Order Your Alabama Death Certificate Online

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 for an Alabama death certificate through the Alabama Secretary of State, or use VRO’s Express Apostille Service to handle it online. Apostilles are required when submitting a death certificate to a foreign government that is part of the 1961 Hague Convention, and they are legally recognized in over 100 countries. VRO’s apostille service costs $149 plus government fees, works for all 50 states, and can be completed online in three steps with expert support throughout. Before requesting an apostille, make sure your death certificate is an official certified copy signed by the Alabama State Registrar — photocopies and unsigned records cannot be apostilled.

To obtain a certified copy of an Alabama death certificate, you can apply online, by mail, or in person. Online requests can be submitted through VitalRecordsOnline.com or the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) website. For mail requests, send a completed application with payment to the Center for Health Statistics, PO Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625. In-person requests can be made at your local county health department. You will need to provide the deceased's full name, date of death, place of death, and a valid photo ID to verify your identity and eligibility.

The fee for a certified copy of an Alabama death certificate is $15.00 for the first copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time are $6.00 each. Expedited processing is available for an additional $15.00. If you request an apostille simultaneously with your death certificate, the combined fee is $25.00. Online orders through third-party services like VitalRecordsOnline.com may include additional processing and service fees.

Alabama death certificates are restricted records. Only immediate family members (spouse, children, parents, siblings), legal representatives, funeral directors, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the record may request a certified copy. Examples of tangible interest include attorneys handling estate matters, insurance companies processing claims, or government agencies conducting official business. Applicants must provide valid identification and documentation proving their relationship or legal interest.

Yes, you can order an Alabama death certificate online through VitalRecordsOnline.com or the Alabama Department of Public Health's website. Online ordering is the most convenient method and typically processes within 5 to 10 business days. You will need to upload a valid government-issued photo ID and provide details about the deceased, including their full name, date of death, and place of death. Payment is accepted by credit card for online orders.

No, Alabama death certificates are not public records. Access is restricted to eligible individuals, including immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest in the record. The Alabama Department of Public Health enforces these restrictions to protect the privacy of the deceased and their family. If you need a death record for genealogical research, records older than 25 years may have different access requirements — contact the ADPH Center for Health Statistics at (334) 206-5418 for details.

Alabama death certificates are typically available 10–15 business days after the death is registered with the Alabama Department of Public Health. For faster access, VRO’s online ordering service can help expedite the request and provide tracking once the record is ready.

No. In Alabama, death certificates are not automatically issued to the next of kin. The funeral director typically files the death record with the Alabama Department of Public Health, but family members must submit a separate request (online, by mail, or in person) and pay the $15 fee to receive certified copies.

If you know the full name and approximate date of death, you can verify or find a date of death in Alabama by ordering a certified death certificate from the Alabama Department of Public Health, which lists the official date of death. Public obituary records and funeral home notices can also help confirm the date before ordering the certificate.

Most estates need between 5 and 10 certified copies of an Alabama death certificate. Each institution that closes an account, transfers property, or pays a benefit — banks, life insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, retirement plans, and title transfer offices — typically asks for its own original certified copy. Ordering extras upfront is usually cheaper than requesting them later.