Vital records in Alabama — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records — can be obtained from Judge of Probate (marriage) / ADPH (birth, death). Marriage licenses are issued by the Judge of Probate.
What this page covers: Alabama vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact Judge of Probate (marriage) / ADPH (birth, death). For marriage licenses, contact the Judge of Probate in the county where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
Alabama Vital Records — Key Facts (2026)
What Changed in 2026 — Alabama Vital Records
The 4-Step Alabama Vital Records Pathway
Five Things People Get Wrong About Alabama Vital Records
Primary Sources and Official Record Portals
- www.alabamapublichealth.gov — Official Alabama Vital Records — State portal for Alabama vital records
- CDC National Vital Statistics System — National Vital Statistics System
- CDC — Where to Write for Records — CDC state-by-state directory
- National Archives — Vital Records — Federal genealogy & vital guide
- Social Security Death Master File — Social Security death records
- Census — Births and Deaths — Census Bureau vital statistics
- VA — Veterans Records — Veterans Administration records
Related Vital Records Resources
- Alabama Court Records →
- Alabama Criminal Records →
- Alabama Property Records →
- Alabama Voter Records →
- Alabama Wants & Warrants →
- Alabama Licenses →
- Alabama Recorded Documents →
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Vital Records Databases
12 official Alabama vital records sources.
Vital Records
Alabama Counties
67 Alabama counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I order an Alabama birth certificate?▼
Certified birth certificates for events in Alabama are issued by the Official Alabama Vital Records at www.alabamapublichealth.gov. Requests can be made by mail, in person, or (in most cases) online through the state's authorized vendor. The county of registration may also be able to issue certified copies for recent local events.
How do I get an Alabama death certificate?▼
Alabama death certificates are issued by the Official Alabama Vital Records; eligibility (next of kin, executor, legal representative) and ID documentation requirements are listed at www.alabamapublichealth.gov. For deaths within the last year, the county clerk or local registrar where the death occurred can often issue a copy more quickly.
Can I look up an Alabama marriage or divorce record online?▼
Alabama marriage and divorce records are not generally available in a free, name-searchable online index. The Official Alabama Vital Records (www.alabamapublichealth.gov) handles certified copies; the underlying license/decree is filed with the county clerk or court that issued it, which is also a primary search point.
How long does it take to get an Alabama vital record?▼
Standard Alabama vital-record processing times vary from a few business days (in-person same-day at some county clerks) to several weeks for mailed requests. The Official Alabama Vital Records publishes current turnaround times at www.alabamapublichealth.gov. Expedited processing is usually available for an additional fee.
What ID do I need to order an Alabama certified vital record?▼
The Official Alabama Vital Records requires government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID) and proof of your relationship to the record holder, if applicable. The full list of acceptable ID and supporting documents is published at www.alabamapublichealth.gov.