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Death Certificates
What Years are Death Records Available?
Our office can issue ALL Certified Copies of Arizona Death Certificates. In our state, Fetal Death and Certificates of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth became available after January 1, 2013 and we can assist you with certified copies of these as well.
Have additional questions such as, What do you need when applying for a US Passport? or What is the difference between the electronic record and the paper record? Please read our helpful Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page or call us at 602-506-6805 Monday-Friday from 8:00 am - 4:30pm. You can also visit one of our 4 locations and speak with one of our professional Registrars. We are here for you!
Important Update
The State of Arizona recently revised the rules that govern how vital records are administered. Please take a few moments to read carefully as you gather the information you may need to apply for certified copies or proceed with making a request to change an Arizona vital record; information has been revised and there may be differences to how requests were made prior to these legal revisions.How to Apply for Certified Copies of Arizona Death Certificates
- Complete and sign the application Opens a New Window.
- Check to ensure the person applying is eligible to apply under state law**
- Pay the appropriate fee
Applying In-Person? Be sure to bring your current, valid ID and present with your signed application and fee.
Applying by Mail? Make a photocopy (Front and Back) of your current, valid, signed, photo ID. Attach or photocopy any factual documentation or additional forms required and submit with your signed application and fee.
- All documents submitted will be reviewed and verified prior to fulfillment of the request.
- All non-English language documents submitted as evidentiary supporting documentation must be accompanied by a certified translation, please. No exceptions. Thank you.
Three Ways to Apply: In Person, Mail, Online Expedited
In-Person
We have 4 locations across the valley to serve you. Mon.- Fri. 8am-4:30pm. Same day service for eligible, complete applications!
Complete, signed applications with all required fees and information are usually processed within one week. Quick and with NO additional fees!
Online
Online ordering through a separate company, VitalChek Opens a New Window. is available. Additional processing fees and charges for expedited service in addition to the fee per certified copy ordered. All the rules the rules and requirements for in person and mail applications apply.
In Arizona, applicants must prove their relationship to the individual named on the Arizona death certificate.
There are different requirements for those seeking certified copies of death records and fetal death records. Please read through the entire information below. If you have any questions, please visit any of our 4 locations or give us a call, Monday - Friday from 8am - 4:30pm. We are here to assist you.
Persons eligible to receive certified copy of AZ Death Records –
1. A funeral director representing one of the following in a final disposition of the deceased individual’s human remains, within 12 months after the registration of the deceased individual’s death:
a. The deceased individual through a prearranged funeral agreement, as defined in A.R.S. § 32-1301;
b. The deceased individual’s spouse;
c. The deceased individual’s parent, grandparent, or adult child, grandchild, brother, or sister; or
d. Another person who is responsible for the final disposition of the deceased individual’s human remains according to A.R.S. § 36-831
2. The surviving spouse of the deceased individual
3. A parent or grandparent of the deceased individual
4. An adult child, grandchild, brother, or sister of the deceased individual
5. A person designated in a power of attorney, established by the deceased individual’s parent according to A.R.S. § 14-5104 or 14-5107
6. Another person who is responsible for the final disposition of the deceased individual’s human remains according to A.R.S. § 36-831
7. A person named in the deceased individual’s last will and testament as the executor of the deceased individual’s estate
8. A person named in the deceased individual’s last will and testament as a beneficiary of the deceased individual’s estate
9. A person named as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy on the deceased individual
10. A person designated in a court order to receive a certified copy of the deceased individual’s certificate of death registration
11. A person authorized in writing to receive a certified copy of the deceased individual’s certificate of death registration by a person who is eligible to receive a certified copy of the deceased individual’s certificate of death registration according to (2), (3), (4), or (5)
12. An insurance company with which the deceased individual had a policy
13. A bank, a credit union, a mortgage lender, or another financial institution with which the deceased individual had an account or other business relationship
14. A hospital or other health care institution processing a claim against the deceased individual’s estate
15. Another person having a claim against the deceased individual’s estate
16. An attorney representing a person who is eligible to receive a certified copy of the deceased individual’s certificate of death registration
17. The consulate of a foreign government representing a person who:
a. Is eligible to receive a certified copy of the deceased individual’s certificate of death registration, according to subsection (B)(2), (3), (4), or (5);
b. Is a citizen of the foreign country; and
c. Resides in the foreign country
18. A governmental agency processing:
a. A financial claim, a governmental benefit application, or
b. Another form of compensation on behalf of the deceased individual or
c. The deceased individual’s estate or
d. Having another official purpose for a certified copy of the deceased individual’s certificate of death registration
Persons eligible to receive certified copy of AZ Fetal Death Records –
1. A parent of a fetus or a person who is of legal age and who is authorized by a parent of the fetus may request a certified or non certified copy of a certificate of fetal death registration for the fetus
2. For a parent whose name is not included in the registered fetal death record, documentation demonstrating that the person submitting the request is a parent of the fetus
3. A person authorized by a parent of the fetus to receive a certified or non certified copy of the certificate of fetal death registration for the fetus
4. Only persons 18 years of age or older may obtain a certified copy of a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth. In addition, to protect the confidentiality rights of our citizens, Arizona law specifies that only the parents listed on the record or another person authorized by one of the parents may obtain a certified copy of a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth
Maricopa County can assist you with making minor and more substantive corrections and changes to Arizona death records.
To determine the type of change you need to make and the steps required to request lawful corrections please visit our Change a Death Certificate page.
Please read our helpful Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page or call us at 602-506-6805 Monday-Friday from 8:00 am - 4:30pm. You can also visit one of our 4 locations and speak with one of our professional Registrars. We are here for you!
What do we need certified copies for?
Certified copies of death certificates are important documents and often are needed when preparing tax filings, applying for benefits enrollment, settling estates and coordinating personal business. Original certificates are held in the state archives. Arizona is a “closed” record state which means only certain parties may receive a copy of this important document. Please read the eligibility requirements thoroughly for more information.
Please come in to one of our office and speak with one of our professional Registrars. We are here for you!