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Jurisdiction-first help for public records requests.

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Alabama (AL)

Law: Alabama Open Records Act (Ala. Code §§ 36-12-40 to 36-12-41)

Notes: Know there’s no state-level appeals process; a denial means you must go to court. Out-of-state requesters may face resistance.

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Jurisdiction Facts

Sourced from the jurisdiction registry. Not legal advice.

Best Practice

Know there’s no state-level appeals process; a denial means you must go to court. Out-of-state requesters may face resistance.

Statutory Response Deadline

Alabama law has no fixed statutory deadline; agencies must produce records within a reasonable time (Ala. Code §§ 36-12-40 to 36-12-41).

Observed Average Response

181 days (MuckRock observed average, not a statutory deadline).

Fee Waivers / Intake

No statutory fee waiver. Agencies may charge reasonable copying fees.

Appeals

No administrative appeal; must file suit in circuit court.

Direct links to the governing statute, official requester guidance, and central portal for this jurisdiction.

Common Agencies

Alabama Secretary of State

Email: [email protected]

Mail: Alabama Secretary of State, P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, AL 36103-5616

Fees & notes

$1.00/page for copies produced by office; citizen may inspect and make own copies with personal equipment. Certified records carry additional fees. Public records available to AL citizens only.

Source Reviewed 2026-04-27

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Birmingham Police Department

Mail: Office of the City Clerk, Birmingham City Hall, 710 20th St. North, Third Floor, Birmingham, AL 35203

Fees & notes

Alabama law limits access to state residents; requests require proof of residency and must be submitted on a specific form. City of Birmingham does not accept public records requests via email.

Reviewed 2026-04-27

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