Tuscaloosa Marriage License Filing

Marriage licenses in Tuscaloosa are filed at the Tuscaloosa County Probate Court. Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama and has about 114,000 residents. The city is the county seat and the fifth largest city in the state. Tuscaloosa County offers mail-in filing for marriage licenses. The recording fee is $74 to $75. This guide covers how to file your marriage license in Tuscaloosa.

Where to File in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa residents file marriage licenses at the Tuscaloosa County Probate Court. The courthouse is at 714 Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa. This is near the university campus.

Cities do not handle marriage records in Alabama. Only the county Probate Court can file your form. Tuscaloosa County serves all residents of the city and surrounding areas.

The courthouse is in downtown Tuscaloosa near the river. Free parking is available nearby. No appointment is needed. Walk in during office hours. Bring a valid photo ID.

Tuscaloosa and the University

The University of Alabama is in Tuscaloosa. The campus has over 38,000 students. Many students and staff get married while living here. The same rules apply to everyone.

Alabama has no residency requirement for marriage. You can file in Tuscaloosa County even if you just moved here. Students from out of state can file here. Visiting family can file here too.

One thing to know: the notary must be in Alabama. Out-of-state notarization is not valid. If you are from another state, you must find an Alabama notary. Banks on the Strip and in town offer notary services. Some law offices do too.

Tuscaloosa County accepts mail-in filings. This can be helpful for busy students or employees. Mail your completed form with a check or money order. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for your receipt.

How to Get a Marriage License in Tuscaloosa

Alabama uses marriage licenses, not licenses. This changed in 2019. No ceremony is required. No officiant is needed. No witnesses are required. Just file a form.

First, download the official form from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. You must type it. Handwritten forms are rejected. Both parties fill out their sections.

Second, get both signatures notarized. Each party signs in front of an Alabama notary. Out-of-state notarization is not valid. Many banks offer free notary services.

Third, file at the Probate Court. You have 30 days from the last signature. Pay $74 to $75. You can file in person or by mail. The marriage is legal on the date of the last signature.

To file in Tuscaloosa, bring or mail these items:

• Completed marriage license form (typed)
• Both signatures notarized by Alabama notary
• Valid photo ID (for in-person filing)
• $74-75 recording fee

Filing by Mail in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa County accepts marriage license filings by mail. This is convenient if you cannot visit in person. Here is how it works.

First, complete the form and get it notarized. Both signatures need Alabama notarization. Make sure all information is correct and the form is typed.

Second, prepare your payment. Send a check or money order payable to Tuscaloosa County Probate Court. The fee is $74 to $75. Do not send cash.

Third, mail everything to the Probate Court. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want a receipt mailed back. The address is 714 Greensboro Avenue, Room 201, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

Mail-in processing takes a few days. Plan ahead. Remember the 30-day deadline from your last signature date. Mail early to avoid problems.

Tuscaloosa Marriage License Fees

Tuscaloosa County charges $74 to $75 to record a marriage license. This is close to the state average. The fee includes the $60 Domestic Violence Trust Fund fee required by law.

In person, you can pay with cash, check, credit card, or debit card. By mail, use a check or money order. There may be a card processing fee.

Certified copies cost extra. Call (205) 464-8204 for copy fees. You can also get copies through VitalChek from the state for $15 plus service fees.

Can You Search Tuscaloosa Records Online?

Tuscaloosa County has some online access for records. The county has a custom portal. Contact the Probate Court at (205) 464-8204 for details on what records are available online.

For state records, use VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The state has marriage records from August 1936 forward. The fee is $15 for the first copy plus service fees.

For older records, contact the Probate Court directly. Staff can search records and help you find what you need.

Alabama Marriage License Laws

Alabama changed its marriage system in 2019. The law is Alabama Code Section 30-1-9.1. It created the new system.

Key requirements for marriage in Alabama:

• Both parties must be at least 18 (or 16-17 with parental consent)
• Both signatures must be notarized in Alabama
• File within 30 days of the last signature
• No ceremony, officiant, or witnesses required
• No blood test or waiting period

Marriage records are public under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-21. Anyone can request copies.

If you were divorced, wait 60 days before filing a new marriage license. This is required by state law.

Tuscaloosa County Marriage Records

Tuscaloosa is in Tuscaloosa County. All marriage licenses for city residents go through the Tuscaloosa County Probate Court. For more details on the court and services, see the county page.

View Tuscaloosa County Marriage Records

Other Alabama Cities

Looking for marriage license info in another Alabama city? Here are the other major cities with populations over 50,000.

• Huntsville (Madison County)
• Mobile (Mobile County)
• Birmingham (Jefferson County)
• Montgomery (Montgomery County)
• Hoover (Jefferson/Shelby County)
• Auburn (Lee County)
• Dothan (Houston County)
• Madison (Madison County)
• Decatur (Morgan County)

Search Marriage Records

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