Getting a death certificate in Arizona is straightforward, with online, mail, and in-person options at both the state and county level. This guide walks through every option, what it costs, and how many copies you'll need.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Arizona?
Death certificates in Arizona are issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Office of Vital Records, located in Phoenix. Each Arizona county also maintains vital records for deaths that occurred in that county.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Arizona
- Online: Order through the ADHS Vital Records online portal or VitalChek. Processing typically takes 1–3 weeks.
- By mail: Submit a completed application form, a copy of your government-issued ID, and a check or money order payable to "Office of Vital Records." Mail to: Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 3887, Phoenix, AZ 85030-3887. Allow 4–8 weeks.
- In person — Phoenix: Walk-in service is available at the ADHS office in downtown Phoenix. Same-day service in many cases.
- County offices: Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Yavapai, and other counties operate their own vital records offices that can issue certified copies for deaths in their jurisdiction.
- Through the funeral home: The funeral home can order certified copies on your behalf in the days after death.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Arizona?
The fee is $20 per certified copy, with no discount for ordering multiple copies. Each additional copy is also $20.
Pro tip
Arizona has both state-level and county-level vital records offices. The county office is often faster for recent deaths because the records arrive there first. Check your county's office before driving to Phoenix.
What will it cost in Arizona?
- First certified copy
- $20
- Each additional copy
- $20
- Total for 10 copies
- $200
- Typical across all states
- $137Above average
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Most Arizona families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the Superior Court (where probate is filed), Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, and retirement accounts.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in Arizona.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
Omuna's free checklist tracks all of this for you.
Death certificates are just one of 40+ tasks families face after a loss. Omuna's After-Loss Checklist walks you through everything — bank accounts, insurance, subscriptions, and more.
See the full checklist →Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Arizona?
Arizona restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest. Eligible requestors include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent of the deceased; the executor or personal representative; attorneys representing the estate; legal guardians; and authorized government officials. You must provide government-issued photo ID.
What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:
- Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
- Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in Arizona. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 62 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Arizona may change. Consult a licensed Arizona attorney for guidance specific to your situation.