Search Decatur Property Records

Property records for Decatur are filed at the Morgan County Probate Court. Decatur is one of the largest cities in Alabama with a population of 57,974. The city government handles zoning, building permits, and planning matters. However, all deeds, mortgages, and liens are recorded with the county Probate Court. The county maintains the official land records for all property within Decatur city limits. You can search these records online through the county portal, by mail, or in person at the Probate Court office.

Where to Find Decatur Property Records

All property records for Decatur are maintained by Morgan County. The Probate Court in the county seat serves as the official recorder. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other land documents.

The Morgan County Probate Court records all property transfers within Decatur. When someone buys or sells real estate in the city, the deed is filed with the county. When a bank issues a mortgage, that document also goes to the county Probate Court.

Visit the county Probate Court during business hours to search records. Most offices open at 8:00 AM and close by 4:30 PM on weekdays. Bring identification and know the property address or owner name you want to search.

How to Search Decatur Property Records

You can search property records for Decatur using several methods. Online access through Morgan County offers the fastest results. In-person visits let you get certified copies right away. Mail requests work when you need official documents but cannot visit.

Search online through the Morgan County Probate Court website. Most county systems let you search by owner name, property address, or document type. Index results often appear free of charge. Document images may cost a small fee per page.

To search for Decatur property records, you need:

• Property address within Decatur city limits
• Owner name (current or previous)
• Document type you are looking for
• Approximate date range for the recording

Visit the Morgan County Probate Court for the most thorough search. Staff maintain index books and computer systems covering all recorded documents. They can help locate records and explain what different documents mean.

Decatur City Property Services

While Decatur does not maintain deed records, the city government provides related property services. The city Planning and Zoning department handles building permits and land use questions. Code Enforcement deals with property maintenance issues.

The city may maintain GIS maps showing property boundaries and zoning districts. Use these resources to identify parcels before searching county deed records. Some cities offer online mapping portals with parcel information.

City services related to property include:

• Building permits and inspections
• Zoning verification and variances
• Code enforcement and violations
• Planning and development review
• GIS mapping and parcel data

Contact Decatur city offices for questions about permits, zoning, or code issues. For deed and mortgage records, you must go to the Morgan County Probate Court.

Property Recording Fees for Decatur

Recording fees for Decatur properties follow Morgan County rates. These fees apply when you file new deeds, mortgages, or other documents with the Probate Court.

Standard recording fees include:

• First page of any document: $3 to $16
• Each additional page: $3
• Extra names beyond first two: $1 each

Transfer taxes apply to most property sales and mortgages. Deed tax equals $0.50 per $500 of property value. Mortgage tax runs $0.15 per $100 of the loan amount. These taxes go to the state and county, not the city.

Copy fees at the Morgan County Probate Court:

• Regular copies: $0.50 to $1 per page
• Certified copies: $2 to $5 per document
• Online document images: varies by county

Related Property Records

Several offices maintain records that affect Decatur property. The Morgan County Revenue Commissioner handles property tax assessments and bills. The Tax Assessor determines values for taxation purposes.

Check these offices for additional property information:

• Revenue Commissioner: tax bills and payment history
• Tax Assessor: property valuations and appeals
• GIS Office: parcel maps and boundaries
• City Planning: zoning and permits

Property tax liens can affect title to real estate. If you are researching a property, check for unpaid taxes in addition to recorded liens. The Revenue Commissioner's office can provide this information.

Morgan County Property Records

For complete property record information, including contact details, fees, and online access, visit the county page.

Other Major Alabama Cities

These cities also have significant property activity. Each files records with their county Probate Court.