How to Get a Death Certificate in Alabama: Step-by-Step Process and Requirements

When a loved one passes away, obtaining the correct documents is one of the most important tasks for settling their affairs. A death certificate is a vital legal document used to prove death, handle estate matters, and close accounts. If you’re wondering how to get a death certificate in Alabama, the process is straightforward but requires following state-specific rules.

Death records in Alabama are handled by the Vital Records Office within the Center for Health Statistics at the Alabama Department of Public Health, headquartered in Montgomery. This office issues certified copies of death certificates for families and individuals with a legal need. Below, we’ll walk through the full step-by-step process of how to obtain a death certificate, the requirements, and helpful tips.

Key Takeaways

• Eligibility Rules: Only immediate family members, legal representatives, or a person with a legal need can obtain a death certificate within 25 years of death.
• Required Information: Applicants must provide details such as the date of death, county of death, their relationship to the person listed on the certificate, and a mailing address with a daytime phone number.
• ID and Fees: A government-issued photo ID is required, along with a $15 fee for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy.
• Application Methods: You can request a death certificate in person, by mail, or through an online service approved by the Alabama Center for Health Statistics.
• Accuracy Check: Always confirm the record ordered for correct names, dates, and locations to prevent problems with legal or financial matters.

Why You May Need an Alabama Death Certificate

An Alabama death certificate is needed in many situations following the passing of a family member. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies will often require a certified copy before releasing funds, transferring property, or finalizing probate.

Since most death certificates are requested for multiple purposes, many families choose to order more than one certified copy at the time of death. Doing so can prevent delays later when you need to submit the record to several institutions at once.

Who Can Obtain a Death Certificate

In Alabama, access to death records is limited for the first 25 years after the date of death. During this period, only certain individuals are allowed to request a copy. Eligible people include immediate family members such as a spouse, parents, children, siblings, or grandchildren, as well as legal representatives and executors of estates. A person with a proven legal need may also qualify. After 25 years, the restriction is lifted, and death records become public. At that point, anyone may obtain a death certificate without demonstrating a relationship.

How to Get a Death Certificate in Alabama

Here are the steps for obtaining a copy of a death certificate in Alabama. The process is the same regardless of whether the family chooses burial or cremation.

Step 1: Gather Required Information

When making a request, you must provide key details so the Alabama Center for Health Statistics can locate the correct record.

Deceased’s Information

• Complete legal name
• Exact date of death
• City or county where the death was recorded
• Gender
• Social Security number (if known)
• Birth date or age at time of death
• Race or ethnic background
• Name of husband or wife (spouse)
• Full names of both parents

Applicant’s Information

• Full name
• Signature
• Relationship to the person named on the certificate
• Mailing address for delivery
• Daytime contact phone number

This information ensures the correct record ordered matches the person named.

Step 2: Prepare Identification and Appropriate Fee

The Alabama Center for Health Statistics requires valid identification before issuing a certified copy. A government-issued photo ID — for example, a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card — is accepted. Payment must also be included with your request. The current cost is $15 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

This is a necessary line item to be aware of when considering funeral costs. Fees can be paid by check, money order, or credit card, depending on the method of application. It is important to note that you should never send cash through the mail, as it will not be accepted.

Step 3: Choose Your Application Method

You can get a death certificate in Alabama in several ways, depending on convenience and urgency:

1. In Person

Visit the county health department where the death occurred, or go to the Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. In most cases, the office issues certified copies the same day.

2. By Mail

Complete the application form, include a copy of your ID, the appropriate fee, and your requesting address. Send everything to the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics. Processing usually takes about 7–10 business days, depending on volume.

3. Online or by Phone

Families can order a death certificate online through authorized providers such as VitalChek. This service is faster, but convenience and processing fees apply.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary depending on how you apply:

• In-person requests: usually same-day service.
• Mail requests: 7–10 business days.
• Online/phone requests: typically faster but at a higher cost.

Always keep your daytime phone number available in case the Center for Health Statistics needs clarification on your application.

Step 5: Verify the Certificate

When you receive your certified copy, carefully review details such as the date of death, county, and person named. Errors in death certificates can cause failure when handling estates or legal filings. If corrections are needed, visit or contact the Alabama Center for Health Statistics for guidance.

The Alabama Department of Public Health makes it possible to obtain certified copies of death certificates smoothly, whether in person at your county health department, by mail, or through a death certificate online request. Ordering more than one certified copy is recommended, since you may need them for multiple legal and financial transactions. By following this process, families can reduce stress and ensure every important step after a loved one’s passing is handled properly.

How We Can Help

If you’re working through the process of obtaining a death certificate in Alabama during a difficult time, you don’t have to navigate everything alone. Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers serves families across the state, from Montgomery and Birmingham to smaller towns, with compassion, integrity, and affordable options. With over 150 five-star reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, we’re committed to convenience and care beyond your expectations.

Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers offers full-service funerals, cremations, and pre-planning, and can guide you through the paperwork, including the forms required to get copies of the death certificate. Contact us today to learn about funeral costs for pre-planning or at-need services.