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Arizona · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Vital Records (state) / County Office of Vital Registration (county level - in person)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Arizona is NOT an open records state - birth certificates are confidential. Eligible requesters include the person named, parents, legal guardian, spouse, adult children, or those with a court order or demonstrated legal interest.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON: Visit your county's Office of Vital Registration (available at most county health departments) - typically same-day service
  4. BY MAIL: Complete the request form, include copy of photo ID and payment; mail to Arizona Bureau of Vital Records, PO Box 6018, Phoenix, AZ 85005
  5. ONLINE (expedited): Order through VitalChek at azdhs.gov/licensing/vital-records or vitalchek.com - additional fees apply
  6. Submit completed application with valid government-issued photo ID (copy)
  7. Pay the fee
  8. Receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed birth certificate request form
  • Copy of valid government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of relationship if requesting on behalf of another person
  • Payment (cash, money order, or card depending on location - no personal checks at most offices)
Fee
$20 per certified copy; $30 for amendments/corrections; additional copies $20 each
Processing Time
Same day in person at county vital registration office; mail requests vary; VitalChek expedited available
Online Option
Yes - azdhs.gov/licensing/vital-records (direct) or vitalchek.com (expedited; additional fees)
Where to Go
County Office of Vital Registration (in person - check your county health department); Arizona Bureau of Vital Records, 150 N. 18th Ave., Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85007 (state office); (602) 364-1300
County-specific variations apply

Most Arizona counties have a local Office of Vital Registration that can issue certified copies of Arizona birth records - not just births in that county. Hours and appointment requirements vary by county. Apache County offers scheduled vital records appointments in Ganado and Chinle - call (928) 337-7525. Some rural county offices have limited hours; verify before visiting.

Arizona Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Arizona is NOT an open records state - birth certificates are restricted to eligible requesters only.
  • Arizona county vital registration offices can issue certified copies of any Arizona birth record - you do not need to go to the county where the birth occurred.
  • Bureau of Vital Records state office is located at 150 N. 18th Ave., Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85007; hours Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
  • Hospital documents and midwife paperwork are NOT official certified copies - you must obtain a certified copy from the vital records office.
  • Apostille copies available for international use - contact the Bureau of Vital Records.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Arizona Bureau of Vital Records - azdhs.gov/licensing/vital-records | (602) 364-1300 | (888) 816-5907