Winston County Public Records /Winston County Property Records

Winston County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Winston County in 2026

WinstonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Winston County. Members of the public may find ownership history, recorded deeds, tax assessment data, mortgage filings, and lien information through this resource. Available record categories include property transfers, encumbrances, plat maps, tax bills, and building permit records. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not capture every transaction or document on file.

Records may be searched through several official channels, including online databases maintained by the Winston County Probate Judge (who serves as the recorder of deeds in Alabama counties), the Alabama Department of Revenue's property tax portal, and the Winston County Tax Collector. Each office maintains distinct record sets, and a thorough property search draws from multiple sources.

Multiple Access Methods:

Online searches — The most convenient option for recent, digitized records
In-person visits — Required for certified copies and older documents not yet digitized
By mail — Written requests submitted with applicable fees and identifying information
Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors

1. Property Appraiser / Tax Assessor Website

In Alabama, property valuation and assessment functions are handled by the County Tax Assessor (also called the Revenue Commissioner in some counties). Winston County's Revenue Commissioner maintains assessment records that are accessible through the Alabama Department of Revenue's property tax portal.

Search Options:

By property address
By owner name
By parcel ID number
By subdivision name
By map/GIS location

Information Available:

Current owner name and mailing address
Property address and legal description
Parcel identification number
Land use and zoning classification
Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
Assessed value (land and improvements)
Taxable value and exemptions applied
Sales history
GIS map location

How to Search:

Visit the Alabama property tax portal
Select Winston County from the county list
Choose a search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
Enter the search criteria and submit
Review the results list and select the appropriate parcel
View the full property card, including valuation history and sales data
Print or save the information as needed

2. County Probate Judge / Official Records Search

In Alabama, the Probate Judge serves as the official recorder of deeds and other instruments affecting real property. The Winston County Probate Court maintains the official records index for deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats.

Searchable By:

Grantor name (seller)
Grantee name (buyer)
Document type
Recording date range
Book and page number
Instrument number

Documents Available:

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
Easements and declarations of restrictions
Plats and subdivision surveys
Powers of attorney affecting property
Lis pendens filings
HOA declarations and covenants

How to Search:

Contact or visit the Winston County Probate Court
Request access to the grantor/grantee index
Enter the party name, document type, or date range
Review the index results and note the book and page or instrument number
Request the document image from staff or view it at a public terminal
Note that some older records require in-person retrieval

3. Tax Collector Website

The Winston County Tax Collector processes property tax payments and maintains records of current and historical tax obligations.

Search By:

Property address
Owner name
Parcel number
Tax account number

Information Available:

Current tax bill amount
Payment history
Outstanding balances and delinquency status
Exemptions applied
Millage rates by taxing authority
Tax certificate information for delinquent properties
Payment options and installment plan status

4. GIS / Mapping System

Winston County participates in Alabama's statewide GIS infrastructure. The Alabama GIS portal provides interactive mapping tools that allow members of the public to view property boundaries, aerial photography, zoning layers, flood zones, and environmental features.

How to Use:

Navigate the interactive map to the property location
Click on a parcel to view linked property information
Access connected assessment and deed records
View multiple map layers including flood zones and zoning overlays
Measure distances and print map views

In-Person Searches:

Winston County Probate Court
Double Springs Courthouse, 1 Court Square
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533
Winston County Probate Court

Winston County Revenue Commissioner
1 Court Square, Suite 5
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5166
Alabama Department of Revenue

Winston County Tax Collector
1 Court Square
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5172
Alabama Department of Revenue

By Mail Requests:

Members of the public may submit written requests to the Winston County Probate Court by mailing a request that identifies the property by address, parcel number, or book and page reference. Requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable copy fees. Certified copies require an additional certification fee. The mailing address for the Probate Court is 1 Court Square, Double Springs, AL 35553.

For assessment records, written requests directed to the Winston County Revenue Commissioner at the same courthouse address should specify the parcel number or property address and the type of information sought.

Through Professionals:

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and issue title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Licensed abstractors compile abstracts of title that trace the full chain of ownership. Real estate agents with MLS access can pull property histories and comparable sales data as part of their representation services.

Search Tips:

When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations
For business-owned properties, search under the entity name as well as individual principals
For historical records not yet digitized, contact the Probate Court directly for staff-assisted retrieval
Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays

What Is Winston County Property Records

Property records in Winston County are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county government offices as permanent legal records. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the foundation for property tax assessment. Under § 35-4-50 of the Code of Alabama, instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the Probate Judge of the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records:

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Transfer records and ownership history
Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Chain of title documentation

Encumbrance Records:

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
Easements and rights-of-way
Deed restrictions and covenants
HOA declarations and lis pendens filings

Tax and Assessment Records:

Property tax assessments and tax bills
Payment history and delinquency records
Exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
Millage rates and special assessments

Legal Descriptions:

Plat maps and subdivision plats
Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
Lot and block information
Condominium declarations

Building and Permit Records:

Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Code violations and zoning designations
Land use classifications

Who Maintains Property Records:

The Winston County Probate Judge records and indexes all instruments affecting title to real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. The Winston County Revenue Commissioner maintains property valuation and assessment records, including ownership information, property characteristics, and exemption applications. The Winston County Tax Collector maintains tax billing and payment records. The Winston County Building and Planning Department maintains permit and zoning records.

The legal framework governing property records in Alabama is established primarily under Title 35 of the Code of Alabama, which governs property rights, recording requirements, and constructive notice principles. The Alabama Open Records Law, codified at § 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama, affirms the public's right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies.

Are Property Records Public Information in Winston County?

Property records in Winston County are public information. Under the Alabama Open Records Law at § 36-12-40, every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute. Property records maintained by the Probate Court, Revenue Commissioner, and Tax Collector are public writings subject to this right of access.

As the Alabama Attorney General's office has affirmed, the public records law reflects a strong presumption in favor of disclosure, and government agencies bear the burden of demonstrating that a specific exemption applies before withholding records. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement applies to requests for property records.

Why Property Records Are Public:

Transparency in property ownership prevents fraud and secret transfers
The recording system provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors
Public access enables real estate transactions, title searches, and title insurance
Tax assessment transparency supports accountability in property taxation
Historical and genealogical research depends on permanent public access to land records

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

Current and historical property ownership
Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
Sale prices and transfer amounts
Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
Liens and encumbrances of record
Tax assessments and payment history
Property characteristics (size, age, construction type)
Deeds and all recorded instruments
Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under current Alabama practice. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may qualify for address confidentiality protections under applicable state law. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is subject to different disclosure rules; members of the public should contact the Revenue Commissioner for specific policies.

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any member of the public may access Winston County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, historians, and journalists. Out-of-state and international inquirers hold the same access rights as Alabama residents.

Commercial Use of Property Records:

Commercial use of public property records — including real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance, investment analysis, and market research — is permitted under current law. Data aggregation companies such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records into subscription databases. Such use is lawful, though anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern how information may be used.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Winston County?

Members of the public may inspect property records at the Winston County Probate Court at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges:

Record Type	Fee
Copy of recorded document (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copy of recorded document	$1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee
Plat copies	Varies by size
Online document viewing	Free (where available)
Assessment record copies	Nominal copying fee
Tax record copies	Nominal copying fee

Recording fees for new instruments are governed by § 12-19-90 of the Code of Alabama, which establishes the schedule of fees that Probate Judges may charge for recording instruments affecting real property. Current recording fees in Alabama are $4.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page, plus applicable deed taxes.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash
Check or money order payable to the Winston County Probate Court
Credit or debit card (availability varies; confirm with the office)

Fee Waivers:

Certain government agencies and nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees under applicable Alabama law. Members of the public seeking fee waivers should submit a written request to the Probate Court explaining the basis for the waiver.

What Is Available at No Cost:

In-person inspection of any public property record
Online viewing of assessment data through the Alabama Department of Revenue portal
Online GIS mapping through the Alabama GIS portal
Basic property information through the Revenue Commissioner's online database

What's Included in a Winston County Property Record?

A complete Winston County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses the following categories of information:

Ownership Information:

Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners by name, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, and the deed book and page or instrument number by which title was conveyed. Mailing addresses for tax billing purposes are also included. Previous ownership information traces the chain of title through prior transfers, identifying historical grantors and grantees, transfer dates, and deed references.

Property Identification:

Each parcel is identified by a site address, legal description (lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes-and-bounds description), and a parcel identification number assigned by the Revenue Commissioner. Condominium unit numbers and alternate parcel numbers are noted where applicable.

Physical Characteristics:

Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and additional features such as garages, pools, porches, fireplaces, and HVAC systems. Water source and sewer system type are also noted.

Valuation Information:

Assessment records reflect land value, building value, total assessed value, and market value as determined by the Revenue Commissioner. Alabama assesses property at a percentage of fair market value depending on property class (residential property is assessed at 10% of fair market value under current Alabama law). Historical assessed values for prior years are maintained in the assessment roll.

Tax Information:

Current year tax records show the total tax amount due, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, millage rates by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, municipality, and special districts), due dates, payment status, and available discounts for early payment. Tax history reflects prior years' taxes paid, payment dates, and any delinquency history.

Exemptions Applied:

Alabama provides a homestead exemption for owner-occupied primary residences. Additional exemptions are available for seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans. Exemption amounts and eligibility criteria are established under Alabama law and administered by the Revenue Commissioner.

Sales History:

Sales history records reflect prior transfers including sale dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty deed, quitclaim deed, foreclosure deed, tax deed), grantor and grantee names, deed document numbers, and documentary stamp amounts. Qualified versus unqualified sale designations indicate whether a transfer was an arms-length market transaction.

Encumbrances and Liens:

Recorded mortgages are identified by lender name, original mortgage amount, recording date, and book and page reference. Liens — including federal and state tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens — are indexed by the Probate Court and reflect the lienholder, amount, and recording date. Easements, deed restrictions, covenants, life estates, and lis pendens filings are also part of the official record.

Maps and Images:

Property records include GIS map views showing parcel boundaries, aerial photography, and linked plat maps. Property sketches and exterior photographs may be available through the Revenue Commissioner's database.

What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:

Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original amounts at recording)
Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded documents
Interior photographs
Social Security numbers (redacted under current practice)
Private agreements not submitted for recording
Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price

How Long Does Winston County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Winston County are maintained permanently. The Winston County Probate Court retains all recorded instruments affecting title to real property indefinitely, as these records form the legal foundation for chain of title and cannot be destroyed without eliminating the evidentiary basis for property ownership claims.

"Public records are the property of the people," as affirmed by the Alabama Secretary of State's office, and the permanent preservation of land records reflects both legal mandate and the practical necessity of maintaining an unbroken chain of title from original land grants to present ownership.

Legal Basis for Retention:

The Alabama Records Disposition Authority, administered through the Alabama Department of Archives and History, establishes retention schedules for government records. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are classified as permanent records not subject to destruction. The Alabama Department of Archives and History provides guidance on records retention requirements applicable to county offices.

Records Kept Permanently:

All recorded deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, easements, plats, subdivision declarations, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title are retained permanently by the Winston County Probate Court. These records date back to Winston County's formation in 1858 and include instruments from the territorial and early statehood periods where applicable.

Format and Storage:

Very old records exist in handwritten ledger books maintained in the Probate Court vault. Mid-twentieth century records may be available on microfilm. More recent records have been scanned and stored in electronic document management systems with off-site backup. Digitization efforts are ongoing, and the availability of online access varies by time period.

Access to Historical Records:

Records from approximately the last 20–40 years are accessible online in most Alabama counties
Records from 20–50 years ago may be available on microfilm or in digital terminals at the courthouse
Records older than 50 years are typically available in original ledger books or microfilm at the Probate Court
Very old records (100+ years) may require advance notice and staff retrieval from archive storage

Members of the public seeking historical records should contact the Winston County Probate Court at (205) 489-5533 and specify the property address or legal description, the approximate time period, and the type of document sought. Retrieval time ranges from same-day to several days depending on the age and format of the record.

Property Appraiser / Revenue Commissioner Records:

Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently. Exemption applications are retained for a period consistent with the Alabama Records Disposition Authority schedule, which varies by document type. Recent assessment history (typically 10–20 years) is accessible online; historical assessments are available at the Revenue Commissioner's office.

Tax Collector Records:

Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years. Tax certificate records are retained until the certificate is redeemed or a tax deed is issued.

Destruction of Records:

Recorded instruments affecting title to real property are never destroyed. Administrative working files, duplicate copies, and internal correspondence may be disposed of following the applicable retention schedule established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History. The permanent public record of all instruments affecting title is guaranteed by law and practice.

Contact for Historical Records:

Winston County Probate Court
1 Court Square
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533
Alabama Courts

Winston County Revenue Commissioner
1 Court Square, Suite 5
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5166
Alabama Department of Revenue

Alabama Department of Archives and History
624 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: (334) 242-4435
Alabama Department of Archives and History

How To Find Liens on Property in Winston County?

Liens on property in Winston County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the official public record maintained by the Winston County Probate Court. A lien search requires examining the grantor/grantee index maintained by the Probate Court, as well as federal tax lien records filed with the Probate Court by the Internal Revenue Service.

