Search Dallas County Birth Records
Dallas County birth records are maintained through the Dallas County Health Department in Selma, which serves as the county seat. The health department is part of the Southwestern Public Health District and provides certified copies of birth certificates through the statewide computer system. This office can issue certificates for any birth that occurred and was registered anywhere in Alabama since 1908. Requests are typically processed same-day for walk-in visitors. Dallas County also has a Legal Services Alabama office in Selma that can help residents with legal questions about vital records.
Dallas County Quick Facts
Dallas County Health Department
The Dallas County Health Department provides vital records services to residents of Selma and surrounding communities. Staff members can search the Alabama vital records database and issue certified copies of birth certificates. The office handles both simple requests and more complex situations such as delayed registrations or amended certificates. As part of the Southwestern Public Health District, this office follows all standard state procedures for vital records.
| Address | 100 Samuel O. Moseley Drive, Selma, AL 36701 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 874-2550 |
| Fax | (334) 777-1366 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | alabamapublichealth.gov/dallas |
How to Request a Birth Certificate
Getting a birth certificate in Dallas County is straightforward if you visit the health department in person. Bring your photo ID and be ready to fill out a short form. The clerk will search the database, and you can usually get your certificate while you wait. For those who cannot come in person, mail and online options are also available.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Dallas County Health Department during regular business hours. Approach the vital records window and request an application form. Fill out all required information including the full name on the certificate, date of birth, and parents' names. Show your valid government ID to the clerk. Pay the required fee and wait while they search and print your certificate. Most in-person requests are done in 15 to 30 minutes.
Mail Requests
For mail requests, download the application form from the Alabama Department of Public Health website. Complete the form with all required information. Include a photocopy of both sides of your valid photo ID. Write a check or money order for the correct amount, made payable to "Dallas County Health Department." Mail everything to the address listed above. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing once your request is received.
Online Requests
VitalChek is the authorized online vendor for Alabama birth certificates. You can place an order through their website, though you will pay their service fees on top of the standard state fees. This option is convenient if you cannot visit in person or prefer to use a credit card. Processing times vary and shipping options affect delivery speed.
Fees and Costs
The fees for birth certificates are set by the state and are the same at every county health department in Alabama. These fees cover the search of records and issuance of certified copies.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Search and first certified copy | $15.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order) | $6.00 |
| Expedited processing | $15.00 additional |
| Delayed registration | $20.00 |
| Amendment | $20.00 |
Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted. It is a good idea to call ahead if you plan to pay with a credit or debit card, as not all payment methods may be available at all times. Make checks payable to the Dallas County Health Department.
Eligibility Requirements
Under Alabama law, birth certificates less than 125 years old are restricted records. Not everyone can obtain a copy. The person named on the certificate may request their own record if age 14 or older. Parents whose names appear on the certificate can get copies for their children. Other eligible persons include the spouse, adult children, adult siblings, and grandparents of the registrant.
Legal representatives with proper documentation may request certificates on behalf of clients. Government agencies with statutory authority can obtain records for official use. Courts may order the release of certificates in legal proceedings. If you do not fit into one of these categories, you will need written authorization from an eligible person or a court order.
Legal Framework and Statutes
Alabama statutes in Title 22, Chapter 9A of the Alabama Code govern birth registration and the issuance of certified copies. These laws spell out who must file birth certificates, when they must be filed, and who can obtain copies.
Alabama Code Section 22-9A-7 establishes the requirement that every live birth be registered with the Office of Vital Statistics within five days. Hospitals and birthing centers are responsible for preparing and filing certificates for births that occur in their facilities.
Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22 addresses the issuance of certified copies. It declares that certified copies are prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein and grants the State Registrar authority to set fees and make rules about who can receive copies.
The detailed eligibility requirements and identification rules are set out in Alabama Administrative Code 420-7-1-.22. This regulation lists each category of eligible persons and describes what identification documents are acceptable.
Historical Records
Statewide birth registration in Alabama began in January 1908. Before that date, birth records were kept inconsistently at the local level. Some Dallas County births from the late 1800s may be documented in church records, probate court records, or early census data. The Alabama Department of Archives and History has microfilm of various local records that researchers can access.
For genealogy research into births before 1908, consider checking federal census records, county probate court files, church baptismal records, cemetery records, and family documents. The FamilySearch website offers free access to an Alabama Births and Christenings Index for 1881 through 1930.
Amendments and Corrections
The Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery handles all birth certificate amendments. County health departments cannot make changes to certificates. If you need to correct an error or add information to a birth certificate, contact the state office at (334) 206-2637. You will need to submit an application, pay the $20 fee, and provide supporting documentation.
Typical amendment requests include adding or changing a father's name, correcting spelling errors, and updating gender markers. Court orders are required for some types of changes. Amendments made more than one year after the original filing cause the certificate to be marked as amended.
Cities in Dallas County
Dallas County includes the city of Selma along with smaller communities such as Orrville, Valley Grande, and Sardis. No cities in Dallas County have populations over 100,000. All residents should use the Dallas County Health Department in Selma for birth certificate services.
Nearby Counties
Birth certificates can be obtained at any Alabama county health department. If Dallas County is not convenient, you may visit one of these neighboring counties: