Guide to filing construction documents in Dekalb County, Alabama

Contractors and suppliers working on a project within Dekalb County should get familiar with the Dekalb County Probate Office. This is the office that records documents related to the property, including mechanics liens and notices.

This page contains all of the information construction businesses need to file liens and other documents with the Dekalb County Probate Office, including locations, hours, fees, form downloads, and more..

Levelset makes it even easier:
File a document now with the Dekalb County Probate Office in just a few clicks.

The mechanics lien rules in Alabama can be complex. Before recording a lien in Dekalb County, read Filing a Lien in Alabama: A Step-by-Step Guide to make sure you understand the process, and common mistakes.

Download Dekalb County Probate Office Forms:

Lien FAQs for Dekalb County

What types of documents can I file at the Dekalb County Probate Office?

This office records a variety of property-related documents, including:
Mechanics lien
Lien release
UCC lien

Which office records mechanics liens in Dekalb County, Alabama?

Filing in person

Dekalb County Probate Office has 2 for recording mechanics liens and other property documents:

300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100
Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967
Phone: (256) 845-8510

Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Other Locations
Rainsville Alabama Annex
98 McCurdy Ave S
Rainsville, AL 35986

Phone: (256) 638-9404
Fax: (256) 638-9406

E-Filing

File your lien electronically with Levelset now.

Who can file a lien in Dekalb County?

If you provided labor or materials on a construction project located in Dekalb County, Alabama, then your mechanics lien should be filed here. However, every state has specific rules about who has the right to file a lien, including notice requirements and specific deadlines. To make sure you are allowed to file a lien, visit the Alabama Mechanics Lien Guide & FAQ page.

What is the deadline to file a lien claim in Dekalb County, Alabama?

In Alabama, your deadline to file a mechanics lien is dependent upon your role in the project. In general:
General contractors have 6 months to file a lien after the date of last furnishing. Subcontractors and suppliers have 120 days to file after date of last furnishing.

What are the Dekalb County Probate Office fees to file a lien?

Here are the costs to file a mechanics lien in Dekalb County, Alabama:
Indexing fee $4.00 Certified fee (This fee applies to each document) $4.00 Recording fee on pages (applies to each document): $5.50 Additional pages are $5.50 each

Recording offices do update their fee structure periodically. We recommend contacting the Dekalb County Probate Office to verify the recording costs, especially before mailing a document.

Visit the Dekalb County Probate Office fees page for the latest information.

How do I release a lien in Dekalb County once I’ve been paid?

To cancel a lien previously recorded with the Dekalb County Probate Office, you will need to record a lien release.
Lien release fee:
$13.50 first page $5.50 each additional page.

How do I get copies of documents from the Dekalb County Probate Office?

In Dekalb County, filed documents are public record. Copies of mechanics liens and other property documents are available upon request from the Dekalb County Probate Office.

In person

300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967

By mail

300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967

Fees

Certified copy: $5.00 plus $1.00 per page