Shelby County Birth Records

Birth records in Shelby County are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health through the local county health department in Pelham. The Shelby County Health Department belongs to the Northeastern Public Health District and has access to Alabama's statewide vital records database. Shelby County is located south of Birmingham and is one of the most affluent and fastest-growing counties in Alabama. The county includes the cities of Hoover, Alabaster, Pelham, and Helena. Columbiana serves as the county seat. 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.

Shelby County Health Department

The Shelby 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 County Services Drive in Pelham, convenient to Interstate 65 and Highway 31.

Address	2000 County Services Drive, Pelham, AL 35124
Phone	(205) 664-2470
Fax	(205) 664-4148
Hours	Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Website	alabamapublichealth.gov/shelby

How to Request Birth Certificates

In-Person Requests

Visiting the Shelby 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.

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 mailing address, and phone number. Include a check or money order payable to the State Board of Health. Mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days.

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. Orders are typically processed within 2 to 3 business days.

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 deceased

You must show proof of your relationship to the person named on the record.

Fees and Payment

The fee structure for birth certificates in Shelby 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.

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.

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.

Nearby Counties

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