Certified, Uncertified and Indexed Vital Records
Certified copies of official vital records contain all information available for the record type, and have a raised seal of authenticity. These records can be used for legal purposes, such as for obtaining passports, or issuing other identification documents. Because of the sensitive nature of certified copies, most states have laws that restrict their access to the individual it belongs to, or the individual's nearest family members. Proof of identification is required.
Uncertified copies of official vital records contain the same information as the certified copies, but do not have a raised seal of certification by the state. They cannot be used for obtaining identification documents like passports, and people besides the corresponding individual and immediate family members may have access to them, depending on the state laws. Because of the growing concerns over identity theft, some states have restricted access to their vital records. However, some official records are less sensitive than others, and most states will generally give the public more access to marriage and divorce records than birth and death certificates.
Indexed vital records are publicly made available and can be accessed online. Like uncertified copies, they do not have a stamped certification by the state, but they can nonetheless provide you with accurate, useful information in your genealogy search. Indexed records may leave out sensitive information, such as social security numbers or any other non-public information, in order to protect the individuals they belong to.
There were no Alabama birth "certificates" before 1908. Most counties just registered births in ledgers. Some county court houses may have kept some records, but the best source is:
Department of Archives and History
624
Washington Ave
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 242-4363
http://www.archives.state.al.us/
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