Find Birth Records in Barbour County
Birth records in Barbour County are issued through the local health department in Eufaula, which operates under the Alabama Department of Public Health. The Barbour County Health Department maintains statewide computer access to vital records, allowing residents to obtain certified copies of birth certificates for any person born in Alabama. Clayton serves as the county seat, but the health department is located in Eufaula to serve the larger population center. Requests can be made in person during regular business hours or submitted by mail for those who cannot visit in person.
Barbour County Quick Facts
Barbour County Health Department
The Barbour County Health Department is located in Eufaula and serves as the primary office for obtaining birth certificates in the county. The staff can process requests for birth records from anywhere in Alabama through the statewide database. In-person visits typically result in same-day service.
| Address | 634 School Street Eufaula, AL 36027 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 687-4808 |
| Fax | (334) 687-6470 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Request Birth Certificates
In-Person Requests
Walking into the Barbour County Health Department is the quickest method to get a certified birth certificate. You must present valid photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Be ready to provide the complete name on the birth certificate, the date of birth, the place of birth, and the full names of both parents. Staff will search the records and prepare your certificate while you wait, usually within 15 to 30 minutes.
Mail Requests
For mail requests, write a letter that includes the full name at birth, date of birth, city and county where the birth took place, mother's full maiden name, father's full name, your relationship to the person named on the record, the reason you need the certificate, your current address, and a phone number. Send your letter along with a check or money order to the Barbour County Health Department at the address above. Mail requests are processed within 5 to 10 business days.
Statewide Database Access
Because Barbour County has access to the statewide vital records database, you can request birth certificates for anyone born in Alabama. You are not limited to records from Barbour County only. This centralized system is maintained by the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery and includes all registered Alabama births.
Eligibility Requirements
Alabama restricts access to certified birth certificates to protect individual privacy. Under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22, the following people may request a certified copy:
- The person named on the birth certificate if at least 14 years old
- A parent listed on the birth certificate
- A legal guardian with appropriate court documents
- A spouse, adult child, or sibling of the registrant
- A grandparent of the person named
- An attorney acting on behalf of an eligible person
- The legal representative of a deceased person's estate
- State or federal agencies for official purposes
Proof of relationship is required. Bring documents such as your own birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order establishing guardianship. The health department will verify your eligibility before releasing any records.
Fees and Costs
Birth certificate fees in Barbour County are established by state regulation. All Alabama counties charge the same rates for vital records.
| First Certified Copy | $15.00 |
|---|---|
| Additional Copies (same order) | $6.00 each |
| Expedited Processing | $15.00 additional |
Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted for payment. Call the health department to confirm whether they accept credit or debit cards. For mailed requests, make checks or money orders payable to Barbour County Health Department.
Legal Framework for Birth Records
The registration of births and issuance of certified copies in Alabama are governed by state law. Key statutes include:
Alabama Code Section 22-9A-7 requires all births in Alabama to be registered within five days of delivery. Hospitals submit birth certificates directly to the state. For home births, the midwife, physician, or parent must file the registration.
Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22 specifies who may obtain certified copies of birth certificates. The law balances privacy concerns with the legitimate needs of family members and authorized parties.
Alabama Administrative Code 420-7-1-.22 provides the detailed procedures that county health departments must follow when processing vital records requests.
Amending Birth Records
To correct errors or add information to a birth certificate, you must submit an amendment request to the Alabama Center for Health Statistics. The Barbour County Health Department can give you the forms and explain the process. Typical amendment requests involve correcting misspellings, adding a father's information, or changing a name following adoption or legitimation.
Simple corrections need an affidavit and supporting documents. Larger changes usually require a court order. Expect processing times of several weeks to a few months depending on what you are changing.
Historical Records
Alabama started mandatory birth registration statewide in 1908. For births in Barbour County before that year, you may need to look at church records, family Bibles, census data, or newspaper announcements. The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery has some older records that may help with genealogical research.
Records more than 125 years old are generally open to the public for research purposes. For newer records, you must meet the eligibility requirements described above.
Barbour County Health Department Resources
The image below shows the Alabama Department of Public Health page for Barbour County.
Cities in Barbour County
Barbour County contains several communities including Eufaula, Clayton, Clio, and Louisville. Eufaula is the largest city and hosts the county health department. Clayton is the county seat. Residents of all municipalities and unincorporated areas in Barbour County should visit the health department in Eufaula for birth certificate requests.
No cities in Barbour County have populations over 100,000. For nearby larger cities, residents may consider Montgomery in Montgomery County.
Nearby Counties
The following counties border Barbour County. Each county health department can issue certified birth certificates for births occurring anywhere in Alabama.