Dallas County Marriage License Records
Marriage licenses in Dallas County are filed at the Probate Court in Selma. About 37,000 people live in this central Alabama county on the Alabama River. Dallas County is known for its civil rights history. Selma was the site of Bloody Sunday on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965. The recording fee is $75, at the state average.
Dallas County Quick Facts
Dallas County Probate Court Office
The Probate Court handles all marriage licenses in Dallas County. The office is in the Dallas County Courthouse in Selma. This city is the county seat and largest city. The courthouse is downtown.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The court closes for state holidays. No appointment is needed. Walk-ins are welcome for marriage filing. Arrive before 4:00 PM to allow processing.
| Office | Dallas County Probate Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 105 Lauderdale Street Selma, AL 36701 |
| Phone | (334) 876-4830 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Dallas County Marriage License Fees
The recording fee in Dallas County is $75. This matches the state average. You pay when you file. The fee covers recording, state filing, and one certified copy.
The fee includes standard charges. The base court fee is $10. The state adds $60 for the Domestic Violence Trust Fund. Additional local fees make up the remaining $5.
Payment methods include cash and checks. Ask about credit and debit cards. For mail requests, send a check or money order to Dallas County Probate Court.
Extra certified copies cost about $5 each. Get several when you file. They are useful for name changes and legal documents.
How to File in Dallas County
Filing a marriage license in Dallas County follows standard Alabama rules. The process is straightforward.
First, get the form. Download it from dph1.adph.state.al.us/marriage. The form must be typed. Both parties fill out their sections. Print after completing.
To file in Dallas County, bring these items:
- Completed marriage license form (typed)
- Valid photo ID for both parties
- Notarized signatures from both parties
- $75 recording fee
- Social Security numbers
Both people sign in front of an Alabama notary. The notary stamps and signs. Complete this before visiting the courthouse.
Bring everything to the Probate Court. The clerk reviews your form. If complete, they file it right away. You get a certified copy. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
File within 30 days of the last signature. Your marriage is valid from that date.
Dallas County Civil Rights History
Dallas County holds a special place in American history. Selma was central to the voting rights movement. The events here changed the nation.
On March 7, 1965, marchers crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge heading toward Montgomery. State troopers attacked them with clubs and tear gas. This became known as Bloody Sunday. The images shocked the country. They led directly to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Today, the bridge and surrounding area are preserved. The Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail marks the route. Visitors come from around the world to see these sites.
The courthouse where you file marriage licenses sits in this historic downtown. The Probate Court has served Dallas County residents through all these years. Marriage records tell family stories across generations.
For couples marrying in Dallas County, the history adds weight. Your marriage license becomes part of this community's ongoing story.
Can You Search Dallas County Records Online?
Dallas County has limited online access for marriage records. Direct contact with the Probate Court is usually needed for specific searches.
Call (334) 876-4830 to search for records. Staff can look up names and dates. They can tell you if a record exists. For certified copies, you may need to visit or mail a request.
The state also keeps records. Alabama Center for Health Statistics has marriage records from 1936 forward. Order through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. The fee is $15 for search and first copy.
For genealogy, try FamilySearch.org. They have digitized Alabama marriage records. Access is free with an account.
Marriage License Laws in Alabama
Alabama changed its marriage laws in 2019. Marriage licenses are gone. The state uses licenses now. No ceremony is required. No officiant is needed.
Alabama Code Section 30-1-9.1 set up the new system. Your marriage is valid when both sign and the form is recorded. File within 30 days.
Under Section 30-1-4, you must be 16 or older. Ages 16-17 need parental consent per Section 30-1-5.
Marriage records are public under Section 22-9A-21. Anyone can request copies.
After divorce, wait 60 days to remarry. Dallas County follows this rule.
Search Dallas County Records
Use our search tool to find marriage records and other public records in Dallas County, Alabama.
Cities in Dallas County
Dallas County has a few incorporated areas. Selma is the county seat and only significant city. Orrville and Valley Grande are smaller communities. All residents file at the Probate Court in Selma.
Selma has about 17,000 residents. No city in Dallas County has a population over 50,000. For marriage services, everyone uses the courthouse in Selma.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Dallas County. You can file in any Alabama county. Consider nearby options based on convenience.