Located in eastern Alabama, Lee County was named after renowned Confederate general Robert E. Lee. The county was officially established in 1866 so many Lee County records date back to that time period. It wasn't until 1908 that the state required vital records-keeping, so there may be some missing information and inconsistent registrations between 1866 and a few years after 1908.

If you are looking for Lee County public records, it will be helpful if you live near Opelika. That is where the offices are that will be of most use to you. Primarily, that will be the health department office. They do all the issuing of certified copies of vital records documents. As long as you are eligible to have a certain document, you just need to visit the office and make a request with the proper fee and paperwork.

Lee County Birth Records

Lee County birth records are easiest to get if you are looking for older ancestor's records, due to the 125-year restriction on issuing copies. So for any recent records, you can only make a request if it is for an immediate family member such as your child, parent, sibling or current spouse. The cost per record is $15 and you are also permitted to order a copy for yourself. The fee still applies, even if it your own birth certificate. Older records, prior to 1908 usually, can be a problem because they usually don't include the child's name. It's something to look out for when making your request.

Lee County Death Records

Recent Lee County death records will have the same problem as birth records, and they will only be issued to immediate family members (you will have to show ID). The limits end after 25 years, so older records are unrestricted to order. They will cost $15 if you get a certified copy from the health department but you can get them without cost through the State Archives if they are older than 25 years.

Lee County Marriage Records

The state began requiring the registration of marriages in 1936, and divorces in 1950. Both are available to the public without restriction, no matter when the marriage took place. The probate courthouse should have records quite a bit older than 1936 and they usually respond to records requests promptly. The health department will charge $15, though the courthouse will have its own fees for issuing records copies.

Lee County Criminal Records

These are the only types of records listed here that you won't be able to order from the health department. Criminal records are a state matter, and all documents are accessed through the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center in Montgomery. They can issue copies of Lee County criminal records but only to the person who is on the record. In other words, you can only order your own criminal history. The cost per file is $25 and the ACJIC website has blank forms and instructions on how to include your fingerprints. Employers can also get limited access through the Alabama Background Check website.