Vital Records

When you need a birth certificate, death certificate, or help with other vital records in Maricopa County, it can feel overwhelming to figure out where to start. This guide walks you through how Maricopa County AZ Vital Records work, who can request which records, what documents you need, how to correct or amend a record, how to register a home birth or private family burial, and where to turn if a loved one dies without resources. Everything here is based on official county and state information so you can move forward confidently and avoid delays.

Navigate Maricopa County vital records with confidence

Maricopa County Public Health’s Office of Vital Registration is the local authority for vital records created in Arizona. This office issues certified copies of birth and death certificates for events that occurred anywhere in the state, as well as certain non-certified records for genealogy when you qualify.

On the official Maricopa County Vital Records page, you can see the full menu of services, from ordering certificates to registering home births and family burials, plus access to forms and locations. You can reach that information by visiting the Maricopa County Vital Records page.

Here’s what the Office of Vital Registration does for Arizona events:

Issues certified birth certificates and certified death certificates
Provides non-certified genealogy records when eligibility rules are met
Processes corrections and amendments to existing birth and death records
Registers home births and private family burials
Coordinates indigent decedent services and county cemetery arrangements

Because Arizona is a “closed records” state, not just anyone can request a certified copy. Eligibility is strict and you must prove your identity and your relationship or legal interest. Understanding those rules before you apply will save time and prevent your application from being delayed.

Order birth certificates through Maricopa County Vital Registration

If you need a certified Arizona birth certificate for yourself, your child, or another family member, Maricopa County’s Office of Vital Registration handles those requests when you live in or around the county.

Check whether you are eligible to request a birth certificate

For birth certificates, the county follows state law and administrative rules to decide who may receive a certified copy. In general, the following people may be eligible, if they provide proof of identity and relationship:

The person named on the birth certificate (registrant)
Must be at least 18 years old
Must submit a signed application
Must provide a valid government-issued ID or a notarized signature
Must pay the required fee

Parents of the child
Parent’s name must appear on the birth certificate
If not listed, the parent must provide a certified court order or adoption paperwork showing they are the legal parent
Must submit a signed application, ID, and fee

Spouse of the registrant
Must provide a marriage certificate linking them to the registrant
Must provide either a notarized letter from the registrant granting permission or a letter plus a copy of the registrant’s ID
Must submit ID and pay the fee

Grandparents, adult children, adult grandchildren, and adult siblings
Must be at least 18 years old (or provide proof of emancipation or marriage)
Must show birth certificates or other official records that document the family link
Must provide ID, sign the application, and pay the fee

Other eligible parties can include legal guardians, conservators, attorneys, government agencies, adoption agencies, and some organizations with a specific legal interest, but each must meet detailed documentation requirements and pay the proper fee.

Gather the documents you need before you apply

To avoid delays, gather these items before you submit an application:

A completed birth certificate application (available as a PDF from the county)

A clear copy of a current, signed photo ID (front and back)
Examples: driver license, state ID, passport, or other accepted identification

Documents proving your relationship to the person named on the record, if required
Birth certificates, adoption orders, court orders, or marriage certificates, depending on your situation

Payment for the fee
Certified copies of Arizona birth certificates cost $20 per copy
The fee is per certified copy, so more copies mean more cost

Be sure the information you enter on the application is accurate and complete. If the Office of Vital Registration needs extra documents to verify eligibility, your request may take longer.

Choose how to apply for your birth record

You have several ways to request a birth certificate for an Arizona event through Maricopa County:

In person at a Vital Registration office
Same-day service is often possible when:
The birth was registered correctly
You are clearly eligible
You have all required documents and payment
The county asks that you arrive by 4:00 p.m. for service, since offices generally close to the public at 4:30 p.m. most weekdays (opening is slightly later on Wednesdays)

By mail
Completed applications and copies of your ID can be mailed to the county’s Vital Registration mailing address along with payment
Mailed applications that meet all requirements are usually processed within about one week, but you should allow mailing time both ways

To see detailed instructions and the current application forms, use the county’s ordering portal on the Order a Birth or Death Certificate page.

Remember that hospitals and midwives do not issue certified birth certificates. Any document they provide at the time of birth is not an official certified copy. You must apply with the Office of Vital Registration if you need an Arizona birth certificate.

Request death certificates for legal, financial, and family needs

Certified death certificates are often needed during difficult times, but they are critical for closing accounts, handling estates, and applying for certain benefits.

Understand who is allowed to request a death certificate

Arizona treats death certificates as closed records, which means only specific eligible parties can receive certified copies. These typically include:

The spouse named on the death record

Parents, grandparents, adult children, grandchildren, and adult siblings of the person who died

A person with a legal or vital interest, such as:
Executor of the estate
Beneficiary on a life insurance policy
Person with a court order related to the deceased or their estate
Certain insurance companies, financial institutions, hospitals, or agencies with documented claims

To prove eligibility, you may need to show:

A birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other vital record linking you to the deceased

A court order, will, trust, policy, or contract that shows your legal connection

A valid government-issued ID and a signed application

Because eligibility rules are detailed, it is a good idea to review the county’s official guidance on who may apply before you submit paperwork.

Know when a death certificate becomes available

For deaths that occur in Arizona, a funeral home or similar agency must file the death record with the state. In most cases:

The funeral home has up to seven days to submit complete information

A certified death certificate is usually available three to five business days after the record is successfully registered

However, complex situations—such as pending investigations, incomplete information, or corrections—can delay the availability of a certified copy. If you are unsure whether a death has been registered yet, contact the funeral home or agency handling arrangements to confirm they have completed their filing, then follow up with the county if needed.

Use special government copies when you handle benefits

Certain government benefit programs—especially those operated by federal agencies—may accept death certificates marked “For Government Use Only.” These are special certified copies used for:

Veterans Affairs claims and burial benefits

Social Security survivor benefits (though Social Security is often notified electronically)

Other specific government programs

These government-use copies are not accepted by banks, insurance companies, or other non-government organizations. If you need death certificates for both government benefits and private purposes, you may need a mix of regular certified copies (for banks, titles, real estate, and insurance) and specially stamped copies (for certain government claims).

Correct or amend a birth or death record in Maricopa County

Mistakes happen. Maybe a name was spelled incorrectly, a date is wrong, or a parent’s information has changed. In those situations, you may be able to correct or amend the record, but the rules are very specific.

When you should request a correction or amendment

You can request a correction or amendment if:

A spelling error appears in a name or other detail
A date (birth, death, or event) is wrong
A place (city, county) was recorded incorrectly
Parent information needs to be corrected or updated
A father needs to be added, changed, or removed on a birth certificate

Minor edits are handled differently from major changes, and recent records are handled differently from older ones. Because of that, the office encourages you to review the county’s instructions and call if you are unsure which process applies to your situation.

How Arizona law shapes the correction process

Corrections and amendments are governed by Arizona Revised Statutes and state administrative rules. The Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration has to follow these laws, which means:

Some changes can be completed with an affidavit and supporting documents

Other changes require a court order, especially for older records or major updates

Fees are charged for corrections and amendments, typically $30 when a new certified copy is issued with the change

For detailed instructions, forms, and examples of common corrections, you can review the county’s guidance on the Correct or Amend a Record page.

Add or change a father’s information on a birth record

Adding or changing the father’s information on an Arizona birth certificate is a special type of amendment that must follow state law:

If the mother was not married at the time of birth and not married at any point in the 10 months before birth, no father will be listed unless:
Both parents sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form, or
A court issues a paternity order

The Acknowledgment of Paternity form can be completed:
At the hospital when the child is born, or
Later at a Vital Registration office (usually by appointment), if both parents agree

When:
The child is 18 or older
A parent cannot be located or has died
A father must be removed and another added
a court order of paternity is usually required, and genetic testing may be involved.

Once the appropriate form or court order is accepted, the Office of Vital Registration updates the birth record according to state law and issues a corrected certified copy.

