Deed Recording Requirements in Alabama
An Alabama deed must be signed and either attested by one witness or acknowledged before a notary (acknowledgment satisfies the witness rule), and a state deed tax of $0.50 per $500 of value is paid when it is recorded.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Alabama at a glance
- Notary acknowledgment
- Not strictly required
- Deeds are still routinely notarized
- Witnesses
- 1 witness
- Transfer tax
- State tax applies
- Exemptions may apply
The rules in Alabama
Does a deed need to be notarized in Alabama?
Alabama does not strictly require a notary acknowledgment by statute, although deeds are routinely notarized.
How many witnesses does a deed need in Alabama?
Alabama requires one witness on a deed.
Is there a real estate transfer tax in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama charges a state transfer tax or similar fee when a deed is recorded. Some transfers may be exempt, so check the current statute.
Where do the Alabama rules for deeds come from?
They come from Code of Alabama 35-4-20, Code of Alabama 35-4-23, Code of Alabama 35-4-51 and 1 other source. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Alabama compares
Alabama is one of 35 jurisdictions that charge a state transfer tax or deed fee.
What this means in practice
Record the signed deed with the county recorder, register of deeds or land records office where the property is located. Recording puts the world on notice of the transfer and generally protects the new owner against later claims.
Recording offices often have formatting rules (margins, paper size, a return address, a parcel number) and charge a fee. Check the county's requirements before you sign.
A deed does not pay off a mortgage. If the property is mortgaged, the loan usually stays in place after the transfer.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.