Cherokee County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Cherokee County in 2026
CherokeeCountyRecords.org aggregates publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Cherokee County, Alabama. Members of the public seeking official documentation may find references to court filings, property transactions, vital statistics, and other government-generated records through this resource. The categories of records that may be accessible include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Tax and assessment records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
Records in Cherokee County may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Access: The Cherokee County Circuit Court provides online access to court case information through the Alabama Alacourt system. The Alabama Secretary of State's office maintains an online portal for business entity records. Property records and deed indexes are accessible through the Cherokee County Probate Office's online resources.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Cherokee County Probate Office or the Circuit Clerk's Office to inspect records at public access terminals during regular business hours. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and be prepared to complete a written request form if required by the custodial office.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a specific description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, custodians are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time.
Phone/Email:
- Cherokee County Probate Office: (256) 927-3668 | probateoffice@cherokeecounty-al.gov
- Cherokee County Circuit Clerk: (256) 927-3668 (main county line)
What Are Public Records in Cherokee County?
Public records in Cherokee County are defined under Alabama Code § 36-12-40 as all written, typed, or printed books, papers, letters, documents, and maps made or received in pursuance of law by any public officer in the transaction of public business. The following record types are currently maintained by county agencies:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Circuit Clerk's Office |
| Probate and estate records | Cherokee County Probate Office |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Probate Office (Recording Division) |
| Birth and death certificates | Cherokee County Health Department |
| Marriage licenses | Probate Office |
| Divorce decrees | Circuit Clerk's Office |
| Business licenses and permits | County Commission / Probate Office |
| Property tax and assessment records | Cherokee County Tax Assessor |
| Voting and election records | Probate Office (Board of Registrars) |
| County commission minutes and budgets | Cherokee County Commission |
| Law enforcement records | Cherokee County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Commission / Planning Department |
The Cherokee County Circuit Court maintains civil, criminal, domestic relations, and juvenile court records for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Vital records, including birth and death certificates, are administered through the Cherokee County Health Department's vital records division in coordination with the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Is Cherokee County an Open Records County?
Cherokee County operates in full compliance with Alabama's open records law. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute. The Alabama Open Records Law establishes a presumption of openness for all government records, placing the burden on the custodial agency to demonstrate that a specific statutory exemption applies before withholding any document.
As the Alabama Attorney General's office has noted, "The Alabama Open Records Law reflects the Legislature's recognition that citizens have a fundamental right to know how their government operates." County offices in Cherokee County are required to make non-exempt records available for public inspection during regular business hours without requiring requestors to state a reason for their request.
The Cherokee County Commission and all subordinate offices adhere to Alabama's Sunshine Law, which governs open meetings and public access to governmental proceedings. No county-specific ordinance currently restricts access beyond the limitations established by state statute.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Cherokee County?
The current fee structure for public records in Cherokee County is governed by state law and individual office schedules. Standard fees applicable at the time of a request include:
- Document copies: $0.25 to $1.00 per page, depending on the custodial office and document type
- Certified copies: Fees vary by record type; certified copies of court documents are subject to fees set by the Alabama Supreme Court's uniform fee schedule
- Deed and instrument copies: The Cherokee County Probate Office charges per-page fees for reproductions of recorded instruments
- Vital records (birth/death certificates): The Alabama Department of Public Health charges a standard fee per certified copy, currently set at $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously
- Electronic format: Some offices provide electronic copies at the same per-page rate as paper copies; no additional surcharge is applied solely for digital delivery
- Search fees: Alabama law does not authorize custodians to charge a separate search fee for locating records; fees are limited to actual reproduction costs
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective office. Credit and debit card acceptance varies by department. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for records sought in connection with certain legal proceedings, subject to the discretion of the custodial officer.
Does Cherokee County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Cherokee County. Alabama law requires custodial offices to permit any citizen to inspect public writings during regular business hours at no charge; fees apply only when the requestor requests physical or electronic copies.
The following resources provide free access to public records:
- Cherokee County Circuit Court online portal: Case index information and docket entries are accessible at no cost through the Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama online system
- Probate Office public terminals: In-person inspection of deed indexes, recorded instruments, and probate filings is available at no charge at the Probate Office's public access terminal during business hours
- Alabama Department of Public Health: General vital records information and index data for Cherokee County are accessible through the Cherokee County Health Department vital records page at no cost; fees apply only for certified copies
- Alabama Secretary of State: Business entity records and UCC filings are searchable at no charge through the Secretary of State's online portal
- Cherokee County Commission: Meeting minutes, agendas, and budget documents are posted on the county's official website and are available for free inspection
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: members of the public have an unconditional right to inspect non-exempt records without charge, but reproduction of those records is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Cherokee County?
Any person may request public records in Cherokee County. Under Alabama's open records statute, the right of inspection extends to every citizen of the state, and courts have interpreted this provision broadly to include non-residents and legal entities such as corporations and nonprofit organizations. Requestors are not required to:
- Establish Alabama residency
- Provide government-issued identification (except where required for access to restricted record categories)
- State the purpose of the request
- Demonstrate a personal interest in the records sought
Certain record categories impose additional eligibility requirements. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are subject to access restrictions under Alabama law; certified copies are available to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a demonstrated legal interest. Juvenile court records maintained by the Cherokee County Circuit Court are restricted by statute and require a court order for disclosure to non-parties.
Members of the public requesting their own records are subject to the same fee schedule as third-party requestors, though some offices may expedite processing for personal records requests. Non-residents retain the same inspection rights as Alabama residents for records that are open to the general public.
What Records Are Confidential in Cherokee County?
Certain categories of records maintained by Cherokee County agencies are exempt from public disclosure under Alabama law. The principal exemptions, codified at Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and related statutes, include:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Alabama Code § 12-15-133 and are accessible only to authorized parties
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled in connection with active investigations are exempt to the extent that disclosure would impair the investigation or endanger individuals
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from publicly disclosed records
- Medical and health records: Records protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Alabama health privacy statutes are not subject to public disclosure
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by operation of law
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by the Alabama Department of Human Resources relating to child abuse and neglect investigations are confidential
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files held by county agencies are exempt from disclosure, with limited exceptions for salary and position information
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Commercially sensitive information submitted to government agencies in connection with licensing or permitting may be withheld
- Security and infrastructure plans: Documents detailing security measures for public facilities are exempt from disclosure
When a custodial office withholds a record or portion of a record, the office is required to identify the specific statutory exemption relied upon. Requestors who believe a record has been improperly withheld may seek review through the Alabama Attorney General's office or pursue judicial relief in the circuit court.
Cherokee County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
The recording function in Cherokee County is performed by the Probate Office, which serves as the official custodian of land records, recorded instruments, and related documents.
Cherokee County Probate Office
373 East Main Street, Suite 103
Centre, AL 35960
(256) 927-3668
Cherokee County Probate Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Cherokee County Circuit Clerk's Office
100 Main Street
Centre, AL 35960
(256) 927-3668
Cherokee County Circuit Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Cherokee County Health Department – Vital Records
100 East Main Street
Centre, AL 35960
(256) 927-5528
Cherokee County vital records services
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
As the Cherokee County Probate Office states on its official website, the office is committed to "providing efficient and courteous service to the citizens of Cherokee County" in the administration of all recording and probate functions. Members of the public are encouraged to contact the appropriate custodial office in advance to confirm current hours and any documentation requirements before visiting in person.