Search Montgomery County Genealogy Records

Montgomery County genealogy records are among the most complete in Alabama due to the presence of key state agencies in the county seat. The Alabama Department of Archives and History, founded in 1901 as the first state-funded archives in the nation, holds millions of records for researchers. The Center for Health Statistics manages all vital records for the state. Montgomery County itself was formed in 1816 and has probate records dating back nearly that far. The county is in the 15th Judicial Circuit and has a population of about 230,000 people.

What Records Are Available

Montgomery County has a vast range of genealogy records. As the state capital, this county is home to both local and state record offices. This gives you access to more sources than most counties in Alabama. Birth and death records from the state start in 1908. Marriage records at the probate court go back to the 1810s.

Types of genealogy records you can find here:

• Birth records from 1908 to present
• Death records from 1908 to present
• Marriage records from 1816 to present
• Divorce records from Circuit Court
• Probate and estate files
• Land and deed records
• Military records and pension files
• Census and tax records
• Court case files
• Confederate records and Civil War files

Some older records are hard to find. Birth and death records before 1908 were not kept by the state. You may need to check church files, cemetery logs, or family papers for events from that time. The Alabama Department of Archives holds many of these older records.

Montgomery County Probate Court

The Montgomery County Probate Court is a main source for genealogy research. The court keeps marriage records, will files, and estate records. They also handle adoptions and some land matters. The probate judge serves as the head of county government in Alabama.

The probate court has online access through the Landmark WEB system. This free tool lets you search court records from home. You can find marriage licenses, probate case numbers, and deed data. The system shows basic index data. It does not show full document images. Once you find a record, you can request a copy by mail or in person at the courthouse.

Marriage records at the probate court are public. Anyone can ask for a copy. You do not need to prove a family link. This makes marriage records one of the best sources for genealogy work. The court has marriage indexes going back to 1816.

The courthouse is in downtown Montgomery. Parking is available in nearby lots and on the street. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Staff can help you search the index and pull files for viewing.

Alabama Department of Archives and History

The Alabama Department of Archives and History is the top genealogy resource in the state. Founded in 1901, it was the first state-funded archives in the nation. The archives holds millions of records from all 67 Alabama counties. This is a must-visit spot for any serious family history research.

The archives holds records that you will not find anywhere else. Their collection includes:

• County court records from the 1800s
• Confederate pension files and military records
• Old census records and tax lists
• Probate records transferred from counties
• Newspapers on microfilm
• Family history books and bible records
• Church records from across the state
• Maps and land surveys
• Photos and oral history recordings

The research room is open to the public. You do not need an appointment for most visits. Staff members know the collection well and can guide your search. They offer free help to all visitors. The digital collection online is growing, but most records still require an in-person visit to view.

Plan to spend a full day at the archives if you can. The reading room has microfilm readers, copy machines, and free WiFi. Staff can pull records from storage for you. Some items need advance notice. Call ahead if you need a specific record that may be in off-site storage.

Center for Health Statistics

The Alabama Center for Health Statistics is the state agency that keeps all vital records. They manage birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for the whole state. The office is in Montgomery, making it easy to get records while doing research in the area.

You can order any Alabama vital record from this office. They have:

• Birth records from 1908 to present
• Death records from 1908 to present
• Marriage records from 1936 to present (state copies)
• Divorce records from 1950 to present (state copies)

There are access rules for vital records. Birth records less than 125 years old have limits. Only the person named, a parent, or a legal guardian can get a copy. Death records less than 25 years old also have some limits. After these time periods pass, the records become open to all for genealogy use.

Walk-in service is available. Staff will search the state database and print your record while you wait. Bring a valid ID and know the details of the record you need. If you are not the person named on the record, bring proof of your right to access it. Mail requests are also accepted. The office uses VitalChek for online orders.

County Health Department

The Montgomery County Health Department also issues vital records. Through the ViSION network, they can access any Alabama birth, death, marriage, or divorce record. You do not have to visit the county where the event took place. Any county health office can pull records from the state system.

