Resources for Seniors Article


How to Get a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate

The Arizona Department of Health Services or the local county health department Office of Vital Records will provide certain interested parties with certified copies of a birth or death certificate. Arizona is a “closed record” state. That means only certain parties may request and receive certified copies of a birth or death certificate

The Arizona Department of Health Services can only provide birth or death certificates for births or deaths that occur in Arizona. Contact the State in which the birth or death occurred if you need a birth or death certificate for someone born or having died outside of Arizona.  Here is a link to a website that will direct you to the state agencies that provide copies of birth or death certificates - https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm

Obtaining a certified birth certificate in Arizona

A certified birth certificate can be used for obtaining a passport, proving you have a right to work in the U.S., proof of citizenship, school registration, when applying for Social Security benefits, and other legal purpose.

In Arizona only the following people can get a certified copy of a birth certificate.

  • The individual,
  • Parents,
  • Spouse,
  • Grandparent,
  • Adult child,
  • Adult grandchild,
  • Adult brother or sister,
  • Guardian,
  • Conservator,
  • A person designated in a court order,
  • Attorney representing the individual, individual’s parent, or individual’s guardian,
  • Adoption agencies representing a biological or adoptive parents, and
  • Private attorney representing adoptive parents. Only persons over 18 may obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate.

    Apply In Person:

    The Arizona Department of Health Services does not provide same day walk in service.  The local county health department Bureau of Vital Records may provide same day walk in service.

    Here is a link to each Arizona county’s local health department where you can find information about how to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate from the specific counties - http://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/vital-records/index.php#fees-home.

    Apply By Mail:

    To apply by mail to the Arizona Department of Health Services for a certified copy, one must submit the following:
  • A completed Application for Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
  •  A copy of the front and back of your valid government-issued picture identification which bears your signature or have your signature notarized. Note: If you are not the registrant or the parent named on the certificate, you must also submit proof of eligibility. 
  • A self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.
  • Appropriate fee, according to this fee schedule. Acceptable payment methods are: cashier's checks, money orders, Visa, or MasterCard. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH. Cashier's checks and money orders must be for the exact amount and made payable to Office of Vital Records. If you pay by credit/debit card, you must include the full card number and expiration date on your application.
       

    Mail all this information to: Bureau of Vital Records, PO Box 6018, Phoenix, AZ, 85005.

    You should receive the certified birth certificate within 7-10 business days after mailing the request.

    For More Information:

    Here is a link to the Arizona Department of Health Service’s web page explaining how to apply for a certified copy of a birth certificate - http://azdhs.gov//licensing/vital-records/index.php#birth-certificates-apply.

    • Attached Document
    .pdf How to Get a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate


    Comments:

    QUESTIONS

    • I need a durable power of attorney. Any suggestions where I can find one on line?
    • I want to file visitation rights with the Court to visit my grandchildren. Their mother refuses to let me see them.
    • We made out a will and had it noterized. It is in our safety deposit box. Does a copy of this will have to go to any city, county, state, lawyers, office? If so, which one? Thanks
    • I am looking for a Durable Power of Attorney form. There is no web site that addresses this. If not available on a web site please state where one might be obtained.
    • I'v been married for 10 years.I'm need help getting my devoice papers.
    • Is there any resource available for a senior over 90 years old. Needs caregiver Shehe has a TIN number no social security number.
    • i LIVE IN A SENIOR MOBIL HOME PARK, WE HAVE JUST FOUND OUT IT HAS BEEN SOLD AND THE NEW OWNERS ARE BUILDING AN ASSISTED LIVING HERE. WE NEED TO KNOW OUR RIGHTS, WHAT THEY CAN DO TO US. WE OWN OUR OWN MOBILES AND WENT OUR SPACE. WE ARE A VERY OLD SENIOR PARK AND MOST OF US ARE ON A FIXED INCOME. HELP
    • My 85 year old mother passed away suddenly on May 25. 2013. She had a lease and a security deposit of $200.00. The apartment complex has suddenly (after 3 months of attempting to get it returned after perfect walk through results) decided that I am not able to get any security deposit. Also, refuse to return my extra monies paid to stay for 14 days to remove my mother's items. I was assured that all of the money would be returned to me but now that they have a new owner, they state that they will not return any of the money that they agreed to return to me. AZ law states that they were to notify me within 14 days if any problems with refund with her security deposit or they have to pay double the amount back. Is this applicable in this case? I have continuously attempted to contact them regarding this issue and I finally got a bunch of passing the blame answers and this is three months late.
    • In the state of Arizona, can a person who has power of attorney or legal guardianship of a minor, attend a truancy hearing in the place the parent?
    • I am a disabled senior with significant brain damage. I have been taken advantage of (financially) by a former realtor and former friend. I cannot afford an attorney to sue her. Can anyone assist me?

    STORIES

    LegalLEARN

    FIND LEGAL HELP

    • Please select your county of residence below.

      County:
       

    OTHER LEGAL RESOURCES

    • State Bar of Arizona
      www.azbar.org
    • Maricopa County Bar
      www.maricopabar.org
      Referral number 602-257-4434
    • Pima County Bar
      www.pimacountybar.org
      Referral number 520-623-4625
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline
      800-799-7233
    • Bankruptcy Court Self Help Center
      866-553-0893
    • Certified Legal Document Preparer Program
      Link

    ORGANIZATIONS

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Life Care Planning Packet (Advanced Directives), Information and Documents from the Arizona Attorney General

    County Tax Assessors

    Arizona Resources for Seniors

    National Resources for Seniors

    Arizona Health Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Eligibility Manual

    Tips for a Successful Client-Attorney Relationship

    LINKS

    Benefits Checkup

    Social Security Administration

    Federal Trade Commision

    Arizona Office of the Attorney General

    Arizona Department of Economic Security

    See More...