Access Blount County Birth Records
Birth records for Blount County residents are available at the county health department in Oneonta, the county seat. The Blount County Health Department is part of the Alabama Department of Public Health system and maintains access to the statewide vital records database. This means you can request certified birth certificates for anyone born in Alabama, regardless of which county the birth occurred in. The office offers same-day service for walk-in visitors during regular hours, and mail requests are also accepted for those who cannot visit in person.
Blount County Quick Facts
Blount County Health Department
The Blount County Health Department is your source for certified birth certificates in this area. Staff can search the Alabama vital records database and print certified copies for any birth registered in the state. Walk-in service is available during business hours, and most requests are completed the same day.
| Address | 1001 Lincoln Avenue Oneonta, AL 35121 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 274-2120 |
| Fax | (205) 274-2210 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Request Birth Certificates
In-Person Requests
Going to the health department yourself is the fastest option. You need to bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID. Tell the clerk the full name on the birth certificate, the birth date, the place of birth, and both parents' names. Your certified copy will be ready in about 15 to 30 minutes in most cases.
Mail Requests
You can request birth certificates through the mail by sending a letter to the Blount County Health Department. Your letter should include the complete name at birth, date of birth, place of birth including city and county, mother's maiden name, father's full name, how you are related to the person on the certificate, the reason for your request, your current address, and a daytime phone number. Include payment by check or money order. Allow 5 to 10 business days for processing plus mail time.
Statewide Database Access
Blount County connects to the same vital records database as all other Alabama counties. This system is maintained by the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. You can request any Alabama birth certificate from the Blount County office, even if the birth happened in a different part of the state.
Eligibility Requirements
Alabama law restricts who can receive certified birth certificates. Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22 lists eligible persons as:
- The individual named on the certificate (age 14 or older)
- A parent listed on the birth certificate
- A legal guardian with court documentation
- A spouse, adult child, or sibling of the individual
- A grandparent of the individual
- An attorney representing an eligible party
- An estate representative for a deceased person
- Government agencies for official uses
Bring proof of your relationship such as your birth certificate, marriage license, or guardianship papers. Staff will verify your eligibility before processing your request.
Fees and Costs
The fee schedule for birth certificates in Blount County matches the statewide rates set by the Alabama Department of Public Health.
| First Certified Copy | $15.00 |
|---|---|
| Additional Copies (same order) | $6.00 each |
| Expedited Processing | $15.00 additional |
Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted. Contact the office to verify if they take credit or debit cards. Mail-in payments should be checks or money orders payable to Blount County Health Department.
Legal Framework for Birth Records
Birth registration and certified copy issuance in Alabama are governed by several laws and regulations:
Alabama Code Section 22-9A-7 requires registration of all Alabama births within five days. Hospitals file directly with the state. For home births, the attending midwife, physician, or a parent files the registration.
Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22 defines who may obtain certified copies of vital records. This law protects privacy while allowing legitimate access.
Alabama Administrative Code 420-7-1-.22 establishes the procedures county health departments follow for vital records requests.
Amending Birth Records
To fix errors or add information to a birth certificate, you must submit an amendment to the Alabama Center for Health Statistics. The Blount County Health Department can give you the right forms and instructions. Common amendments include correcting spelling, adding a father's name, or changing a name after adoption.
Minor fixes require an affidavit and supporting documents. Major changes like adding a parent often need a court order. Amendment processing times range from a few weeks to several months.
Historical Records
Statewide birth registration in Alabama began in 1908. For births before that year, you may need to search church records, family Bibles, census records, or newspaper archives. The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery holds some pre-1908 records.
Records more than 125 years old are typically open to the public for genealogical purposes. Newer records require proof of eligibility.
Blount County Health Department Resources
The image below shows information about the Blount County Health Department from the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Cities in Blount County
Blount County contains several towns and communities. Oneonta is the county seat and largest city. Other communities include Hayden, Cleveland, Snead, Locust Fork, and Susan Moore. Residents of all areas in Blount County can obtain birth certificates at the health department in Oneonta.
No cities in Blount County have populations over 100,000. Nearby larger cities include Birmingham in Jefferson County and Huntsville in Madison County.
Nearby Counties
The following counties share borders with Blount County. Each county health department can issue birth certificates for any Alabama birth.