DeKalb County Birth Records Search
DeKalb County birth records are accessible through the DeKalb County Health Department located in Fort Payne. This office functions as part of the Northeastern Public Health District and connects to Alabama's centralized vital records database. Residents can request certified copies of birth certificates for any birth registered in the state since 1908. The health department building sits on Calvin Drive in southwest Fort Payne and provides walk-in service during standard business hours. Most requests are completed within 30 minutes, making it convenient for those who need records quickly.
DeKalb County Quick Facts
DeKalb County Health Department
The DeKalb County Health Department offers vital records services including birth certificate requests. Staff can search the statewide database and print certified copies on site. The office serves residents of Fort Payne, Rainsville, Collinsville, Sylvania, Mentone, and other communities across DeKalb County. Because of the statewide computer system, you can also request birth certificates for people born in other Alabama counties.
| Address | 2401 Calvin Drive S.W., Fort Payne, AL 35967 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 845-1931 |
| Fax | (256) 845-2967 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | alabamapublichealth.gov/dekalb |
How to Request a Birth Certificate
The easiest way to obtain a birth certificate is to go to the health department yourself. Bring a valid photo ID and fill out the application form at the counter. Staff will search the records and print your certificate while you wait. If you cannot visit in person, there are mail and online options.
In-Person Requests
Come to the DeKalb County Health Department during business hours. Tell the clerk at the vital records window that you need a birth certificate. Complete the application with the person's full name as it appears on the certificate, their date of birth, and the names of both parents if known. Present your ID, pay the fee, and wait for your certificate. Same-day service is standard.
Mail Requests
Download the application form from the Alabama Department of Public Health website. Fill out all the information completely. Make a photocopy of both the front and back of your photo ID. Write a check or get a money order for the total amount owed, payable to "DeKalb County Health Department." Put everything in an envelope and mail it to the address above. Plan for 7 to 10 business days of processing time after your request arrives.
Online Requests
You can order online through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor. Their website lets you pay by credit card and offers different shipping speeds. Note that VitalChek charges service fees in addition to the standard state fees, so online orders cost more than in-person or mail requests.
Fees and Costs
Alabama has uniform fees for vital records that apply at all county health departments. The DeKalb County Health Department charges the same rates as every other county in the state.
| 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 |
The health department accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Call ahead to ask about credit or debit card acceptance. Checks should be made out to "DeKalb County Health Department." There are no refunds if your search does not find a record.
Eligibility Requirements
Alabama treats birth certificates as restricted records for 125 years from the date of birth. Only certain people are allowed to get certified copies. The person named on the certificate can request their own if they are at least 14 or are legally emancipated. Parents listed on the certificate can get copies for their children regardless of the child's age.
Other eligible family members include the registrant's spouse, adult children, adult siblings, and grandparents. Legal representatives such as attorneys or guardians with proper documentation may act on behalf of eligible persons. Government agencies with legal authority can access records for official purposes. Anyone with a court order can also obtain copies. If you are not eligible, you need written authorization from someone who is.
Legal Framework and Statutes
The laws governing birth records in Alabama are found in Title 22, Chapter 9A of the Alabama Code. These statutes establish requirements for registration, procedures for obtaining copies, and restrictions on access.
Alabama Code Section 22-9A-7 mandates that every birth must be registered within five days. For hospital births, the facility is responsible for filing the certificate. For births outside a hospital, the attending midwife or physician files the certificate. If there was no attendant, the parents must file.
Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22 covers the issuance of certified copies. This section says certified copies are prima facie evidence of the facts on the certificate and gives the State Registrar authority over fees and issuance procedures.
The administrative regulations in Alabama Administrative Code 420-7-1-.22 detail who can get certified copies and what ID is required. This rule lists each category of eligible person and the acceptable forms of identification.
Historical Records
Alabama began requiring birth registration statewide in January 1908. Before that, some births in DeKalb County may have been recorded through churches, local government offices, or other informal means. Coverage before 1908 is spotty and many births were never officially documented.
Genealogists researching births before 1908 should look at several sources: federal census records, county probate court files, church baptismal registers, cemetery records, and family Bibles. The Alabama Department of Archives and History has microfilm of various historical records. FamilySearch offers a free Alabama Births and Christenings Index for 1881 to 1930.
Amendments and Corrections
County health departments do not process amendments to birth certificates. All corrections and changes must go through the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. Call them at (334) 206-2637 for information about amending a birth certificate. The fee is $20 and you will need to provide documentation supporting your request.
Common amendments include adding or changing a father's name, fixing spelling errors, updating after adoption or legitimation, and changing gender markers. Changes made more than a year after the original filing will result in the certificate being marked "AMENDED."
Cities in DeKalb County
DeKalb County includes Fort Payne, Rainsville, Collinsville, Sylvania, Mentone, and other communities. None of these cities exceed 100,000 in population. All DeKalb County residents should use the DeKalb County Health Department in Fort Payne for birth certificate requests.
Nearby Counties
You can get a birth certificate at any county health department in Alabama. The following counties are near DeKalb County if you need an alternative location: