What are Mobile Public Records?
Mobile public records include all information received or created by public officers and government entities while carrying out their statutory functions. These records may consist of typed, written, or printed documents. Notwithstanding the Alabama Public Records Law, some parts of government-generated records may be inaccessible if the records contain any of the following:
- Security procedures, measures, or assessments
- Subpoenas ordered as part of a confidential court case
- Some portions of Alabama State Bar attorney disciplinary proceedings until the individual pleads guilty or the Disciplinary Commission finds the person guilty
- Juror lists
- Unexecuted search warrants
- Most 911 audio recordings
Mobile Crime Statistics
The Mobile Police Department (MPD) provides statistics on crimes committed within the city through published annual reports. According to MPD's 2018 crime report, the city recorded a total of 14,038 crimes. Larceny was the most committed crime, with 8,633 cases, while homicide was the least committed, with 28 cases. Compared to 2017, crime rates for both offenses fell by 9.7% and 44% respectively. The report further states that in 2018, there were 52.1 crimes per 1,000 persons in the state. This shows a reduction, as 2017's rate was 59 crimes per 1,000 persons. The overall crime rate dropped by 11.7% in 2018, compared to the 15,901 recorded cases in 2017.
Are Mobile Criminal Records Public?
Under Alabama law, Mobile criminal records are not public records. The law allows only persons named on the record to request them from the Mobile Police Department. However, the MPD will entertain a third-party request if the requestor presents written permission from the person named on the record. The requestor must appear in person at the MPD headquarters with their valid state or federal photo ID and social security card. Each record costs $10, payable via a cashier's check, money order, cash, or credit card. Visit the:
Mobile Police Headquarters
2460 Government Boulevard
Mobile, AL 36606
Phone: (251) 208-1991 (Records Unit)
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest records
The Mobile Police Department issues copies of public Mobile records, including incident and accident reports. Interested persons may request online by filling the incident report request, providing an MPD case number, incident date and location, and a valid reason for the record request. Requestors must also provide personal contact details and payment information. Online payments are nonrefundable and require payment via a card from American Express, Discover, Mastercard, or Visa. However, the MPD will not charge a fee if the desired report is unavailable. The MPD will email the report within 48 hours and may reach out to the requestor for additional information. Note that only reports on burglaries and thefts are accessible.
The Mobile Police Department also entertains mail and in-person requests. To order a report by mail, send a written request containing all available details. The request must include the exact location of the incident or a case number. Send the request with payment for $10, or visit the MPD's Records Unit at:
Mobile Police Headquarters
2460 Government Boulevard
Mobile, AL 36606
Phone: (251) 208-1991
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Mobile
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) provides free access to sex offender information in the county. Residents may use the offender search on the MCSO's website to look up details of registered offenders by address, name, and city. The platform also provides a separate list of non-compliant offenders. Search results show each offender's name, address, city, zip code, and photographs. The results also display physical descriptions for each person, as well as offense details.
How to Find Mobile Inmate Records
Residents may find Mobile inmate records by checking a list of inmates published on the MCSO's website. The list shows each person's full name, date, and information on charges. The inmates' names are published in alphabetical order as the list is not searchable.
How Do I Visit an inmate in the Mobile County Metro Jail?
All visitors must register and schedule video visitation appointments. Visitors may register online or in-person at the Metro Jail lobby at least one day before the visit and a maximum of seven days in advance. Only persons on the inmate's approved visitation list will be allowed to visit the inmate. Each inmate may not receive more than four visitors at once. After registration, the visitor will receive a confirmation email. Persons who do not receive confirmation are advised to call (855) 208-7349.
The Mobile County Metro Jail only allows face-to-face visits for professional visitors. These include medical, clergy, or legal professionals. All other visits are video visits carried out either at the facility or remotely. The Metro Jail allows on-site visits on weekdays and remote video visits every day. Visits are allowed in two batches each day, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, and 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Remote video visits take place every day. For registration or visitation, contact the jail at:
Mobile County Metro Jail
450 Saint Emanuel Street
Mobile, AL 36603
Phone: (251) 574-4702
Court Records
The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama serves Mobile County. The city of Mobile seats Mobile County courts, including, Circuit, District, Probate, Family/Juvenile, and Municipal courts. The Mobile County Circuit Court is the highest in the county and exercises wider jurisdiction than other courts can handle. These include all kinds of criminal and civil cases, such as felony matters, misdemeanors, and most domestic relations cases. The Circuit Court shares jurisdiction with District Courts over guilty pleas in felonies that do not attract the death penalty.
The Mobile County District Court has limited jurisdiction over some criminal and civil cases, including misdemeanors ordinance violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. The District Court also has a Small Claims process for cases with disputes less than $3,000.
Locations of Courts in Mobile City
Mobile County Circuit Court
Government Plaza
205 Government Street
Suite 913
Mobile, AL 36644
Phone: (251) 574-8806
Fax: (251) 574-8796
Mobile County District Court
Government Plaza
205 Government Street
Suite 913
Mobile, AL 36644
Phone: (251) 574-8806
Fax: (251) 574-8796
Mobile County Probate Court
Mobile County Government Center Annex
151 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
P.O. Box 7
Mobile, AL 36601
Phone: (251) 574-6001
Fax: (251) 574-6005
Mobile Municipal Court
205 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
P.O. Box 2446
Mobile, AL 36652
Phone: (251) 208-7055
Expo Hall
401 Civic Center Drive
Mobile, AL 36602
Mobile County Family Court
Strickland Youth Facility
2315 Costarides Street
Mobile, AL 36617
Phone: (251) 574-1450
Are Mobile Court Records Public?
Except otherwise stated by law or court order, Alabama court records are public records. However, unauthorized persons, agencies, or other entities, may not access sealed records or records of juvenile proceedings. However, if the juvenile is later convicted or adjudicated a youthful or delinquent offender, Alabama law allows the record to be treated as if there was no previous sealing.
How to Obtain Mobile Civil Court Case Records
The Mobile County Circuit Court provides access to public civil court records via the Circuit Civil Division. Residents interested in Mobile civil court records may request by downloading and completing the civil records request form. The requestor must provide information on the desired record, such as a description and a case number. The form also requires the requestor's name, address, zip code, and phone number.
A computerized record search costs $10 and is available for in-person and phone requests. The court will also perform a paper records search for $20 and a microfilm search for $25. Paper searches are for cases since 1984, while microfilm searches are for records created until 1983. The first 20 pages from a paper or electronic search cost $5, and each additional page costs 50 cents. A certified copy costs an extra $5. All payments are nonrefundable.
To order, send a completed form and payment to:
Mobile County Circuit Clerk
Mobile Government Plaza
Room C936
205 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36644-2936
How to Obtain Mobile Criminal Court Records
The Mobile County Circuit Clerk issues copies of Mobile criminal court records to interested persons. An interested party may submit a completed copy of the request form to the Circuit Court's criminal division. Computer, paper, and microfilm searches cost $10, $20, and $25 respectively. The computer search is only applicable for phone or in-person requests. The paper search is available for records created in 1984 or later, while microfilm records are for records created in 1983 or earlier. All fees are nonrefundable.
The Circuit Court charges $5 for the first 20 pages of a paper or electronic record, $5 for each additional page, and $5 for certification. Send payment and a completed form to:
Mobile County Circuit Clerk
Criminal Division
Mobile Government Plaza
Room C927
205 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36644
What are Mobile Vital Records?
Mobile vital records are created and maintained by the government, containing official information on life events in the city. Mobile vital records include marriage, divorce, birth, and death records, and are all obtainable from the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD). However, not all vital records are open to the public.
Where and How to Obtain Mobile Divorce Records
The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) issues copies of divorce records. An interested party may file an application form with the names of the divorced parties, the divorce date, and the county where the divorce was finalized. A request costs $15, a search fee which includes the cost of a certified copy. Each additional copy of the same record costs $6 if ordered at the same time as the first. If no record is found, the MCHD will issue a "Certificate of Failure to Find."
To order by mail, enclose the completed form with a money order or personal check payable to "Mobile County Health Dept". Include one copy of a primary ID or at least two secondary IDs, one copy each.
Send the request to:
Downtown Health Center (Main Office)
251 North Bayou Street
Mobile, AL 36603
Phone: (251) 690-8150 or (251) 690-8113
Vital Records Office Hours: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Residents may also visit the above address to order a record. In-person requestors may pay with cash, Visa debit card, MasterCard credit or debit card, and credit cards from American Express or Discover. All card transactions cost an additional $1.95 administrative fee.
Where and How to Get Marriage Records in Mobile
Under Alabama law, marriage records are public and may be requested by anyone. Mobile marriage records are requestable from the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) in person and by mail. Any interested party may fill the request form with the married persons' names, date of marriage, and the county where the license was issued. The first copy costs $15, and each additional copy of the same record costs $6 if part of the same order. If no record matches the search queries, the MCHD will issue a "Certificate of Failure to Find." All fees are nonrefundable.
Send the form with ID as described on the form, and a personal check or money order payable to "Mobile County Health Dept." Deliver to:
Downtown Health Center (Main Office)
251 North Bayou Street
Mobile, AL 36603
Phone: (251) 690-8150 or (251) 690-8113
Where and How to Find Mobile Birth Records
Mobile birth records are not public records. Under Alabama law, birth records must remain private for 125 years after the date of birth. Until then, access is restricted to the following persons:
- A person named on the record
- Spouse
- Child
- Sibling
- A parent or legal guardian
- Legal representative or another authorized person with proper documentation
If eligible, download and complete the birth record request form. The requestor must provide the first, middle, and last names of the person named on the certificate. Requested information also includes the date and county of birth, gender, hospital of birth, and full names of the person's parents before their marriage. Send the form, payment, and a valid ID to the MCHD. Note that the first copy costs $15, while each additional copy of the same record and in the same request costs $6. Mobile birth records are only available for births since 1871.
Where and How to Find Mobile Death Records
Alabama law states that death records are not public until after 25 years from the death date. However, any of the following persons who have a relationship with the decedent may request a death certificate less than 25 years old:
- Parent
- Spouse
- Child
- Sibling
- Grandchild if needed to prove entitlement
- The legal representative of the family or the decedent's estate
- The informant on the death certificate
To request a certificate for a death in or after 1820, submit an application form. Send the form with a $15 check or money order payable to "Mobile County Health Dept." and valid identification as described on the request form. Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time cost $6 each. Send to:
Downtown Health Center (Main Office)
251 North Bayou Street
Mobile, AL 36603
Phone: (251) 690-8150 or (251) 690-8113
Alternatively, visit the Downtown Health Center to request a Mobile death certificate in person.
