About Bibb County
Bibb County, Alabama is located in the central part of the state, approximately 50 miles south of Birmingham. Established on February 7, 1818, Bibb County was named after William Wyatt Bibb, the first governor of Alabama and a physician from Georgia. Bibb County Seat is Centreville, which is the administrative and governmental hub for Bibb County's approximately 22,000 residents spread across 626 square miles.
Bibb County is characterized by rolling hills, pine forests, and portions of the Cahaba River, which forms Bibb County's eastern boundary and is recognized as one of the most biodiverse river systems in North America. Bibb County maintains a rural character with forestry, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing forming the economic backbone. Key government offices serving residents include Bibb County Probate Office located at 8 Court Square West in Centreville, Bibb County Revenue Commissioner's Office for property tax matters, Bibb County Judge of Probate who handles vital records and probate matters, and Bibb County Commission which oversees county administration.
Bibb County Courthouse, a historic structure in downtown Centreville, houses multiple county offices including the Circuit Clerk and District Court. Bibb County is home to several unincorporated communities including Brent, Woodstock, West Blocton, and Centreville itself, which was incorporated in 1832. Bibb County's history includes significant coal mining operations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Bibb County played a role in Alabama's industrial development during this period.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Bibb County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Bibb County's unincorporated areas. It oversees Bibb County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing and crime prevention programs. The Sheriff's Office is key to coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety across Bibb County.
Police Departments
In addition to Bibb County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Bibb County includes the Centreville Police Department and the Brent Police Department. These municipal departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits. They work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Bibb County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, located at 1299 Highway 5 in Brent, Alabama 35034, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Bibb County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and operates Bibb County Jail, which houses inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences. Citizens can request inmate information by contacting the jail directly during business hours, though Bibb County does not currently maintain a full online inmate search portal.
- To obtain arrest records, citizens must submit a written request to Bibb County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department, specifying the name and approximate date of arrest.
- There may be a reasonable copying fee charged for paper records.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office, though they may not be posted online routinely.
- Processing times for public records requests vary but agencies must respond within a reasonable timeframe.
- Bibb County Sheriff's Office also provides civil process service, operates patrol divisions, and maintains a criminal investigations division.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Bibb County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. Bibb County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Alabama Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The process ensures that individuals and organizations can access necessary information for security and employment purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Bibb County are maintained by Bibb County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Alabama Open Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Bibb County Jail, located in Centreville, handles the detention of individuals arrested within Bibb County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available for the public to find current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance. The bond and bail process follows Alabama state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Bibb County are taken and stored by Bibb County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Alabama does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances if the charges are dropped or expunged.
Courts & Case Records
Bibb County judicial system includes Bibb County Circuit Court, which has general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, located at 8 Court Square West, Centreville, AL 35042. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $3,000 in dispute, divorces, adoptions, and appeals from lower courts. Bibb County District Court, also located at Bibb County courthouse, has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $10,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
- The Alabama Judicial System operates the Alabama Court Records Online Search (ALACOURT) system, though access requires registration and fees.
- The Circuit Clerk charges fees for certified copies typically ranging from $1 to $2 per page plus a certification fee.
- Case information may also be obtained by written request to the Circuit Clerk, specifying the case number or party names.
Bibb County Probate Court, presided over by the Judge of Probate, handles estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, and vehicle title transfers. The Probate Court can be reached for Municipal courts operate in Centreville, West Blocton, and Brent, handling city ordinance violations and traffic matters within city limits. Court records in Alabama are governed by Alabama Code Section 12-21-3 and Alabama Court Rules, which generally make court records public except for sealed or confidential cases.
Citizens may search case records in person at Bibb County Circuit Clerk's office at 8 Court Square West, or by calling. Land records, liens, and judgments are recorded with the Judge of Probate.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Bibb County, Alabama are maintained by Bibb County Judge of Probate, who is the recording officer for deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, easements, and other real property instruments. The Probate Office is located at 8 Court Square West, Centreville, AL 35042, and can be reached for The office maintains an extensive collection of land records dating back to Bibb County's establishment in 1818, with indices organized by grantor, grantee, and legal description.
- Recording fees vary by document type but generally include a base fee plus per-page charges as established by Alabama statute.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Probate Office for a statutory fee, typically $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
- Citizens requesting copies should provide specific information such as the book and page number, or the names of parties involved and approximate date of recording.
Citizens may search land records in person during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Bibb County does not currently offer a full online land records search system, though property ownership information may be available through third-party vendors. For property tax information, citizens should contact Bibb County Revenue Commissioner's Office at 54 Court Square East, Centreville, AL 35042, or call.
The Revenue Commissioner maintains property tax records, parcel identification numbers, assessed values, and payment history. Property tax maps and assessment information can be viewed at the Revenue Commissioner's office. UCC financing statements, federal tax liens, and judgment liens are also recorded with the Probate Office.
Vital Records
Vital records for Bibb County, Alabama are maintained at both Bibb County and state level. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Bibb County can be requested from Bibb County Health Department or the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, located at 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Montgomery, AL 36104. The state vital records office can be reached for Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies.
- Certified copies are typically processed within 2-3 weeks for mail requests, though in-person requests at the state office may be available the same day.
- The fee is approximately $74.
- Online ordering for Alabama vital records is available through the state's vendor VitalChek at vitalchek.com, though convenience fees apply.
