How to Obtain a Phoenix Death Certificate
- 1). Verify if you're eligible to receive the death certificate. Death certificates aren't public record in Arizona. According to Arizona Administrative Code, only specific people may receive a certified copy of a death certificate. They include: immediate family members, non-family members with a legal interest, and attorneys who are representing family members, the estate, or other people with a valid legal interest. Private investigators and genealogists may also receive them under certain circumstances.
- 2). Gather proof of eligibility. Family members must show a birth or marriage certificate or a document that proves your legal interest, such as insurance paperwork. Attorneys must provide a request on their letterhead, along with their bar number. If the attorney has been retained by a family member, that documentation, along with any legal paperwork, must be included as well. Private investigators working on someone's behalf should be prepared with proof of legal interest between his client and the deceased person. Genealogists must have either a birth, death or marriage certificate, showing that their client and the deceased person are related.
- 3). Fill out and print the Application for a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate. This application is only needed if you intend on mailing the application.
- 4). Apply for the death certificate. Requests sent by mail must include the Application for a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate, a photocopy of a government issued photo ID, proof of eligibility, and payment. If there's no ID available, you'll need to sign the application in front of a notary.
To apply in person, go to the Maricopa County Office of Vital Records. You'll need proof of eligibility, a government issued photo ID that has your signature, and payment in the form of cash, cashier's check, money order, travelers check, Visa or MasterCard. Offices are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, though you must be there before 4:00 pm.
You may also order a Phoenix death certificate through VitalChek, which is an online service that provides vital records on behalf of the Arizona government.
As of September 2009, the fee for a certified death certificate in Phoenix is $15. VitalChek charges an additional fee. - 5). Wait to receive the death certificate by mail. Even if you apply in person, all certified death certificates are sent by mail. If you need rush service, use VitalChek. VitalChek processes your order within three to five business days, and sends the certificate via UPS.
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