How to Find Alabama Death Records

How to Find United States Deaths Alabama Deaths

Alabama became a state in 1819. County registration of birth records began in 1881, with a few earlier death records in probate court records. Statewide registration of deaths began 1 January 1908, with full compliance by 1925. Pre-1908 county records may be accessible through county clerks. Deaths after 1908 now filed with Alabama Department of Public Health.

When did the death occur?

Death Records

Choose a time period:

Learn more about U.S. Death Records

Deaths before 1908

County registration of birth records began in 1881, with a few earlier death records in probate court records. Statewide registration of deaths began 1 January 1908, with full compliance by 1925. Pre-1908 county records may be accessible through county clerks.

For deaths that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Alabama Deaths Databases - Includes Index Only
Try 1st:
	Alabama, Deaths and Burials, 1881-1952 - At FamilySearch.org	Free; Name index to death and burial records from the state of Alabama. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the Family History Library and Family History Centers. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed.
Try 2nd:
Ancestry Database - Choose one of the following:
	1881 - 1974 use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries	Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center

	1881 - 1974 - use your Ancestry subscription	$, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library

Can't find your ancestor in the online index?		Tips for searching online indexes
No death record for your ancestor?		Other records with death information

Records that give death information:
Cemetery Records Newspapers Probate (wills, etc) Tax Records	Church Records Census Bible Records

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths from 1908 to the present

Deaths after 1908 are now filed with Alabama Department of Public Health.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information

Alabama Deaths Databases - Index Only
Try 1st:
	1908-1974 - At FamilySearch.org	Free; name index to death and burial records from the state of Alabama.
Try 2nd:
Ancestry Database - Choose one of the following:
	1908-1959 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries	Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center

	1908-1959 - use your Ancestry subscription	$, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library

Social Security Death Index (SSDI)
	1937 to present at Genealogy Bank	Free; most current version; few records before 1962; gives place where the last benefit was sent
Can't find your ancestor in the online index?		Tips for searching online indexes
No death record for your ancestor?		Other records with death information

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate

PART A: You know the exact date of death

To Order Death Certificates
From County of Death		From Alabama Dept. of Health State office
Pros	Cons	Pros	Cons
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state	County websites can be more difficult to use	Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee	May be more expensive than ordering from the county

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of death

If you do not know the exact date or place of death:
For a fee, the Alabama Department of Health office will conduct a search.

Individual counties will also search their records for deaths that occurred in their municipality.