Bibb County Birth Records Search

Birth records in Bibb County are available through the county health department located in Centreville, which also serves as the county seat. The Bibb County Health Department operates under the Alabama Department of Public Health and provides certified copies of birth certificates for individuals born anywhere in Alabama. The office maintains statewide database access, so residents do not need to travel to a different county if the birth occurred elsewhere. Walk-in visitors can receive same-day service during normal business hours, or you may submit a request by mail if visiting in person is not possible.

Bibb County Health Department

The Bibb County Health Department handles all vital records requests for county residents. Staff members can access the statewide birth records database to locate and issue certified copies for any birth that occurred in Alabama. Most in-person requests are completed the same day you visit.

How to Request Birth Certificates

In-Person Requests

Visiting the health department in person gives you the fastest service. Bring your government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or state ID card. You will need to tell the staff the full name on the birth certificate, the date of birth, where the birth happened, and both parents' names. The search and printing process usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

Mail Requests

If you cannot visit in person, you may request a birth certificate by mail. Write a letter with the following information: full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth (city and county), mother's maiden name, father's name, your relationship to the person on the certificate, why you need it, your mailing address, and your phone number. Send the letter with a check or money order made payable to the Bibb County Health Department. Processing takes about 5 to 10 business days after they receive your request.

Statewide Database Access

The Bibb County Health Department connects to the statewide vital records system run by the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. Because of this connection, you can get a birth certificate for any Alabama birth, not just those from Bibb County. This saves you a trip to another county if the birth happened somewhere else in the state.

Eligibility Requirements

Not everyone can obtain a certified birth certificate. Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22 limits access to the following people:

• The person named on the certificate (must be 14 or older)
• A parent whose name appears on the record
• A court-appointed legal guardian
• A spouse, adult child, or sibling of the person named
• A grandparent of the person named
• An attorney representing someone eligible
• An estate representative if the person is deceased
• Government agencies for official business

You will need to prove how you are related to the person on the record. Bring your own birth certificate, marriage license, or court papers that show your connection. The health department will check your eligibility before giving out any records.

Fees and Costs

Bibb County follows the same fee schedule as all other Alabama counties for birth certificates.

You can pay with cash, check, or money order at the office. Call ahead to ask about credit and debit card payments. For mail requests, send a check or money order payable to Bibb County Health Department.

Legal Framework for Birth Records

Alabama law sets the rules for registering births and issuing certified copies. Important statutes include:

Alabama Code Section 22-9A-7 says that all births must be registered with the state within five days. Hospitals file birth certificates directly. For births at home, the midwife, doctor, or parent must file the registration.

Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22 controls who can get certified copies. This law protects personal information while still letting family members and others with a valid need get the records.

Alabama Administrative Code 420-7-1-.22 gives detailed instructions that county health departments must follow when handling vital records requests.

Correcting Birth Records

If a birth certificate has wrong information or is missing data, you need to file an amendment with the Alabama Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. The Bibb County Health Department can provide the forms and explain what you need to do. Common reasons for amendments include spelling corrections, adding a father's name, or name changes due to adoption.

Small corrections need an affidavit and some supporting papers. Bigger changes like adding a parent usually require a court order. It can take several weeks or months to process an amendment.

Historical Records

Alabama began requiring birth registration across the state in 1908. For births before that date, you may need to check church records, family Bibles, old census records, or newspaper archives. The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery keeps some older vital records and can help with family history research.

Birth records over 125 years old are generally available to anyone for genealogical research. Newer records are restricted to eligible applicants as described above.

Bibb County Health Department Resources

The image below shows the Alabama Department of Public Health page for Bibb County with contact and service information.

Cities in Bibb County

Bibb County includes several small towns and communities. Centreville is the largest town and the county seat. Other places in the county include Brent, West Blocton, and Woodstock. All residents can get birth certificates at the Bibb County Health Department in Centreville.

Bibb County does not have any cities with populations over 100,000. Residents may also visit Birmingham in neighboring Jefferson County or Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa County for vital records services.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Bibb County. Each has a health department that can issue birth certificates for any Alabama birth.