Alabama Genealogy Search at a Glance
Alabama genealogy search, look up ancestors, browse AL archived records, history census information and more online
1Alabama Genealogy
Alabama statewide genealogy links
- Alabama Department of Archives and History Collections Searcharchives.alabama.govSearch Alabama Collections Online
- Alabama Public Records Searcharchives.alabama.govAlabama Public Records Search
- State of Alabama Genealogy Resourcesdigital.archives.alabama.govOfficial State Genealogy Records
- Alabama State Archives Internet Recordslegacy.archives.alabama.govAlabama Public Records Resources
- Alabama State History Internet Resourcesdigital.archives.alabama.govOnline History Resources
- Alabama State Archives Government Records on Microfilmlegacy.archives.alabama.govLocal Government Records on Microfilm
- Alabama Civil War Service Databasearchives.alabama.govCivil War Service Search
- Alabama State Archives Military Records Databasesarchives.alabama.govMilitary Records Database
- ALGenWeb Archives Alabamawww.algenweb.usSearch Alabama USGenWeb Archives
- Birmingham Public Librarywww.cobpl.orgBirmingham Library Genealogical Resources
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Alabama's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Alabama state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The federal government's primary archive. Holds the U.S. census (1790, 1950), ship passenger lists, naturalization records, military service files, and land entry files.
https://www.archives.gov/research/genealogy (archives.gov)
Free online genealogy platform operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Digitized microfilm copies of many county and state records worldwide.
https://www.familysearch.org/ (familysearch.org)
The LoC's research guides, city directories, newspapers, and Civil War records, most accessible free online through loc.gov.
https://guides.loc.gov/genealogy (loc.gov)
Alabama Genealogy Search, FAQ
Is the 1950 census released?
Yes. Under the 72-year rule, the 1950 U.S. Census was released by NARA on April 1, 2022 and is free to search on archives.gov and familysearch.org.
How do I request a military service record?
NARA's National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis holds military service records. Requests use SF-180 and are free for the veteran or next of kin.
Do I need a paid subscription to do genealogy?
No. FamilySearch, Archives.gov, the Library of Congress, and most state archives provide substantial free access. Commercial services (Ancestry, MyHeritage) add convenience and private trees but not exclusive records.
Where are vital records for the 1800s kept?
Before state-level vital registration (roughly 1890, 1920 depending on state), most births, deaths, and marriages were recorded only by the county, the church, or the family Bible. State archives and FamilySearch are the primary starting points for that era.