Autauga County Birth Records

Birth records in Autauga County are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health through the local county health department located in Prattville. The Autauga County Health Department provides certified copies of birth certificates for individuals born anywhere in the state of Alabama through statewide computer access. Residents seeking birth records can visit the health department in person for same-day service or submit requests by mail for processing within a few business days. The county seat of Prattville serves as the central hub for vital records services in this East Central Alabama county.

Autauga County Health Department

The Autauga County Health Department is your primary source for obtaining certified birth certificates. This office maintains access to the statewide vital records system and can issue certified copies for any birth that occurred in Alabama. Walk-in visits typically receive same-day service during regular business hours.

How to Request Birth Certificates

In-Person Requests

Visiting the Autauga County Health Department in person is the fastest way to get a certified birth certificate. You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID card. Be prepared to provide the full name on the birth certificate, date of birth, place of birth, and names of parents. Most in-person requests are completed within 15 to 30 minutes while you wait.

Mail Requests

You can also request birth certificates by mail. Send your written request to the Autauga County Health Department at the address listed above. Your request must include the full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth, mother's maiden name, father's name, your relationship to the person named on the certificate, reason for the request, your current mailing address, and a daytime phone number. Include a check or money order payable to the Autauga County Health Department for the correct fee amount. Mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days to process.

Statewide Access

One major benefit of requesting records through Autauga County is statewide computer access. This means you can request a birth certificate for anyone born anywhere in Alabama, not just in Autauga County. The health department has access to the same database as the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. This saves you from having to contact a different county if the birth occurred elsewhere in the state.

Eligibility Requirements

Alabama law restricts who can obtain certified copies of birth certificates. Under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22, the following individuals may request a certified copy:

• The person named on the certificate (if 14 years of age or older)
• A parent or legal guardian of the person named
• A spouse, adult child, or sibling of the person named
• A grandparent of the person named
• An attorney representing one of the above parties
• A legal representative of the estate if the person is deceased
• A state or federal agency for official purposes

You must show proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. Acceptable documents include your own birth certificate, marriage certificate, court order, or power of attorney. If you cannot prove eligibility, your request will be denied.

Fees and Costs

The fee structure for birth certificates in Autauga County follows statewide rates set by the Alabama Department of Public Health. These fees help cover the cost of record search, verification, and printing of certified documents.

Payment methods accepted at the health department include cash, check, and money order. Some locations may accept credit or debit cards, but you should call ahead to confirm. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Autauga County Health Department.

Legal Framework for Birth Records

Birth registration in Alabama is governed by state law and administrative rules. The primary statutes and regulations that apply to birth certificates include:

Alabama Code Section 22-9A-7 establishes the requirements for registering births in the state. This law requires that all births be registered with the Center for Health Statistics within five days. Hospitals and birthing centers file birth certificates directly. For home births, the attending midwife or physician is responsible for filing the certificate.

Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22 governs who may obtain certified copies of vital records. This statute protects the privacy of individuals by limiting access to those with a direct and tangible interest in the record.

Alabama Administrative Code 420-7-1-.22 provides detailed rules for issuing certified copies. This regulation specifies the documentation required, fee structure, and procedures that county health departments must follow.

Birth Record Amendments

If you need to correct an error on a birth certificate or add missing information, you must file an amendment with the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. Common amendments include correcting spelling errors, adding a father's name, or changing a name due to adoption or legitimation. The Autauga County Health Department can provide you with the appropriate forms and instructions for filing amendments.

Minor corrections such as spelling errors typically require an affidavit and supporting documentation. More significant changes, such as adding a father's name or changing the child's surname, may require a court order. Amendment processing can take several weeks depending on the type of change requested.

Historical Records

Alabama began statewide vital records registration in 1908. Birth records from before this date may be more difficult to locate. For births that occurred in Autauga County before 1908, you may need to search church records, family Bibles, census records, or other historical documents. The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery maintains some historical vital records and can assist with genealogical research.

For births between 1908 and the present, the Autauga County Health Department can access records through the statewide database. Records more than 125 years old may be available to the general public for genealogical purposes.

Autauga County Health Department Resources

The image below shows the Alabama Department of Public Health page for Autauga County with contact information and available services.

Cities in Autauga County

Autauga County contains several incorporated municipalities. Prattville is the largest city and serves as the county seat. Other communities in the county include Autaugaville, Billingsley, and Pine Level. Residents of all cities and unincorporated areas in Autauga County can obtain birth certificates at the county health department in Prattville.

There are no cities in Autauga County with a population over 100,000. Residents seeking birth records should visit the Autauga County Health Department or request records by mail.

Nearby Counties

If you need birth records from neighboring counties or prefer to visit a different location, the following counties border Autauga County: