St. Clair County Deed Records
St. Clair County deed records are kept at two Probate Court locations. The county has dual county seats in Ashville and Pell City. You can file or search deeds at either office.
St. Clair County Quick Facts
St. Clair County Probate Court
St. Clair County is one of only two counties in Alabama with dual county seats. The Probate Court operates from both Ashville and Pell City. Both offices handle deed recordings and searches. You can use whichever location is more convenient for you.
The Ashville office is the older of the two. It sits in the northern part of the county. The Pell City office serves the southern area and handles more traffic due to its location near I-20. Both offices have the same records. A deed filed at one location appears in the system at both.
| Ashville Office | 165 5th Avenue, Suite 100 Ashville, AL 35953 Phone: (205) 594-2120 |
|---|---|
| Pell City Office | 1815 Cogswell Avenue, Suite 212 Pell City, AL 35125 Phone: (205) 338-9449 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Online Deed Records Search
St. Clair County provides online access to deed records. The system lets you search by grantor name, grantee name, or document type. You can view index information online. Document images may require a fee to download.
The online portal covers recent years of records. Older deeds may not be in the digital system yet. For historical research, you may need to visit one of the offices in person. Staff can help you find records in the original deed books.
To search St. Clair County deed records:
- Visit the county probate website
- Select the records search option
- Enter the name you want to search
- Choose the document type if known
- Review the results list
- Click on a record to see more details
If you need a certified copy, contact one of the Probate Court offices. Certified copies must be requested in person or by mail. The online system does not issue certified documents.
Recording Requirements
St. Clair County follows Alabama state law for deed recording. Every deed must meet specific requirements before the Probate Court will accept it. Staff review each document when you submit it for filing.
Your deed must include:
- Legal description of the property using metes and bounds or lot numbers
- Grantor's full name, address, and marital status
- Grantee's full name and mailing address for tax notices
- Derivation clause showing where the grantor got title
- Name and address of the preparer
- Notarized signatures from all grantors
- Completed RT-1 form from the Department of Revenue
The marital status requirement is set by Code of Alabama Section 35-4-73. Without this information, the Probate Judge can refuse to record your deed. Make sure your document is complete before you visit either office in St. Clair County.
St. Clair County Recording Fees
St. Clair County charges $18 to record the first page of a deed. Each extra page costs $3. These fees apply at both the Ashville and Pell City offices. You must pay at the time you file.
The fee structure for recording deeds in St. Clair County:
- First page: $18.00
- Each additional page: $3.00
- Extra names beyond two grantors or grantees: $1.00 each
The deed transfer tax also applies. The rate is fifty cents per five hundred dollars of property value under Code of Alabama Section 40-22-1. Two thirds of this tax goes to the state. One third stays with St. Clair County.
Both offices accept cash, checks, and money orders. Credit card acceptance may vary. Call ahead if you plan to pay by card. Exact payment is appreciated for cash transactions.
Types of Deed Records
The St. Clair County Probate Court records many types of property documents. Warranty deeds are the most common. These transfer ownership with a promise that the title is clear and free of liens.
Documents you can find at the Probate Court:
- Warranty deeds for standard property sales
- Quit claim deeds for transfers without warranty
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mortgage releases and satisfactions
- Easement agreements
- Rights of way
- Subdivision plats
- Lis pendens notices
- Federal tax liens
All these documents are public records. Under Code of Alabama Section 35-4-60, anyone can view them during office hours. You do not need to be a party to the deed to request access.
Why Two County Seats?
St. Clair County has had two county seats since 1907. Ashville was the original seat, established when the county formed. As the southern part of the county grew, Pell City became a second seat to serve that population.
This arrangement is rare. Only St. Clair and Coffee County have dual county seats in Alabama. For deed recording, it means you have two convenient options. Pick the office closest to you or the one with shorter wait times.
Both offices maintain the same records. A deed filed in Ashville is just as valid as one filed in Pell City. The recording date and book number come from the same system. You can search or get copies at either location regardless of where the deed was originally filed.
Searching Records In Person
You can visit either Probate Court office to search deed records. Both have public access terminals and staff to help you. Bring any information you have about the property or parties involved.
The Pell City office tends to be busier. It serves more of the population and sits near major roads. If you want a quieter experience, try the Ashville office. Both have the same records in their computer systems.
For old records not yet digitized, staff can help you search the original deed books. These large bound volumes contain handwritten records from the early days of the county. Bring patience for historical research. Old handwriting can be hard to read.
Copies cost a few dollars per page. Certified copies cost more and take a bit longer to prepare. Let staff know if you need certification for legal purposes.
Title Searches in St. Clair County
A title search examines the ownership history of a property. It looks for liens, claims, or breaks in the chain of title. St. Clair County deed records are the primary source for this research.
You can do a basic search yourself using the online records or by visiting an office. Start with the current owner and trace back through each prior deed. A thorough title search typically covers 40 years or more.
For real estate transactions, most people hire a title company. Professionals know what problems to look for. They also provide insurance against issues they might miss. Lenders usually require title insurance before approving a mortgage in St. Clair County.
Historical Records
St. Clair County was formed in 1818, one year before Alabama became a state. The earliest deed records date to that period. These documents show the original land grants and first property transfers in the region.
Historical records may require an in-person visit. Not all old documents have been scanned into the online system. The Probate Court staff can help you navigate the original deed books. These contain records written by hand over many decades.
For land records before St. Clair County existed, check the Alabama Secretary of State. Their portal has original federal land patents from the early 1800s. Visit sos.alabama.gov to search those early documents.
Cities in St. Clair County
St. Clair County has many cities and towns. All of them file deed records at one of the two Probate Court locations. Pell City is the largest city and one of the two county seats.
Major cities include Pell City, Ashville, Moody, Ragland, Springville, and Odenville. Some smaller communities include Margaret, Steele, and Riverside. All property deeds in these areas go through the St. Clair County Probate Court.
Nearby Counties
These counties border St. Clair County. Make sure you file your deed in the right county. The property location determines which Probate Court has jurisdiction.