About Randolph County
Randolph County is located in east-central Alabama, sharing its eastern border with the state of Georgia. Established on December 18, 1832, Randolph County was named after John Randolph of Roanoke, a Virginia statesman. Randolph County Seat is Wedowee, which is the primary administrative center for Randolph County's approximately 22,000 residents spread across 581 square miles. Randolph County is characterized by rolling hills, forested areas, and proximity to Lake Wedowee, a popular recreational destination created by the damming of the Little Tallapoosa River.
- Major landmarks include Randolph County Courthouse in Wedowee, built in 1896, and Cheaha State Park at the southern edge, which contains Alabama's highest point at Cheaha Mountain (2,407 feet).
Randolph County is home to several incorporated municipalities including Wedowee, Roanoke, and Wadley. Randolph County's economy historically centered on agriculture and textile manufacturing, with cotton farming and timber production playing significant roles. Key county offices include Randolph County Probate Office located at 1 Court Square in Wedowee, which handles vital records and property recordings; Randolph County Revenue Commissioner's Office, responsible for property tax assessments; and Randolph County Commission, which oversees county government operations.
Randolph County's Appalachian foothills terrain gives Randolph County a distinctive character compared to other Alabama counties, with outdoor recreation, small-town communities, and a blend of agricultural and light industrial economic activities defining Randolph County's identity.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Randolph County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Randolph County's unincorporated areas. The office oversees Randolph County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office works closely with local police departments to ensure full law enforcement coverage across Randolph County.
Police Departments
Randolph County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Randolph County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Roanoke and Wadley. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective area, with the Sheriff's Office covering the unincorporated regions. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of a coordinated approach to law enforcement across Randolph County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Randolph County Sheriff's Office, Alabama 36278, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Randolph County. Inmates housed at Randolph County Detention Facility can be located by contacting the jail directly during business hours or visiting the facility in person.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, though processing times and fees may apply for copies.
- For incident reports and arrest histories, requesters should specify the individual's name, approximate date of arrest, and provide valid identification when making public records requests.
Currently, Randolph County does not offer an online inmate roster, so inquiries must be made by phone or in-person visit. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Roanoke Police Department serving the city of Roanoke, the Wedowee Police Department serving Randolph County Seat, and the Wadley Police Department serving Wadley. Arrest records in Randolph County are considered public records under the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), and citizens may request arrest reports and booking information by submitting a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) also maintains jurisdiction over state highways running through Randolph County. No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within Randolph County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Randolph County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through these agencies, which provide full criminal history information. The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for accessing statewide criminal records, making sure of Randolph County residents have access to pertinent information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Randolph County are maintained by Randolph County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the guidelines set by the Alabama Open Records Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's name.
Jail & Inmate Records
Randolph County Jail, located in Wedowee, is the primary detention facility for Randolph County. The jail handles the booking process for people arrested within Randolph County, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides details on visitation rules and schedules. In Alabama, the bond or bail process allows arrested individuals to be released from custody pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Randolph County are taken and retained by Randolph 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 website or by request. Alabama does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are acquitted. The availability of mugshots is subject to the state's public records policies.
Courts & Case Records
Randolph County's judicial system includes Randolph County Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $3,000, domestic relations matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court is located at Randolph County Courthouse, 1 Court Square, Wedowee, AL 36278, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Randolph County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $6,000, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
- Case searches can be conducted through Alabama's Alacourt system, which provides online access to circuit and district court cases for a fee; users can access this at https://www.alacourt.gov.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- Marriage licenses are issued through the Probate Court, with records available upon request.
Randolph County Probate Court, also located at the courthouse, has jurisdiction over wills, estates, guardianships, name changes, and mental health commitments; phone. Municipal courts operate in Roanoke, Wedowee, and Wadley for violations of city ordinances and traffic offenses within city limits. Court records in Alabama are governed by the Alabama Court Records Rules and the public's right of access under Alabama Code § 12-21-3.
In-person searches are available at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours. Randolph County Circuit Clerk maintains records of all circuit court proceedings, while the District Clerk maintains district court files.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Randolph County are maintained by Randolph County Probate Judge's Office, which is the Register of Deeds, located at 1 Court Square, Wedowee, AL 36278; phone. This office records and maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, subdivision plats, military discharges (DD-214s), and other instruments affecting real property in Randolph County. Recording fees vary based on document type and number of pages. Alabama Code § 12-21-3.1 provides for public access to land records.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Probate Office for a fee of $1.00 per page plus certification charges.
While Randolph County does not currently offer a full online document search system for recorded instruments, interested parties may conduct searches in person at the Probate Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Property tax records and assessments are managed by Randolph County Revenue Commissioner's Office at 90 Main Street, Wedowee, AL 36278; phone. Tax records include property valuations, ownership information, legal descriptions, and payment histories.
The Revenue Commissioner's office maintains parcel data and may provide basic property information by phone or in person. For full title searches, most residents and real estate professionals work with title companies that have access to historical record books. Property transfers, mortgages, and liens become public record upon filing with the Probate Judge's office and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description for search purposes.
