Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Alabama

You may need a copy of your birth certificate for many different reasons. If you’ve lost your birth certificate or you'd simply like another copy, it's easy to order another one. Even though most US states have the same procedure for ordering a birth certificate, be sure to follow the specific instructions for your birth state. Follow these instructions to obtain a copy of your birth certificate from the state of Alabama.

Steps

Ordering a Birth Certificate

  1. Determine if you have a legal right to order the birth certificate. Only the individual named on the certificate, immediate family, or those with legal rights can order a birth certificate that is newer than 125 years old.[1] This is because the state of Alabama restricts usage of birth certificates that are under 125 years old.
    • Parents and legal guardians are allowed to order a birth certificate for their child.
    • Spouses, siblings, and children of the person named on the birth certificate may order a birth certificate.
    • Legal representatives of authorized persons (e.g., a spouse’s attorney) may order a birth certificate.
  2. Download a mail-in application. A vital records order form is available online. You can use this form to obtain birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates. Download and print this form.
    • You can also apply for a certified copy of your Alabama birth certificate by appearing in person at any county health department in Alabama. Bring the $15 fee with you. You can pay with cash, check, or money order.
    • You can also place your order online through a service provider, VitalChek. VitalChek accepts credit cards. You fill out and submit the form online. Note that a birth certificate ordered through the VitalChek service costs $30, with additional copies costing $6 each.[2]
  3. Fill out the “Applicant Section” of the form. Be sure to provide complete information in the Applicant Section of this form. This gives the health department information about who is requesting the certificate and where to send it.
  4. Fill out the “Birth” section of the form. Give as much complete information as possible in this section. This will ensure that your request is processed in a timely manner and accurately.
  5. Sign your form. It is important to sign the form. Otherwise, your request will not be processed.
    • Keep in mind that by signing the form, you are attesting that you have legal authority to order this birth certificate. If you are not legally authorized and you sign the form, you may face penalties.
  6. Write a check or purchase a money order. You must pay a fee when ordering a copy of a birth certificate. Alabama Vital Records accepts only check or money order as payment. The first copy costs $15. Additional copies cost $6.
    • Make the check or money order payable to "State Board of Health.” Do not send cash.
    • If you need the birth certificate quickly, you can pay an additional $15 for expedited service, for a total of $30.
  7. Mail the form. Make a copy of your form for your own records. Be sure to enclose a check for the correct amount. If you choose to mail the form, use this address:
    • Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625.
    • You can also submit your form in person at any county health department in Alabama. Locate your county health department by visiting the Alabama Public Health website. Bring a check or money order to pay the fee for ordering the birth certificate.

Ordering a Pre-Adoption or Sealed Birth Certificate

  1. Determine if your original birth certificate has been placed in a sealed file. Your original birth certificate is sealed after an adoption, legitimation or paternity determination. The state will issue you a new birth certificate and the original goes into a sealed file.[3]
    • You can get a copy of your original birth certificate if you are at least 19 years old. You are the only person who can access the record.
    • Your original birth certificate is not certified and cannot be used for legal purposes. The names of the biological parents on the original birth certificate may not be accurate (parents may use false names).
    • You will receive all the documents in the sealed file vital records with your request, which may include court records or contact preferences from the biological parents.[4]
  2. Download the form to order the pre-adoption birth certificate. Once you’ve determined that you likely have a sealed birth certificate, download and print the pre-adoption birth certificate form.
  3. Fill out the “Birth” section of the form. Provide as much complete information as possible. Be sure to write your full name as it appears on your current birth certificate.[5]
    • You also need to provide your parents’ names as they appear on your current birth certificate.
  4. Fill out the “Applicant Section” of the form. You are the only person who may order this birth certificate. Provide complete information and sign the form.
  5. Write a check or purchase a money order for the ordering fee. The fee for this non-certified birth certificate is $25.
    • Make your check or money order payable to “Alabama Vital Records.”
  6. Mail the form. Make a copy of your form for your own records. Be sure to enclose a check or money order for the correct amount. Mail the form to the following address:
    • Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625.

Ordering a Keepsake Birth Certificate

  1. Download the keepsake birth certificate order form. A keepsake birth certificate is a document that the Alabama Center for Health Statistics produces. It is suitable for framing. Download the form and print it out.
    • Keep in mind that the keepsake birth certificate is not usable as a legal document.
  2. Fill out the “Birth” section of the form. The form requires certain information about the individual’s birth information. Provide as much complete information as possible.
    • You can choose from 3 designs for the keepsake birth certificate.
  3. Fill out the “Applicant Section” of the form. This section needs to be filled out by someone with legal authority to order a keepsake birth certificate. This includes:
    • Person named on the certificate
    • Mother or father of person named on the certificate
    • Husband or wife of person named on the certificate
    • Son or daughter of person named on the certificate
    • Sister or brother of person named on the certificate
  4. Sign the form. Make sure to include your signature on the form. Otherwise, your request will not be processed.
  5. Write a check for the fee. It costs $45 to order a keepsake birth certificate. Each additional copy also costs $45.
    • If the birth certificate cannot be located, you will receive a Certificate of Failure to Find. You still need to pay $15, but the rest of the initial fee you paid will be refunded.
  6. Mail the form. Make a copy of your form for your own records. Be sure to enclose a check for the correct amount. Mail the form to the following address:
    • Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625.

Ordering a Pre-1908 Birth Certificate

  1. Determine if your county has records. Before 1881, the state of Alabama did not require counties to record births. Between 1881-1908, Alabama did require counties to record births, but many counties were slow or failed to comply. If you are looking for a birth certificate for someone born before 1908, you may find it challenging.[6]
    • Check for your county in the Local Government Records Microfilm Database, which is maintained by the state archives.
    • These records, if listed, are held at the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
    • You can also search the FamilySearch database of Alabama Births and Christening, 1881-1930.[7]
  2. Find your county’s historical or genealogical society. You may be able to find old birth certificates (prior to 1908) through your regional or local historical society, museum, library or similar service.[8]
  3. Talk with a local historian to brainstorm other ideas. If you are trying to figure out someone’s birth date or you are trying to put together your family tree, you might think about speaking with a local historian. This person will have solid knowledge of the area and may be able to give you good ideas about where to find relevant information.
    • Local historians can be found through universities, museums, or historical societies.

Tips

  • Call the Alabama Department of Public Health at (334) 206-5418 if you have questions.

Related Articles

  • Change Your Name in Alabama
  • Apply For a Marriage License in Alabama
  • Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Louisiana
  • Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Maine

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://adph.org/vitalrecords/assets/HS14.pdf
  2. ↑ https://www.vitalchek.com/birth-certificates/alabama/alabama-vital-records
  3. ↑ http://www.adph.org/vitalrecords/index.asp?id=1567
  4. ↑ http://www.adph.org/vitalrecords/assets/hs8687.pdf
  5. ↑ http://www.adph.org/vitalrecords/assets/newhs95.pdf
  6. ↑ http://www.archives.state.al.us/referenc/vital.html
  7. ↑ https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1661470
  8. ↑ http://www.archives.state.al.us/referenc/societies.pdf
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