Access Marshall County Birth Records
Birth records for Marshall County can be obtained at the Marshall County Health Department located in Guntersville, the county seat. Operating within the Northern Public Health District, this office provides access to the Alabama statewide vital records system. Marshall County is located in north-central Alabama, known for Lake Guntersville and the Tennessee River valley. The health department serves residents across the county and can issue certified copies of birth certificates for any Alabama birth. Walk-in requests are typically processed same-day within 15 to 30 minutes.
Marshall County Quick Facts
Marshall County Health Department
The Marshall County Health Department is part of the Alabama Department of Public Health's Northern District. Staff can search the statewide vital records database and print certified copies of birth certificates. The office is located on Judy Smith Drive in Guntersville.
| Address | 150 Judy Smith Drive, Guntersville, AL 35976 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 582-3174 |
| Fax | (256) 582-3548 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | alabamapublichealth.gov/marshall |
On-site parking is available. Enter the building and check in at the front desk for vital records services. Staff will assist with the application form and verify your identification before processing your request.
How to Request Birth Certificates
In Person Requests
Visiting the Marshall County Health Department is the fastest method to get a birth certificate. Bring valid photo ID like a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Complete an application form at the counter. Staff will search the database and print your certificate while you wait. The whole process usually takes less than 30 minutes.
When getting someone else's certificate, you must prove your eligibility. Parents can request for their children. Adult children can request for parents. Spouses, siblings, and grandparents are eligible too. Bring documents showing your relationship - your own birth certificate, marriage license, or court papers. Legal representatives need their authorization documents.
Mail Requests
Mail-in requests are processed by the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. Download and complete Form HS-14 from the ADPH website. Include a photocopy of your photo ID showing both sides. Payment must be check or money order payable to "Center for Health Statistics."
Send your completed request to P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after receipt. You can add expedited processing for $15.00 extra. The county health department does not accept mail requests.
Online Ordering
Alabama contracts with VitalChek for online birth certificate orders. The service charges fees beyond the base certificate cost. It is handy when you cannot visit in person or want faster delivery. Visit the Alabama vital records website and follow the online ordering link. VitalChek accepts credit and debit cards.
Fees and Costs
Marshall County Health Department uses the statewide fee schedule set by the Alabama Department of Public Health.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Search (includes one certified copy) | $15.00 |
| Additional copies (same order) | $6.00 each |
| Expedited processing (mail orders) | $15.00 additional |
Payment methods include cash, checks, and money orders. Call ahead to confirm credit card acceptance. Checks should be payable to "Marshall County Health Department." VitalChek online orders include additional service and delivery fees.
Legal Requirements and Eligibility
Access to Alabama birth certificates less than 125 years old is restricted by law. Alabama Code § 22-9A-22 establishes certified copies as legal evidence. Alabama Administrative Code 420-7-1-.22 specifies who may obtain copies.
Eligible Applicants
The registrant can get their own certificate if at least 14 years old. Parents named on the certificate can request for their children. Other eligible parties include the registrant's spouse, adult children, siblings, and grandparents. Legal guardians with court documentation are eligible. Attorneys with client authorization can request copies.
Government agencies can access records for official purposes with proper documentation. Court orders can authorize access for persons not otherwise eligible. Birth records older than 125 years are public and open to anyone.
Required ID
Valid photo identification is required. Acceptable IDs include driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID. The ID must be current. When requesting for another person, bring additional documents proving your relationship or legal authority.
Birth Registration in Alabama
Alabama began requiring statewide birth registration on January 1, 1908. Under Alabama Code § 22-9A-7, hospitals file birth certificates within five days of live births. Certificates include the child's name, birth date and location, and parent information.
For births before 1908, check the Alabama Department of Archives and History for local registers that may exist. Church baptismal records, family bibles, and federal census records can help document older births. FamilySearch has an Alabama Births and Christenings index for 1881-1930.
Delayed Birth Registration
Births not registered at the time can be filed through delayed registration. Alabama Code § 22-9A-9 outlines the requirements. Registrations within one year follow standard procedures. Those one to five years late are marked as delayed.
Registrations more than five years after birth require independent documents like hospital records, baptismal certificates, census data, or school records. An affidavit from someone at least 10 years older with knowledge of the birth is also needed. The fee is $20.00. Contact the Center for Health Statistics at (334) 206-2637 for guidance.
Amendments and Corrections
Amendments are handled by the Center for Health Statistics, not county health departments. Alabama Code § 22-9A-19 allows minor corrections within the first year without marking the certificate as amended.
Common amendments include adding fathers' names, fixing spelling, and name changes after legitimation. Changes after one year result in an "AMENDED" notation. Supporting documentation is required. The fee is $20.00.
Adoption Records
After adoption, Alabama issues a new birth certificate with adoptive parents listed. The original is sealed. Alabama is an unrestricted state, meaning adult adoptees can access their original birth certificates.
Adoptees 19 or older can request a non-certified copy of the original for $25.00. Requests must be signed in original ink and cannot be submitted online. The Center for Health Statistics sends all documents from the sealed file, often including adoption court records.
Cities in Marshall County
Marshall County includes Guntersville (the county seat), Albertville, Arab, Boaz, and several smaller communities. None exceed the population threshold for separate city pages on this site. All Marshall County residents use the county health department for birth certificates.
Albertville is the largest city in the county. Other communities include Grant, Douglas, and Union Grove. Residents from all these areas obtain vital records from the same Marshall County Health Department location.
Nearby Counties
You can get Alabama birth certificates from any county health department. If another location is more convenient, consider these neighboring counties: