Find Birth Records in Tuscaloosa County
Birth records in Tuscaloosa County are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health through the local county health department. The Tuscaloosa County Health Department belongs to the West Central Public Health District and has access to Alabama's statewide vital records database. Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama and is the fifth most populous city in Alabama. The health department issued over 24,200 certified copies of vital records in 2022, making it one of the busiest vital records offices in the state. Legal Services Alabama has an office in Tuscaloosa to assist residents with legal matters related to vital records. Walk-in visits typically receive same-day service within 30 minutes or less.
Tuscaloosa County Quick Facts
Tuscaloosa County Health Department
The Tuscaloosa 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 Hargrove Road East with convenient access from Interstate 20/59. Vital records services are available during regular business hours with most requests completed the same day.
| Address | 2350 Hargrove Road East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 562-6900 |
| Fax | (205) 562-6903 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | alabamapublichealth.gov/tuscaloosa |
How to Request Birth Certificates
In-Person Requests
Visiting the Tuscaloosa 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 30 minutes or less. The staff can search the statewide database and print your certificate 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 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 is convenient for University of Alabama students or others who cannot visit during regular business hours.
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 Tuscaloosa 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, money order, and credit or debit cards. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Tuscaloosa 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. DCH Regional Medical Center and other birthing facilities in Tuscaloosa file birth certificates directly with the state.
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.
Legal Aid Resources
Legal Services Alabama has an office in Tuscaloosa that can assist residents who need help with vital records issues. This includes assistance with correcting birth certificates, establishing paternity, and other legal matters. Low-income residents may qualify for free legal assistance.
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 maintains some historical vital records and can assist with genealogical research.
Cities in Tuscaloosa County
Nearby Counties
If you need birth records from neighboring counties or prefer to visit a different location, the following counties border Tuscaloosa County: