About Dallas County
Dallas County is located in the west-central region of Alabama, part of the state's Black Belt. Dallas County Seat is Selma, a city with profound historical significance in the American Civil Rights Movement. Dallas County was established on February 9, 1818, and named after Alexander J. Dallas, who served as United States Secretary of the Treasury. Dallas County includes approximately 980 square miles and has a population of approximately 38,462 residents according to recent estimates.
Dallas County is bordered by the Alabama River and includes portions of the fertile Black Belt prairie region, historically known for cotton production. Major landmarks include the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, site of the 1965 Bloody Sunday march, which is now a National Historic Landmark. Dallas County is also home to Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, the site of Alabama's first permanent state capital from 1820 to 1826.
Public records in Dallas County are maintained by several key offices: Dallas County Probate Office located at 105 Lauderdale Street in Selma handles vital records, marriage licenses, and probate matters; Dallas County Revenue Commissioner's Office manages property tax assessments; Dallas County Circuit Clerk's Office at 105 Lauderdale Street maintains court records; and the Judge of Probate serves as Dallas County's chief recordkeeper for land records. Dallas County's economy has historically been tied to agriculture, manufacturing, and more recently, heritage tourism related to its civil rights history.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Dallas County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Dallas County. This office oversees the operation of Dallas County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also runs various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety. The office has divisions dedicated to investigations, patrol, and community outreach, making sure of full law enforcement coverage throughout Dallas County.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Dallas County is provided by Dallas County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within Dallas County. The Selma Police Department serves the city of Selma, handling local law enforcement duties within city limits. Other municipalities, such as Valley Grande, may have their own police departments or rely on the Sheriff's Office for policing services. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives to ensure full coverage and response throughout Dallas County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Dallas County, Alabama is primarily provided by Dallas County Sheriff's Office, located at 102 Lauderdale Street, Selma, AL 36701. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains jurisdiction throughout the unincorporated areas of Dallas County as well as providing court security and operating Dallas County Jail. The current detention facility houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses. Inmate lookup information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at or visiting the facility during business hours.
- To request arrest records, citizens may submit written requests to Dallas County Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and booking photographs.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Selma Police Department, which serves the city of Selma and can be reached for Smaller municipalities within Dallas County may have their own police departments or contract with the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services. Arrest records in Dallas County are considered public records under the Alabama Public Records Law, specifically Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, which establishes the right of citizens to inspect and copy public writings. Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through the arresting agency, though some information may be restricted if related to ongoing investigations or juvenile offenders.
Dallas County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs that can be inspected during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. No tribal police jurisdictions operate within Dallas County, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in Dallas County of Alabama.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Dallas County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Dallas County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Alabama Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which offers statewide criminal history information.
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about offenders in their area.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Dallas County are maintained by Dallas County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, often requiring a formal request under the Alabama Open Records Act. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency, providing a summary of the incident.
Jail & Inmate Records
Dallas County Jail, located in Selma, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Dallas County. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance.
- The bond and bail process in Alabama allows for the release of detainees through cash bonds or bail bondsmen, with specific procedures outlined by Dallas County.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Dallas County are taken and retained by Dallas County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or third-party websites that aggregate such data. Alabama does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, so these images remain accessible unless otherwise ordered by a court. Residents seeking mugshots can often find them through online databases or by direct request to the Sheriff's Office.
Courts & Case Records
Dallas County court system consists of several judicial bodies. Dallas County Circuit Court, located at 105 Lauderdale Street, Selma, AL 36701, handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorce and family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk's Office can be reached at and maintains all circuit court records. Dallas County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases under $10,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
- As of the most recent information available, Dallas County does not offer full online case lookup through a dedicated portal, requiring in-person or written requests for most court record searches.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Alabama statute, typically $1.00 per page for copies plus a certification fee.
- Case information may also be obtained by written request with proper identification and payment of applicable fees.
Dallas County Probate Court, also located at 105 Lauderdale Street, has jurisdiction over estates, wills, guardianships, adoptions, mental health commitments, and issues marriage licenses. The Probate Judge can be reached for Municipal courts in Selma and other incorporated municipalities handle city ordinance violations and minor traffic offenses. Court records in Dallas County are governed by Alabama's public records laws and court rules.
Under Code of Alabama § 12-21-3, court records are generally open to public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. The Circuit Clerk's Office maintains an index of all civil and criminal cases filed in circuit court. To search court records, citizens may visit the Circuit Clerk's Office in person during regular business hours.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Dallas County, Alabama are maintained by Dallas County Judge of Probate, who is the chief land records officer. The Probate Office is located at 105 Lauderdale Street, Suite 19, Selma, AL 36701, and can be reached for The office maintains deed records, mortgages, liens, judgments, plat maps, right-of-way documents, easements, and other instruments affecting real property in Dallas County. These records date back to Dallas County's founding in 1818, with some early records affected by a courthouse fire but most preserved.
- Copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee, generally $1.00 per page, with an additional recording certification fee if needed.
- Dallas County offers limited online property information through the Alabama Department of Revenue's property tax portal, though full GIS or parcel viewer systems may not be fully available online.
- Certified copies of deeds and other land records require written requests or in-person visits with proper identification.
- The recording fee for new documents varies by document type and number of pages, as established by Alabama Code § 12-19-90.
The Probate Office indexes land records by grantor, grantee, and legal description. To search land records, citizens may visit the office in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Staff can assist with locating specific documents using the grantor-grantee index or legal descriptions.
Property tax records are maintained separately by Dallas County Revenue Commissioner's Office, located at 102 Lauderdale Street, Selma, AL 36701, phone. The Revenue Commissioner maintains property tax assessment rolls, payment records, and ownership information for tax purposes.
Vital Records
Vital records for Dallas County, Alabama are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Dallas County may be obtained through Dallas County Health Department or the Alabama Department of Public Health's Center for Health Statistics. For recent vital records (within the last 25 years), requests are typically directed to the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625, phone.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $15.00, and for a death certificate is $15.00, with additional copies available at reduced rates.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
Applicants must complete the appropriate application form and provide valid government-issued photo identification. Only eligible persons as defined by Alabama law may obtain certified copies, including the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives. Marriage licenses in Dallas County are issued by Dallas County Probate Court, located at 105 Lauderdale Street, Selma, AL 36701, phone.
As of August 29, 2019, Alabama no longer issues traditional marriage licenses; instead, couples submit a marriage certificate form and pay a recording fee of approximately $74.00 to $82.00, which the Probate Judge records. No ceremony, witnesses, or waiting period is required under the new law. Divorce records are maintained by Dallas County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 105 Lauderdale Street, phone, as divorce cases are filed and adjudicated in circuit court.
Alabama vital records law is codified in Code of Alabama § 22-9A-1 et seq, which governs the registration, amendment, and disclosure of vital records throughout the state.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Dallas County, Alabama are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. Dallas County Probate Court maintains records of assumed business names (DBAs) and trade names filed at Dallas County level. Business owners operating under a name other than their legal name must file a Trade Name Registration with the Probate Judge's Office at 105 Lauderdale Street, Selma, AL 36701, phone. The filing fee is established by Alabama statute and must be renewed periodically.
- The Secretary of State provides a free online business entity database at https://www.sos.alabama.gov where citizens can search for registered businesses, view formation dates, registered agents, and status information.
- The Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, located in Selma, provides networking and business support services and can be reached through local business directories.
For formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered entities, records are maintained by the Alabama Secretary of State's Office in Montgomery. Professional and occupational licenses are typically issued by state-level boards and commissions rather than county offices. Sales tax permits are issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue and can be researched through state databases.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Dallas County are handled by Dallas County Commission or Planning Department, while permits within Selma and other municipalities are issued by respective city governments. The Selma-Dallas County Economic Development Authority promotes business development in Dallas County and can be a resource for entrepreneurs. Local business licenses may be required by the City of Selma or other municipalities for businesses operating within city limits; these are typically obtained from city clerk offices.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Dallas County, Alabama are administered by Dallas County Board of Registrars and Dallas County Probate Judge, who is the chief election official. The Board of Registrars office is located at 105 Lauderdale Street, Selma, AL 36701, and can be reached for Voter registration in Dallas County is available to U.S. Citizens who are at least 18 years old by election day, residents of Alabama and Dallas County, and who have not been convicted of a disqualifying felony or adjudicated mentally incompetent.
- The deadline to register to vote is 15 days before any election.
- Voters may also register in person at the Board of Registrars office, the Probate Office, or at various state agencies including driver's license offices.
- In the 2024 general election, Dallas County experienced voter turnout of approximately 52-56% of registered voters, which is typical for presidential election years in Alabama's Black Belt counties.
- Alabama law, specifically Code of Alabama § 17-1-1 et seq, governs elections and provides for public access to certain election records while protecting voter privacy.
- Citizens may request election-related public records by contacting the Board of Registrars or Probate Office during regular business hours.
Alabama offers online voter registration through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at https://www.alabamainteractive.org/sos/voter_registration/voterRegistration.action. To find your polling place in Dallas County, voters can contact the Board of Registrars, check their voter registration card, or use the polling place locator on the Alabama Secretary of State's website. Dallas County typically operates multiple voting precincts throughout Dallas County on election day.
Absentee voting is available for Alabama voters who meet specific criteria, including being out of Dallas County on election day, having a physical illness or infirmity, working a required shift, being a student or military member, or being a caregiver. Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from Dallas County Absentee Election Manager at the Probate Office, phone, or downloaded from the Secretary of State's website. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the Thursday before the election, and completed ballots must be received by the close of polls on election day.
Election records that are public in Dallas County include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted under federal law), campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State, candidate qualifying documents, and precinct-level election results. Dallas County has a significant history in voting rights, being the site of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The next major election is November 3, 2026, which will include midterm elections for U.S.
House of Representatives, one U.S. Senate seat, Alabama statewide offices including Governor, and state legislative seats.
Economy & Demographics
Dallas County's economy has undergone significant transformation from its historical agricultural base. Dallas County's economy was traditionally anchored by cotton production and agriculture during the antebellum and post-Civil War periods, taking advantage of the fertile Black Belt soil. Today, the economy is more diversified, though it faces challenges common to rural Alabama counties. Major employment sectors include healthcare, education, manufacturing, retail trade, and government services.
- Census estimates, the median household income in Dallas County is approximately $31,000 to $34,000, which is below both the state and national averages, reflecting economic challenges in Dallas County.
The Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma is one of the largest employers in Dallas County, providing healthcare services to Dallas County. Education is another significant sector, with Dallas County Schools and higher education institutions including Wallace Community College Selma campus providing both employment and workforce development. Manufacturing continues to matter, with several industrial facilities operating in and around Selma.
According to recent U.S. The unemployment rate in Dallas County has historically been higher than state averages, though it fluctuates with economic conditions. Tourism has emerged as an important economic sector, driven by Dallas County's significant role in Civil Rights history.
The National Voting Rights Museum, the Selma Interpretive Center, Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, and events commemorating the Selma to Montgomery marches attract thousands of visitors annually. Economic development efforts have focused on leveraging historical tourism, improving infrastructure, attracting new industry, and supporting small business development. The Selma-Dallas County Economic Development Authority works to recruit new businesses and support existing employers.
Ongoing challenges include population decline, infrastructure needs, and workforce development, while opportunities exist in heritage tourism expansion and strategic location along major transportation corridors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person Required | Property: Limited: Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Limited: Mixed Access | Overall Score: 4/10 — Dallas County has limited digital public records access, with most requests requiring in-person visits or phone contact, though state-level databases supplement local access.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Dallas County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Dallas County, Alabama.