Find Genealogy Records in Mobile

Mobile genealogy records are among the oldest in Alabama. The Mobile Municipal Archives holds death records from 1820 and birth records from 1871, making them the earliest vital records in the state. The Mobile Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division offers a large collection of family history materials. Mobile County Probate Court maintains marriage records, wills, and estate documents. As a port city with French, Spanish, and British colonial roots, Mobile has records that span more than 300 years of Gulf Coast history. Researchers can trace families through church records, ship manifests, cemetery indexes, and government documents found nowhere else in Alabama.

Mobile Municipal Archives

The Mobile Municipal Archives is the top resource for genealogy research in Mobile. This archive holds the oldest vital records in Alabama. Death records start in 1820. Birth records start in 1871. These records are older than state vital records by almost 90 years. No other city in Alabama has records this old.

The archives contain much more than just birth and death records. You will find city directories from the 1830s onward, tax records, voter rolls, and city council minutes. There are records from the city jail, the fire department, and the police department. Some go back to before the Civil War. The collection includes maps, photos, and newspapers that help you put your ancestors in context.

The archives staff can help you find records for your family. Call ahead to make sure the records you need are on site. Some older materials may be stored off site and need a day or two to pull. Staff members know the collection well and can point you to records you might not think to check. This is a great first stop for any Mobile genealogy project.

Mobile Public Library Local History and Genealogy

The Mobile Public Library runs a Local History and Genealogy Division at the main branch on Government Street. This is one of the best genealogy collections in the Gulf Coast region. The library holds more than 40,000 volumes related to family history research. Staff members are trained to help with genealogy questions.

The collection covers Mobile, Alabama, and the entire South. You will find:

• Family history books and surname files
• Cemetery records and burial indexes
• Church records from Mobile area congregations
• Old newspapers on microfilm
• Census records and indexes
• Military records and pension files
• Ship passenger lists and immigration records
• City directories and phone books

The library has a large microfilm collection. You can view old Mobile newspapers, census records, and other documents. Microfilm readers are free to use. Staff can show you how to use the machines if you have not worked with microfilm before. The library also provides free access to Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, and other genealogy databases on library computers.

Where Mobile Records Are Filed

Mobile is the county seat of Mobile County. All vital records for Mobile residents go through county offices. The Mobile County Probate Court handles marriage records, wills, and estate documents. The Mobile County Health Department issues birth and death certificates through the state ViSION system. Court records are kept at the Mobile County Circuit Clerk office.

For records from 1908 to the present, you can get copies at the Mobile County Health Department. The ViSION network means you can request any Alabama vital record from this office, not just Mobile records. Walk-in service is available, and you can often get certified copies the same day.

For older records, the Mobile Municipal Archives is your best bet. The county probate court also has early marriage records. Some records overlap between city and county offices. If you cannot find what you need at one location, try the other. The archivists and clerks in Mobile are used to helping genealogy researchers.

Visit the Mobile County genealogy records page for full details on county offices, fees, and contact info.

How to Search Mobile Genealogy Records

You can search Mobile genealogy records online, in person, or by mail. Each method works better for different types of searches. Online searches are fast for basic lookups. In-person visits let you dig deeper into original documents. Mail requests work when you know exactly what you need.

For online searches, start with these resources:

• AlacourtAccess for court records
• Alabama Digital Archives for historical records
• FamilySearch Mobile County Wiki for research guides
• Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com through Mobile Public Library

For in-person searches, plan your visit ahead. The Municipal Archives and Public Library have the most genealogy materials. Both are in downtown Mobile within walking distance of each other. You can visit both in a single day. Bring notes on the names, dates, and places you are researching. The more details you have, the faster staff can help you find records.

To search by mail, send a written request with the full name of the person, approximate dates, and what type of record you need. Include a check or money order for the search fee. The health department charges $15 for a vital records search. Other offices have their own fee schedules. Always call ahead to confirm current fees before mailing your request.

Types of Genealogy Records in Mobile

Mobile has a rich variety of records for family history research. The city's long history as a port and trading center means more documentation than most Alabama cities.

Birth Records: Mobile Municipal Archives has birth records from 1871 to 1907. State records at the health department cover 1908 to the present. The 125-year rule limits access to newer birth records. Records older than 125 years are open to anyone.

Death Records: The Municipal Archives has death records from 1820 to 1907. These are the oldest death records in Alabama. State records at the health department cover 1908 to the present. Death records more than 25 years old are public.

Marriage Records: Mobile County Probate Court has marriage records from the early 1800s. The state has records from 1936 forward. Marriage records are public. You do not need to prove a family connection to get copies.

Cemetery Records: Mobile has many historic cemeteries. The library and archives have indexes and burial records. Magnolia Cemetery is one of the oldest in the South. Church of the Redeemer Cemetery, Catholic Cemetery, and others have their own records that may help your research.

Church Records: Mobile was founded by the French and has a long Catholic history. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception has baptism and marriage records from the early 1700s. Other churches keep their own records. The Mobile Public Library has some church record collections.

Ship and Immigration Records: Mobile was a major port. Ship manifests and passenger lists can help you find when ancestors arrived. The National Archives has many Mobile port records. FamilySearch and Ancestry have digitized some of these records.

Mobile Genealogy Record Fees

Fees vary by office and type of record. Here are the main fees you will encounter when searching for genealogy records in Mobile.

Mobile County Health Department:

• Vital record search: $15.00
• Each additional copy: $6.00
• Rush same-day service: $15.00 extra

Mobile County Probate Court:

• Marriage record search: varies
• Certified copies: varies by document
• Call ahead to confirm current fees

Mobile Municipal Archives:

• Research assistance: free
• Photocopies: varies by page count
• Call for current copy fees

Mobile Public Library:

• Research assistance: free
• Microfilm use: free
• Database access: free on library computers
• Photocopies: varies

The library and archives do not charge for research help. You only pay for copies. This makes them good options when you need to search through many records before finding the right ones.

Mobile Genealogy Contact Information

Here are the main offices and resources for genealogy research in Mobile.

Mobile Genealogy Societies and Groups

Local genealogy societies can help with your research. Members often have knowledge of local records and families that you will not find in books. Many groups hold regular meetings and offer research help to visitors.

The Mobile Genealogical Society is the main group in the area. They meet monthly and maintain a collection of local family files. Members have compiled indexes and transcriptions that make searching easier. The society website has research guides and links to Mobile records.

The Historic Mobile Preservation Society focuses on architecture and history, but their records can help with genealogy. They have files on old Mobile homes and the families who lived in them. If you know where your ancestors lived in Mobile, this group may have useful information.

The Alabama Genealogical Society is the statewide group. They hold conferences and publish journals with Mobile content. Membership gives you access to their library in Birmingham and online resources.

Mobile County Genealogy Records

Mobile is the county seat of Mobile County. The county probate court handles marriage licenses, wills, and estate records. The county health department issues vital records through the state system. The circuit clerk keeps court records. For complete details on Mobile County offices, fees, and resources, visit the county page.

View Mobile County Genealogy Records

Nearby Alabama Cities

These Alabama cities are near Mobile and may have records for families who moved within the region.