Washington County Deed Records Search

Washington County deed records are stored at the Probate Court in Chatom. This is the first county formed in what is now Alabama, established in 1800.

Washington County Probate Court

The Probate Court in Washington County handles all deed recordings and land records. The office is in Chatom, the county seat. Staff can help you file new deeds, search old records, and get copies of documents. This office serves a rural county with deep historical roots.

Washington County holds a unique place in Alabama history. It was the first county formed in what would become Alabama, established in 1800 when the area was still part of the Mississippi Territory. The county is named after George Washington. Early deed records here predate Alabama statehood by almost 20 years.

Online Deed Records

Washington County provides online access to deed records through the Ingenuity portal. You can search by name, date, or document type. The system shows index information and may allow viewing of document images.

To search Washington County deed records online:

• Visit ingprobate.com/washington_probate
• Create an account if required
• Enter the name you want to search
• Select document type if known
• Review results and click for details

The online system covers more recent years. Older historical records may require an in-person visit. Some features may have fees attached. Check the portal for current pricing and access options.

Recording Requirements

Washington County follows Alabama state law for deed recording. Every deed must meet certain requirements before the Probate Court will accept it. Staff review documents during the filing process.

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. The Probate Judge can refuse any deed missing this information. Check your document carefully before filing.

Washington County Recording Fees

Washington County charges $6 to record the first page of a deed. Each additional page costs $3. These are among the lowest fees in Alabama. Payment is due when you file the document.

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 Washington County.

The office accepts cash and checks. Call ahead to ask about other payment methods.

Types of Deed Records

The Washington 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 available at the Probate Court:

• Warranty deeds
• Quit claim deeds
• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Mortgage releases
• Easements
• Right of way agreements
• Timber deeds
• Mineral rights documents
• Subdivision plats

Washington County has significant timber land. Timber deeds and cutting rights are common in this rural area. These documents may affect property use and value. Check for any timber agreements when buying land in Washington County.

Historical Significance

Washington County is the oldest county in Alabama. It was formed in 1800, nineteen years before Alabama became a state. The original county covered much of what is now Alabama and Mississippi. Over time, other counties were carved from Washington County territory.

The historical records here are exceptionally old by Alabama standards. Deed books may contain records from the Mississippi Territory period. These early documents used different legal standards than later Alabama deeds. Researchers studying early American land ownership find Washington County records valuable.

For the oldest land records, check the Alabama Secretary of State. Their portal has original federal land patents from before statehood. Visit sos.alabama.gov to search these early documents.

Searching Records In Person

You can visit the Washington County Probate Court to search deed records. The office is in the courthouse in Chatom. Staff can help you find documents and make copies. Bring your ID and any details about the property.

Chatom is a small town in a rural part of southwestern Alabama. The courthouse is easy to find. Parking is available nearby. The office is usually not crowded. Staff have time to help with research requests.

Copies cost a few dollars per page. Certified copies cost more. Let staff know if you need certification for legal purposes. For historical research, plan extra time. Old handwritten records can be difficult to read.

Title Searches

A title search traces the ownership history of a property. It looks for liens, claims, or breaks in the chain of title. Washington 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 Washington County property, the chain of title can go back over 200 years. Very old parcels may have complex histories. Title companies in this area know the local records well. They can navigate the historical documents.

For real estate transactions, most people hire a title company. They provide insurance against problems they miss. Most lenders require title insurance before approving a mortgage.

Rural Land Considerations

Washington County is mostly rural. Large tracts of timber land and farms make up much of the county. Buying rural property requires extra attention to deed details.

Check for these items when researching rural land:

• Mineral rights and whether they convey with the sale
• Timber rights and any active cutting agreements
• Easements for access, pipelines, or power lines
• Hunting leases that may continue after sale
• Boundary descriptions that may need surveying

Rural deeds in Washington County often have different considerations than urban property. The Probate Court records all these documents. A thorough search looks at more than just the main deed.

Cities in Washington County

Washington County has several small towns. All of them file deed records at the Probate Court in Chatom. Communities include Chatom, McIntosh, Millry, and Wagarville. This is a rural county with no large cities. The population is spread across small towns and unincorporated areas.

Nearby Counties

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