Mobile Obituary Records
Mobile obituary records span more than 200 years thanks to this port city's rich history. The Mobile Public Library has one of the most impressive local history collections in the South. Their archives include death records from 1876 to 1908 and newspapers on microfilm dating back to 1819. The Mobile Press-Register has been the main source for obituaries since it began publishing. Current obituaries are posted on Legacy.com and Lagniappe Daily. Funeral homes throughout Mobile also maintain online obituary archives. With over 201,000 residents, Mobile has many resources for finding death notices.
Mobile Quick Facts
Mobile County Probate Court
Mobile residents file vital records through the Mobile County Probate Court. The probate office handles death certificates, estate matters, and probate records. These records can help verify death dates and find family members when obituaries are hard to locate.
The Mobile County Probate Court is in downtown Mobile at the county courthouse. Staff can help you access probate files and estate records. Marriage records and land records are also available.
| Address | 151 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 |
|---|---|
| Phone (Judicial) | 251-574-6001 |
| Phone (Records) | 251-574-6000 |
| probatecourt@probate.mobilecountyal.gov | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | probate.mobilecountyal.gov |
Under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-14, death certificates must be filed within 5 days of death. The probate court keeps copies going back many years.
Mobile Newspapers with Obituaries
The Mobile Press-Register is the main newspaper for Mobile obituaries. It has published under various names since the early 1800s. The paper partners with AL.com for online content.
Current obituaries appear on Legacy.com at legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/alabama/mobile. Recent years are fully searchable by name. You can also browse by date.
Lagniappe Daily is a free alternative publication. It posts all obituaries online outside the paywall at lagniappemobile.com/obituaries. Coverage includes Mobile, Chickasaw, Saraland, Prichard, and Tillmans Corner.
Historical Mobile Press-Register archives from 1992 to 2023 are available at ObitsArchive.com. For earlier papers, check the Mobile Public Library's microfilm collection.
Mobile Public Library Local History
The Mobile Public Library has one of the best genealogy collections in Alabama. The Local History & Genealogy Division holds records going back to French colonial times. Their newspaper microfilm covers 1819 to present.
Notable collections at the library include:
- Death certificates from 1876 to 1908
- Mobile newspapers on microfilm from 1819
- City directories from 1837
- French and Spanish archival records
- Digital archives with photographs and manuscripts
| Address | 753 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 251-494-2190 |
| Website | mobilepubliclibrary.org |
The University of South Alabama also has genealogy resources. The McCall Archives holds family papers and local records. Their guide is at southalabama.edu/libraries/mccallarchives.
Mobile Funeral Homes
Funeral homes in Mobile post obituaries on their websites. If you know which one handled services, check their site first. Many keep archives going back several years.
- Mobile Funeral Home and Crematory - 690 Zeigler Circle W, Mobile, AL 36608 | Phone: 251-633-4733 | mobilefhc.com
- Small's Mortuary & Cremation Services - smallsmortuary.com
- Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home - mobilefuneralservice.com
- Legacy Funeral Home - 953 S. Broad Street, Mobile, AL 36603 | Phone: 251-724-1000 | legacyfuneralhome.net
- Ascension Funeral Group - ascensionfuneralgroup.com
Dignity Memorial operates locations in the Mobile area. Their website at dignitymemorial.com has a searchable obituary database.
How to Find Mobile Obituaries
For recent obituaries, start with Legacy.com. You can search by name and filter to Mobile. Lagniappe Daily also has free recent obituaries online.
For older obituaries, the Mobile Public Library is your best bet. Their microfilm goes back to 1819. Staff can help you search and make copies. The death certificates from 1876 to 1908 are particularly useful.
Other search strategies:
- Check funeral home websites if you know which one was used
- Search Find a Grave for burial records
- Use GenealogyBank or Newspapers.com (free at library)
- Contact the McCall Archives at USA for family papers
For death certificates, contact Mobile County Probate Court or the Alabama Department of Public Health. The fee is $15 for a search and first copy. Per Alabama Code Section 22-9A-21, certificates less than 25 years old require proof of relationship.
Legal Help in Mobile
If you need assistance with estate matters or obtaining records, several organizations can help:
- Legal Services Alabama - Mobile Office - Free legal help for qualifying residents
- Central Intake Line: 1-866-456-4995
- Alabama Lawyer Referral Service: 800-392-5660
Legal Services Alabama handles probate matters, record access, and civil legal issues. Call the intake line to check if you qualify for free services.
Nearby Cities
Mobile is the only qualifying city in Mobile County. The nearest large cities are in different parts of the state.
Montgomery is about 170 miles northeast. Dothan is roughly 120 miles to the northeast in the Wiregrass region.
Mobile County Resources
For complete information about obituary records in Mobile County, including all cities and communities, visit our county page.
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