Birmingham Death Records
Death records for Birmingham residents and deaths occurring in Birmingham are handled by the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH). Unlike other Alabama counties, Jefferson County operates its own independent health department that is separate from the Alabama Department of Public Health system. JCDH can issue certified death certificates for any death that occurred in Alabama through the statewide ViSION system.
Birmingham Quick Facts
Which Office Handles Birmingham Death Records
Birmingham is served by the Jefferson County Department of Health for all vital records including death certificates. JCDH is located in downtown Birmingham and provides walk-in service during regular business hours. The office issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in Alabama, not just in Jefferson County.
Jefferson County maintains its own health department separate from the Alabama Department of Public Health. While JCDH operates independently, it issues the same certificates and has access to the same statewide records as other county health departments through the ViSION electronic system.
Jefferson County Department of Health
| Office | Jefferson County Department of Health |
|---|---|
| Address | 1400 Sixth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 |
| Phone | (205) 933-9110 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | www.jcdh.org |
How to Request Death Certificates
In Person
Visit the Jefferson County Department of Health at 1400 Sixth Avenue South in Birmingham. Bring government-issued photo identification and payment. Certificates for deaths less than 25 years old require proof of eligibility such as documentation of your relationship to the deceased. Walk-in requests are typically processed the same day.
By Mail
Mail requests can be sent to the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery or directly to JCDH. Include a completed application, copy of your photo ID, proof of eligibility for restricted records, and payment by check or money order. Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days.
Online
VitalChek provides online ordering at vitalchek.com. Phone orders can be placed at 1-888-279-9888. Additional processing fees apply to online and phone orders. Credit and debit cards are accepted through VitalChek.
Fees and Processing Times
| Search fee (includes 1 certified copy) | $15.00 |
|---|---|
| Additional copies (same order) | $6.00 each |
| In-person processing | Same day |
| Mail processing | 7-10 business days |
Access Restrictions
Death records less than 25 years old are restricted under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-21. Eligible requestors for restricted records include the spouse, parents, children, siblings, and grandchildren of the deceased. Legal representatives and estate executors may also request copies with documentation. Records older than 25 years are public and available to anyone.
Required Information
When requesting a death certificate, you will need to provide the full legal name of the deceased, date of death (at least the year), and place of death if known. For restricted records, you must also provide proof of your relationship to the deceased and government-issued photo identification.
Related Resources
For county-level information and additional resources:
Nearby Cities
Other major Alabama cities with death records information: