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Birth Certificates
Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration has birth records ONLY for births that occurred in Arizona. If you need a certified copy of a birth certificate from another state, you must contact that state's vital records office.
Our office may issue certified copies of birth records from the year 1950 to the present. If you were born from 1950 to 1989 and intend to use your birth certificate to obtain a passport or for military purposes, you should apply at the Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Vital Records. It is important to note that the electronic birth certificate for records from 1950 to 1989 may not include all information electronically.
Who may order and obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate?
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 as follows:
Only persons 18 years of age or older may obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate. In addition, to protect the confidentiality rights of our citizens, Arizona Administrative Code R9-19-403 specifies that only the following may receive a certified copy of a birth certificate.
- The registrant. (The person named on the birth certificate) A parent of the registrant. (Your name must appear on the birth certificate).
- The registrant's spouse. (You must provide a notarized letter of permission signed by the registrant and a copy of the registrant's photo identification).
- The registrant's grandparent. (You must provide proof of your relationship such as the original birth certificate of the registrant's parent).
- An adult child of the registrant. (You must provide proof of your relationship such as a certified copy of your birth certificate).
- A guardian having legal custody or control of a minor child. (You must provide a certified copy of the court order establishing guardianship and legal custody).
- An attorney representing the registrant or the registrant's parents if the registrant is a minor, in matters involving the registrant or the registrant's parents. You must provide documentary evidence of your status of legal interest).
- Any person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act on the registrant's behalf.
- A federal, state or local governmental agency, which requires the copy for official purposes.
- A governmental agency acting on behalf of the registrant to process a financial claim, benefit, award or other compensation or to transact official business involving the registrant or the registrant's affairs.
- A family member or relative of the registrant engaged in research for genealogical purposes that provide proof of relationship to the registrant.
In addition to meeting the age and eligibility requirements you must also provide proof of your relationship to the registrant or your legal interest and a valid government issued picture I.D. in order to obtain a birth record. Examples of proof of relationship documents are certified copies of birth and/or death certificates that link the applicant to the registrant.
How do I obtain an apostille for a birth certificate?
An apostille is a specific authenticating certificate that is required by certain countries. In Arizona, an apostille is issued by the Arizona Secretary of State. Information on how to obtain an apostille is available on the web site of the Office of the Secretary of State.
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