Find Walker County Deed Records

Walker County deed records are kept at the Probate Court in Jasper. The county offers online access and accepts electronic filing for faster processing.

Walker County Probate Court

The Probate Court in Walker County handles all deed recordings and land records. The office is in Jasper, the county seat. Staff can help you file new deeds, search records, and get copies. Walker County has modern systems for both in-person and electronic filing.

Walker County stands out for its e-filing options. Title companies and attorneys can submit deeds electronically. This speeds up the recording process. Documents often get processed the same day they are submitted. The county has invested in technology to make recording easier.

Online Deed Records

Walker County provides online access to deed records through the Ingenuity portal. You can search by grantor name, grantee name, or document type. The system shows index information and document images.

To search Walker County deed records online:

• Visit ingprobate.com/Walker_Probate
• Create an account if needed
• Select the document search option
• Enter the name you want to search
• Choose a document type if known
• Review the results and click to view details

Some features may require a fee. Index searching is often free. Viewing and downloading document images may cost a small amount per page. Check the portal for current pricing.

Electronic Recording

Walker County accepts electronic recording through approved vendors. E-recording is a fast way to file deeds without mailing or visiting the courthouse. Documents can be recorded the same day in most cases.

To use e-recording in Walker County:

• Work with an approved e-recording vendor
• Common vendors include Simplifile and CSC
• Submit your deed through their system
• Pay the recording fees electronically
• Receive confirmation when the deed is recorded

Your attorney or title company likely has an e-recording account already. Ask them about this option if you want faster processing. E-recorded documents appear in the online system right away after processing.

Recording Requirements

Walker County follows Alabama state law for deed recording. Your deed must meet certain requirements before the Probate Court will accept it. Staff review each document during the filing process.

Every deed must include:

• Legal description of the property
• Grantor's full name, address, and marital status
• Grantee's full name and mailing address
• Derivation clause showing prior title source
• Name of the deed preparer
• Notarized signatures from all grantors
• Completed RT-1 form showing sale price

The marital status requirement comes from Code of Alabama Section 35-4-73. The Probate Judge can refuse any deed missing this information. Double check your document before filing.

Walker County Recording Fees

Walker County charges $10 to record the first page of a deed. Each additional page costs $4. These fees apply whether you file in person or electronically. Payment is due at the time of filing.

The fee structure for recording deeds:

• First page: $10.00
• Each additional page: $4.00
• 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 Walker County.

The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. For e-recording, payment goes through the electronic vendor.

Types of Deed Records

The Walker County Probate Court 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 Court:

• Warranty deeds
• Quit claim deeds
• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Mortgage releases
• Easement agreements
• Right of way documents
• Subdivision plats
• Lis pendens notices
• Mineral rights deeds

Walker County has a history of coal mining. Mineral rights deeds are common in the area. These documents separate surface rights from underground mineral rights. If you are buying property in Walker County, check whether mineral rights are included.

Searching Records In Person

You can visit the Walker County Probate Court to search deed records. The office is on Third Avenue South in Jasper. Staff can help you find documents and make copies. Bring your ID and any details about the property.

The courthouse has parking available. The office is usually not too busy. Wait times are reasonable most days. For complex research, plan to spend an hour or more searching through records.

Copies cost a few dollars per page. Certified copies cost more. Let staff know if you need certification for legal purposes. Certified copies take a few minutes to prepare.

Title Searches

A title search examines the ownership history of a property. It looks for liens, claims, or problems with the chain of title. Walker County deed records are the primary source for this research.

You can do a basic search yourself using the online portal or by visiting the office. Start with the current owner and work backwards. Each deed should show where the grantor got title. Follow that trail through the years.

For Walker County property, pay special attention to mineral rights. Old deeds may have reserved mineral rights to prior owners. A thorough title search looks at every deed in the chain for these reservations.

For real estate transactions, most people hire a title company. Professionals know what problems to look for. They also provide insurance against issues they miss. Most lenders require title insurance before approving a mortgage.

Historical Records

Walker County was formed in 1823. The earliest deed records date to that period. These old documents show the original land grants and first property transfers in the region.

Historical research may require an in-person visit. The online system covers recent years but may not have all the old records. Staff can help you navigate the original deed books. These contain handwritten records from the early days of the county.

For land records before Walker County existed, check the Alabama Secretary of State. Their portal has original federal land patents from early Alabama. Visit sos.alabama.gov to search those early documents.

Cities in Walker County

Walker County has several cities and towns. All of them file deed records at the Probate Court in Jasper. Major communities include Jasper, Sumiton, Carbon Hill, Dora, Cordova, and Parrish.

Jasper is the county seat and largest city. It sits along Interstate 22, which connects Birmingham to Memphis. The area has seen growth as people move from larger cities looking for lower housing costs.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Walker County. Check the property location to ensure you file in the correct county.