Types of Liens Recorded in Winston County:

Mortgage liens — Recorded by lenders at the time of loan origination
Federal tax liens — Filed by the IRS against taxpayers with unpaid federal tax obligations; searchable through the IRS federal tax lien portal
State tax liens — Filed by the Alabama Department of Revenue for unpaid state taxes
Judgment liens — Arising from court judgments and recorded in the county where the debtor owns property
Mechanic's liens — Filed by contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers for unpaid construction work
HOA liens — Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
Code enforcement liens — Filed by local government for unresolved code violations
Child support liens — Filed pursuant to court order

Steps to Search for Liens:

Visit the Winston County Probate Court at 1 Court Square, Double Springs, AL 35553, or contact the office at (205) 489-5533
Request access to the grantor/grantee index and search under the property owner's name as grantor
Review all recorded instruments within the relevant time period for lien filings
Search the UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) index for fixture filings that may affect real property
Search federal tax lien records through the Probate Court index, as the IRS files notices of federal tax lien with the county Probate Judge in Alabama
Search Alabama Department of Revenue records for state tax liens through the Alabama Department of Revenue
Search court judgment records through the Winston County Circuit Court for judgment liens that may have been recorded
Review the property's title history for any lis pendens filings indicating pending litigation

Online Lien Search Resources:

The Alabama Department of Revenue maintains information on state tax obligations
The IRS website provides guidance on federal tax lien searches
The PACER federal court system allows searches for federal court judgments that may give rise to liens

Professional Lien Searches:

Title companies and licensed abstractors conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A professional title search is the most reliable method for identifying all liens of record, as it draws on the full grantor/grantee index, court records, and federal lien filings. Title insurance provides protection against undiscovered liens that meet the policy's coverage terms.

Winston County Circuit Court (for Judgment Liens)
1 Court Square
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533
Alabama Courts

What Is Property Owner Rule in Winston County?

The property owner rule in Winston County refers to the body of Alabama law and local practice governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. In Alabama, any natural person, legal entity (including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trusts), or government body may hold title to real property subject to applicable law.

Establishment of Ownership:

Ownership of real property in Winston County is established by a recorded deed. Under § 35-4-50 of the Code of Alabama, no conveyance of real property is valid against purchasers for value without notice unless the instrument is recorded in the office of the Probate Judge of the county where the property is located. This recording requirement protects subsequent purchasers and creditors by providing constructive notice of all recorded interests.

Forms of Ownership:

Alabama law recognizes several forms of concurrent ownership:

Tenancy in common — Two or more persons hold undivided interests in property; each co-tenant may convey their interest independently, and interests pass through the estate upon death
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Two or more persons hold equal undivided interests with the right of survivorship; upon the death of one joint tenant, their interest passes automatically to the surviving joint tenant(s)
Tenancy by the entirety — A form of joint ownership available only to married couples in Alabama, providing survivorship rights and protection from individual creditors of either spouse
Trust ownership — Property held by a trustee for the benefit of named beneficiaries pursuant to a trust instrument
Entity ownership — Property held by a corporation, LLC, partnership, or other legal entity

Homestead Rights:

Alabama law provides homestead protections for owner-occupied primary residences. The Alabama Constitution and applicable statutes establish homestead exemptions from certain creditor claims and provide reduced property tax assessments for qualifying homesteads. The homestead exemption application is filed with the Winston County Revenue Commissioner.

Transfer of Ownership:

Real property in Winston County is transferred by recorded deed. Alabama imposes a deed tax (also called a documentary stamp tax or real estate transfer tax) on conveyances of real property at the rate of $0.50 per $500 of value (or fraction thereof) of the consideration paid, as established under Alabama law. The deed tax is collected at the time of recording by the Probate Court.

Adverse Possession:

Alabama law permits a person who has openly, continuously, exclusively, and adversely possessed real property for a period of ten years to claim title by adverse possession. Claims of adverse possession are adjudicated by the circuit court and, if successful, result in a court order that is recorded with the Probate Court to establish record title.

Eminent Domain:

Government entities in Alabama hold the power of eminent domain — the authority to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. Eminent domain proceedings are governed by Alabama law and require judicial proceedings in the circuit court. Property owners are entitled to notice and an opportunity to contest the taking and the amount of compensation offered.

Property Tax Obligations:

Property ownership in Winston County carries an obligation to pay ad valorem property taxes assessed annually by the Revenue Commissioner. Taxes are due and payable on October 1 of each year and become delinquent on January 1 of the following year. Failure to pay property taxes may result in the issuance of a tax lien certificate and, ultimately, a tax deed sale conducted by the Winston County Tax Collector pursuant to Alabama law.

Winston County Revenue Commissioner
1 Court Square, Suite 5
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5166
Alabama Department of Revenue

Winston County Probate Court
1 Court Square
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533
Alabama Courts

Alabama Law Institute (for statutory references)
P.O. Box 861425
Tuscaloosa, AL 35486
Phone: (205) 348-7411
Alabama Law Institute