Register births that happen at home in Maricopa County

Not all births take place in hospitals or licensed birthing centers. When a baby is born at home in Maricopa County, the birth still must be registered so that the child can obtain an official birth certificate.

Confirm your home birth is eligible for registration

The Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration can register only the following:

Births that occurred in Maricopa County
Births that are submitted within one year of the birth date

If your child was born at home within the county, you should:

Call the Office of Vital Registration to schedule an appointment to register the birth
Plan ahead, because you will need to bring several documents to your appointment

Documents you will be asked to bring to your appointment

To register a home birth, the office typically requires:

A completed Certificate of Live Birth Worksheet, signed by:
The person who attended the birth, and
The informant (often the mother or another responsible adult)
This worksheet is provided when you schedule your appointment

If the parents are not married:
A signed Acknowledgment of Paternity form naming the father, or
A certified court order establishing paternity

One document showing the mother was present in Arizona at the time of birth, such as:
Utility bill, bank statement, rental agreement, AHCCCS letter, IRS tax document, or similar
The document must:
Include the mother’s name and address or location
Show the date
Be dated within 30 days before or 30 days after the birth

One document proving the child was born, such as:
The mother’s medical record showing care in the three months before or six weeks after the birth
The child’s medical record within six weeks after birth
Newborn screening test results
An affidavit from a non-relative who knows about the pregnancy and birth
A certified blessing or baptismal certificate, or signed statement from a church official
Another independent document supporting the facts of the birth

The county uses these documents to verify the facts of the birth and register it properly. It is important to bring originals or certified copies when required, and to be on time for your appointment.

For more details on eligibility and documentation, you can refer to the county’s Register a Home Birth page.

Plan a private family burial with county support

Sometimes families choose a private family burial without using a licensed funeral home. Even when arrangements are simple and family-led, state law still requires certain steps for final disposition and vital record registration.

Why a family burial must still be registered

A private family burial still involves:

Completing and filing the death record so a death certificate can be issued
Ensuring the burial location meets county and state requirements
Following legal rules for final disposition of human remains

Because these obligations are regulated, Maricopa County asks that anyone planning a family burial contact the Office of Vital Registration to discuss the process in advance. This helps avoid mistakes and ensures all forms and permissions are in place.

What to expect when you meet with Vital Registration staff

If you are considering a private family burial:

You will be asked to call and make an appointment with the Office of Vital Registration

Staff will explain:
What information and documents you must bring about your loved one
How to complete the necessary forms
How burial registration will be handled with the state

The goal is to support families while also making sure that all legal and public health requirements are met. You can read more about the process on the county’s Register a Family Burial page.

Get help when a loved one dies without resources

In some situations, a person dies in Maricopa County without family, without funds, or in circumstances where next of kin cannot afford final arrangements. In these difficult cases, the county offers a specific program to ensure a dignified final disposition.

How the County Indigent Decedent Services Program works

The Maricopa County Indigent Decedent Services Program (CIDS) handles final disposition for individuals who are:

Unclaimed
Indigent (unable to pay)
Abandoned
Unidentified

While the law states that next of kin are responsible for final disposition when they are able, the county recognizes that some families simply do not have the financial means to cover cremation or burial.

The program:

Coordinates final disposition when there is no responsible or financially able next of kin
Works with contracted funeral homes and the county cemetery
May assist qualified families with limited financial resources

When next of kin may qualify for financial assistance

If you are the direct next of kin and your loved one has died in Maricopa County, you may be able to request help through CIDS if:

You meet the program’s definition of next of kin

You complete a CIDS next-of-kin application

You provide:
Proof of relationship
Financial documents showing inability to pay for final arrangements

Staff review each application to determine eligibility and whether the program can assist.

For program details, including eligibility and the application process, visit the county’s County Indigent Decedent Services Program page.

Find locations, hours, and answers quickly online

Because vital records are in high demand, it helps to plan your visit and review basic information before you go to a county office.

