Search Marengo County Birth Records
Birth records for Marengo County are issued through the Marengo County Health Department located in Linden, the county seat. This office operates within the Southwestern Public Health District and provides access to the statewide vital records database maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health. Marengo County is situated in the west-central part of Alabama along the Tombigbee River. The health department serves the county's rural communities and can issue certified copies of birth certificates for any birth that occurred in Alabama. Walk-in service is available during regular business hours, with most requests processed the same day.
Marengo County Quick Facts
Marengo County Health Department
The Marengo County Health Department is part of the Alabama Department of Public Health's Southwestern District. Staff at this location can search the statewide vital records database and issue certified copies of birth certificates for any Alabama birth. The office is located on Industrial Drive in Linden.
| Address | 303 Industrial Drive, Linden, AL 36748 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 295-4205 |
| Fax | (334) 295-0124 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | alabamapublichealth.gov/marengo |
The health department building has on-site parking. Enter through the main entrance and check in at the front desk for vital records services. Wait times are typically short at this location. Staff can help with application forms and answer questions about the process.
How to Request Birth Certificates
In Person Requests
Visiting the Marengo County Health Department in person is the fastest way to obtain a birth certificate. Bring a valid photo ID and be ready to complete an application form at the office. The staff will search the database while you wait. Most requests are finished within 15 to 30 minutes. You can get certificates for any Alabama birth, not just Marengo County births.
When requesting someone else's certificate, bring proof of your relationship or legal authority. Parents can get certificates for their children. Adult children can request for their parents. Spouses, siblings, and grandparents are also eligible. Legal guardians and attorneys need court orders or authorization documents. The staff will verify your eligibility before processing the request.
Mail Requests
Mail requests go to the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery, not to the county health department. Download Form HS-14 from the Alabama Department of Public Health website. Complete all sections and include a photocopy of your photo ID showing both front and back. Payment must be by check or money order payable to "Center for Health Statistics."
Send everything to P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Allow 7 to 10 business days for processing after they receive your request. Add more time for mail delivery. Expedited processing is available for an extra $15.00 fee. You will get your certificate by mail at the address you provide on the form.
Online Orders
The state contracts with VitalChek for online birth certificate orders. This service charges additional fees beyond the standard certificate cost. It is convenient if you cannot visit in person or need faster delivery options. Visit the Alabama vital records website and follow the link to online ordering. You will need a credit or debit card to complete the purchase.
Fees and Costs
Marengo County Health Department uses the standard state fee schedule for vital records. These fees are the same at all Alabama county health departments.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Search (includes one certified copy) | $15.00 |
| Additional copies (same order) | $6.00 each |
| Expedited processing (mail orders) | $15.00 additional |
Accepted payment methods at the Marengo County Health Department include cash, personal checks, and money orders. Call ahead to confirm if credit or debit cards are accepted. Checks should be made payable to "Marengo County Health Department." When ordering through VitalChek online, additional service and delivery fees apply on top of the base certificate fee.
Legal Requirements and Eligibility
Alabama law limits who can obtain certified copies of birth certificates. Under Alabama Code § 22-9A-22, certified copies are official legal documents. The Alabama Administrative Code 420-7-1-.22 spells out eligibility requirements for obtaining copies of vital records.
Who Can Request Copies
The person named on the certificate can request their own copy if at least 14 years old. Parents listed on the certificate can get copies for their children regardless of age. Other eligible relatives include the spouse, adult children, siblings, and grandparents of the registrant. Legal guardians need documentation from the court showing their authority.
Attorneys and legal representatives can request certificates with proper authorization from an eligible party. Government agencies may access records for official purposes. Anyone with a court order specifically authorizing access can obtain copies. Birth certificates older than 125 years are public records open to anyone.
Identification Requirements
Valid photo identification is required for all requests. Acceptable IDs include an Alabama driver's license or ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. The ID must be current and show your photo clearly. If you are requesting for another person, also bring documents proving your relationship or legal authority.
Birth Registration in Alabama
Alabama's statewide birth registration system started on January 1, 1908. Before that date, birth recording was voluntary and handled by local officials, churches, or not at all. Under Alabama Code § 22-9A-7, hospitals must file a birth certificate within five days of a live birth.
For Marengo County births before 1908, you may find records at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery. Church baptismal records, family bibles, and old census records can also document historical births. The FamilySearch website has an Alabama Births and Christenings index covering 1881 to 1930.
Delayed Birth Registration
If a birth was never registered, Alabama allows delayed registration under Alabama Code § 22-9A-9. The requirements depend on how long after the birth you are registering. Registrations within the first year use standard forms. Those filed one to five years after birth are marked as delayed.
Registrations more than five years after birth require documentary evidence from independent sources. Acceptable documents include hospital records, baptismal certificates, census records, and early school records. You also need a sworn affidavit from someone at least ten years older than you with personal knowledge of your birth. The fee for delayed registration is $20.00.
Corrections and Amendments
The Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery handles all amendments to birth certificates. County health departments cannot make changes, though staff can provide forms and general information. Under Alabama Code § 22-9A-19, corrections made within one year of the original filing do not result in an "amended" notation.
Common amendments include correcting spelling errors, adding a father's name, and changing names after legitimation. Changes made more than one year after the original filing will mark the certificate as "AMENDED" with the date of change. Supporting documentation is required. The standard amendment fee is $20.00. Call (334) 206-2637 for specific guidance on your situation.
Adoption Records
Alabama issues a new birth certificate after adoption showing the adoptive parents. The original certificate is sealed. Adult adoptees can access their original records. Alabama is classified as an unrestricted state for adoptee access to original birth certificates.
Adoptees 19 years or older may request a non-certified copy of their original birth certificate from the Center for Health Statistics. The fee is $25.00. Requests require an original signature and cannot be done online. The sealed file often contains court documents from the adoption proceedings in addition to the birth certificate.
Cities in Marengo County
Marengo County contains the towns of Linden, Demopolis, and several smaller communities. None of these towns meet the population threshold for a separate city page on this site. All Marengo County residents obtain birth certificates from the Marengo County Health Department in Linden.
Demopolis is the largest city in Marengo County and has its own local services, but vital records are handled at the county level. Other communities include Faunsdale, Myrtlewood, Thomaston, and Sweet Water. Residents of all these areas use the same health department for birth certificates.
Nearby Counties
Birth certificates for any Alabama birth can be obtained at any county health department in the state. If another location is more convenient, consider these neighboring counties: