Probate Office

This article explains how the Autauga County AL Probate Office supports residents and businesses, what to bring when you visit, how to handle common tasks—from vehicle registration and driver’s license renewals to filings in Probate Court—and where to find authoritative information. You’ll find clear step-by-step guidance, office hours and cut-off times that matter, and direct links to official county and state pages for deeper reference.

Understand the Autauga County Probate Office’s role and responsibilities

The Autauga County Probate Office is a front-door service center for many of the most common legal and licensing needs that touch everyday life in Autauga County. The office’s responsibilities, as reflected in its official materials, include:

Motor vehicle services: issuing and renewing tags, registering vehicles, processing title work (with end-of-day cut-off times), and offering information on specialty plates.

Driver’s license renewals: handling renewals and duplicate licenses; initial exams and STAR ID issuance occur at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Driver License Examining Office.

Hunting and fishing licenses: issuing resident and non-resident licenses under state rules.

Probate Court matters: estates, wills and instruments, adoptions, conservatorships and guardianships, adult name changes, declarations of legitimation, and involuntary commitment cases.

Recording and marriage certificates: receiving and recording marriage certificates, real property documents, and other official filings, with an option for eRecording.

Business licenses: licensing for businesses operating in Autauga County.

Elections administration: the Probate Judge serves as the county’s Chief Election Officer, with voter and candidate information available from the office.

For an overview of court-related services, consult the county’s official Probate Court page. For licensing and title work, the county’s Tags & Licenses page centralizes what residents need to know.

Visit the office with confidence: location, hours, and timing tips

The Autauga County Probate Office is located at 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Important same-day timing notes apply:

Titles cannot be processed after 4:00 p.m. daily.

The Driver’s License Department closes at 4:00 p.m.

According to the office’s driver’s license guidance, driver’s license renewals are handled from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on business days.

Arrive early for any transaction that needs more time—especially first-time titles, vehicle inspections for first-time Alabama titles, or complex Probate Court filings. If you are recording real property instruments or marriage certificates, the recording counter follows the same business-day schedule; bring all required documents and payment forms to avoid a return trip. For recording from your office or law practice, see eRecording for the approved electronic submission pathway.

Master vehicle tags and titles: renew, register, and comply with state rules

Autauga County administers motor vehicle services under Alabama law and Department of Revenue regulations. That means some requirements are statewide while others are carried out locally at the Probate Office.

Renew your tag on time and avoid penalties

Renewal month is determined by the first letter of the registered owner’s last name. The county’s materials provide a month-by-letter schedule (e.g., January for A & D; February for B; March for C & E; and so on through October for U–Z, with October/November for National Guard, commercial, and fleet vehicles).

Late renewal triggers a $15 penalty plus interest per vehicle.

Best in-person times (noting office guidance): between the 11th and 25th of the month; Mondays, Fridays, and the first business day after holidays are busiest.

For step-by-step instructions and links to the correct county pages, use Tags & Licenses.

Register a newly purchased vehicle (and what to bring)

Alabama requires registration within 20 calendar days of purchase; a late transfer can result in a $15 penalty. For first-time Alabama title/registration, the Probate Office outlines the core documentation:

Title evidence: the original properly executed title, a completed title application, or the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (as applicable). Effective October 1, 2015, titles must reflect the owner’s legal name as shown on the driver’s license/ID, including financed vehicles.

Bill of sale: with the vehicle’s description, sale date, purchase price, trade-in allowance (if any), buyer/seller names and addresses, and sales tax breakdown if purchased from a dealer (state, county, and city rates itemized).

Insurance: proof of minimum Alabama liability coverage is required before you may register.

Driver license number: for individuals, the Alabama driver license (or non-driver ID) number; for companies, the FEIN.

Vehicles 35 years and older do not require Alabama titles; however, insurance, bill of sale, and driver license/ID information are still required for registration.

Inspections: When the Probate Office applies for a first-time Alabama title, the vehicle must be presented for inspection. Inspections will not be performed after 4:00 p.m. or in inclement weather.

For a deeper explanation of vehicle documentation, fees, and renewal timing, use the county’s Vehicle Registration page.

Understand ad valorem tax credits (vouchers)

If you sell, trade, total, or otherwise transfer a vehicle, you may qualify for an ad valorem tax credit voucher that can be applied to another vehicle’s ad valorem taxes. Key points included in the county’s materials:

Eligibility covers sale or trade, total destruction, theft without recovery, and certain other transfers, supported by documentation (e.g., dealer bill of sale, law enforcement theft report, insurance total-loss letter).

The voucher is issued to the registered owner (ID required), must be redeemed within one year of the transfer date, and may be redeemed only in the issuing county.

Transferability is limited: the owner may transfer the voucher only to a spouse or dependent child.

Specialty license plates and disability access

Alabama’s specialty plate programs are administered by the state. The county’s site points to the breadth of designs and the process for disability access credentials. For statewide policy and services tied to credentials and plate orders, consult the Alabama Department of Revenue’s resources referenced throughout the county’s pages; for local questions about picking up or swapping plates, start at Tags & Licenses and Driver’s License & ID Cards.

Handle driver’s license renewals the right way (and know when to go to ALEA)

The Probate Office handles driver’s license renewals and duplicates, including adding vessel and veteran endorsements to your current license. It does not conduct initial exams or issue the initial STAR ID; those functions are handled by the ALEA Driver License Examining Office.

Renew or replace a license through the Probate Office

In-person renewals: accepted during business hours; the Driver’s License Department closes at 4:00 p.m.

Online renewals: State online renewals are available through ALEA’s official portal. Use ALEA Driver License Online Renewal and avoid third-party sites that may charge extra fees or fail to complete transactions.

When you must go to ALEA (initial issuance and STAR ID)

First Alabama driver license or ID, or initial STAR ID: apply through the ALEA Driver License Examining Office at 218 N Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067.

Applicants for a first license should be prepared for a written exam, vision screening, and a road test as outlined in the county’s guidance.

Teens who complete an approved high-school driver education course and basic road test may have streamlined processing through ALEA, per the county’s page.

If you’re only exchanging a permit for a Stage II license under ALEA’s program, follow ALEA’s online instructions referenced by the Probate Office; if you simply need to renew, the Probate Office can assist locally.

Recordings, marriage certificates, and eRecording: prepare accurate filings

The Probate Office’s Recording Department files and indexes land records and other public instruments and accepts marriage certificate recordings.

Marriage certificates: cost and form standards

The cost to record a marriage certificate is $78.00.

The official Alabama Marriage Certificate Form for Adults must be printed on 8.5" x 11" white or light paper, front-side only, at actual size (not “fit to page” or scaled). The county’s pages stress using the correct form and print settings to avoid rejection.

For comprehensive recording information and local procedures, see Recordings on the county site; for submitting eligible documents electronically from your law office or title company, review eRecording.

UCC filings and real estate documents

The Recording Department accepts Uniform Commercial Code filings and real property instruments in accordance with Alabama law and local standards. Ensure documents are properly executed and notarized (where required) and bring acceptable payment. The office notes accepted payments include cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover (with a 5% service fee on credit card transactions). Out-of-state checks are not accepted unless the customer is active military.

Business licenses in Autauga County: know the local pathway

Businesses operating in Autauga County may be required to obtain a county business license through the Probate Office. Licensing requirements vary by business type and location. The county directs businesses to the Probate Office for guidance and renewal specifics. If you received a renewal notice referencing online payment, follow the instructions provided by the Probate Office’s materials and use only official sites linked from county pages. For in-person service, bring your renewal notice (if available), business entity information, and acceptable payment.

Probate Court services: estates, wills, adoptions, guardianships, and more

The Probate Court component of the office offers a forum for matters that fall within its jurisdiction under Alabama law. The county site provides topic-specific guidance and emphasizes fairness, timeliness, and accessibility in judicial matters.

Wills and estates (probating an estate)

Probate Court receives and processes wills and instruments, appoints personal representatives when appropriate, and oversees the orderly administration of estates under Alabama statutes. Before filing, gather the will (if any), death certificate, asset information, and potential heirs’ contact details. The court will issue Letters Testamentary (for testate estates) or Letters of Administration (for intestate estates) when statutory requirements are met.

Adoptions: updated Code and local filing practices

The adoption statutes in Alabama were updated effective January 1, 2024. The county specifically advises prospective petitioners to contact the office prior to filing to ensure current requirements are met and to obtain the correct checklists and forms. The filing fee for a Petition for Adoption is $95.00, with an additional $25.00 remitted to the Alabama Department of Vital Statistics at the time of the Decree of Adoption. Additional court costs or Guardian ad Litem fees may apply.

For topic-level guidance and to reach the court staff who manage adoption filings, begin with Probate Court.

Conservatorships and guardianships: protecting persons and property

The Probate Court handles petitions to appoint guardians (focused on the person) and conservators (focused on property and finances) for minors and adults as required by law. The county’s publicly available guidance outlines:

Thresholds for appointment (illustrative):

For a conservator: the person is unable to manage property and business affairs and has property that would be wasted without proper management or funds are needed for their support or those entitled to their support.

For a guardian: the person requires decision-making support for health, safety, education, and general welfare.

Process overview (as reflected in county materials):

Petition filing, appointment of a guardian ad litem, possible physician examination, appointment of a court representative, and a hearing (with jury if demanded).

If granted, the court may require a bond, order an inventory (for conservatorships), and issue Letters of Guardianship and/or Conservatorship.

Conservator powers (examples from the county guide):

Without further court order, a conservator may invest and reinvest funds, retain assets, deposit funds, pay taxes and expenses, employ professionals, settle certain claims, vote securities, and insure assets, among other powers.

With prior court authorization, a conservator may continue or participate in operating a business, dispose of real estate, or enter long-term leases, as examples.

Guardian responsibilities (high-level):

Provide for the ward’s support, care, education, manage personal effects, apply available funds for current needs, conserve excess funds, and report the ward’s condition to the court as required.

Certain decisions (e.g., medical care) may be consented to by the guardian, consistent with court orders and Alabama law.

For local forms and procedures, use Probate Court and contact the office with case-specific questions permitted by law.

Name changes and declarations of legitimation

The Probate Court manages adult name changes and declarations of legitimation. For adult name changes, be prepared to provide identity documentation and any required notices or affidavits. For declarations of legitimation, the court’s page outlines the process and required filings.

Involuntary commitment

Involuntary commitment is a legal process through which a person may be placed in the custody of the State Department of Mental Health for treatment, under the statutory standards and procedural protections described in the county’s guidance. Filing requirements, evaluations, hearings, and possible court orders are handled through Probate Court.

Marriage certificates, notaries public, and other counter services

Beyond land records and marriage certificate recordings, the Probate Office provides notary public services and offers in-person assistance for applications and filings that require direct verification. For marriage certificates, carefully follow the printing and paper specifications noted earlier; bringing forms that meet those standards will prevent delays. For notary commissions and renewals, bring acceptable identification and payment; the staff will help you verify which forms apply to your situation.

Hunting and fishing licenses: who needs them and what proof to bring

The Probate Office issues hunting and fishing licenses in accordance with Alabama rules. As summarized in county materials:

Alabama residents ages 16 to under 65 must have the appropriate license; non-residents 16 and older also require licenses for hunting and fishing.

Proof of Alabama residency (often an Alabama driver’s license) is required for resident hunting licenses. For resident fishing licenses, residents without a driver’s license may use alternative proofs of residence listed by the office (e.g., property tax records, prior tax return with mailing address, recent utility bills, student ID plus housing agreement, and similar documentation).

Bring identity documents and any supporting residence evidence to the counter when purchasing.

Elections information: where to find official guidance

The Probate Judge serves as the Chief Election Officer for Autauga County. The Probate Office provides official information on upcoming election dates, polling locations, and candidate filing materials. For authoritative county election notices and voter resources, use the county’s Elections page. If you require court-filed records or maps associated with elections, those links are cross-referenced from the same area.

Plan your visit: payment methods, cut-offs, and practical tips

Payments accepted at the Probate Office include cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, money orders, and—where noted—credit card transactions include a 5% service fee. Out-of-state checks are not accepted unless the customer is active military.

Daily cut-offs matter: titles are not processed after 4:00 p.m.; the Driver’s License Department closes at 4:00 p.m.

Bring originals: titles, properly executed bills of sale, identification, and insurance proof. For any Probate Court filing, bring the original documents (and required copies) and be prepared for bond or fees where applicable.

For STAR ID and first-time licenses, go to ALEA’s Examining Office, not the Probate Office. The county’s driver’s license page underscores that initial STAR ID issuance occurs at ALEA, while the Probate Office handles renewals and duplicates.

For courthouse context and building access information (parking, general courthouse services), see the county’s Courthouse page. For filings that belong to a different court division, the county’s Circuit Clerk page provides official context and contact.

Driver’s license renewals online: use the official ALEA portal

The county explicitly warns residents to avoid unofficial third-party websites for driver’s license transactions. If you’re eligible for online renewal (no changes to your license data), use the state’s official ALEA portal for renewals and duplicates: ALEA Driver License Online Renewal. When in doubt, confirm renewal eligibility at the counter before you attempt an online transaction.

Where to look on the county site for the right topic

The Probate Office maintains specific pages to help residents self-select the right service:

Tags & Licenses — vehicle tags, registration, specialty tags, hunting & fishing, links to related motor vehicle topics.

Driver’s License & ID Cards — what the Probate Office can do (renewals/duplicates) and when you must go to ALEA.

Probate Court — estates and wills, adoptions, guardianships/conservatorships, name changes, declarations of legitimation, involuntary commitment.

Recordings and eRecording — land records, marriage certificate recordings, and approved electronic submission for eligible documents.

Elections — county election administration.

Each of these pages is maintained by the Autauga County Probate Office and points only to official state resources when a process must be completed through a state agency.

Departments, addresses, and phone numbers

Autauga County Probate Office (Main) — 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 361-3728

Tags & Titles / Vehicle Registration — 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 361-3728

Driver’s License Renewals (Probate Office) — 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 361-3728

ALEA Driver License Examining Office (STAR ID & Testing) — 218 N Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 358-6735

Recording Department / Real Property Records / UCC — 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 361-3731

Marriage Certificate Recording — 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 361-3728

Notary Public (through Probate Office) — 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 361-3728

Business Licenses (through Probate Office) — 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 361-3728

Wills & Estates (Probate Court) — 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 361-3728

Adoptions (Probate Court) — 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 361-3728

Conservatorships & Guardianships (Probate Court) — 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 361-3728

Elections (Chief Election Officer, via Probate Office) — 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 361-4842

Hunting & Fishing Licenses — 176 W 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 — (334) 361-3728

Autauga County Probate Office FAQs

How are tag renewals scheduled, and what late fees apply?

Renewal months are assigned by the first letter of the registered owner’s last name. If you miss your assigned month, a $15 penalty plus interest applies to each vehicle. Residents should bring a renewal notice, prior receipt or metal tag number, a valid Alabama driver license/ID number, and current liability insurance. For first-time Autauga County residents, proof of county residency is required. In-person lines are typically lighter between the 11th and 25th of the month; Mondays, Fridays, and the first business day after holidays are busiest. See details under Vehicle Registration for documentation and timing requirements.

What should I know about titles, inspections, and daily cut-offs?

You must register a newly purchased vehicle within 20 calendar days or incur a $15 penalty. First-time Alabama titles require the vehicle to be present for inspection; inspections are not performed after 4:00 p.m. or during inclement weather. Titles must reflect the owner’s legal name as shown on their driver license/ID (including financed vehicles). Titles cannot be processed after 4:00 p.m. each business day. Comprehensive title, bill of sale, insurance, and ID requirements are listed on Vehicle Registration.

Can I renew or replace my Alabama driver license here, and when do I go to ALEA?

The office processes driver license renewals and duplicates (including adding vessel and veteran endorsements). The Driver’s License Department serves renewals during posted business hours, closing at 4:00 p.m. Initial issuances and STAR ID are handled by the ALEA Driver License Examining Office; online renewals should be completed only through the state’s official portal. Use Driver’s License & ID Cards for local guidance and Driver License Online Renewal for the state renewal site.

How do adoption filings work in Probate Court right now?

Alabama’s adoption code changed effective January 1, 2024. Petitioners are instructed to contact the office prior to filing to obtain updated checklists and ensure current compliance. The filing fee for a Petition for Adoption is $95. An additional $25 is remitted to the Alabama Department of Vital Statistics at the time of the Decree of Adoption; other court costs or Guardian ad Litem fees may apply. Start at Adoptions for current court information.

What are the requirements to record a marriage certificate?

The recording fee is $78. Use the official Alabama Marriage Certificate form for adults and print it on 8.5" x 11" white or light paper, front side only, at actual size (do not scale or “fit to page”). Submissions that don’t meet the form or print specifications may be rejected. Full instructions and the official form link are provided under Marriage Certificate.