How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

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

Step by Step

How to do it

Determine eligibility: Death certificates less than 25 years old are restricted. Eligible requesters include immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a documented legal interest (estate, insurance, etc.). Records more than 25 years old are public and available to anyone.
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)
Complete the application (Form HS-14) - available at county health departments or alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords
Provide valid photo ID and proof of relationship or legal interest (for records less than 25 years old)
Pay the fee
Receive your certificate - in person usually same day; mail requests take 7-10 business days

Details

Required Docs

Completed application (Form HS-14)
Valid government-issued photo ID
Proof of relationship or legal interest (for records less than 25 years old)
Payment (check or money order payable to "Center for Health Statistics" for mail; cash or card in 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

Online Option

Yes - through VitalChek at vitalchek.com (additional 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

Alabama records deaths since January 1908.
Death certificates less than 25 years old are confidential restricted records - only eligible parties may obtain copies.
Death certificates more than 25 years old are public records - anyone may request them.
Alabama is a closed-record state for recent death certificates (under 25 years).
Typically order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance companies, and financial institutions each require a certified copy. Most families need 6-10 copies.
The funeral home typically assists with initial death certificate filing - contact them first if the death is recent.
Records are statewide accessible at any county health department via the ViSION system.

Official Source

State Office

Alabama Center for Health Statistics - alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords | (334) 206-5418 | (334) 206-2641 (corrections)