This office may have shorter wait times than the state office. Both can access the same records. Choose based on which is more handy for you.

How to Search Records

You have several ways to search genealogy records in Montgomery County. Online searches work for basic lookups. In-person visits let you see full documents. Mail requests work when you know what you need.

Start with the Landmark WEB portal for probate records. Go to the Montgomery County website and click the online records link. You can search by name and date range. The system shows index data for marriages, probate cases, and deeds. It is free to use and open to the public.

For vital records, you have three options:

• Visit the Center for Health Statistics or county health department in person
• Mail a request to the state or county office
• Order online through VitalChek

VitalChek is the state's online ordering partner. You can order birth, death, marriage, and divorce records at their website. They add a service fee on top of the state fee. Go to vitalchek.com or call 1-888-279-9888 to place an order.

The Alabama Department of Archives has its own search tools. Their website lists record holdings and finding aids. Many indexes are online, though full records often need an in-person visit. Plan a trip if your family has deep roots in Alabama.

Online Access Options

Montgomery County and the state agencies offer several online tools. The Landmark WEB system covers probate, marriage, and deed records. The system is free and does not require an account. Search results show basic data, and you can note the record number to request a copy.

Other online resources for Montgomery County genealogy:

• AlacourtAccess for court records at pa.alacourt.com
• Alabama Department of Archives digital collection at digital.archives.alabama.gov
• FamilySearch free records at familysearch.org
• Ancestry subscription database at ancestry.com

The Alabama Department of Archives has free digital records. These include old newspapers, photos, and government files. Many Montgomery County records from the 1800s and early 1900s are in their collection. Confederate pension files are fully digitized and free to search.

FamilySearch has free records with no subscription needed. They have indexed Alabama vital records, census data, and church records. Their collection grows all the time as volunteers add new data. Create a free account to access all their tools.

In-Person Research Tips

Visiting in person is the best way to see full records. Montgomery has more genealogy resources than any other city in Alabama. Staff can help you search and explain what is available. You may find things that do not show up in online indexes.

Plan your trip to hit multiple offices in one visit. The Alabama Department of Archives, the Center for Health Statistics, and the Montgomery County Courthouse are all within a few miles of each other in downtown Montgomery. A two-day trip lets you cover all three without rushing.

The Montgomery City-County Public Library has a genealogy collection. The main branch on Coliseum Boulevard holds local history books, old city directories, and some microfilm. Staff can help you find records that are not online. The library has free WiFi and access to paid genealogy databases.

Bring these items when you visit any office:

• Valid photo ID
• List of names and dates you are searching
• Notebook and pen for taking notes
• Cash or card for copy fees
• Phone or camera if photos are allowed

Local Genealogy Tips

Montgomery County has a rich history. The county was named after General Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolution. Montgomery became the state capital in 1846 and later served as the first capital of the Confederacy for a brief time in 1861.

The Civil War era left many records. Confederate pension files are a key source for families who lived in Alabama during that time. The archives holds military service records, unit rosters, and pension applications. These files often include family details like names of spouses and children.

African American genealogy in Montgomery County has special resources. The archives holds Freedmen's Bureau records from the post-war years. Church records from Black congregations are another key source. The Montgomery County archives also has records from the civil rights era, though those are more recent history than typical genealogy research.

Maxwell Air Force Base has been in Montgomery since 1918. If your family had a military connection, check base records and the National Personnel Records Center. The Air Force Historical Research Agency on base holds some records, though access may be limited.

Check for early land grants. Alabama used a federal land grant system. The Bureau of Land Management has online records of original land patents. Many Montgomery County settlers got land through this system in the early 1800s.

Cities in Montgomery County

Montgomery County has several cities and towns. All of them use the Montgomery County Probate Court for marriage records. Vital records can come from the county health department or the state Center for Health Statistics.

Other communities in Montgomery County include Prattville (in neighboring Autauga County but close by), Pike Road, and several smaller towns. All of these use the Montgomery County offices for genealogy records.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Montgomery County. If your family lived near the county line, check records in both places. County borders have changed over time, so an ancestor may appear in a different county than you expect.