Home › Arizona › How-To Guide
Arizona · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death 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 - death certificates are confidential. Eligible requesters include immediate family members, legal representatives, funeral directors, and those with a documented 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, proof of relationship, 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) and proof of relationship or legal interest
  7. Pay the fee
  8. Receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed death certificate request form
  • Copy of valid government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of relationship or legal interest
  • Payment (cash, money order, or card - no personal checks at most offices)
Fee
$20 per certified copy; additional copies $20 each
Processing Time
Same day in person at county vital registration office; mail requests vary by volume; VitalChek expedited available
Online Option
Yes - azdhs.gov/licensing/vital-records or vitalchek.com (additional fees apply)
Where to Go
County Office of Vital Registration (in person); Arizona Bureau of Vital Records, 150 N. 18th Ave., Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85007
County-specific variations apply

County vital registration offices can issue certified copies of Arizona death records. Some rural counties have limited vital records hours - verify before visiting. Apache County provides vital records by appointment in Ganado and Chinle. Santa Cruz County issues death certificates for deaths registered in their county from February 1, 2008 onwards - older records may require going to the state office.

Arizona Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Arizona is NOT an open records state - death certificates restricted to eligible requesters.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance companies, banks, and employers each typically require a certified copy; most families need 6-10 copies.
  • Funeral homes typically assist with initial death certificate filing - contact them first for very recent deaths.
  • Bureau of Vital Records state office: 150 N. 18th Ave., Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85007; hours Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
  • Apostille copies available for international use.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
150 N. 18th Ave., Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85007; hours Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. - Apostille copies available for international use. STATE OFFICE: Arizona Bureau of Vital Records - azdhs.gov/licensing/vital-records | (602) 364-1300 | (888) 816-5907