Use the locations information to plan your visit

Maricopa County operates multiple Vital Registration offices across the Valley, including sites in Phoenix, Mesa (East Valley), Glendale, Peoria (Northwest Valley), and Goodyear. These locations are generally near major highways and offer similar services, such as:

In-person requests for birth and death certificates
Assistance with corrections and amendments
Home birth and family burial registration appointments (usually scheduled in advance)

Business hours typically follow this pattern:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Because office openings and closures can change (for example, when an office relocates or during holidays), it is wise to verify the latest location and hours information before you head out. You can find this information by going to the official Vital Records page and checking the locations and hours section.

Check the frequently asked questions before you go

The county maintains a robust set of frequently asked questions that cover:

When birth and death certificates become available

How fees work for certified copies and corrections

Which documents are accepted to prove identity and relationship

What special rules apply to government agencies, attorneys, and genealogical researchers

How to handle unique situations, such as changes to older records or special government-use copies

Reviewing the FAQs can answer many common questions and help you show up prepared, which often means faster service at the counter. You can access that information from the Vital Records Frequently Asked Questions page.

Key Maricopa County vital records contacts

Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration
Phone: 602-506-6805
Mailing address: PO Box 2111, Phoenix, AZ 85001
Service locations:
Phoenix office – 1645 E. Roosevelt St., West Entrance, Phoenix, AZ 85006
East Valley office – 331 E. Coury Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210
Northwest Valley office – 8088 W. Whitney Dr., Suite 2A, Peoria, AZ 85345
Glendale office – 5141 W. Lamar Rd., Glendale, AZ 85301
Goodyear office – 14130 W. McDowell Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85395

Maricopa County Indigent Decedent Services Program (CIDS)
Phone: 602-372-0535 (Option 5)

Maricopa County (Administration)
Address: 301 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Main Line: 602-506-3011

Maricopa County Vital Records FAQs

How quickly can I get a birth or death certificate in Maricopa County?

If you apply in person at a Maricopa County Vital Registration office with all required documents and fees, you can usually get a certified copy the same day. However, your request can take longer if you’re asking for a correction, still need to prove eligibility, or if your payment or paperwork is incomplete. Mailed or online applications are generally processed once the county receives a complete, eligible application, and the county indicates that completed applications are usually handled within about a week. You can review options and current processing details on the county’s Order a Birth or Death Certificate page.

Who is allowed to request a birth certificate in Maricopa County?

Arizona treats birth records as “closed,” so only people with a qualifying relationship and lawful interest can get certified copies. Common eligible applicants include the registrant (if 18 or older), parents, a spouse, grandparents, adult children, adult grandchildren, adult siblings, legal guardians, and certain attorneys, conservators, and government agencies. Each category has specific proof requirements, such as showing your own birth certificate to prove the relationship or providing court orders for guardianship or adoption. Full eligibility rules are outlined through Maricopa County’s Vital Records program on the same Order a Birth or Death Certificate resource.

How do I correct or amend a birth or death record?

Corrections and amendments are controlled by Arizona law (A.R.S. and Arizona Administrative Code), and the county must follow those statutes exactly. Simple fixes, like correcting a minor spelling error, may be handled with an affidavit to correct or amend, while more significant changes – such as changing parent information or adding a father – may require an Acknowledgment of Paternity form or a court order. Because requirements depend on the type of change and how recently the record was filed, the county directs residents to its Correct or Amend a Record page for forms, legal references, and step-by-step guidance.

How do I handle a home birth or private family burial with the county?

For a home birth in Maricopa County, the Office of Vital Registration can register the birth if it occurred in the county and is reported within one year. At your scheduled appointment, you’ll need a completed Certificate of Live Birth Worksheet plus documents proving the mother’s presence in Arizona at the time of birth and independent proof that the child was born (such as medical records or a signed statement from someone familiar with the birth). Details are listed on the county’s Register a Home Birth page. Families wishing to conduct a private family burial must also coordinate with the county in advance; instructions are provided on the Register a Family Burial page so the required information can be collected and the burial properly registered.