Access Pickens ALABAMA AL. Property records and deeds for title and lien search info
- May 16, 2025
- Posted by: admin
- Category: Recorder of deeds
How to Access Pickens County, Alabama Property Records and Deeds
Pickens County property records are maintained by the Probate Office, located at 50 Courthouse Square #106, Carrollton, AL 35447 (PO Box 370). This office serves as the central repository for all real estate documents in the county, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and property transfers.
Official Contact Information for Pickens County Records
The Pickens County Probate Office can be reached at (205) 367-2010. The current Probate Judge is David Pate, who oversees the recording and maintenance of all property records. For mail correspondence, use PO Box 370, Carrollton, AL 35447.
Online Property Record Search Options
While Pickens County has limited online resources, you can access some property information through the Revenue Commissioner’s website at https://taxes.pickensalabama.com/taxSearch. This portal allows you to search property tax records, which can provide valuable ownership information.
GIS Mapping Resources for Property Research
Pickens County offers GIS mapping services through https://www.alabamagis.com/Pickens/Frameset.cfm. This tool helps identify land parcels, boundaries, and property locations visually, which is particularly useful when researching rural or undeveloped properties.
Conducting a Title Search in Pickens County
A comprehensive title search requires examining records at the Probate Office in person. This process involves searching through indices for deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents affecting property ownership. Professional title companies often perform these searches for buyers, lenders, and attorneys.
Lien Search Procedures in Pickens County
To identify liens against property in Pickens County, you must search records at both the Probate Office and the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Liens may include tax liens, mechanic’s liens, judgment liens, and other encumbrances that affect clear title to property.
Alabama Secretary of State Land Records
The Alabama Secretary of State maintains historical land records that can be accessed through their Government Records Inquiry System at https://www.sos.alabama.gov/government-records/land-records. This resource is particularly useful for researching land patents and early property transfers.
Tax Lien Certificates and Sales
Pickens County conducts annual tax lien sales, typically in April or May. Properties with delinquent taxes are advertised beginning April 1, with notices published in local newspapers for three consecutive weeks prior to the sale. The Revenue Commissioner’s Office manages this process.
Recording Fees and Requirements
Recording documents in Pickens County costs $14.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page. There’s no charge for up to two grantor and two grantee names, with a $1.00 fee for each additional name. Deed tax is calculated at $0.50 per $500 of property value transferred.
Document Preparation Guidelines
All property documents submitted for recording must include a complete legal description, including plat book references or section, township, and range information. Documents must be signed, witnessed by two people, and adhere to Alabama’s legal standards for real estate transactions.
Understanding Property Tax Records
The Revenue Commissioner oversees property tax assessments in Pickens County. Their website (https://taxes.pickensalabama.com/taxes.html#/WildfireSearch) allows searches by parcel number, property owner, or address to find assessment values, tax amounts, and payment status.
Resources for Property Research Companies
Professional researchers and title companies can access Pickens County records through services like NETR Online (https://publicrecords.netronline.com/state/AL/county/pickens), which aggregates public record information from multiple sources.
Accessing Historical Property Records
For historical property research, the Pickens County Probate Office maintains older deed books and indices that aren’t available online. These records must be accessed in person at the courthouse during regular business hours (typically 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday).
Obtaining Certified Copies of Deeds
To get certified copies of deeds or other property documents, visit the Probate Office in person or mail a request with appropriate fees. Certified copies are often required for legal proceedings, refinancing, and resolving title issues.
Understanding Mechanic’s Liens in Pickens County
Alabama law (Code § 35-11-210) allows contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers to file mechanic’s liens for unpaid work on property improvements. These liens are recorded at the Probate Office and can significantly impact property title and transfers.
Property Tax Exemption Information
Homeowners may qualify for property tax exemptions through the Revenue Commissioner’s Office. Information about homestead exemptions, senior and veteran exemptions is available at https://revenue.alabama.gov/property-tax/homestead-exemptions/.