Mobile Death Records
Death records for Mobile residents and deaths occurring in Mobile are handled by the Mobile County Health Department. Mobile is Alabama's second-largest city and has a unique distinction: death certificate recording in Mobile County dates back to 1820, predating Alabama's statewide death registration which began in 1908. The Mobile County Health Department can issue certified death certificates for any death that occurred in Alabama through the statewide ViSION system.
Mobile Quick Facts
Which Office Handles Mobile Death Records
Mobile is served by the Mobile County Health Department for all vital records including death certificates. The main office is located on North Bayou Street in downtown Mobile. Unlike most Alabama county health departments, the Mobile office offers Saturday hours from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in addition to regular weekday hours.
Mobile County has recorded deaths since 1820, making it one of the oldest sources of death records in Alabama. For historical death records predating state registration in 1908, the Mobile County Health Department may have records not available elsewhere. The office is part of the ADPH system and has access to all statewide records through the ViSION electronic system.
Mobile County Health Department
| Office | Mobile County Health Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 251 North Bayou Street, Mobile, AL 36603 |
| Main Phone | (251) 690-8150 |
| Vital Records | (251) 690-8898 |
| Weekday Hours | Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Saturday Hours | Saturday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Website | mchd.org |
| Vital Records Page | mchd.org/vital-records/ |
How to Request Death Certificates
In Person
Visit the Mobile County Health Department at 251 North Bayou Street in Mobile. The office is open weekdays from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Bring government-issued photo identification and payment. Walk-in requests are typically processed the same day.
By Mail
Mail requests can be sent to the Center for Health Statistics at P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Include a completed application form HS-14, copy of your photo ID, proof of eligibility for restricted records, and payment by check or money order. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.
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 |
Historical Death Records
Mobile County has a unique position in Alabama death record history. Death records in Mobile date back to 1820, nearly a century before Alabama's statewide mandatory death registration began in 1908. For deaths occurring in Mobile before 1908, records may be available through the Mobile County Health Department or the Mobile County Probate Court.
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. Records older than 25 years are public and available to anyone.
Related Resources
For county-level information and additional resources:
Nearby Cities
Other major Alabama cities with death records information: