Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics
Alabama · Vital Records
alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/death-certificates.htmlState 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 take when someone dies
- •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
- •Completed request
- •One current primary photo ID (expired no more than 60 days), or two different secondary IDs
State Vital Records in Alabama: key facts
What Alabama says9
- Administering office
Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics.1
- Office location and hours
The RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Montgomery, AL 36104. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.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
Mother or father of person named on certificate; Husband or wife of person named on certificate; Son or daughter of person named on certificate; Sister or brother of person named on certificate; Grandchild of person named on certificate when demonstrating entitlement; Legal representative of family or estate.1
Informant listed on death certificate as providing information.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.Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics
- 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 § 22-20-4; Ala. Code § 11-47-40; Ala. Code § 35-1-4; Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-7-1-.13)
Alabama vital records offices
Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health Statistics
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in Alabama
Free tools for settling an estate in Alabama: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Alabama, certified death certificates come from the Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsAlabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $15Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $6Alabama Department of Public Health - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Alabama: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysAla. Code §§ 43-2-835, 43-2-836Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsAla. Code §§ 43-2-60, 43-2-61, 43-2-350, 43-2-354, 43-2-371Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.
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