Morgan County

Morgan County, Alabama, is located in the northern part of the state along the Tennessee River, including approximately 598 square miles. Morgan County seat is Decatur, which is the primary municipal center and hosts most county government offices. Established in 1818 and named after Revolutionary War general Daniel Morgan, Morgan County has a population of approximately 123,742 residents according to recent census estimates. Morgan County is characterized by its position in the Tennessee Valley, with the Tennessee River forming a significant geographic feature that has shaped both its economy and development. Major landmarks include Point Mallard Park, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (one of the oldest national wildlife refuges in the nation), and the historic Old State Bank building in Decatur. Morgan County is home to several municipalities including Decatur, Hartselle, Falkville, Somerville, and Trinity. Morgan County Commission oversees county governance, with offices located at Morgan County Courthouse at 302 Lee Street NE in Decatur. Morgan County Recorder's Office, managed by the Judge of Probate, handles land records and is situated in the courthouse complex. Morgan County Revenue Commissioner is the tax assessor and collector, with offices at 302 Lee Street NE, Suite 11. Morgan County Clerk functions are performed through the Circuit Clerk's office. Morgan County's strategic location along Interstate 65 and the Tennessee River has made it an important industrial and transportation hub in North Alabama, with a rich history spanning from Native American occupation through Civil War significance to modern manufacturing prominence.

The Morgan County Courthouse serves Morgan County and is located at 302 Lee Street NE in Decatur. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Alabama online court portal.

The Morgan County Courthouse, located at 302 Lee Street NE in Decatur, houses the Circuit Court, which manages civil, criminal, family, and probate cases.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, though some agencies accept in-person or online requests.
• Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documents.

Jail & Inmate Records

• Court records in Morgan County can be searched through the Alabama Judicial System's online portal, Alacourt.com, which provides case information for a fee of $25 per month or individual case searches.
• The Circuit Clerk's Office maintains physical records and provides in-person searches at no charge, though certified copies require fees typically ranging from $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.

• Real Property Data, a third-party vendor, provides digital access to scanned land records with subscription options for occasional users and title professionals.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Probate Office for a fee of $1.00 per page for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus an additional certification fee if required.

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, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $6.00 each.
• Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and same-day for in-person applications at the state office.
• Death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously.
• The Alabama Department of Public Health offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords, with additional convenience fees for expedited processing and credit card payments.
• The fee is $74.00 and the process typically takes one visit with no waiting period, though both parties must present valid government-issued photo identification.

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

• The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.alabama.gov/BusinessServices where citizens can look up business entity information, registered agents, formation dates, and status at no charge.