Calhoun County Birth Records

Birth records for Calhoun County can be obtained through the health department located in Anniston. This office is part of the Northeastern Public Health District and connects to Alabama's statewide vital records database. Calhoun County sits in northeastern Alabama with Anniston as its county seat and primary population center. The county was once home to Fort McClellan, a major military installation that closed in 1999. Health department staff can access birth certificates for anyone born anywhere in Alabama. Most in-person requests are completed within 30 minutes or less.

Calhoun County Health Department

The Calhoun County Health Department operates as part of the Alabama Department of Public Health's Northeastern District. The facility on McClellan Boulevard in Anniston provides vital records services along with immunizations, disease prevention programs, and environmental health inspections. This is the main location for obtaining birth certificates in Calhoun County.

Address	3400 McClellan Boulevard, Anniston, AL 36201
Phone	(256) 237-7523
Fax	(256) 238-0851
Hours	Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Website	alabamapublichealth.gov/calhoun

The office closes for lunch and on state holidays. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours. Calling ahead can help confirm current wait times.

Getting Birth Certificates

In Person

Visiting the Calhoun County Health Department is the quickest way to get a birth certificate. Bring your photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Complete an application at the counter. Staff search the statewide database and print your certificate while you wait. Most visits take about 20 to 30 minutes total.

If you are requesting someone else's certificate, bring proof that you are eligible. Parents can get copies for their minor or adult children. Adult children can request parents' certificates. Spouses, siblings, and grandparents also qualify. You need documentation showing your relationship, such as your own birth certificate or a marriage license. Legal representatives must show court orders or powers of attorney.

By Mail

Mail requests go to the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery rather than to the Calhoun County office. Download Form HS-14 from the Alabama Department of Public Health website. Complete all fields, include photocopies of your ID front and back, and pay by check or money order made out to "Center for Health Statistics." Send everything to P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Expect 7 to 10 business days for processing after receipt.

Online

VitalChek handles online orders for Alabama birth certificates. The service charges processing fees on top of the state fee but allows credit card payment and expedited shipping. Visit the ADPH vital records page and follow the link for online ordering. You will create an account, enter the requested information, and pay electronically. Certificates ship from the state office in Montgomery.

Fees

Calhoun County Health Department charges standard fees set by the Alabama Department of Public Health. These fees apply at all county health departments statewide.

Service	Fee
Search (includes first certified copy)	$15.00
Additional copies (same order)	$6.00 each
Expedited processing (mail orders)	$15.00 extra

The Calhoun County office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Make checks payable to "Calhoun County Health Department." Call to verify whether credit and debit cards are accepted. VitalChek adds its own service fees to online orders.

Legal Requirements

Birth certificates in Alabama are restricted for 125 years. Alabama Code § 22-9A-22 makes certified copies legal evidence of the facts stated on the document. The Alabama Administrative Code 420-7-1-.22 defines who can obtain copies.

Eligible Requesters

The person on the certificate can get their own copy if at least 14 years old. Parents listed on the certificate can request copies for children of any age. Other eligible parties include the registrant's spouse, adult children, siblings, grandparents, and court-appointed guardians. Attorneys can request certificates with written authorization from an eligible party. Government agencies may access records for official purposes with proper documentation.

ID Requirements

You must present valid, unexpired photo identification. Acceptable IDs include a state driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID. If requesting for another person, also bring documentation proving your relationship or legal authority.

Birth Registration

Alabama required statewide birth registration starting January 1, 1908. Alabama Code § 22-9A-7 mandates that hospitals and birth attendants file a certificate within five days. The document records the child's name, date and place of birth, and parent information.

Records before 1908 are less complete. Church baptismal records, family bibles, and county courthouse files may have some early birth information. The Alabama Department of Archives and History holds some voluntary pre-1908 registrations. Federal census records from 1850 onward provide ages and birthplaces useful for genealogy.

Delayed Registration

If a birth was never registered, delayed registration is possible. Alabama Code § 22-9A-9 sets different requirements based on time elapsed since the birth.

Registrations within one year use the standard form. Those between one and five years are marked "Delayed Registration." For births over five years ago, you need documentary evidence from independent sources like hospital or school records. You also need a sworn statement from someone at least ten years older who has personal knowledge of your birth. The fee is $20.00. Call the Center for Health Statistics at (334) 206-2637 for instructions.

Corrections

Errors on birth certificates are corrected through the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. County offices do not process amendments but can provide forms and information. Under Alabama Code § 22-9A-19, minor corrections within one year do not mark the certificate as amended.

Typical amendments include adding a father's name, fixing spelling errors, and name changes. Supporting documentation is required. Amendments after one year cause the certificate to be marked "AMENDED" with the date and description of the change. Most amendments cost $20.00.

Adoption Records

When a child is adopted in Alabama, a new birth certificate replaces the original, which is sealed. Alabama allows adult adoptees unrestricted access. Those 19 or older can request a non-certified copy of the original certificate for $25.00. The request needs an original signature and cannot be done online. Birth parents may file a Contact Preference Form.

Legal Aid Resources

Legal Services Alabama has an office in Anniston that provides free civil legal help to qualifying low-income residents. They can assist with issues related to vital records, name changes, and other legal matters affecting birth certificate access.

Nearby Counties

Any Alabama county health department can issue birth certificates from the statewide database. Nearby options include: