Search Alabama Death Records

Alabama death records are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health through its Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. The state has recorded deaths since January 1, 1908, though full compliance with mandatory registration was not achieved until 1925. All 67 county health departments in Alabama can issue certified copies of death certificates for any death that occurred in the state through the ViSION electronic system. Records less than 25 years old are restricted to eligible family members and legal representatives, while older records are available to the general public.

How to Get Alabama Death Records

Death certificates in Alabama can be obtained through several methods. The fastest option is visiting any county health department in person, where certificates are often issued the same day. The Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery no longer accepts walk-in visitors for routine copy requests, so county offices have become the primary point of access for most residents.

For mail requests, send a completed application form HS-14 to the Center for Health Statistics at P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Include a check or money order payable to "Center for Health Statistics." Processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Online and phone orders are available through VitalChek at 1-888-279-9888, though additional processing fees apply.

Who Can Request Death Certificates

For death records less than 25 years old, Alabama law limits access to specific individuals. Eligible requestors include the surviving spouse, parents, children, siblings, and grandchildren of the deceased person. Legal representatives such as estate executors and attorneys with documented interest may also request copies. The informant whose name appears on the certificate has access rights as well.

Death records more than 25 years old are considered public records under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-21. Anyone may request these older records without proving a relationship to the deceased. Government-issued photo identification is required for all restricted record requests.

Alabama Death Certificate Fees

Fees are set by the State Board of Health under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-23. VitalChek charges additional service and processing fees for online and phone orders.

Request Methods

In Person

Visit any Alabama county health department during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bring photo identification and payment. Certificates are typically issued while you wait. This is the fastest method for obtaining death records.

By Mail

Download and complete form HS-14 from the ADPH website. Mail the form with a check or money order to: Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Include a copy of your photo ID and proof of eligibility for restricted records. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.

Online or By Phone

VitalChek provides online ordering at vitalchek.com and phone ordering at 1-888-279-9888. Credit and debit cards are accepted. Rush delivery options are available for an additional charge. VitalChek adds processing fees on top of the standard state fees.

County Health Departments

Alabama operates 67 county health departments through the Alabama Department of Public Health. Jefferson County maintains its own independent health department (JCDH) that is not part of the ADPH system, though it issues the same certificates. All county health departments are connected through the ViSION system and can access records for deaths that occurred anywhere in Alabama.

The county health department in the county where the death occurred will have the most complete local records. However, you can request a death certificate from any Alabama county health department regardless of where the death took place or where you currently live.

Historical Death Records Research

For deaths that occurred before 1908, records may exist in county probate courts, church records, or cemetery records. Mobile County has death records dating back to 1820, well before statewide registration began.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) in Montgomery provides access to historical death records. ADAH is a FamilySearch affiliate library, offering free access to FamilySearch databases including the Alabama Deaths 1908-1974 collection. These indexes can be searched by name, death date, and death place.

Alabama Vital Records Laws

Death registration in Alabama is governed by the Alabama Vital Records Act. Key statutes include:

• Alabama Code Section 22-9A-14: Death certificates must be filed within 5 days of death
• Alabama Code Section 22-9A-21: 25-year confidentiality period; public access after that
• Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22: Certified copies issued to authorized persons

What Information Is on a Death Certificate

Alabama death certificates contain the full legal name of the deceased, date and time of death, place of death including county and city, and the cause of death. The manner of death is also recorded: natural, accident, homicide, suicide, pending investigation, or undetermined. The attending physician or medical examiner provides the medical certification.

Demographic information includes age, sex, race, marital status, occupation, birthplace, and birth date. Parents' names are listed, including the mother's maiden name. The surviving spouse's name appears if the person was married. Social Security number, residence at time of death, and informant details are included. Funeral home information and burial or cremation disposition complete the record.

State Contact Information

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Counties

Death records are handled by county health departments across Alabama. Select a county to find local contact information and procedures.

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