Autauga County

Autauga County is located in the central portion of Alabama, approximately 20 miles northwest of Montgomery, the state capital. Established on November 21, 1818, Autauga County holds the distinction of being the first county organized by act of the Alabama Territorial Legislature. Autauga County seat is Prattville, a growing city that is the administrative and commercial hub of Autauga County. Autauga County includes approximately 604 square miles and has a population estimated at around 58,000 residents as of recent census data. Autauga County is bounded by the Alabama River on its southern and western borders, providing scenic scenes and historical significance. Major landmarks include the Daniel Pratt Historic District in Prattville, Autauga County Heritage Center, and several Civil War historical sites. Autauga County's name derives from the Creek Indian word 'Atagi,' meaning 'land of plenty.' Key government agencies serving the public include Autauga County Probate Office located at 176 West 5th Street in Prattville, which handles vital records and marriage licenses; Autauga County Revenue Commissioner's Office at the same address managing property tax assessments and collections; Autauga County Circuit Clerk at 135 North Court Street handling court records; and the Judge of Probate who serves functions similar to a County Recorder for deed recordings. Autauga County has experienced significant growth due to its proximity to Montgomery and the presence of major industrial employers, transitioning from primarily agricultural roots to a mixed economy featuring manufacturing, retail, and service sectors.

The Autauga County Court serves Autauga County, Alabama and handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The courthouse is located at 134 North Court Street in Prattville. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Alabama online court portal.

The Autauga County Circuit Court, located at 134 North Court Street in Prattville, handles a wide array of cases, from civil and criminal matters to probate issues like wills and guardianships.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
• Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office website or by in-person request at the detention facility.
• Processing fees may apply for copies of records.
• Alabama law requires law enforcement agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe, though specific response deadlines are not statutorily mandated.
• For recent arrests and active warrants, the Sheriff's Office maintains updated information, and requesters should provide as much identifying information as possible, including full name and date of birth.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Alabama allows for the release of inmates under certain conditions, and information on this process can be obtained from the jail administration.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• Autauga County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases under $10,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
• The Alabama Judicial System offers Alacourt.com, a statewide online case search system requiring user registration and charging per-search fees.
• Certified copies of court documents are available for statutory fees, typically $1.00 per page plus certification fees.

• Online access to property deed records is available through the Probate Office website, though access may require registration or subscription fees through third-party vendors.
• Citizens can search property tax records online through the Revenue Commissioner's website, typically at no charge, to find current tax assessments, payment history, and property characteristics.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Probate Office for statutory fees, currently $1.00 per page for copies plus recording fees.
• When requesting records, providing the property address, parcel number, or the names of grantors and grantees handles efficient searches.
• Recording fees for new documents vary based on the number of pages and document type.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• The state office is located at 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Montgomery, AL 36104, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
• Death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for additional copies.
• Eligible requesters include the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, and immediate family members.
• Processing time for vital records typically ranges from two to four weeks for mail requests, though in-person requests at Autauga County Probate Court may be processed more quickly if records are immediately available.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Autauga County Probate Court, with couples required to pay a fee and provide identification.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Sales tax permits are obtained through the Alabama Department of Revenue, which requires all businesses selling tangible goods to register and collect state and county sales taxes.
• Autauga County Chamber of Commerce, located in Prattville, provides resources for business development and maintains a directory of local businesses at autaugachamber.com.