
PROBATE OFFICE NEWS
Electronic Recording of Documents
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On January 17, 2023, the Probate Court of Covington County began accepting certain documents for recording by electronic means. This service is provided through the use of an approved vender, Simplifile. Parties wishing to utilize this type of recording service must first contact Simplifile at simplifile.com for details and procedures.
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Submitting a document electronically to the Probate Court DOES NOT confirm, guarantee or validate the recording of a document. The document must be reviewed by Court staff to confirm its acceptance and that the recording fees and taxes are being paid. If the document is accepted, the document will be recorded, and the submitter will be notified. If the document is rejected, the submitter will be notified of the reason for the rejection.
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Questions regarding electronic recording of documents should be directing to the Recording Clerks at 334-428-2518 or 334-428-2519.
STAR ID
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As you know, Oct. 1, 2020, is the federal deadline for REAL ID-compliant identification to board commercial domestic flights and to enter certain federal facilities. We are working to ensure those who may need STAR IDs (our state’s version of REAL ID) have ample time to obtain one prior to October of next year.
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Lori Jhons of Governor Kay Ivey’s staff shared a link to the Blount County Probate website featuring the Governor’s STAR ID message. (See below.) In addition, we have attached the latest version of the STAR ID flier with details concerning first issuance. The Covington County Probate Office will still continue to offer drivers license renewals and duplicates. For the STAR ID, You must visit the driver's license examiners office located on the right outside of the Court house.
Here are those links:
Governor’s STAR ID message, featuring ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MCNbuiBMDQ
Blount County Probate’s page: http://www.blountcountyalprobate.com/Default.asp?ID=61&pg=Driver+License

MEMORANDUM
From: Alabama Secretary of State, Government Support Division
In accordance with Alabama Code 36-14-1, 36-14-11, 36-14-12, and 36-14-13, the Secretary of State is required to distribute acts and resolutions to various Government entities. In lieu of biding and distributing copies of each volume of the acts and resolution, and in an effort to save the state money, the acts and resolutions are available in electronic form on our website www.sos.alabama.gov.
When you reach the website, www.sos.alabama.gov, click the Records link and in the drop-down column of links click the Legislative Acts link to access the acts and resolutions.
Personalized Tags
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There have been new plates added and existing designs updated. Take a look! Visit the personalized tag website for a complete collection of tag availability!
Register to Vote
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To Register to Vote, Check your polling place, obtain Sample Ballots and more information about voting, please visit this link.
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For more information regarding elections, please visit the following link:
https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/election-publications/Alabama_Access_vs_Security.pdf
Abandoned Vehicle
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Legislative Act 2015-470 amends the unclaimed/abandoned motor vehicle law. Effective July 1, 2016, a person or entity, including towing companies, in possession of an “unclaimed” or “abandoned” motor vehicle must report the following information to the Department of Revenue (DOR) before a motor vehicle can be sold as an “abandoned” motor vehicle. NOTE: ACT 2015-470 only applies to the sale of an abandoned vehicle for which notice is published on or after July 1, 2016. If the notice of the sale was posted prior to July 1, 2016, the vehicle may be sold under the current abandoned motor vehicle law.
New Congressional, State Senate, State House and State School Board Maps
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Recently, the Alabama Legislature met for the second Special Legislative Session of 2021 to discuss redistricting, healthcare-related pandemic appropriations, and other matters.
Stacy B Brooks Sworn-In Ceremony
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Stacy B Brooks is sworn in by Circuit Judge Benjamin M. Bowden
Marriage Certificates
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Are you ready to get married? We now offer Marriage Certificates.
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Please follow the following steps to insure everything has been done correctly.
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1. Fill out the Marriage certificate online.
2. Make sure to have both spouses signatures notarized.
3. Bring the Certificate into the Probate Court to have it recorded.
4. The cost for two adults is $75.50.
The cost for minors is $78.50. (additional paperwork is required)