Alabama Death Records

An Alabama death record provides details about the death of an individual within the state's limits. These details typically include the deceased person's personal information, place of death, date of death, and the cause of death. Alabama ranks as one of the states with the highest mortality rate at 992.9 per 100,000 residents. This is lower than the United States average of 793 per 100,000 total population. An estimated 60,884 deaths are recorded in the state each year, and the top cause of death is heart disease.

Alabama began the statewide recording of death events in the state in January 1908. The major form of death record in the state is a death certificate, which is legal proof that an individual has passed away. It generally states the time of death, the location of death, the date of death, and the cause of death, as well as the decedent's name and other personal information.

When someone dies in Alabama, an informant provides the funeral director with information to complete the personal and statistical items on the original death certificate. After completing these items, a medical certifier (coroner, physician, or medical examiner) completes the medical certification on the certificate with information on the cause of death. The completed death certificate is then transmitted to the state's Center for Health Statistics for filing.

An original death certificate remains with the Alabama Center for Health Statistics once filed, but eligible persons may request certified copies for various purposes. A copy of a death certificate that has been verified and validated by an authorized government entity with a government seal, and is as good as the original death certificate.

How Do I Get a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate in Alabama?

The Alabama Department of Public Health's Center for Health Statistics has death certificates for death events recorded from 1908. Eligible individuals may get certified copies of these certificates through any of the following application methods:

• Mail-In Request - The following steps are required to obtain a certified copy of a death certificate in Alabama:
• Download and complete the Vital Event Application Form
• Make a photocopy of a valid form of identification, which may either be one primary ID or at least two secondary IDs. Acceptable primary IDs include an Alabama driver's license, certificate of citizenship, pilot's license, U.S. or foreign passport, Ex-felon ID, out-of-state driver's license, U.S. Military ID, and Alabama voter identification card. Secondary ID includes the following:
• Expired, government-issued ID
• Property tax bill
• Hunting or fishing license
• Health insurance card
• Voter registration card
• Recent DMV receipt for fines paid
• A utility bill that has not exceeded 6 months
• Vehicle title or registration
• Work ID (for someone making a personal request)

• Pay a $25 search fee, which also covers one certified copy of the death certificate. If the requester needs additional copies, they must pay $6 for each additional copy of the same record ordered in the same transaction. If the requester wants an expedited fee, there is an additional $15 fee. All fees can be paid with checks or money orders payable to the Center for Health Statistics.
• Mail the complete application form, appropriate fees, and required ID to the Alabama Department of Public Health at:

Most mail-in requests for certified copies of death certificates in Alabama are processed within 7 to 10 business days.

• In-Person Request - To request a certified copy of an Alabama death certificate in person, visit any county health department in the state and submit the completed application form, the required fee, and a photocopy of a valid identification card. Most in-person applications are processed while the requesters wait.

Are Alabama Death Records Public?

Per Section 22-9A-21(f) of the Code of Alabama, death records do not become public until 25 years have passed after the date of the death event. In other words, they remain confidential with restricted access for at least 25 years from the date of the event.

Who Can Request an Original Death Certificate in Alabama?

Technically, no individual can request an original death certificate in Alabama, as original death certificates filed with the Center for Health Statistics remain permanently in the custody of the state's Department of Public Health. However, the Center for Health Statistics can issue copies of original death certificates from its file.

While any member of the public may obtain copies of original Alabama death certificates older than 25 years, only certain individuals or entities are eligible to request and obtain copies of death certificates that are less than 25 years old. According to state law, only the following may request certified copies of a death certificate under 25 years old to protect the integrity of the record and ensure its proper use:

• The decedent's spouse
• The decedent's parents
• The decedent's siblings
• The decedent's children
• The decedent's grandchildren (when demonstrating entitlement)
• The informant listed on the death certificate
• Legal representative of the decedent's estate or family

How Long Does It Take to Get a Death Certificate in Alabama?

Depending on the method of request and the circumstances surrounding a death event, a person may get a certified copy of an Alabama death certificate as early as 24 hours and as late as 7 to 10 working days. Generally, requests submitted in person at the county health departments are fulfilled the same day, while those submitted to the state's Center for Health Statistics by mail take about 7 to 10 business days to process. These timelines are, however, for death events whose original death certificates have already been filed with the Center for Health Statistics.

It generally takes longer before anyone can get a copy of an Alabama death certificate if an autopsy is required due to the unusual nature of the death. In this case, the cause and manner of death will have to be determined, and the various processes and tests involved, including toxicology tests, will cause a delay in preparing the original death certificate. In Alabama, the completion of an autopsy report by the medical examiner or coroner typically takes an average of 45 days, but could be longer depending on the complexity of the case. Until a complete autopsy report is ready, the final death certificate cannot be completed or filed with the Center for Health Statistics.

Can I View Alabama Death Records online for free?

Historical death records in Alabama may be viewed online for free with resources like FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com. For instance, FamilySearch.org has the name index to death and burial records from 1881 to 1952 and the name index to death certificates from 1908 to 1974.

It is also possible to access publicly available Alabama death records through reliable third-party sites like Alabamapublicrecords.us, but at a fee. Alternatively, other substitute records may also provide information about death events in the state for free. These include cemetery records, obituaries, social security index, newspapers, probate records, tax records, church records, city directories, and family bible records.

When Would You Require A Death Certificate in Alabama?

In addition to being an official proof of a person's death, an Alabama death certificate is a crucial part of several administrative and legal processes following an individual's death. A certified copy of a death certificate in the state is required for the following purposes:

• Notifying utility and service providers to cancel a deceased person's utilities and subscriptions or to transfer them.
• To receive pension and retirement funds from a deceased person's employer.
• Processing claims from life insurance policies.
• Transferring a decedent's property titles and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
• Making funeral arrangements.
• Notifying creditors to settle a deceased person's outstanding debts and close their accounts.
• Closing a deceased person's bank accounts or transferring their bank accounts to and releasing funds from investment or savings accounts.
• Claiming government benefits like social security benefits, veterans benefits, Medicaid benefits, and Medicare benefits.
• Canceling a deceased person's passport.
• Handling a decedent's estate planning and several legal disputes.

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Alabama?

The number of certified copies of a death certificate needed by a person in Alabama varies depending on several factors. Common factors include the circumstances of the death, the size of the decedent's estate, the number of entities requiring copies, and the requirements of the agencies or entities that need copies of the death certificate.

Generally, anyone requesting certified copies of an Alabama death certificate should plan for 8 to 12 copies. In determining the actual number to request, they should consider the various organizations, like insurance companies and banks, and government agencies, like the SSA and IRS, that will likely require copies.