Search Houston County Birth Records

Birth records in Houston County are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health through the local county health department in Dothan. The Houston County Health Department belongs to the Southeastern Public Health District and has access to Alabama's statewide vital records database. Houston County is located in southeastern Alabama and is the newest county in Alabama, created in 1903 from parts of Dale, Geneva, and Henry counties. Dothan serves as the county seat and is the largest city in the Wiregrass region. Staff at the health department can access birth certificates for any birth that occurred in Alabama. Most walk-in requests are completed the same day while you wait.

Houston County Health Department

The Houston County Health Department serves as your primary source for obtaining certified birth certificates. This office maintains access to the statewide vital records system and can issue certified copies for any birth that occurred in Alabama. The facility is located on East Cottonwood Road in Dothan with ample parking available. Walk-in visits typically receive same-day service during regular business hours.

Address	1781 East Cottonwood Road, Dothan, AL 36301
Phone	(334) 678-2800
Fax	(334) 678-2817
Hours	Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Website	alabamapublichealth.gov/houston

How to Request Birth Certificates

In-Person Requests

Visiting the Houston County Health Department in person is the fastest way to get a certified birth certificate. You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID card. Be prepared to provide the full name on the birth certificate, date of birth, place of birth, and names of parents. Most in-person requests are completed within 15 to 30 minutes while you wait. The staff can search the statewide database and print your certificate on the spot.

Mail Requests

You can request birth certificates by mail through the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. Download Form HS-14 from the ADPH website. Your request must include the full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth, mother's maiden name, father's name, your relationship to the person named on the certificate, reason for the request, your current mailing address, and a daytime phone number. Include a check or money order payable to the State Board of Health for the correct fee amount. Mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days to process.

Online Ordering

VitalChek handles online orders for Alabama birth certificates. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is an additional processing fee charged by VitalChek on top of the standard state fee. Orders placed through VitalChek are typically processed within 2 to 3 business days and shipped via your selected delivery method.

Eligibility Requirements

Alabama law restricts who can obtain certified copies of birth certificates. Under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-22, the following individuals may request a certified copy:

• The person named on the certificate (if 19 years of age or older)
• A parent or legal guardian of the person named
• A spouse, adult child, or sibling of the person named
• A grandparent of the person named
• An attorney representing one of the above parties
• A legal representative of the estate if the person is deceased

You must show proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. Acceptable documents include your own birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order.

Fees and Payment

The fee structure for birth certificates in Houston County follows statewide rates set by the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Service	Fee
Search (includes first certified copy)	$15.00
Additional copies (same order)	$6.00 each

Payment methods accepted include cash, check, and money order. Credit and debit cards may be accepted at the health department.

Legal Framework

Birth registration in Alabama is governed by state law. Alabama Code Section 22-9A-7 establishes the requirements for registering births. Birth certificates are restricted for 125 years under Alabama Code § 22-9A-22. This means records more than 125 years old may be available for genealogical research without proving eligibility.

Historical Records

Alabama began statewide vital records registration in 1908. For births before this date, you may need to search church records, family Bibles, census records, or other historical documents. The Alabama Department of Archives and History maintains some historical vital records and can assist with genealogical research.

Nearby Counties

If you need birth records from neighboring counties, these counties border Houston County: