Jefferson County Property Records

Property records in Jefferson County are kept at the Probate Court in Birmingham. This is the most populous county in Alabama with over 674,000 residents. The Probate Court operates two divisions serving the county. Birmingham handles the eastern portion while Bessemer covers the south and west. Jefferson County launched the Landmark WEB system, now used by other Alabama counties. Records date back to the county's formation in 1819. The system lets you search indexes free of charge. Document images cost $2 per page for registered users. Jefferson County accepts e-recording through Simplifile, ePN, and CSC.

Jefferson County Probate Court

The Judge of Probate maintains all property records for Jefferson County. Two distinct divisions serve different parts of the county. Where you go depends on where the property sits.

The Birmingham Division covers the northern and central parts of the county. This includes Birmingham, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, and Trussville. Most property transactions in Jefferson County go through this office. The building is in downtown Birmingham at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd.

The Bessemer Division handles the southern and western areas. This takes in Bessemer, Hueytown, Pleasant Grove, and Fairfield. Both divisions maintain separate record books and indexes. The online system combines records from both divisions.

How to Search Jefferson County Property Records

You can search property records in Jefferson County online or in person. Each method has its uses. Online works best for quick searches. In-person visits help when you need certified copies right away.

Landmark WEB is the online portal for Jefferson County records. Visit landmarkweb.jccal.org to start. Create a free account first. Search by owner name, property address, or document type. Index results show up at no charge. You see the document type, date, book and page, and party names.

Document images require payment. Registered users pay $2 per page by credit card. Subscribers can buy monthly access plans for lower rates. The system includes deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and releases.

Birmingham Division online records go back to:

• Index: 1987 to present
• Images: 1993 to present

Bessemer Division online records go back to:

• Index: 1965 to present
• Images: 1965 to present

Visit the Records Room in person for older documents or immediate certified copies. The Birmingham office is in Room 400. Staff maintain public computer terminals for searching. Bring the property address or owner name. Records personnel can help you find what you need.

Jefferson County Property Recording Fees

Recording fees in Jefferson County follow a schedule set in 2012. These apply at both Birmingham and Bessemer divisions.

The main recording fees are:

• First page recording: $16
• Each additional page: $3
• Names beyond two grantors or grantees: $1 each
• Plat recording: $15 per page

Transfer taxes add to the cost of recording deeds and mortgages. Deed tax runs $0.50 per $500 of property value. Mortgage tax equals $0.15 per $100 of the loan amount. Two-thirds goes to the state. One-third stays with Jefferson County.

Copy fees at the courthouse:

• Regular copies: $1 per page
• Self-service copies: $0.50 per page
• Certified copies: $5 for first three pages plus $0.50 each additional

Online through Landmark WEB, registered users pay $2 per page for document images. Call the Records Room at (205) 325-5512 to check current fees before you visit.

What Jefferson County Property Records Show

Property records in Jefferson County include many types of documents. Each serves a different purpose. Understanding what they contain helps you find the right record.

Deeds transfer ownership of real property. A warranty deed gives the buyer guarantees about the title. A quitclaim deed passes whatever interest the seller has with no promises. All deeds must state the grantor's marital status per Alabama Code Section 35-4-73.

Mortgages and deeds of trust secure loans against property. These show the borrower, lender, loan amount, and property description. When the loan is paid off, a release or satisfaction is recorded.

Other recorded documents include:

• Liens for unpaid taxes, judgments, or contractor work
• Plats showing lot boundaries and measurements
• Easements granting rights to use property
• Powers of attorney for property transactions
• UCC filings for secured debts

Property records are public in Alabama. Code Section 35-4-60 guarantees access to record books during business hours. Anyone can view or copy them. You do not need to be a party to the transaction.

E-Recording in Jefferson County

Jefferson County pioneered electronic recording in Alabama. E-recording lets you submit documents online instead of mailing or visiting the courthouse. This speeds up the process.

Documents typically record within one to two business days. That compares to several days for mail submissions. Title companies and attorneys use e-recording for most transactions now.

Approved e-recording vendors for Jefferson County:

• Simplifile
• ePN (Electronic Processing Network)
• CSC (Corporation Service Company)

Each vendor has its own fee structure on top of county recording fees. Contact the vendor directly for pricing. The Probate Court website has links to each platform.

Related Records in Jefferson County

Other offices keep records that relate to property in Jefferson County. The Revenue Commissioner handles tax assessments. They set property values for taxation each year. Visit jccal.org/revenue for tax records and payment info.

The Tax Assessor maintains maps and property characteristics. Use their GIS system to view parcel boundaries and ownership info. This helps when you need to identify a property before searching deed records.

For property change alerts, sign up for the Fraud Alert system through the Probate Court. You get email notices when documents record under your name. This helps catch unauthorized recordings early.

Cities in Jefferson County

Jefferson County has over 35 cities and towns. All record property documents at the Jefferson County Probate Court. Which division you use depends on where the property sits in the county.

Other cities include Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Bessemer, Trussville, Gardendale, Center Point, Hueytown, and Irondale.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Jefferson County. Check which county your property is in before searching. The county line may run through some areas.