Birth Certificate Article


How to Get 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 only the following people can get a certified copy of a death certificate.

  • Funeral director,
  • Spouse,
  • Parent,
  • Grandparent,
  • Adult Child,
  • Grandchild,
  • Brother or sister,
  • 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.

    Only persons over 18 may obtain a certified copy of a death certificate.

    To Apply In Person:

    The Arizona Department of Health Services does not provide same day walk in service.  The local county health department Vital Records office may provide same day walk in service.  Here is a link to each Arizona county’s local health department where you can find information about how to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate from the specific counties - http://azdhs.gov//licensing/vital-records/index.php#fees-home

    To Apply By Mail:

    To apply by mail to the Arizona Department of Health Services for a certified copy of a death certificate, one must submit the following:

  •  A completed Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate
  •  A copy of the front and back of your valid government-issued picture identification which bears your signature or have your signature notarized.
  •  Proof of eligibility. This means you will have to submit information showing you are a person listed above eligible to get a certified copy of a death certificate eligible to
  •  A self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.
  •  Appropriate fee, according to this fee schedule. Acceptable payment methods are: cashier's checks, money orders, Visa, or MasterCard. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH. Cashier's checks and money orders must be for the exact amount and made payable to Office of Vital Records. If you pay by credit/debit card, you must include the full card number and expiration date on your application.


    Mail all this information to: Bureau of Vital Records, PO Box 6018, Phoenix, AZ, 85005.
    You should receive the certified death certificate within 7-10 business days after mailing the request.

    For More Information:

    Here is a link to the Arizona Department of Health Service’s web page explaining how to apply for a death certificate - http://www.azdhs.org/licensing/vital-records/index.php#death-certificates-apply

    Stillborn or fetal death certificate

    The Arizona Department of Health Services also provides copies of a stillborn or fetal death certificate. Like birth and death certificates only certain people may obtain this stillborn or fetal death certificate and there is an application process. 
    Information about getting this stillborn or fetal death certificate is here: http://www.azdhs.org/licensing/vital-records/index.php#death-certificates-who-can-obtain-stillbirth-fetal


    • Comments:

    QUESTIONS

    • how much is a copy of my birth certificate by mail? since i live out of state and have to mail it in.
    • The father listed on my daughter's birth certificate is not her biological father and I have a paternity test that is court approved showing he is not the father. How do I remove him from the birth certificate?
    • My daughters was born last month and her father would like to be on her birth certificate. But he is located in Mexico and is not able to sign so he can be on the certificate. Is there any form that he can fill out in mexico in front of a notary him stating that he agrees with being on the birth certificate. Could he go to the Americana consul or something for this to occur. Please Help!!!
    • Am trying to get my father's name on my birth certificate he lives in a different country and can't come to the US I've called vital records and the tell me to call the Maricopa superior court i called they transfered me to the family Court from there they told me to call the civil court and i did but they told me they can't do anything and told me to go to the website it seem like no one can help me what can i do ?
    • My child who I have custody of due to taking his mother to court for mental heath reasons. With that being said I have taken the paternity with it saying I’m the father, which I knew. what do I do now to get my name on my sons birth certificate. I have his birth certificate with me. His mother will not agreee to sign the necessary paperwork for me to be added onto his birth certificate. What packet would I need to go down to the court and get this case started. The end result is be put on the birth certificate and proceed to change his last name to mine bc mother is not present / active.
    • I am applying to live in an apartment, and the application asks for my birth certificate. My peers think that is unheard of and that I need to double check why they are asking for that personal documentation. Does it have anything to do with the laws regarding illegal immigration? Or does it have to do with checking to see if I am a legal citizen, but why can't they just use my drivers license and/or social security number?
    • I am having my first baby in 4 weeks. I would like to have my baby receive my boyfriends last name and have him listed as the father but i am concerned. If I do this will he be able to take the baby and not give her back ? Should i have some sort of custody arrangements in place before i put his name on the birth certificate? I am worried. Please give me some advice. Thank you.
    • Can the Office of Vital Records recall a birth certificate for any reason once it has been signed, notarized, and paid for?
    • When I first received my daughter's birth certificate (born in 2007) I did not notice it, but after having looked at it again, I noticed my birth date on her birth certificate is incorrect, how can I change it?
    • My son's father isn't on the original birth certificate do I have to get a new one if he was proven to be the father.

    STORIES

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    FIND LEGAL HELP

    • Please select your county of residence below.

      County:
       

    OTHER LEGAL RESOURCES

    • State Bar of Arizona
      www.azbar.org
    • Maricopa County Bar
      www.maricopabar.org
      Referral number 602-257-4434
    • Pima County Bar
      www.pimacountybar.org
      Referral number 520-623-4625
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline
      800-799-7233
    • Bankruptcy Court Self Help Center
      866-553-0893
    • Certified Legal Document Preparer Program
      Link

    ORGANIZATIONS

    Documents

    .pdf  Birth Certificate Application Form ReadSpeaker

    RELATED ARTICLES

    How to Get a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate

    Where to Find an Attorney for Specific Legal Advice

    LINKS

    Birth Certificates - Arizona Office of Vital Records

    Pima County Courts Self Service Center

    Arizona 2-1-1