For the most part, Choctaw County public records will go back to at least 1908 which is when the state started requiring registrations of births and deaths. Older records than that may be found at the State Archives. If you are looking for more recent material, then you will just have to submit a records request with either the state Vital Records department or visit the health department office for Choctaw County. They are located in Butler.

If you order your Choctaw County public records in person, you will have your documents back to you while you wait. Orders sent to the Vital Records office in Montgomery will come back in under 2 weeks. The Alabama Department of Health website has the forms available for free download.

The forms will require that you clearly identify the person of record, usually by name and by the event dates. You will also have to include a copy of your own photo ID with your request as well as a search fee (non-refundable even if records are not found).

Choctaw County Birth Records

There are restrictions for the sake of privacy on all Choctaw County birth records, keeping them confidential for 125 years from the date of birth. If you are looking for records more recent than that, you can only order a copy of your own birth certificate or a certificate for an immediate family member. It was not common to list the child's name on early Choctaw County birth records (pre-1908) so you may find locating the right record to be a challange. The fee for a birth record search is $15 USD.

Choctaw County Death Records

Death records are easier to request because they are only kept confidential for 25 years. You can order a copy of any Choctaw County death record that is older than that without restriction. They are also held in the State Archives, since they are public domain information. To get a certified copy of a record that is more recent, you will have to be immediate family again, and the cost will be $15 USD.

Choctaw County Marriage Records

Unlike the previous two types of records, Choctaw County marriage records are open to the public right from the time of the marriage. They are available through the health department office as well, and the cost is the same as birth and death records. The state collection began in 1936 but county Probate offices may have them going back farther. Divorce records from 1950 are also available.

Choctaw County Criminal Records

Choctaw County criminal records are strictly confidential and you are only permitted to get copies of your own criminal background. There are exceptions made for law enforcement officers, and certain employers who are doing background checks. They are able to do so through a secure Alabama Background Check website. Otherwise, you have to put in an application with the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center along with a $25 USD fee.