Find Genealogy Records in Hoover

Hoover genealogy records are split between two counties because the city spans both Jefferson County and Shelby County. This makes Hoover unique among Alabama cities for family history research. About 70% of Hoover sits in Jefferson County, while the rest is in Shelby County. The city was incorporated in 1967, making it the youngest major city in Alabama. Despite its recent history, genealogy researchers can still find older records for the land and families that were here before Hoover became a city. The Hoover Historical Society collects local history materials and can point you toward sources for ancestors who lived in this area.

Why Hoover Has Two Counties

Hoover straddles the line between Jefferson County and Shelby County. When you search for genealogy records, you need to check which side of the city your ancestor lived on. The county line runs through the middle of Hoover. Most of the older developed areas are in Jefferson County. The newer growth areas to the south and east are in Shelby County.

The Jefferson County portion of Hoover falls under the 10th Judicial Circuit. The Shelby County portion falls under the 18th Judicial Circuit. Each county has its own probate court and health department. Vital records like birth, death, and marriage certificates are filed in the county where the event took place. If a baby was born at a hospital on the Jefferson side, the birth record is in Jefferson County. If born on the Shelby side, the record is in Shelby County.

This split can make research tricky. A family might have children born in two different counties without ever moving. The same applies to death records. Check both counties when you cannot find a record in one. The ViSION network helps because any county health office can pull records from the state system, but you still need to know which county has the original file.

Hoover Historical Society

The Hoover Historical Society is a key resource for local genealogy. The group collects photos, maps, and documents about Hoover and the areas that became part of the city. They maintain an archive of local history materials. Members research the families and farms that were here before development began in the 1960s.

The society holds meetings and events throughout the year. They can help you find information about old family homesteads that are now neighborhoods in Hoover. The area had scattered rural communities before the city formed. Names like Bluff Park, Green Valley, and Ross Bridge point to older settlements. The historical society tracks the history of these areas.

Contact the Hoover Historical Society through the City of Hoover. The Hoover Public Library also partners with the group on local history projects. Their collection includes old photos of the area and oral histories from longtime residents. This is a good starting point if your family lived in this part of Jefferson or Shelby County before Hoover existed.

What Genealogy Records Are Available

Hoover residents can access the same genealogy records as the rest of Alabama. The types of records include birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, probate files, and land deeds. Where you find these records depends on the type and the county.

Birth and death records from 1908 forward are in the state ViSION system. Any county health department can access these records. For Hoover, you can use the Jefferson County Department of Health or the Shelby County Health Department. Both are connected to the state database.

Marriage records go back further. Jefferson County has marriage records from 1818. Shelby County has records from 1820. These older records are at the county probate courts. Modern marriages are also filed at the probate court and added to the state system.

The main record types available:

• Birth records from 1908 to present
• Death records from 1908 to present
• Marriage records from 1818/1820 to present
• Divorce records from circuit court
• Land and deed records
• Probate and estate files
• Census records via archives

For records before 1908, check the county probate courts and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Church records, cemetery logs, and family bibles can fill in gaps for births and deaths that were not recorded by the state.

Jefferson County Records

Most of Hoover is in Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Probate Court in Birmingham handles marriage records, wills, and estates for this part of the city. The probate court has online access through the Landmark WEB system. You can search for marriage licenses and probate cases from home.

Jefferson County is the most populous county in Alabama. Their offices handle a high volume of requests. Call ahead to check wait times if you plan to visit in person. The health department vital records office can get busy.

Visit the full Jefferson County genealogy page for more details on searching records, online tools, and local resources.

View Jefferson County Genealogy Records

Shelby County Records

The southern and eastern parts of Hoover are in Shelby County. The Shelby County Probate Court in Columbiana handles marriage records and estates for this part of the city. Shelby County is one of the fastest growing counties in Alabama. Their records offices have grown to meet demand.

Shelby County has marriage records from 1820. The probate court maintains these records at the courthouse in Columbiana. This is about 30 miles south of Hoover. For vital records, the health department office in Alabaster is closer to most Hoover residents on the Shelby side.

Visit the full Shelby County genealogy page for details on records, online access, and local genealogy resources.

View Shelby County Genealogy Records

How to Search Hoover Records

Searching for genealogy records in Hoover takes a few extra steps because of the two-county split. Start by figuring out which county your ancestor lived in. If you do not know, check both. The ViSION network makes vital records easier because any county office can access the state database.

For online searches, use these tools:

• Jefferson County Landmark WEB for probate records
• AlacourtAccess at pa.alacourt.com for court records
• VitalChek for ordering vital records online
• Alabama Department of Archives digital collection
• FamilySearch free genealogy database

In-person visits work best when you need to see original documents. Staff can help you search and explain what records are available. Bring a valid ID and as much information as you have about the person you are researching. Names, dates, and approximate locations help narrow the search.

The Hoover Public Library is a good local starting point. They have genealogy resources and access to databases like Ancestry. Staff can help you get started if you are new to family history research. The library is at 200 Municipal Drive in Hoover.

Record Fees

Fees for genealogy records in Hoover depend on which county office you use. Both Jefferson and Shelby counties follow the state fee schedule for vital records. The health department charges $15 for a search plus one certified copy. Extra copies in the same order cost $6 each.

Probate court fees vary slightly between counties. Marriage license copies typically cost $5 to $10. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Deed and probate file copies are based on page count.

VitalChek adds a service fee on top of state fees. The amount depends on shipping speed. Standard delivery costs less than rush orders. Call 1-888-279-9888 to order by phone or visit vitalchek.com to order online.

The Hoover Public Library offers free access to genealogy databases. You can search records and view microfilm at no cost. Copy fees apply if you want to print pages.

Contact Information

Here is how to reach the main offices for Hoover genealogy records. Call ahead to confirm hours and check what documents you need to bring.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery holds older records from both Jefferson and Shelby counties. If you are researching ancestors from before 1900, this is a key resource. The drive from Hoover takes about 90 minutes.

Research Tips for Hoover

Because Hoover is so new, you will not find many records labeled as "Hoover" before 1967. Look for the older place names that became part of the city. Bluff Park was a separate community. Green Valley was another area. Patton Chapel had its own identity. These names may appear on older records.

The land that is now Hoover was rural farmland before development. Census records from 1950 and earlier show scattered farms and small communities. Check census data for Jefferson County and Shelby County to find your ancestors. The specific place names changed as the area grew.

If your family owned land in what is now Hoover, deed records can trace the property through generations. Both county probate courts keep land records going back to territorial days. This can help you find family connections even when vital records are missing.

The Birmingham Genealogical Society covers Jefferson County and may have members who specialize in the Hoover area. Joining a local society connects you with experienced researchers who know the local sources.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Hoover. If your family lived in this area, they may have moved between these places over time. Check records in nearby cities if you cannot find what you need in Hoover.

Other nearby communities include Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Pelham, and Alabaster. Most use Jefferson County or Shelby County offices for genealogy records.