During our lives, many times our birth certificate will be required to make lots of necessary procedures, such as obtaining our driver’s license or passport; however, obtaining the Arizona birth certificate is very simple, even considering Arizona as a “closed record state”.
To do so, we must meet certain requirements (a little demanding but not impossible). The State of Arizona offers an efficient online system that allows us to obtain these documents without attending the offices, nevertheless, you can also request them personally.
If you or a close relative was born in Arizona and you need to obtain a birth certificate, in this article we explain how to do it.
Basic Things about Birth Certificates
A birth certificate is a document issued by the state government at the time of registering a child’s birth. It is one of the first documents that a person acquires and it is part of our vital records, and as we mentioned above, it is necessary when we want to obtain our driver’s license, passport, for taxes purposes, social security number, benefits, enroll in schools and universities, and any other procedure that requires proof of our age, identity and citizenship status.
It also contains the names of our parents and is required in many jobs or social programs to obtain benefits involved with having children.
The United States of America, unlike other countries, has a decentralized system for birth registration; therefore there is no federal system that deals with it. Instead, state governments are responsible for issuing this type of document and are required by law to report all data to the federal government.
This data is used by the government of our country for census purposes, such as maternal and fetal mortality, childbirth trends, or population increase in a given location.
As it is known, each state has its own legislation, and the procedure for requesting this document is not an exception. Let’s review what we must do to obtain the Arizona birth certificate.
Who can request a Birth Certificate in Arizona?
Arizona is a “closed record state”, which supposes a restriction when accessing vital records since these aren’t public. According to Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C. R9-10-210 and R9-19-211), these are the people who may request a certified copy of a birth certificate:
Yourself
You need to be at least 18 years old and submit a signed application. You may show your government-issued identification and pay the fees. If you aren’t 18 years old yet but you’re emancipated or married, you may show your proof documentation and you’ll be able to request your Arizona birth certificate.
Spouse
If you’re married you may request your spouse’s birth certificate. You may show a letter signed by your spouse, your marriage certificate, your government-issued identification, and the signed application. Paying the fees is also requested.
Parents
You’re also authorized to request your child’s copy of the birth certificate. You only need to show your government-issued identification, pay the fees and submit the application form. If your name isn’t listed on the certificate, you can still do the application process.
Just show to the agent a certified copy of a court order where ur name is listed as the registrant’s parent or a certified copy from a court order of adoption, if applicable.
Grandparents
They must provide the birth certificate of their child (who’s the parent of the registrant). Besides, the signed application, identification card, and the payment of the fees.
Adult child, grandchild, or sibling
You’re authorized to request the Arizona birth certificate of your parents, grandparents, or siblings. You need to be at least 18 years old and provide a copy of your birth certificate that proves:
- At least one similar parent (siblings’ case).
- Your parent’s names as your registrants.
- Or the name of your parent as your grandparent’s child.
Conservators, guardians, adoption agencies (representing adoptive or biological parents), attorneys representing adoptive or biological parents or guardians, or Government Agencies may also request citizens Arizona birth certificates. Besides the government-issued identification and signed application form, they need to pay the fees and provides the required documentation to prove they effectively are authorized to do such request. For instance, a copy of the Order for Permanent Guardianship or a letter of request stating the professional relationship to the biological parents.
➡ READ ALSO: Arizona driver’s license
Application process
Currently, you have 2 options to request Arizona birth certificates, by mail or online. Even though the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Vital Records does provide in-person service, it is currently unavailable due to Covid-19.
Online
You may request your birth documentation by submitting an online request. The Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Vital Records partnered with VitalCheck Network Inc. to provide an electronic service so people can request any vital record.
You only need to click on this link, then enter your name, the county where you were born, your birth date, and pay the fee. The regular processing time is 7 to 10 business days and 3 to 5 days for express delivery.
By Mail
You may also send your request through mail services. You need to send a self-addressed stamped envelope to PO Box 6018, Phoenix, AZ 85005, containing the following documents:
- A copy of your valid government-issued identification (both sides).
- If you’re not the registrant or the parent listed as the registrant parent, you need to submit the proof of eligibility (previously listed).
- The application form, signed by you.
- The appropriate fee. You may pay with money orders, cashier’s checks, Visa, or MasterCard (you need to provide the expiration date and the full card number). Cash is not an acceptable payment method.
If you decide to request your Arizona birth certificate by Mail, the processing time is 5 business days counted from the day VitalRecords receives your application.
If you have any doubt about the process or if you want to submit an inquiry, you may contact the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Vital Records via this email: ovr.info@azdhs.gov.
Fees
The regular fee for Arizona birth certificates is $20; for your convenience, here is a detailed table:
