Alabama will issue an "amended" birth certificate noting change of name and sex, but will not issue a new birth certificate replacing the original.
The fee to prepare an amended birth certificate is $15.00, which includes one certified copy. Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time are $4.00 each.
You will need an original or certified copy of the court order for your name change, as well as an original or certified copy of a COURT ORDER for change of sex (not just the surgeon's letter). This enters another step into the procedure and is best handled through an attorney, although at extra cost. You must file a "petition to amend a vital record," state what you want to amend, provide documentation of the reason for your petition, and name the Center for Health Statistics as defendant.
This is the actual portion from the Alabama Vital Statistics Law which deals with gender reassignment:
ยง 22-9A-19(d): "Upon receipt of a certified copy of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction indicating that the sex of an individual born in this state has been changed by surgical procedure and that the name of the individual has been changed, the certificate of birth of the individual shall be amended as prescribed by rules to reflect the changes."
On the positive side, if you live in another state they will accept the court order from that state, if issued from "a court of competent jurisdiction" (court with authority to issue such orders in that particular county or state). The fee for the court order is a separate fee, and varies from one court to another.
Contact information:
State Board of Health
Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
(334) 206-5418; (334) 206-5426
Ms. Dorothy S. Harshbarger
State Registrar and Director
dharshbarger@adph.state.al.us
