The Alabama Public Records Act (APRA) is a state law that guarantees the right of the public to access records held by the state's government agencies. This includes records related to the administration, policies, and activities of the state government. The APRA is designed to ensure transparency and accountability in the actions of the government, and to allow the public to easily access information about the inner workings of their government.
Under the APRA, all public records are considered open to the public unless they are specifically exempted from disclosure by law. This includes records held by state agencies, such as state departments, commissions, and boards. It also includes records held by local government entities, such as city and county governments.
Are birth records public in Alabama?
Birth records are considered private for 125 years after the birth occurs. To obtain a copy of a birth certificate, it must be your birth certificate, and you must have valid identification. Certain family members or guardians may also be able to obtain your birth certificate with the right identification and legal authorization.
How do you order a copy of a birth certificate in Alabama?
Birth certificates after January 1, 1908 are available from the state’s Health Department. You must download a request form, print it, complete it and mail it along with payment to:
Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625
You may also order a birth certificate online through Vital Check. You can use a debit or credit card when ordering online. Additional fees may apply.
Are death records public in Alabama?
Death certificates are kept confidential in Alabama for 25 years after the death of the individual. Because of this, access to these records is restricted to certain members of the family and the legal representatives of an estate.
How can you get a copy of a death certificate in Alabama?
Copies of the Death Certificate can be obtained by downloading a form from the Health Department, completing it, and mailing it with payment to:
Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625
You may also order a death certificate online through Vital Check. You can use a debit or credit card when ordering online. Additional fees may apply.
Are Alabama marriage records public?
Alabama law considers marriage certificates public records. Anyone can obtain a marriage certificate if they have the right information.
The Health Department has recorded marriage certificates since 1936. Marriages that occurred before 1936 are documented in the county probate offices where the event occurred.
How can you get a copy of a marriage certificate in Alabama?
Copies of marriage certificates can be obtained by downloading a form from the Health Department, completing it, and mailing it with payment to:
Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625
You may also order marriage certificates online through Vital Check. You can use a debit or credit card when ordering online. Additional fees may apply.
For marriages before January 1, 1936, you must contact the local county probate office to find out about obtaining the license. Fees will apply.
Are divorce records public in Alabama?
The Alabama Center for Health Statistics began keeping records of statewide divorces on January 1, 1950. Divorces that occurred before this date are held in the records department of the county circuit court where the divorce was granted.
Divorce certificates do not have restrictions on them, and anyone can obtain a certified copy if they pay the fee and provide the correct information.
How do you get a copy of your Alabama divorce decree?
Copies of divorce decrees can be obtained by downloading a form from the Health Department, completing it, and mailing it with a payment to:
Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625
You may also order a divorce decree online through Vital Check. You can use a debit or credit card when ordering online. Additional fees may apply.
Are Alabama adoption records public?
Adoption records in Alabama are not public records. However, births occurring after January 1, 2000, are kept in sealed files that can be accessed only by the adopted party once they reach adulthood.
In the sealed records, the biological parent(s) will have decided whether or not to be contacted once the child is of age. They also have the option of placing family medical information in the file for future reference.
Adoptions that occurred before this date currently do not qualify to have the sealed records unsealed.
To obtain this record, you must download and fill out the “Request for Pre- Adoption Birth Certificate” form and mail it with payment to:
Alabama Vital Records - Adoptee Section
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
You cannot request these items through Vital Check.
Are court records public in Alabama?
The Alabama Public Records Law went into effect in 1923 and required that all court records are made available to the public. This law was upheld and broadened in 2004. You can send in a written request to:
Supreme Court of Alabama
300 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Are Alabama criminal records public?
Under the Alabama Criminal Records Law of 1923, all criminal records are available to the public. In some cases, these records are not available until the trial is completed.
Citizens also can obtain arrest records and inmate records under the public information laws of the state.
Where can you search for criminal records in Alabama?
Criminal records in Alabama can be accessed through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's (ALEA) website, which has a public records search tool called the Alabama Criminal History System (ACHS). Additionally, criminal records can also be accessed through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts (AOC) website, which has a public records search tool called the Alabama Court Information System (ACIS). Both of these websites allow users to search for criminal records by name or by case number. Users may also be able to request copies of criminal records in person at the county courthouse where the case was filed.
Where can you search for Alabama property and land records?
Property and land records in Alabama can be accessed at the county courthouse in the county where the property is located. Many counties also have online portals or databases where these records can be accessed. Additionally, the Alabama Department of Revenue's Property Tax Division maintains a database of property records that can be accessed online.
How do you check your driving record in Alabama?
You can access your driving record in Alabama by contacting the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can request a copy of your driving record in person, by mail, or online through the Alabama DPS website. You may also be able to access your driving record through a third-party vendor that offers online driving record services.