Get a certified Alabama Death Certificates

Individuals who died on an overseas military base are not considered to have died in Alabama. Therefore, no death certificate is on record with the state of Alabama. If they passed on a U.S. military base overseas and their parents were U.S. citizens at the time of their death, their death should be recorded with the U.S. Department of State. You must contact the U.S. Department of State to request a copy of your Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA or form DS-5542).

Alabama death certificates are considered one of the most important legal documents. They are the only legal proof that someone has passed away and are used for crucial purposes, particularly in legal, financial, and personal matters. The vital record is fundamental after someone has died to handle financial affairs, benefit claims, verification for institutions, estate settlements, and benefits from government agencies.

Death certificates are often helpful or required for:

Settling Estates

Claiming Pension and Retirement Benefits

Marriage and Divorce Finalization

Genealogy and Historical Research

Claiming Life Insurance

Managing Accounts at Financial Institutions

Making Funeral and Burial Arrangements

Tax Filings

Claiming Social Security and Government Benefits

Handling Property Mortgage and Real Estate Matters

Enrolling in school

An officially certified death certificate from the Alabama DPH-CHS will have unique features to show its authenticity. The appearance of an official death certificate can vary depending on the year of issue, and it will contain essential details to confirm a person's identity and citizenship at death. A long-form (official) death certificate is used for legal purposes and differs from a short-form (informational) copy. The ADPH-CHS has specific county guidelines, which may include distinct colors and layouts. Overall, official death certificates commonly feature the state seal, the individual's name, and the registrar's signature and are printed on secure paper.

• Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose death is being recorded.
• Date of Death: The exact date of death of the individual.
• Place of Death: The city, county, and state where the death occurred.
• Cause of Death
• Medical Information Related to the Death
• Demographic Information: Age, occupation, marital status.
• Funeral and Burial Details: Method, date, place of disposition, funeral director’s information.

The process for amending a death certificate requires creating an addendum, as the original record cannot be changed.

Personal and Demographic Corrections: Changes like misspelled names or marital status can be made by the funeral home, the informant, immediate family members, or those with legal interest.

Medical Certification Corrections: Only the certifier (such as a physician or coroner) can correct medical details like the time and date of death, using the Alabama Supplemental Medical Certification form.
Necessary Forms: Complete Form VS-10 for most corrections. Medical corrections require additional forms from the certifier.
Supporting Documentation: Valid ID and proof of correct information are needed for simple corrections. Medical corrections require a statement from the certifying doctor, while legal amendments may need a court order.
Submitting the Application: Applications can be submitted by mail or in person at a local county health department. Mail requests go to the Center for Health Statistics, Montgomery, AL.
Amendment Fees: The fee is $20.00 for the first certified copy and $6.00 for additional copies. Expedited requests have a $15.00 fee.
Processing Time: Simple amendments take about 4 to 6 weeks; more complex changes may take longer.
Legal Requirements: For questions, call (334) 206-2641.

You can order an apostille directly through the Secretary of State or online through VRO’s Express Apostille Service. The Secretary of State issues Apostilles, often required when filing an Alabama marriage certificate with a foreign government that is part of the 1961 Hague Convention.

The Apostille may be affixed to documents bearing the official signature and seal of a currently commissioned Alabama notary public, probate judge, or the current Alabama State Registrar.

We offer comprehensive apostille services death certificates across all 50 US states. Governments and organizations acknowledge the service, which is legally valid in over 100 countries. VRO’s service comes with expert support, costs $149 (plus government fees), and can be done online in just three steps.

You can obtain an apostille simultaneously when requesting your records from the Alabama Department of Health’s Center for Health Statistics; however, you cannot obtain an apostille if you request your documents in person at a local health department.

If you already have a certified copy of the vital record, you can send it directly to the Secretary of State with the application form and payment.

Confirm that the document displays an original signature, embossed (raised), or ink-stamped seal of a currently commissioned Alabama public official.

Use the same application form if you want the Center for Health Statistics to include an apostille with your new vital record copies. Next to “Reason for Request,” you must write that you need an apostille and specify to which country you will submit your certificate. Additionally, an apostilled copy costs $25.00.

You can find more information about simultaneous requests for vital records replacements and apostilles at the official website: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/apostille-and-exemplified-copies.html, or you can reach the office at (334) 206-5418.

Alternatively, you can order your vital record certificate online or in person and then send it to the Secretary of State.

If you are submitting your certificate manually to the Secretary of State, you will need to provide the following:

1. The certified copy of your vital record, with an original signature and seal of the current Alabama State Registrar;
2. A completed Authentication Form (specify which country you will submit the document to) and
3. A payment of $5.00 per document – checks and money orders should be made payable to the “Secretary of State,” or you can provide your credit card information.

You can submit your request for apostilles in person (walk-in service available Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00) or by mail (express or standard).

Submit your request to the Secretary of State Authentication Division at the following addresses:

In-personal mail (standard or express courier):

Simultaneous requests by mail:

You can obtain an apostille simultaneously when requesting your records from the ADPH-CHS via mail or online; however, you cannot obtain an apostille when requesting it in person at a local health department. The application form is the same, but the fee is slightly higher at $25.00.

Next to “Reason for Request,” you must write that you need an apostille and specify the country you are submitting the death record to.

You can find more information about requirements and restrictions when obtaining apostilles for Alabama vital records at https://www.sos.alabama.gov/administrative-services/authentications/ or by phone at (334) 242-5325.