Finding Marriage and Divorce Records in Alabama
Published July 12, 2022
Did you know that Alabama has a higher divorce rate than the national average? While around 10.9% of people in the US get divorced, that number increases to 12.3% in Alabama. Quite interestingly, in the country of Winston, the divorce rate is even higher at a whopping 15%.
In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know regarding finding marriage and divorce records in Alabama. Moreover, I’ll also be answering frequently asked questions regarding the subject. That way, you will not end up left with any unanswered inquiries.
Obtaining Marriage & Divorce Records In Alabama
It’s quite easy to find marriage and divorce records in Alabama. There are only a few fees along with requirements that you’ve got to deal with. Moreover, records for both marriage and divorce can be acquired personally. In addition, you may order your records online through VitalCheck.
Available Records
Alabama’s Center for Health Statistics started filing divorce certificates in 1950. Meanwhile, it began filing for marriage certificates in August of 1936.
Restrictions
Divorce and marriage certificates are unrestricted by Alabama state law. Therefore, anyone with the correct requirements who pays the necessary fees can obtain records.
Fees
It costs $15 to get a copy of your divorce or marriage certificate. You’ll be getting a copy of the certificates or a “Certificate of Failure to Find.” Now, if you need more copies of your divorce/marriage certificate, you’ll need to pay $6 for every succeeding copy.
Required Information
To obtain marriage and divorce records in Alabama, you’ll need the following:
- Full pre-marriage names of both parties
- Date of marriage or divorce
- County where the marriage license was issued or where the divorce was granted
- Your full name
- Your signature
- Mailing address
- Daytime contact number
Getting A Marriage Certificate
Below are all the steps needed to get a marriage certificate in Alabama:
- Download the mail-in application (available in Spanish).
- Send the application along with the payment for the fees to:
Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625
- In person within Alabama: Head to any county health department in the state to procure a certified copy of an Alabama marriage certificate.
Often, marriage certificates will be issued on the day of your application. So, all you will need to do is wait for a short while.
- Ordering a certificate online: Marriage certificates may be ordered through VitalCheck and paid for using any major credit card provider.
With that said, if you go for this option, you shall need to pay an additional fee for the service and expedited shipping via UPS.
Getting A Divorce Certificate
Below are all the steps needed to get a Divorce certificate in Alabama:
- Download the mail-in application (available in Spanish)
- Send the application along with the payment for the fees to:
Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625
- In person within Alabama: Head to any county health department in the state to procure a certified copy of an Alabama divorce certificate.
Often, marriage certificates will be issued on the day of your application. So, all you will need to do is wait for a short while.
- Ordering a certificate online: Divorce certificates may be ordered through VitalCheck and paid for using any major credit card provider.
With that said, if you go for this option, you shall need to pay an additional fee for the service and expedited shipping via UPS.
FAQs
1. What about apostille and exemplified copies?
You may need an apostille and exemplified copy of vital records for foreign use. For those unaware, these copies consist of an Alabama birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificate signed by the State Registrar and a certification signed by Alabama’s Secretary of State.
If you want to know more about apostille and exemplified copies, click here.
2. How to make corrections or changes to your divorce certificate?
Any changes to your divorce certificate must be fixed via the Alabama county circuit court that granted your divorce. For more information, get in touch with the appropriate circuit court.
3. How to make corrections or changes to your marriage certificate?
Alterations made to your marriage certificate must be addressed through the Alabama county probate court that issued the marriage license.
4. Not married or divorced in Alabama?
You may still find your records if you weren’t married or divorced in Alabama. That’s because the National Center for Health Statistics has information on all states’ vital records.
5. Is common-law marriage recognized in Alabama state law?
All common-law marriages in Alabama made before January 1, 2017, are legal. Even so, you should know that cohabitation is not enough to establish a common-law union.
In Alabama, common-law marriage is only recognized when the couple is of proper age and has agreed to marry or intends to marry someday.
Putting It All Together
Anyone that’s been married or divorced needs to obtain their records. You don’t need to leave your house to get this done. The only thing you have to do is order your certificates online.
Needless to say, if you can’t afford to wait a few days for your records to be processed and sent to your doorstep, there’s an alternative way. Simply head to the county health department in the state. There, you’ll be able to acquire your records within the day.
(Related: How to Change Your Name After Divorce: The Complete Checklist)
Lost Your Birth Certificate? Request A Replacement Online
Instant Vital Records offers a birth certificate replacement service you can use from the comfort of your home. Enter your information and our software will automatically complete the required forms for your state. We print and mail your forms along with required payments to your state health department. You can trust that we take your personal information privacy and security seriously with HIPAA compliant data storage and data encryption. To get started, simply click here to begin your application. Your replacement documents will arrive by mail to your home within a few weeks.
About The Author
Christian Cruz is an experienced blogger with a deep passion for delivering factual advice to his readers. He is part of a family of lawyers, writers, and educators. Over the years, Chris has written about a myriad of topics that have helped many people around the world.
