Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics

Alabama · Vital Records

alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/death-certificates.html

State Vital Records in Alabama

The Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Alabama. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.

Steps to takeKey facts

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Confirm the death occurred in Alabama; the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
2
Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
  • •Online: Order through VitalChek with credit/debit card
  • •By phone: Call VitalChek toll-free at 1-888-279-9888
  • •By mail: Mail request with check or money order to Center for Health Statistics
  • •In person: Visit any county health department in Alabama
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Valid photo identification
4
Allow the office's processing time (7-10 days).

State Vital Records in Alabama: key facts

What Alabama says8

Administering office

Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics.1

Mail orders

Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625.1

Certificate fee

$15 for the first certified copy; $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; expedited processing adds $15.1

Processing time

7-10 days.1

Who may order

Immediate family member; Person with demonstrated legal right to the record.1

Filing deadline

The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.2

Public record

Death records become public 25 years after the death.1

Records available from

1908.1

Governing law: Ala. Code § 22-19-3

Sources2

  1. 1.Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics
  2. 2.Alabama death-certificate filing rule (Ala. Code § 22-19-3; Ala. Code § 22-19-2; Ala. Code § 22-9A-14; Ala. Code § 22-9A-16; Ala. Code § 34-13-117; Ala. Code § 34-13-111)

Alabama vital records offices

Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics

Phone

888-279-9888

Mailing address

Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
Verified Sep 2026