Arkansas Department of Health - Vital Records
Arkansas · Vital Records
healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/certificates-records/order-death-recordsState Vital Records in Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Health - Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Arkansas. 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 take when someone dies
- •Online: Order online with additional processing fee of $5.00 plus $1.85 identity verification fee
- •By phone: Call toll-free at 866-209-9482 with credit card
- •By mail: Mail completed application with check/money order. Allow 10-14 days processing
- •In person: Walk-in at vital records office or participating local health units
- •Government-issued photo ID (or two secondary identity documents)
- •Documentation of beneficiary status when requesting as a beneficiary
State Vital Records in Arkansas: key facts
What Arkansas says9
- Administering office
Arkansas Department of Health - Vital Records.1
- Office location and hours
4815 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205. Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.1
- Mail orders
Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records, Slot 44, 4815 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205.1
- Certificate fee
$10 for the first certified copy; $8 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1
- Processing time
10-14 days for mail orders.1
- Who may order
Mother, father (if named on the birth certificate), child, spouse, grandchild, or maternal grandparents of the deceased; Informant; Funeral home; Beneficiary (with proper documentation).1
- Filing deadline
The death certificate must be filed within 10 days.2
- Public record
Death records become public 50 years after the death.1
- Records available from
1914.1
Governing law: ACA § 20-17-902
Sources2
- 1.Arkansas Department of Health - Vital Records
- 2.Arkansas death-certificate filing rule (ACA § 20-17-902; ACA § 20-17-107; ACA § 20-17-901; ACA § 20-17-903; ACA § 20-18-601; ACA § 20-18-604; ACA § 16-66-207; ACA § 17-29-311; 20 CAR § 1-601; 20 CAR § 1-701; 20 CAR § 1-702; 20 CAR § 1-703; 20 CAR § 1-704; 20 CAR § 1-801; 20 CAR § 1-802; 17 CAR § 30-603)
Arkansas vital records offices
Arkansas Department of Health - Vital Records
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in Arkansas
Free tools for settling an estate in Arkansas: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Arkansas, certified death certificates come from the Arkansas Department of Health - Vital RecordsArkansas Department of Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $10Arkansas Department of Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $8Arkansas Department of Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Arkansas: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysArk. Code § 28-49-110Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsArk. Code §§ 28-50-101, 28-50-103, 28-50-104, 28-50-105, 28-50-106, 28-1-112, 28-40-111Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
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