Obtaining a Certified Death Certificate in Arizona
Why may someone need a certified copy of a death certificate?
A certified copy of a death certificate can be used to obtain beneficiary death benefits, claim beneficiary insurance proceeds, notify social security, and other legal purposes.
In Arizona the following people can get a certified copy of a death certificate:
Spouse,
Parent,
Grandparent,
Adult child,
Grandchild,
Brother or sister,
Funeral director,
Person designated as Power of Attorney,
Person responsible for final disposition,
Person names as executor or beneficiary of the deceased’s individual estate,
Beneficiary of the deceased’s life insurance policy,
Person named in a court order,
Person authorized by an eligible person,
Insurance company or financial institution,
Hospital or healthcare institution,
Person with a court order having a claim against the deceased’s individual estate, and
Attorney representing a person eligible to receive a certified copy of a death certificate
Parent,
Grandparent,
Adult child,
Grandchild,
Brother or sister,
Funeral director,
Person designated as Power of Attorney,
Person responsible for final disposition,
Person names as executor or beneficiary of the deceased’s individual estate,
Beneficiary of the deceased’s life insurance policy,
Person named in a court order,
Person authorized by an eligible person,
Insurance company or financial institution,
Hospital or healthcare institution,
Person with a court order having a claim against the deceased’s individual estate, and
Attorney representing a person eligible to receive a certified copy of a death certificate
People that request death certificates must be over the age of 18 and have the documentation showing their relationship to the deceased person.
Order Online
The fastest way to request a death certificate is to order online. This service is offered through a VitalChek, a company that is contract by the state of Arizona to provide records online. There are additional fees charged for this service.
In Person
The Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Vital Records no longer provides walk-in services, but Arizona counties have their own office of public records, where the walk-in policies, turn around times, and fees vary. Contact the office to see if they are currently accepting walk-in requests.
Apply by Mail
Another option people have for ordering a death certificate is applying by mail. To apply by mail, the following must be completed in full:
- Completed Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate [Español]
- Proof of eligibility
- Copy of the front and back of a government-issued ID (Example: Driver's License, Passport)
- A self-addressed, stamped envelope
- The appropriate fee amount paid by:
- Cashier's check
- Money order
- Visa
- Mastercard
What if I am doing genealogical research and do not need a certified copy of a death certificate?
If someone is doing research for their family tree or other genealogical purposes, they may request a noncertified copy of the person's death certificate if the following requirements are met:
- Over the age of 18
- Official documentation showing the relationship between the applicant and the person whose record they are requesting
- Information about the person to assist in locating their records in the registry
- A signed Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate [Español]
- A copy of the front and back of a government-issued ID (example: driver's license)
- Correct fee amount - See fee schedules
- Official documentation showing the relationship between the applicant and the person whose record they are requesting
- Information about the person to assist in locating their records in the registry
- A signed Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate [Español]
- A copy of the front and back of a government-issued ID (example: driver's license)
- Correct fee amount - See fee schedules