Vital Records
Vital records for Randolph County, Alabama, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both Randolph County Probate Court and the Alabama Department of Public Health Center for Health Statistics. Birth certificates for births occurring in Randolph County can be requested from Randolph County Probate Office at 1 Court Square, Wedowee, AL 36278; phone. The fee for a certified birth certificate is typically $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing time for in-person requests is usually same-day, while mail requests may take 2-4 weeks.
- Death certificates are also available through the Probate Office for deaths occurring in Randolph County, with similar fees and processing times.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com for an additional service fee.
- Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest when requesting certified copies.
Marriage licenses are issued by Randolph County Probate Court; Alabama transitioned to a recording system in 2019 where couples submit a completed marriage certificate form without a ceremony requirement. Divorce records (decrees) are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse. For vital records older than several years or when county-level access is unavailable, the Alabama Department of Public Health Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery can fulfill requests; their website is www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords.
Alabama Code § 22-9A-1 et seq. Governs vital records access and confidentiality, restricting access to immediate family members and legal representatives for recent records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Randolph County are handled by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) are filed with Randolph County Probate Judge's Office at 1 Court Square, Wedowee, AL 36278; phone. These filings are public record and can be searched in person at the Probate Office. The filing fee is approximately $10.00 and registrations must be renewed every five years under Alabama Code § 8-12-1.
For business entity formations including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited partnerships, filings are made with the Alabama Secretary of State in Montgomery. The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity database at https://www.sos.alabama.gov where the public can search for registered businesses, view annual reports, and obtain certificate of existence documents. Business licenses and permits at Randolph County level are administered by Randolph County Revenue Commissioner's Office for county business privilege licenses.
Municipalities within Randolph County, including Roanoke and Wedowee, require separate city business licenses which must be obtained from respective city halls. Sales tax permits are issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue. Building permits and zoning compliance are handled by county and municipal planning departments; contact Randolph County Commission for county-level permits.
Professional licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, etc.) are regulated by state boards. Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, serving the broader area, can provide guidance to new businesses; contact information can be found through local economic development resources.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Randolph County, Alabama, are administered by Randolph County Probate Judge's Office, which is the election authority. The office is located at 1 Court Square, Wedowee, AL 36278; phone. Voter registration in Randolph County can be completed in person at the Probate Office during regular business hours, by mail using the Alabama voter registration application, or online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at https://www.alabamainteractive.org/sos/voter_registration. The voter registration deadline in Alabama is 15 days before any election.
- In the 2024 general election, Randolph County, like most rural Alabama counties, experienced turnout rates in the range of 55-62 percent of registered voters, consistent with typical presidential election cycles.
Registered voters in Randolph County can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place using the Alabama Secretary of State's voter information lookup tool at https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov. Randolph County maintains multiple precincts across Randolph County, with polling locations in Wedowee, Roanoke, Wadley, and other communities. Election records that are public under Alabama law include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State, candidate qualifying documents, and official precinct-level election results.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and U.S. Senate races along with Alabama state legislative seats, statewide constitutional offices, and local positions.
Absentee ballots in Randolph County can be requested by submitting an absentee ballot application to the Probate Judge's Office; applications are available on the Alabama Secretary of State website or at the Probate Office. Alabama allows absentee voting for specific reasons including age, illness, work requirements, and being out of Randolph County on election day. The Probate Judge's office provides transparency by maintaining records of election results, voter registration statistics, and absentee ballot applications, which citizens may request under the Alabama Public Records Law.
For questions about voter eligibility, precinct assignments, or absentee voting procedures, contact Randolph County Probate Office directly.
Economy & Demographics
Randolph County's economy reflects a blend of traditional rural industries and evolving economic sectors. Historically dependent on agriculture, particularly cotton, cattle, and poultry farming, Randolph County has maintained a strong agricultural base with forestry and timber production contributing significantly to the local economy. Manufacturing has played an important role, with textile mills historically providing substantial employment, though this sector has declined in recent decades.
- The median household income in Randolph County is estimated at approximately $42,000-$45,000, below the Alabama state average, reflecting the rural character and limited industrial base.
Today, major employers include Randolph County School System, healthcare providers including Tanner Medical Center/Wedowee Hospital, local government entities, and retail establishments. Key economic sectors include agriculture and forestry, education and healthcare services, retail trade, and small-scale manufacturing. Lake Wedowee and proximity to Cheaha State Park support a modest tourism and outdoor recreation economy, with fishing, boating, and hiking attracting visitors.
Randolph County has experienced modest population decline in recent decades as younger residents migrate to larger urban areas for employment opportunities. Unemployment rates typically track slightly above state averages, fluctuating with seasonal agricultural employment. Economic development efforts focus on attracting light manufacturing, supporting small business growth, and using natural amenities for tourism.
Randolph County benefits from its location along Highway 431 and reasonable proximity to larger markets in Anniston and the Atlanta metropolitan area, approximately 90 miles to the east. No major corporate headquarters or large industrial facilities currently operate in Randolph County, though local leaders continue pursuing diversification strategies.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (via Alacourt) | Property: Limited: In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail/VitalChek | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 6/10, Randolph County provides moderate access to public records, with court and business searches available online through state systems, but local property and arrest records requiring in-person or phone inquiries.