death records are in safe custody with the state of Arizona. The State of Arizona begins the record of birth and deaths since 1909. The state of Arizona declares as a “close record” it means that vital record are not public record and not accessible to every one. In fact, it is a confidential record. Only following of the candidates may obtain copy of death certificate subject to fulfillment of conditions:

1. Spouse or immediate family members subject to if applicant is at least 18 years of age or above.
2. Any documentary proof of the relationship like birth certificate that may link the applicant of the deceased or Marriage certificate showing relationship of wife or husband of the deceased
3. Any legal certificate showing a relation abide by law, such as court order of guardianship, any other legal papers showing the rights over the property, or co-ownership etc.

To obtain the copy of death certificate, the applicant must submit a singed application along with the copy of Government issued identification and have to deposit prescribed fees. Fees may be deposit in form of Cashier’s check, Money order, major debit or credit cards.

Cash is not acceptable mean of fees. Money order or crossed check must be issued in favor of office of the Vital Record.
Once all the formalities are completed, the process to obtain the death certificate may take 3-5 business days. To obtain death certificate since July 1909, per copy $10 is the fees with the other formalities defined above. Although Arizona Department of Health Services’ Vital Records Section gathered a large number of death record from the period of 1884 and 1887, it is incomplete.

To obtain death certificate contact at:
Arizona Department of Health Services
Vital Records Section
2727 W. Glendale Avenue
P.O. Box 3887
Phoenix, AZ 85030-3887
Tel: 602-255-3260