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Alabama · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Alabama Center for Health Statistics / County Health Department (state level, accessible at county)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Birth certificates less than 125 years old are restricted. You must be the person named, an immediate family member, or have a documented legal right to the record.
  2. Choose your method: in person at any county health department, by mail to the Center for Health Statistics, or online through VitalChek (third-party fees apply)
  3. Complete the application (Form HS-14) - available at county health departments or alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords
  4. Provide valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or two secondary IDs if primary unavailable)
  5. Pay the fee
  6. Receive your certificate - in person usually same day; mail requests take 7-10 business days
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed application (Form HS-14)
  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • Payment (check or money order payable to "Center for Health Statistics" for mail requests; cash or card in person)
  • Proof of relationship if requesting on behalf of another person
Fee
$15 for first certified copy; $6 for each additional copy of same record ordered at same time; $15 additional for expedited processing
Waiting Period
None
Processing Time
Same day in person at county health department; 7-10 business days by mail; expedited available for additional fee
Online Option
Yes - through VitalChek at vitalchek.com (additional third-party fees apply); call 1-888-279-9888
Where to Go
Any Alabama County Health Department (in person) or Center for Health Statistics by mail: P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
Alabama Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Alabama uses an automated system (ViSION) allowing vital records to be issued at any county health department statewide - you do not need to go to the county where the birth occurred.
  • Records less than 125 years from date of birth are restricted to eligible requesters only.
  • The Center for Health Statistics does not accept online requests directly - use VitalChek for online orders.
  • Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time are $6 each - order extras in one request to save money.
  • Apostille and exemplified copies available for international use - contact the Center for Health Statistics for details.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Alabama Center for Health Statistics - alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords | (334) 206-5418