comply. Fix problems before you come to the office.

Every deed filed in Baldwin County needs:

• Original signatures with notarized acknowledgment
• Marital status of all grantors
• Complete legal description
• Grantee mailing address
• Preparer name and address
• Source of title (derivation clause)
• RT-1 form with sale price

Under Code of Alabama Section 35-4-20, deeds must be in writing and signed by the contracting party. At least one witness must attest the signature. The notary acknowledgment meets this requirement in most cases.

Electronic Recording in Baldwin County

Baldwin County accepts electronic deed recording. Title companies and attorneys can file documents online. This speeds up the process. No trip to the courthouse is needed. The same fees apply for e-filing.

Approved eRecording vendors include Simplifile and CSC. These services connect directly to the Baldwin County system. Documents get recorded within minutes during business hours. You get confirmation right away. This is faster than mail or even hand delivery.

Individual property owners cannot use eRecording directly. You would need to go through a title company or law firm. But for professionals who file many deeds, this service saves time and money. Contact the Probate Court for the current list of approved vendors.

Cities in Baldwin County

Baldwin County has many cities and towns. All of them file deeds at the Baldwin County Probate Court. You can use any of the three office locations. Pick the one closest to you.

Major cities include Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach. Bay Minette is the county seat. Spanish Fort and Robertsdale are also in Baldwin County. All property transfers go through the Probate Court no matter which city you live in.

Nearby Counties

Baldwin County borders these areas. Mobile County is to the west across Mobile Bay. Escambia County lies to the north. Check your property location to make sure you file in the right county.