Escambia County Birth Records

Escambia County birth records are available at the Escambia County Health Department located in Atmore. While the county seat is Brewton, the health department office sits on Highway 31 North in Atmore. This office serves as part of the Southwestern Public Health District and connects to Alabama's centralized vital records database. Staff can issue certified copies of any birth certificate registered in the state since 1908. The office is open during standard weekday hours and provides same-day service for most walk-in requests. Residents of Brewton, Atmore, Flomaton, and surrounding communities use this office for vital records needs.

Escambia County Health Department

The Escambia County Health Department provides vital records services for county residents. The office can search the statewide database and print certified birth certificates on site. Because Alabama uses a centralized computer system, you can request birth certificates here for any birth registered anywhere in the state, not just Escambia County births.

Address	8600 Highway 31 North, Atmore, AL 36502
Phone	(251) 368-9188
Fax	(251) 368-9189
Hours	Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Website	alabamapublichealth.gov/escambia

How to Request a Birth Certificate

The quickest way to get a birth certificate is an in-person visit to the health department. You can also send a request by mail or order online through VitalChek if you cannot come in person.

In-Person Requests

Visit the health department during business hours. At the vital records counter, request an application form. Fill it out with the full name on the certificate, date of birth, and parents' names. Present a valid government-issued photo ID. Pay the fee and wait while staff search the database and print your certificate. Most requests take 15 to 30 minutes.

Mail Requests

Download the application from the ADPH website. Complete all fields on the form. Include a photocopy of both sides of your valid photo ID. Write a check or money order payable to "Escambia County Health Department" for the total amount. Mail to the address above. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing once your request is received.

Online Requests

VitalChek offers online ordering for Alabama birth certificates. Their service charges additional fees beyond the state rates. You can pay by credit card and choose from various shipping options. This is convenient but costs more than in-person or mail requests.

Fees and Costs

The fees charged by Escambia County Health Department are the standard rates set by the Alabama Department of Public Health. All county health departments charge the same fees.

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. Check with the office about credit or debit card payments before visiting. Make checks payable to "Escambia County Health Department." There are no refunds if a search does not find a record.

Eligibility Requirements

Alabama law restricts access to birth certificates for 125 years from the date of birth. Only certain people may get certified copies. The person named on the certificate can request their own if at least 14 years old or emancipated. Parents listed 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 act for eligible persons. Government agencies can access records for official business. Courts can order release of certificates. Those not eligible need written permission from someone who is.

Legal Framework and Statutes

Birth registration and certificate issuance in Alabama are governed by Title 22, Chapter 9A of the Alabama Code. These laws establish requirements and procedures for vital records.

Alabama Code Section 22-9A-7 requires that a birth certificate be filed within five days of every live birth. Hospitals file certificates for births that occur in their facilities. Home births require filing by the attending practitioner or by the parents themselves.

Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22 covers certified copy issuance. It establishes that certified copies serve as prima facie evidence and grants the State Registrar authority over fees and procedures.

Alabama Administrative Code 420-7-1-.22 provides detailed eligibility rules and identification requirements. This regulation lists each category of eligible applicants and acceptable ID forms.

Historical Records

Alabama started requiring statewide birth registration in January 1908. Records before that date may exist through local sources but coverage is incomplete. Some early Escambia County births might appear in church records, probate court files, or census records.

Genealogists looking for pre-1908 births should search federal census records, probate court documents, church baptismal and christening records, cemetery inscriptions, and family documents. The Alabama Archives has microfilm of historical records. FamilySearch provides a free Alabama Births and Christenings Index for 1881 to 1930.

Amendments and Corrections

County health departments do not make amendments to birth certificates. All changes must go through the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. Contact them at (334) 206-2637 for amendment information. The fee is $20 and documentation is required.

Common amendment requests include adding a father's name, correcting spelling errors, changing names after adoption, and updating gender markers. Amendments made more than one year after the original filing cause the certificate to be marked "AMENDED."

Cities in Escambia County

Escambia County includes Brewton, Atmore, East Brewton, Flomaton, and Pollard. None of these communities have populations over 100,000. All Escambia County residents should use the county health department in Atmore for birth certificate requests.

Nearby Counties

Birth certificates can be obtained at any county health department in Alabama. These counties are near Escambia County: