Arizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital Records

Arizona · Vital Records

azdhs.gov/licensing/vital-records/index.php

State Vital Records in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Arizona. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.

Steps to takeKey facts

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Confirm the death occurred in Arizona; the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
2
Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
  • •Online: Order through VitalChek
  • •By mail: Mail completed application form (VS-159) with payment
  • •In person: Visit county vital records office providing walk-in services
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Proof of relationship
  • •Valid photo ID
4
Allow the office's processing time (5 business days for mail orders).

State Vital Records in Arizona: key facts

What Arizona says8

Administering office

Arizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital Records.1

Office location and hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.1

Certificate fee

$20 for the first certified copy.1

Processing time

5 business days for mail orders.1

Who may order

Parent; Relative; Grandparent; Spouse; Government Agency; Legal representative.1

Filing deadline

The death certificate must be filed within 7 days.2

Public record

Death records become public 50 years after the death.1

Records available from

1909.1

Governing law: ARS § 36-325

Sources2

  1. 1.Arizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital Records
  2. 2.Arizona death-certificate filing rule (ARS § 36-325; ARS § 36-326; ARS § 36-331; ARS § 36-831; ARS § 32-1365.02; ARS § 32-1399)

Arizona vital records offices

Arizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital Records

Phone

602-364-1300

Hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Verified Sep 2026

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Free tools for settling an estate in Arizona: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

In Arizona, certified death certificates come from the Arizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital RecordsArizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital RecordsVerified Sep 1, 2026View source; the first copy costs $20Arizona Department of Health Services - Bureau of Vital RecordsVerified Sep 1, 2026View source.

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How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Arizona: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysA.R.S. §§ 14-3706, 14-3707, 14-3708Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsA.R.S. §§ 14-3801, 14-3803, 14-3804, 14-3805, 14-3806Verified Sep 15, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.

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