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 retired in January of last year (2016). My former employer is using my photo in his yellow pages and internet advertising WITHOUT my permission. what type of attorney do I contact? I wish to sue for monetary damages if possible and to stop him from using my photo and name in these ads. I gave him over 20 years of full time service, and the first time I actually took my full vacation time (3 weeks), he called me (during week 2)and told me he only wants to use me part time after my vacation was up.
    • Durable Power of Attorney forms
    • New York has a property tax exemption or deferment plan for those whose income is under 13k a year and you must be 70. does Arizona have the same program? if so, it's well hidden from public.
    • Where does one go in Arizona to find a reputable attorney to assist with Medicare problems, more specifically recent denials? I'm told Elder Care Law, but thus far have found no referral source. Thank you
    • Is a feeding tube considered aritifical means of staying alive
    • What can I do about the Guardian & Conservator, my sister, of the family trust who sued me to prevent my visiting my mother? She falsely accused me of being a threat to my mother. I have spent all of my savings, sold my car, sold personal possessions like furniture, jewelry and tightened my belt as much as possible to stay afloat. Jackie (the sister, guardian & conservator already mentioned) lies to the court continuously about, for example the assets in the trust and slandering and libeling me. In effect, I am paying for her to sue me.
    • i am looking for a medical power of attorney, that i can print on line.to sign over to my daughters.
    • What is the law in Arizona regarding revocation of driver's license because of age, health, or mental condition for elderly persons?
    • my sibling are taking advantage of my mother financial/real estate I am looking for a professional to guide my mother mother
    • I need to know to get a general power of attorney that my grandaughter obtiened from me by telling me i was giving her power of attorney for my vehical only. I didnt realize she was doing. I need to know how to go about getting it revoked the legal way. Can you tell me how, and where to go to do this?

    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