Winston County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Winston County in 2026
WinstonRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to public records in Winston County, Alabama. Members of the public seeking court documents, property filings, vital records, or government meeting minutes may access a range of materials through official county offices, state agencies, and authorized online portals. The availability and completeness of specific records may vary depending on the record type, the custodial office, and applicable state law.
Records that may be accessible through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and assessment records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Property tax records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning records
Online Access: Members of the public may access certain Winston County records through the Winston County, AL official website, which provides departmental contact information and links to available online resources. Property assessment and appraisal records are searchable through the Alabama Department of Revenue's county appraisal and assessment records portal. Court records may be accessed through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts at alacourt.gov. Some records require account registration prior to online access.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Winston County Courthouse to submit records requests in person. The Circuit Clerk's Office, Probate Judge's Office, and Revenue Commissioner's Office each maintain distinct categories of records. Requestors should identify the appropriate custodial office before visiting. Staff at each office can direct requestors to the correct department.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should include the requestor's full name, a description of the records sought, the preferred format for delivery, and return contact information. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, custodial agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time. Mailing addresses for individual offices are listed in the contact section below.
Phone/Email:
- Winston County Courthouse main line: (205) 489-5533
- Winston County Revenue Commissioner: (205) 489-5166
- Alabama Department of Public Health – Winston County office: (205) 489-3930
What Are Public Records in Winston County?
Public records in Winston County are defined under Alabama state law as any written, typed, or printed document prepared or maintained by a government body in the conduct of public business. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, all public records are the property of the state and must be open for inspection by any citizen of Alabama.
The following record types are maintained by Winston County offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Circuit Clerk's Office |
| Probate and estate records | Probate Judge's Office |
| Property deeds and mortgages | Probate Judge's Office |
| Property tax and assessment records | Revenue Commissioner's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Winston County Health Department |
| Business licenses and permits | Probate Judge's Office / Revenue Commissioner |
| Voting and election records | Circuit Clerk / Probate Judge |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Commission Office |
| Budget and financial documents | County Commission Office |
| Law enforcement records | Winston County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Commission / Planning Office |
Property appraisal and assessment data for Winston County is also maintained through the Alabama Department of Revenue's property tax division.
Is Winston County an Open Records County?
Winston County operates in full compliance with Alabama's open records law. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, all public writings, books, and documents prepared or maintained by any public officer or employee in the performance of official duties are open to public inspection. The statute states that "all public records are property of the state" and that citizens have the right to inspect and copy such records.
Alabama does not have a separate Freedom of Information Act; instead, the state's open records framework is governed by the Alabama Public Records Law, codified at Title 36, Chapter 12 of the Alabama Code. The Alabama Attorney General's Office has issued guidance affirming that custodians of public records must make those records available for inspection during regular business hours. As the Alabama Attorney General's office has noted, "the public policy of this state is that public records shall be open for inspection."
Winston County does not maintain a separate county-level public records ordinance; all access rights and procedures are governed by state statute. The county's compliance with Alabama's Open Meetings Act further ensures that commission proceedings, agendas, and minutes remain accessible to the public.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Winston County?
The fee structure for public records in Winston County follows the schedule established under Alabama state law and individual office policies. Inspection of records at a public office is permitted at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified documents are requested.
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25 – $1.00 (varies by office) |
| Certified copy of court record | $1.00 – $5.00 per document |
| Certified vital record (birth/death) | $15.00 (ADPH standard fee) |
| Certified marriage record | $15.00 (ADPH standard fee) |
| Electronic record (where available) | Varies by office |
| Search fee | Varies; some offices charge per hour |
Accepted payment methods at Winston County offices include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the relevant office. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards; requestors should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a request. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for records requested for specific governmental purposes, subject to the discretion of the custodial office.
Does Winston County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Winston County government offices during regular business hours. Members of the public may review documents on-site without charge; fees apply only when physical or electronic copies are requested.
Free online access to certain records is available through the following official sources:
- Property assessment data: The Alabama Department of Revenue's appraisal and assessment records portal provides free online access to property tax and assessment information for Winston County.
- Court records: The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides free case lookup tools at alacourt.gov for certain civil and criminal case information.
- County government information: The Winston County official website provides free access to commission meeting minutes, agendas, and departmental contact information.
- Vital records information: The Winston County Health Department provides guidance on obtaining birth, death, and marriage records; certified copies carry a standard fee, but informational access is free.
Free inspection differs from free copies. While any person may inspect public records at no cost, obtaining a physical or electronic copy requires payment of applicable fees as described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Winston County?
Any person may request public records in Winston County. Under Alabama's public records law, the right of inspection is extended to "every citizen" of the state; however, in practice, Alabama courts and the Attorney General's Office have interpreted this provision broadly, and non-residents are not categorically excluded from access.
Requestors are not required to:
- Establish residency in Winston County or Alabama
- Provide a reason or purpose for the request
- Demonstrate a personal interest in the records sought
Requestors may be asked to provide identification when requesting certain sensitive records or when the custodial office requires verification for processing purposes. Providing identification is not a prerequisite for inspecting general public records.
Restrictions apply to specific record categories. Juvenile records, sealed court files, and records protected under federal privacy law require the requestor to demonstrate a legal right of access, such as being the subject of the record or holding a court order. Individuals requesting their own records — such as personal vital records or court case files — may be required to present government-issued photo identification to verify identity.
What Records Are Confidential in Winston County?
Certain records maintained by Winston County offices are exempt from public disclosure under Alabama law and applicable federal statutes. The following categories are not subject to open inspection:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not accessible to the general public.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to minors involved in delinquency or dependency proceedings are confidential under Alabama law.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted from publicly released documents.
- Medical and health records: Records protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are not subject to public disclosure.
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by statute.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by child protective services are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee records 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 may be withheld.
- Security and infrastructure plans: Documents detailing security vulnerabilities or critical infrastructure are exempt from disclosure.
Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and related provisions establish the framework for exemptions. Custodial offices apply a balancing test when a record contains both disclosable and exempt information; in such cases, the exempt portions are redacted and the remainder is released.
Winston County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Winston County does not maintain a separate Recorder's Office; recording functions are performed by the Probate Judge's Office, which serves as the official custodian of land records, deeds, mortgages, and related instruments.
Winston County Probate Judge's Office
Double Springs Courthouse, 1 Court Square, Double Springs, AL 35553
(205) 489-5533
Winston County, AL
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Winston County Circuit Clerk's Office
1 Court Square, Double Springs, AL 35553
(205) 489-5533
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Winston County Revenue Commissioner's Office
1 Court Square, Double Springs, AL 35553
(205) 489-5166
Alabama Department of Revenue – County Offices
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Winston County Health Department
86 Hwy 195 E, Double Springs, AL 35553
(205) 489-3930
Winston County Health Department
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Winston County Sheriff's Office
35 Bear Creek Road, Double Springs, AL 35553
(205) 489-4521
Winston County, AL
Office Hours:
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week (administrative records requests: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM)