Search Jefferson County Death Records
Death records in Jefferson County are maintained by the Jefferson County Department of Health. The county seat is Birmingham, where the main health department office is located. Jefferson County operates its own independent health department (JCDH) that is separate from the Alabama Department of Public Health system, though it issues the same certificates and has access to statewide records.
Jefferson County Quick Facts
Where to Get Death Certificates in Jefferson County
The Jefferson County Department of Health handles all death certificate requests for Jefferson County. Walk-in service is available during regular business hours, and certificates are typically issued the same day. The office can access death records for any death that occurred anywhere in Alabama through the ViSION electronic system.
Jefferson County Department of Health Contact
| 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 |
Request Methods and Fees
In Person
Visit the Jefferson County Department of Health during business hours. Bring government-issued photo identification and payment. For deaths less than 25 years old, you must prove you are an eligible requestor such as a family member or legal representative. 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 payable to "Center for Health Statistics." Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.
Online and Phone
VitalChek provides online ordering at vitalchek.com and phone ordering at 1-888-279-9888. Credit and debit cards are accepted. Additional processing fees apply to online and phone orders beyond the standard state fees.
| 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 |
Required Information and Documents
To request a death certificate, you 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 (deaths within the past 25 years), you must also provide:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Proof of your relationship to the deceased (for family members)
- Legal documentation such as court orders or estate papers (for legal representatives)
Historical Records in Jefferson County
Alabama began mandatory death registration on January 1, 1908. For deaths before 1908, records may exist in county probate courts, church records, or cemetery records. The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery provides access to historical death records through their research room and online databases.
FamilySearch offers free access to the Alabama Deaths 1908-1974 collection, which can be searched by name, death date, and death place. The Alabama Archives is a FamilySearch affiliate library.
Access Restrictions
Under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-21, death records are confidential for 25 years from the date of death. During this period, only eligible requestors may obtain certified copies:
- Spouse of the deceased
- Parents of the deceased
- Children of the deceased
- Siblings of the deceased
- Grandchildren (with proof of relationship)
- Legal representative or estate executor
- Informant listed on the certificate
- Person with documented legal interest
Death records more than 25 years old are public records available to anyone.
Related County Resources
- Jefferson County Alabama (County Government)
- Jefferson County Probate Court (Probate Court)