The difference between public-records requests and historical research

Please note that the procedures described on this page are not for requesting historical information contained in the permanent collections of the ADAH. To inquire about the availability of genealogical and other historical information, please complete a Research Consultation Request.

Requests for access to historical collections using the public-records request form will not be fulfilled.

To submit a public-records request for records created by the ADAH in the past decade and related to the operation of the agency, please complete the request form below.

Our public-records policy

It is the policy of the executive branch of the State of Alabama to promptly provide citizens with public records upon request, subject to their payment of reasonable fees, to applicable laws protecting sensitive information, and to the interest of the general public in having the business of government carried on efficiently and without undue interference.

Submitting a public-records request

You may submit a public-records request by completing a public-records request form.

What to expect

We strive to respond as promptly as possible to all public-records requests, we receive consistent with the demands of our agency’s functions as determined by state law.

The nature of your request will dictate how promptly we respond. If your request very clearly identifies a specific, discrete document you are looking for,seeking, we will respond more quickly than if your request requires substantial staff time to process. A request will require substantial staff time to process if it requires difficulty in identifying and retrieving documents or taking measures to redact or otherwise withhold legally protected information. In addition, we are permitted by state law to charge reasonable fees in connection with processing public-records requests. We will notify you in advance of the fees you likely will incur as a result of your request.

Payment options

Checks and money orders should be payable to ADAH. Please include a driver’s license number on personal checks. (A fee of $30 may be assessed for returned checks.)

Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are also accepted. Staff will call for card information. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Time).

Questions?

You may contact our agency’s public-records coordinator at public.records@archives.alabama.gov.

Submit a Public-Records Request