Alabama vital records law, codified at Alabama Code Title 22, Chapter 9A, restricts access to birth and death certificates to eligible individuals including the registrant (for birth certificates), family members, legal representatives, and parties with a direct and tangible interest. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and complete an application form. Marriage licenses in Bibb County are issued by Bibb County Probate Court at 8 Court Square West, Centreville, AL 35042, phone.
As of January 1, 2019, Alabama eliminated traditional marriage licenses and instead issues marriage certificates that do not require a ceremony or witnesses; couples simply file a notarized marriage certificate form with the Probate Court. Divorce records are maintained by Bibb County Circuit Clerk's office where the divorce was granted. Birth records are restricted for 125 years and death records for 25 years under Alabama law.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Bibb County, Alabama are maintained by several entities depending on the type of business activity. Bibb County Probate Court is the recording office for assumed name (DBA - Doing Business As) certificates and trade name registrations for businesses operating in Bibb County. These filings cost approximately $10 and must be renewed every five years.
- Contractors working in Bibb County may need to register with both county and municipal authorities depending on project location.
Business entities such as corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional associations must register with the Alabama Secretary of State, Business Services Division, located at 770 Washington Avenue, Suite 570, Montgomery, AL 36130. The Secretary of State maintains an online Business Entity Search at arc-sos.state.al.us/cgi/corpname.mbr which allows free searching of all business entities registered in Alabama, including filing status, registered agent, formation date, and business address. Sales tax permits are issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue and can be obtained through the My Alabama Taxes (MAT) online portal.
Professional and occupational licenses are typically regulated by state boards such as the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, State Bar of Alabama, or other professional licensing bodies. Building permits and zoning compliance in unincorporated Bibb County are handled by Bibb County Building Inspector and Planning & Zoning Department, which can be reached through Bibb County Commission office for Municipalities within Bibb County issue their own business licenses and building permits within city limits. Bibb County Chamber of Commerce, while not a government agency, can provide information about local business development and is a resource for businesses locating in Bibb County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Bibb County, Alabama are administered by Bibb County Board of Registrars and Bibb County Probate Judge's Office, located at 8 Court Square West, Centreville, AL 35042. The Probate Office can be reached for voter registration and election information. Voter registration in Alabama is available online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at AlabamaVotes.gov, by mail using a paper application, or in person at Bibb County Probate Office. The voter registration deadline is 15 days prior to any election. Alabama does not offer same-day voter registration.
- Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to Bibb County Absentee Election Manager at the Probate Office, with applications available online at the Secretary of State's website.
- Citizens may request copies of election records by contacting the Probate Office during regular business hours.
- Alabama law provides broad public access to election records under the Open Records Act, though voter registration information has specific restrictions on use to prevent commercial exploitation.
Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by visiting the Alabama Secretary of State's voter information portal at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov or by contacting the Probate Office. Bibb County operates multiple polling locations throughout Bibb County on election day, with locations published prior to each election. Absentee voting in Alabama is available to voters who meet specific criteria including being out of Bibb County on election day, having a physical illness or infirmity, working a required shift, or being appointed as an election officer.
The deadline for absentee ballot applications is typically five days before the election for regular absentee, or one day before for emergency applications. Public election records in Bibb County include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under Alabama Code 17-4-20), campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State, candidate qualifying documents, and precinct-level election results. In the 2024 general election, Bibb County voter turnout was approximately 60-65%, consistent with turnout patterns in rural Alabama counties.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate races, Alabama statewide constitutional offices, state legislature seats, and local county offices.
Election results are posted at Bibb County courthouse and reported to the Alabama Secretary of State for publication on the state elections website.
Economy & Demographics
Bibb County, Alabama's economy is primarily driven by forestry, agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries, reflecting its rural character and proximity to the Birmingham metropolitan area. The median household income in Bibb County is approximately $48,000, somewhat below the Alabama state average. Major employers include International Paper, which operates facilities in Bibb County, along with various timber and forestry-related businesses that capitalize on Bibb County's extensive pine forests.
- Highway 5 and State Highway 25 provides transportation access to Birmingham and Tuscaloosa markets.
Agriculture remains significant with cattle farming, poultry production, and row crops providing employment and economic activity. Bibb County has historically been associated with coal mining, particularly in the northern portions near West Blocton, though mining activity has declined significantly since its peak in the early 20th century. Manufacturing facilities in Bibb County produce wood products, metal fabrication, and automotive components for Bibb Countyal supply chain.
Retail and service sector employment is concentrated in Centreville and along Highway 5 corridors. The unemployment rate in Bibb County typically tracks slightly above the state average, ranging between 3-5% in recent years depending on economic conditions. Economic development efforts are coordinated through Bibb County Commission and regional partnerships with the Central Alabama Partnership for Training and Employment (CAPTE).
Bibb County's location along U.S. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on industrial site development, broadband expansion to underserved areas, and small business development. Tourism related to outdoor recreation, particularly along the Cahaba River, contributes modestly to the local economy.
Property tax revenues from timberland and residential properties form a significant portion of county government revenue.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/ALACOURT | Property: Limited: In-Person Only | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail | Business: Yes: State Online (DBA In-Person) | Elections: Yes: State Online Portal | Overall Score: 5/10 — Bibb County relies heavily on in-person access for most records, though state-level systems provide some online access for business and voter information.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Bibb County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Bibb County, Alabama.