Arizona · 15 counties
When someone dies in Arizona
Two things matter first: getting certified death certificates, and, if money is short, reaching the burial assistance program in the county where the death happened. Pick your county below for exact contacts.
The paperwork
Death certificates in Arizona
Certified copies come from the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Vital Records, or a county vital records office (official site).
A certified copy costs $20, including the first one. If the record was ever amended or corrected there is a one-time extra $10 on the first copy, making it $30, with later copies back at $20. Many county vital records offices take walk-ins, which is faster than mailing. Mailed applications normally take up to 10 business days once the complete application and documents arrive. VitalChek handles online orders by express mail. You must prove your relationship to the person who died.
Planning ahead
Nobody has died yet? Set up a power of attorney
If someone you love is aging or ill, the cheapest protection your family can get is a power of attorney, and it must happen while they can still sign. We cover Arizona's exact rules and official forms.
Arizona power of attorney rulesPick your county