Tuscaloosa County Deed Records

Tuscaloosa County deed records are stored at the Probate Office on Greensboro Avenue. The county offers free online access to property records. No account fees apply.

Tuscaloosa County Probate Office

The Probate Office in Tuscaloosa County handles all deed recordings and land records. The office is in downtown Tuscaloosa on Greensboro Avenue. Staff can help you file new deeds, search old records, and get copies. This is one of the most active Probate Courts in Alabama.

Tuscaloosa County stands out for two reasons. First, it has very low recording fees. The first page costs just $6. Second, it offers completely free online access. You can search and view deed images without paying anything. This is rare in Alabama. Most counties charge for online document access.

Free Online Deed Records

Tuscaloosa County provides free online access to deed records. The system lets you search by name, date, or document type. You can view and download document images at no cost. No account is required.

To search Tuscaloosa County deed records online:

• Visit probate.tuscco.com/ProbateRecords
• Select the document search option
• Enter the grantor or grantee name
• Choose a date range if you know it
• Click Search to see results
• Click any result to view the full document image

The online system covers many years of records. You can search warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, and releases. The free access makes Tuscaloosa County one of the best places to research property records in Alabama.

For certified copies, you still need to contact the Probate Office. Online viewing does not replace official certification for legal purposes. But the free access lets you find what you need before requesting copies.

Recording Requirements

Tuscaloosa County follows Alabama state law for deed recording. Every deed must meet certain requirements before the Probate Office will accept it. Staff review each document when you submit it.

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 of the person who prepared the deed
• Notarized signatures from all grantors
• Completed RT-1 form with sale price or value

The marital status rule comes from 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 file.

Tuscaloosa County Recording Fees

Tuscaloosa County has some of the lowest recording fees in Alabama. The first page costs just $6. Each additional page adds $3. These low fees save money for property buyers and sellers.

The fee structure for recording deeds:

• First page: $6.00
• Each additional page: $3.00
• Extra names beyond two grantors or grantees: $1.00 each

The deed transfer tax also applies. Under Code of Alabama Section 40-22-1, the rate is fifty cents per five hundred dollars of property value. Two thirds goes to the state. One third stays with Tuscaloosa County.

The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards are accepted for most transactions. Ask staff about current payment options when you visit.

Types of Deed Records

The Tuscaloosa County Probate Office records many types of property documents. Warranty deeds are the most common. These transfer ownership with a guarantee that the title is clear.

Documents you can find at the Probate Office:

• Warranty deeds for property sales
• Quit claim deeds for ownership transfers
• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Mortgage releases and satisfactions
• Easement agreements
• Right of way documents
• Subdivision plats and maps
• Lis pendens notices
• Federal tax liens

All these records are public. Under Code of Alabama Section 35-4-60, anyone can view them during office hours. You do not need to own the property to access records.

University of Alabama Area

Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama. The campus area has active real estate markets. Student housing, rental properties, and commercial real estate all generate deed activity. The Probate Office handles all these transactions.

Property near the university often changes hands frequently. Investors buy rental houses. Developers build new housing. The free online records make it easy to research property history in this busy market.

If you are buying property near campus, do a thorough title search. Some older homes have complex ownership histories. Rental properties may have liens or other issues. The online system lets you start your research before hiring a title company.

Searching Records In Person

You can visit the Tuscaloosa County Probate Office to search deed records. The office is in downtown Tuscaloosa. Staff can help you find documents and make copies. Bring your ID and any information about the property.

The downtown location has parking nearby. The office can get busy, especially on Mondays and at the start of the month. Allow extra time if you have complex research to do.

Copies cost a few dollars per page. Certified copies cost more and take a bit longer. Let staff know if you need certification for legal purposes. For basic research, the free online system may give you what you need without a trip to the office.

Title Searches in Tuscaloosa County

A title search traces the ownership history of a property. It looks for liens, claims, or breaks in the chain of title. Tuscaloosa County deed records are the main source for this research.

The free online access makes title research easier in Tuscaloosa County. You can search from home without paying fees. Start with the current owner and work backwards. Each deed shows where the grantor got title. Follow that trail through the years.

For real estate closings, most lenders require a professional title search. Title companies know what problems to look for. They also provide insurance against issues they miss. Even with free online access, a professional search adds protection.

Electronic Recording

Tuscaloosa County accepts electronic recording through approved vendors. E-recording lets title companies and attorneys file deeds without mailing or visiting the office. Documents process quickly, often the same day.

To use e-recording, you need to work with an approved vendor. Common options include Simplifile and CSC. Your attorney or title company likely has an account already. Ask them about e-recording for faster processing.

E-recorded documents appear in the online system right away. You can verify your recording by searching the name. The system shows the recording date, book, and page once the document is processed.

Cities in Tuscaloosa County

Tuscaloosa County has several cities and towns. All of them file deed records at the Probate Office in Tuscaloosa. The city of Tuscaloosa is the county seat and by far the largest community.

Other communities in Tuscaloosa County include Northport, Brookwood, Coker, Coaling, Lake View, and Vance. All of these file property deeds at the Tuscaloosa County Probate Office.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Tuscaloosa County. Make sure you file your deed in the correct county based on property location.