Access St. Clair ALABAMA AL. Property records and deeds for title and lien search info

  • May 16, 2025
  • Posted by: admin
  • Category: Recorder of deeds
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How to Access St. Clair County, Alabama Property Records

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St. Clair County property records are maintained by the Probate Office located at 165 5th Avenue in Ashville, Alabama. These vital documents provide comprehensive information about property ownership, history, and encumbrances. Property records are essential for real estate transactions, legal proceedings, and property research in this north-central Alabama county.

St. Clair County Probate Office: Your Primary Resource

The St. Clair County Probate Office serves as the central repository for all property records in the county. They handle the recording and filing of various property documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. These records are indexed by document type, party name, and legal description to facilitate public research.

Accessing Property Records In Person

To access property records in person at the St. Clair County Probate Office, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Probate Office at 165 5th Avenue, Ashville, Alabama
  2. Complete the Request for Access to Public Records form
  3. Submit the completed form to the office staff
  4. Pay any applicable fees for document copies
  5. Review the requested records on-site

Online Property Record Access Options

St. Clair County offers convenient online access to property records through multiple platforms:

  1. The Government Records Inquiry System of Alabama provides online search capabilities for property documents.
  2. The St. Clair County Revenue Commissioner’s website offers tax and appraisal record searches.
  3. Delta Computer Systems service allows online searching of tax and appraisal records.

Understanding Property Record Fees

When requesting copies of property records from the St. Clair County Probate Office, be prepared for the following fees:

  1. $0.25 fee per page for standard 8½” x 11″ or 8½” x 14″ paper copies
  2. Additional fees for requests requiring over one hour of processing time
  3. Research assistance at $25 per hour beyond the initial hour

Conducting Property Deed Searches

Deed searches reveal the chain of ownership for a property. To conduct a deed search in St. Clair County:

  1. Gather essential information including the property address and current owner’s name
  2. Visit the Probate Office in person or use their online system
  3. Search by owner name, property address, or legal description
  4. Review the deed history to trace ownership changes
  5. Request copies of relevant deeds for your records

How to Perform Lien Searches in St. Clair County

Lien searches are crucial for identifying any claims against a property. In Alabama, lien searches are performed by searching public property records maintained by Probate Judges of County Courts or the Office of the Secretary of State. For St. Clair County specifically:

  1. Check records at the St. Clair County Probate Office
  2. Review tax lien information through the Revenue Commissioner’s website
  3. Search by debtor’s name, property description, instrument number, or document type
  4. Verify tax liens through the Alabama Department of Revenue

Understanding Tax Liens in St. Clair County

St. Clair County has transitioned from a Tax Sale process to a Tax Lien process. Important information about tax liens includes:

  1. Tax liens are recorded in the county where the property is located
  2. Tax liens remain valid for 10 years from the filing date
  3. Information about tax lien auctions is available through the Revenue Commissioner
  4. The Department of Revenue files a notice of release once tax obligations are satisfied

Comprehensive Title Searches in St. Clair County

A title search examines the complete history of ownership and encumbrances affecting a property. For St. Clair County properties, a comprehensive title search includes:

  1. Examining deed records at the Probate Office
  2. Reviewing mortgage documents and satisfaction records
  3. Checking for liens, judgments, and encumbrances
  4. Verifying property tax payment status through the Revenue Commissioner
  5. Researching any easements or restrictions affecting the property

GIS Mapping for Property Research

St. Clair County offers GIS (Geographic Information System) maps online to assist with property research. These interactive maps provide:

  1. Property boundary information
  2. Parcel identification numbers
  3. Zoning designations
  4. Geographical features and topography
  5. Surrounding property information

Mobile and Online Payment Options

St. Clair County offers convenient payment options for property taxes and record fees:

  1. Search and pay property taxes through the St. Clair County Revenue Department’s website
  2. Use the encrypted and secure online payment site for property taxes
  3. Mobile tag renewal services are available in Springville and Moody areas

Important Contact Information

For further assistance with St. Clair County property records:

  • St. Clair County Probate Office: 165 5th Avenue, Ashville, AL
  • St. Clair County Official Website: www.stclairco.com
  • Revenue Commissioner: For tax-related inquiries and GIS mapping
  • Alabama Secretary of State: For the Government Records Inquiry System

Understanding Property Record Types

Different types of property records serve specific purposes in St. Clair County:

  1. Deeds: Document property ownership transfers
  2. Mortgages: Record property loans and financing
  3. Liens: Show claims against property for unpaid debts
  4. Plats: Provide property survey and subdivision information
  5. Easements: Document access rights across properties

Professional Assistance Options

For complex property record searches, consider these professional assistance options:

  1. Title companies specializing in St. Clair County properties
  2. Real estate attorneys familiar with local property laws
  3. Probate Office research assistance ($25 per hour beyond the initial hour)
  4. Professional abstractors who specialize in property record research

Recent Updates to St. Clair County Property Records

Stay informed about recent changes to St. Clair County property record processes:

  1. Effective June 1, 2025, the St. Clair County Probate Office will change its mailing address
  2. St. Clair County has transitioned from a Tax Sale process to a Tax Lien process
  3. Commission district lines were updated as of June 13, 2023

By following this comprehensive guide, you can effectively navigate the process of accessing property records, deeds, liens, and conducting title searches in St. Clair County, Alabama. Whether you’re a homebuyer, seller, real estate professional, or researcher, understanding these resources will help ensure thorough property due diligence.



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