Find Birth Records in Lawrence County
Birth records in Lawrence County are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health through the local county health department in Moulton. The Lawrence County Health Department belongs to the Northern Public Health District and has access to Alabama's statewide vital records database. Lawrence County is located in northwestern Alabama with Moulton serving as the county seat. The county sits south of the Tennessee River and includes part of the Bankhead National Forest. 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.
Lawrence County Quick Facts
Lawrence County Health Department
The Lawrence 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 Alabama Highway 157 in Moulton with convenient parking. Walk-in visits typically receive same-day service during regular business hours.
| Address | 13299 Alabama Highway 157, Moulton, AL 35650 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 560-6409 |
| Fax | (256) 974-5587 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | alabamapublichealth.gov/lawrence |
How to Request Birth Certificates
In-Person Requests
Visiting the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence County: