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 37,536 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
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and booking photographs.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
- The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about offenders in their area.
Jail & Inmate Records
- 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.
Courts & Case Records
- 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.
Property & Public Records
Property records for Dallas County, Alabama are maintained by the Dallas County Probate Judge. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Dallas County.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- 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.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- 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.