What is Vital Records?
   Birth certificates for persons born in the State of Arizona. Yavapai County Vital Records issues certified birth certificates from 1990 to the present and amendments/corrections from 1997 to the present with proper documentation.
   Death certificates for persons who died in the State of Arizona. Yavapai County Vital Records issues certified death certificates from 2008 to the present. 

Why is it needed?
Birth Certificates are needed for:  

• personal keepsake/family records
• school registration
• organized sports
• employment requirements 
• driver’s license
• passports and travel
• income tax matters

Death certificates are needed for personal records (keepsake),
estate and personal business matters. 

Who is eligible?
Birth Certificates 
Only persons 18 years of age or older may obtain a certified copy
of a birth certificate.   

Arizona is a "closed record" state. This means that vital records are not public record. Arizona law restricts the public’s access to vital records as follows 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:  

• Registrant, Mother, Father (if named on the birth certificate) 
  The application for the birth record requires a valid government issued photo identification with signature or notarized signature.
• Spouse, grandparent, brother, sister, guardian 
  The application must include supporting documentation to prove legal interest and a valid government issued photo identification with signature or notarized signature. 

              Birth Certificate Application: in English   en Español 

Death Certificates 
Only persons 18 years of age or older may obtain a certified copy of a death certificate.   

Arizona is a "closed record" state. This means that vital records are not public record. Arizona law restricts access to vital records to protect the confidentiality rights of our citizens. Arizona Administrative Code R9-19-405  specifies that only the following persons may receive a certified copy of a death certificate:

By law (ARS36-301 ) "Family Member" means:

• spouse
• natural or adopted offspring
• father or mother
• grandparent 
• grandchild to any degree
• brother
• sister
• aunt or uncle
• first or second cousin

Funeral Homes may order death certificates for spouse or immediate family members.

Anyone other than an immediate family member who wants to get a death certificate must apply in person to the Vital Records Office. Bring government issued photo ID and supporting documentation to prove legal interest.

Is there a cost?
Fee is $10.00 per certificate for birth or death. Acceptable payment methods are: cash, cashier's checks, money orders and personal checks; made payable to YCCHS (Yavapai County Community Health Services).

What are the goals of the program?
Vital Records provides a state service at a county level. Advantages for Yavapai County residents and others include:

• efficient public service
• secure drop off boxes at all YCCHS offices
• faster processing time
• no long drives to Phoenix

What has the program achieved?
Vital Records provides birth and death certificates. This helps families to plan vacations, enroll children in school or apply for after-school jobs or play on baseball teams.

Death certificates are needed when handling estate matters after someone has died.

Having this service available locally, and by mail, reduces travel time and expense. It is a convenient public service for residents born in Arizona and for the family members of those who have died in Arizona.

Where are the services for the Vital Records Office available?
Vital Records is located at 1090 Commerce Drive Prescott.

Vital Records is a “Mail Order-only Facility." Birth and Death Certificates are processed within 7 – 10 days.

Vital Records lock boxes and application forms for birth certificates are located at the three Yavapai County Community Health Services locations.

How do I get more information? 
Call (928) 771-3125 Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, or send a fax to (928) 771-3129.  (Note: If you are calling from outside the Prescott area, please visit our Yavapai County Toll-Free Numbers page for local and toll-free phone numbers.)  If you choose to email Vital Records (web.health@co.yavapai.az.us), please put “Birth Certificate” or “Death Certificate” into the subject line of your email.

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