Arkansas offers an affordable death certificate fee with the option to order at any local health unit around the state. This guide explains every option, the cost, and how many copies you'll need.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Arkansas?
Death certificates in Arkansas are issued by the Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records, located in Little Rock. Local Health Units (LHUs) around the state can also issue certified copies.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Arkansas
- Online: Order through VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks.
- By mail: Submit a completed application form, a copy of your government-issued ID, and a check or money order payable to "Arkansas Department of Health." Mail to: Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records, 4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205. Allow 4–6 weeks.
- In person — Little Rock: Walk-in service is available at the Department of Health. Same-day service in many cases.
- Local Health Unit: Local Health Units around the state can issue certified copies — typically the fastest local option.
- 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 Arkansas?
The fee is $12 for the first certified copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Pro tip
Arkansas's Local Health Units can issue certified copies in many counties — call your local LHU before driving to Little Rock to see if they can serve you faster.
What will it cost in Arkansas?
- First certified copy
- $12
- Each additional copy
- $10
- Total for 10 copies
- $102
- Typical across all states
- $137Below average
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Most Arkansas families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the Circuit Court (where Arkansas 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 Arkansas.
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 Arkansas?
Arkansas restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest. Eligible requestors include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild of the deceased; the personal representative of the estate; 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 Arkansas. 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 Arkansas may change. Consult a licensed Arkansas attorney for guidance specific to your situation.