azdhs.gov Obtain a Death Certificate : Arizona Department of Health

Name of the Organization : Arizona Department of Health
Type of Facility : Obtain a Death Certificate
State : Arizona
Country : United States of America

Website : http://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/vital-records/index.php#death-certificates-who-can-obtain
Application Form : https://www.statusin.org/uploads/24271-deathapp.pdf

Obtain a Death Certificate :

Who Can Obtain a Death Certificate :
** Only persons 18 years of age or older may obtain a certified copy of a death certificate.

Related : Arizona Department of Health Apply for Birth Certificate : www.statusin.org/24268.html

Note :
** An applicant presenting documents from a foreign country as proof of relationship or proof of legal interest must provide certified copies of the documents.
** Photocopies are not acceptable. The applicant must also provide a certified translation of the documents.
** Arizona is a “closed record” state. That means that vital records are not public record.
** Arizona law restricts the public’s access to vital records to protect the confidentiality rights of our citizens.
** A.A.C. R9-19-405 specifies that only the following persons may receive a certified copy of a death certificate:
** Click on your description below for more information about your eligibility to obtain a death certificate.

Spouse or Immediately Member :
The applicant is eligible to receive a certified copy of their death certificate if all of the following criteria are met :
** The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

The applicant must provide either :
Proof of relationship :
** Birth certificates that link the applicant to the deceased or
** Marriage certificate that links the surviving spouse to the deceased.

Note :
** Listed as the informant on the death certificate is not sufficient proof of relationship.

Proof of legal interest, examples include copies of :
** Will that links the deceased to the person with legal interest
** Insurance policy
** Court order of guardianship
** Title to personal or real property listing the deceased and applicant as co-owners
** A document that establishes a legal interest in the record
** The applicant submits a signed application.
** The applicant provides valid government issued identification or notarized signature on the application.
** The applicant submits the appropriate fee(s).

Attorney representing Estate :
** The attorney must submit a letter of request on his/her letterhead stating their professional relationship (“representing the estate of the deceased”), signed by the attorney and contains the attorney’s bar number along with the appropriate fee(s).

Attorney representing Family Member :
An attorney representing a family member is eligible to receive a certified copy of a death certificate if all following are submitted by the attorney:
** A letter on the attorney’s letterhead stating their professional relationship to the family member signed by the attorney and contains the attorney’s bar number.
** Documentation that the family member has retained the attorney.
** Documentary evidence of the family member’s relationship to the registrant.
** The appropriate fee(s).

Attorney Representing A Person With Legal Interest :
An attorney representing a person with legal interest is eligible to receive a certified copy of a death certificate if all following are submitted by the attorney:
** A letter on the attorney’s letterhead stating their professional relationship to the person with legal interest, signed by the attorney and contains the attorney’s bar number.
** Documentation that the person with legal interest has retained the attorney.

Documentary evidence of the person’s legal interest, examples include copies of:
** Wills that link the deceased to the person with legal interest Insurance policy
** Court order of guardianship
** Title to personal or real property listing the deceased and applicant as co-owners
** A document that establishes a legal interest in the record
** The appropriate fee(s).

Third Party :
An applicant who provides a signed authorization from the surviving spouse or other adult member of the deceased’s immediate family will receive the requested death certificate if the third party meets the following criteria:
** The applicant provides a signed and notarized authorization to release the copy to the applicant from the surviving spouse or family member or
** A signed authorization along with a photocopy of the signer’s valid government issued identification
** Proof of relationship from the authorizing party.

Note :
** A person with legal interest cannot authorize a third party to receive a certificate on their behalf.
** An application signed by the applicant.
** The applicant provides valid government issued identification or notarized signature on the application.
** The appropriate fee(s).

Apply for a Death Certificate :
Apply in Person :
** The Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Vital Records no longer provides same day walk in customer service.
** You may apply for a certified copy of a birth or death certificate by mail.
** If you would like same day walk in customer service please visit your local county health department Office of Vital Records.

Apply by Mail :
To apply by mail you must submit the following :
** A completed Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate [Español]
** Office Locations [Español]
** A copy of the front and back of your valid government-issued picture identification which bears your signature or have your signature notarized.
** Proof of eligibility.
** Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.
** Appropriate fee, according to the 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.