Search Montgomery County Birth Records
Birth records in Montgomery County are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health through the local county health department. Montgomery County is unique because it is home to the Center for Health Statistics, which serves as the state's central repository for all vital records. The Montgomery County Health Department belongs to the East Central Public Health District and has direct access to Alabama's statewide vital records database. The county issued over 21,600 certified copies of vital records in 2024. Residents seeking birth certificates can visit the health department in person for same-day service or submit requests by mail for processing within a few business days.
Montgomery County Quick Facts
Montgomery County Health Department
The Montgomery County Health Department serves as your primary source for obtaining certified birth certificates in the state capital. This office maintains access to the statewide vital records system and can issue certified copies for any birth that occurred in Alabama. Walk-in visits typically receive same-day service during regular business hours. The department is conveniently located on Mobile Highway with ample parking available.
| Address | 3060 Mobile Highway, Montgomery, AL 36108 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 293-6400 |
| Fax | (334) 293-6410 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | alabamapublichealth.gov/montgomery |
How to Request Birth Certificates
In-Person Requests
Visiting the Montgomery 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, which is headquartered 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. This option is convenient for those who cannot visit in person or need expedited service.
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
- A state or federal agency for official purposes
You must show proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. Acceptable documents include your own birth certificate, marriage certificate, court order, or power of attorney.
Fees and Payment
The fee structure for birth certificates in Montgomery County follows statewide rates set by the Alabama Department of Public Health. These fees help cover the cost of record search, verification, and printing of certified documents.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Search (includes first certified copy) | $15.00 |
| Additional copies (same order) | $6.00 each |
| Expedited processing | $15.00 additional |
Payment methods accepted at the health department include cash, check, and money order. Credit and debit cards are also accepted. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Montgomery County Health Department.
Legal Framework
Birth registration in Alabama is governed by state law and administrative rules. Alabama Code Section 22-9A-7 establishes the requirements for registering births in the state. This law requires that all births be registered with the Center for Health Statistics within five days. Hospitals and birthing centers file birth certificates directly. For home births, the attending midwife or physician is responsible for filing.
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.
Center for Health Statistics
Montgomery is home to the Alabama Center for Health Statistics, which maintains the state's official repository of vital records. While the county health department can serve most needs, some specialized requests may need to go directly to the Center for Health Statistics. This includes complex amendments, historical research, and verification requests from other states or federal agencies.
Historical Records
Alabama began statewide vital records registration in 1908. Birth records from before this date may be more difficult to locate. For births that occurred before 1908, you may need to search church records, family Bibles, census records, or other historical documents. The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery maintains some historical vital records and can assist with genealogical research.
Cities in Montgomery County
Nearby Counties
If you need birth records from neighboring counties or prefer to visit a different location, the following counties border Montgomery County: