The Application for Certified Copy of an Arizona Birth Certificate is the form Maricopa County Public Health - Vital Records uses to process requests for a Maricopa County birth certificate, meaning a certified copy of an Arizona birth record. It is completed by the person named on the certificate or by an eligible relative, representative or agency, and it goes in with a photocopy of ID or a notarized signature, the fee and any proof of relationship. On FillingPDF you can fill out the form online and download or print the completed PDF; the official PDF is published by Maricopa County.
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What is Application for Certified Copy of an Arizona Birth Certificate – Maricopa County, AZ?
The Application for Certified Copy of an Arizona Birth Certificate is the Maricopa County Public Health - Vital Records form used to request a certified copy of an Arizona birth certificate, with the applicant's identity, relationship to the registrant and payment details.
The printed heading on the form reads "Request for Certified Copy of ARIZONA Birth Certificate," and the form is issued by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Mail goes to the MCOVR (Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration). The form asks for the order details (purpose of request, number of certified copies, number of non-certified genealogy copies, payment method), the birth certificate information, the person requesting the certificate, an optional notary area and credit card payment information. A block marked "For Office Use Only" is completed by the office.
The same form covers more than one kind of request. Its fee table also lists corrections or major changes to an AZ birth record and government requests or genealogical research, and it has a line for non-certified genealogy copies. A certified copy of a birth record is only issued for an Arizona record: "Not an AZ Record" is one of the reasons the office prints for returning an application.
This form is for birth records only. Death certificates use a separate Application for Certified Copy of an Arizona Death Certificate. The county page also lists a Spanish application for birth certificates, labeled "Example Only." The form's revision is printed as V 03/2025.
Who needs to file Application for Certified Copy of an Arizona Birth Certificate – Maricopa County, AZ?
The person named on the birth certificate, or someone with a legal tie to that person, uses this application. The county's eligibility rules list these groups, each of whom must submit a signed application, valid government-issued ID or a notarized signature, and the fee:
- The registrant (self): over 18. A registrant under 18 must show a certified court order of emancipation or a marriage certificate. The form also has a box for a self-applicant who is at least 16 and either has no residential address or is in Department of Child Safety (DCS) custody.
- Parents named on the certificate; a parent not named must add a certified adoption or court order naming the applicant as parent.
- Spouse, grandparent, adult child, adult grandchild and adult brother or sister, each with the relationship documents described under Required documents.
- Legal guardians, conservators, persons designated in a power of attorney or court order, and attorneys for the registrant or the registrant's parent or guardian.
- Adoption agencies and private attorneys representing biological or prospective adoptive parents when an adoption is pending.
- Government agencies and family members doing genealogical research, who may request a non-certified copy.
The form states that proof of relationship must be provided if you are not named on the certificate. Government agencies can call 602-506-6805 for non-certified copies.
When to file Application for Certified Copy of an Arizona Birth Certificate – Maricopa County, AZ
File the application whenever you need a certified copy; the form prints no deadline of its own. Completed applications with all required fees and information are usually processed within one (1) week. Same-day service is possible for people applying in person with an eligible application, although some requests need more time. For in-person service the county asks you to arrive by 4 p.m.
Some supporting documents carry their own time limits. A guardian who applies on a temporary court order must file within the timeframe of that order. A power of attorney granted by a parent or guardian of a minor or incapacitated person is valid 6 months from the date it is signed or notarized. One granted by a military parent or guardian of a minor child or ward is valid for 12 months from that date.
Documents you need
- A clear photocopy, front and back, of your valid, signed government photo ID, or your signature notarized in the Notary Area of the application.
- A self-addressed stamped envelope, when you apply by mail.
- Proof of relationship to the person on the certificate, whenever you are not named on it.
- Parent not named on the certificate: a certified copy of a court order of adoption, a certificate of adoption or another court order naming you as the parent.
- Spouse: a copy of the marriage certificate and a notarized letter of permission from the registrant; if the letter is not notarized, add a copy of the registrant's valid government ID.
- Grandparent: the birth certificate of your child who is named on the registrant's certificate, or that child's name and date of birth if born in Arizona for registry verification.
- Adult child: a copy of your birth certificate naming the registrant as parent. Adult brother or sister: a copy of your birth certificate showing at least one common parent.
- Registrant under 18: a certified court order of emancipation or a marriage certificate.
- Guardian: a copy of the court order establishing guardianship, certified by the issuing court (a temporary order must be filed within its timeframe).
- Conservator or person named in a court order: a certified copy of the court order.
- Person designated in a power of attorney: a copy of the power of attorney document.
- Attorney: documentation that you were retained, plus a certified court order or guardianship order where parentage or guardianship is at issue.
- Genealogical copy requests: documents showing your relationship to the registrant, such as birth, death or marriage certificates; pedigrees, lineage charts and family trees are not accepted.
- Credit card payment: a copy of the card holder's valid, current government photo ID with signature.
How to fill out Application for Certified Copy of an Arizona Birth Certificate – Maricopa County, AZ
Enter the order information
In the Order Info block, enter today's date, the purpose of request, the number of certified copies requested, the number of non-certified genealogy copies requested, the payment method and the amount enclosed.
Enter the name on the certificate
Under Birth Certificate Information, write the First, Middle and Last name exactly as it appears on the birth certificate.
Add the birth details
Enter the date of birth, check Male or Female, and add the town/city of birth, county of birth and hospital.
Complete the mother's or parent's details
Enter first, middle and last name, last name prior to marriage, date of birth and the state (if US) or country of birth.
Complete the father's or parent's details
Enter first, middle and last name, date of birth and state (if US) or country of birth.
Answer the Arizona tribe question
Answer "Do you belong to an Arizona Tribe?" and, if yes, specify the tribe.
Sign and print your name
In the Person Requesting Certificate block, sign in the Applicant's Signature (Required) box and print your full name: First, Middle, Last.
Add your contact details
Enter your cell or telephone number, email and mailing address: street, apt/suite, city, state and ZIP code.
Check your relationship
Check one: Parent, Self, Brother/Sister, Grandparent, Legal Guardian, Spouse, Gov't Agency or Other (and write it in). Check the Self box about age 16 and no residential address or DCS custody only if it applies.
Use the Notary Area if needed
If you are not enclosing a photocopy of your photo ID, have your signature notarized in the Notary Area. Leave the office-use boxes blank.
Complete the credit card section
If paying by card, mark the card type, then enter the card number, expiration date, CVV#, billing ZIP code, the card holder's signature, the number of paid copies and the amount to be charged.
Review and download the completed PDF
Check every entry against your ID and the record, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and assemble the package described under How to submit.
How to submit Application for Certified Copy of an Arizona Birth Certificate – Maricopa County, AZ
You can apply by mail, in person at one of five Maricopa County locations, or online through VitalChek.
- By mail: send the complete, signed application with the fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope to MCOVR (Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration), PO Box 2111 – Phoenix AZ – 85001. The form says no cash or checks, and the county page asks for a clear photocopy (front and back) of your current, signed photo ID.
- In person: bring your current, signed photo ID, the fee and every document that establishes eligibility. Locations: Phoenix, 1645 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85006; Goodyear, 14130 W McDowell Rd, Goodyear 85395; East Valley, 331 E Coury Ave, Mesa 85210; Glendale, 5141 W Lamar Rd, Glendale 85301; Northwest Valley, 8088 W Whitney Dr Ste 2A, Peoria 85345.
- Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:00am-4:30pm; Wednesday 9:00am-4:30pm; closed holidays and other days. Phone: 602-506-6805.
- Online: VitalChek.com, a separate company, which charges additional fees on top of the cost per certified copy. The same rules and requirements apply. The form notes that mail and walk-in services may be faster with no add-on fees.
A fee applies for each certified copy; the amounts are printed on the form and on the county's page. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the application unsigned; the Applicant's Signature box is marked Required.
- Paying with cash or a check; the form says no cash or checks.
- Sending a mail application without a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Copying only the front of your photo ID instead of the front and back, or using an expired or unsigned ID.
- Omitting proof of relationship when you are not named on the certificate.
- Paying by credit card without attaching a copy of the card holder's valid, current government photo ID with signature.
- Sending the wrong amount or an unaccepted payment type; the office lists "No Fee/Incorrect Fee" and "Incorrect Payment Type" as reasons an application cannot be processed.
- Using this form for a death certificate, which has its own application.
- Offering a pedigree, lineage chart or family tree as proof of relationship for a genealogical copy.
- Arriving for in-person service after 4 p.m. when same-day service is expected.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a Maricopa County birth certificate?
Complete the Application for Certified Copy of an Arizona Birth Certificate and send it by mail to MCOVR, PO Box 2111, Phoenix AZ 85001, apply in person at one of five valley locations, or order online through VitalChek, which adds service fees. Include ID or a notarized signature and the fee.
Who can request a certified copy of an Arizona birth certificate?
The registrant (over 18, or an emancipated or married minor), parents named on the certificate, a spouse, grandparent, adult child, adult grandchild, adult brother or sister, a guardian, conservator, power-of-attorney designee, court-named person or attorney, each with the documents the county lists.
Do I need a notary to apply for a birth certificate in Maricopa County?
Not if you provide a photocopy of your valid, signed government photo ID, front and back. The county accepts either valid government-issued identification or a notarized signature on the application, so you need only one of the two.
How long does it take to get a Maricopa County birth certificate?
Completed applications with all required fees and information are usually processed within one (1) week. In-person applicants with an eligible application may receive same-day service, though some requests need additional time. Arrive by 4 p.m. for in-person service.
Can I pay for a birth certificate with cash or a check?
No. The form says "Please, no Cash or Checks" and lists credit card payment (Visa, MC, Amex, Discover). A fee applies for each certified copy, with a different fee for corrections; check the form or call 602-506-6805 for amounts.
Can I fill out the Arizona birth certificate application online?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF does not submit it to Maricopa County: you still mail it, bring it to a vital records office or order through VitalChek.
Is there a Spanish version of the birth certificate application?
Yes. The county page lists a Spanish Application for Certified Copy of an Arizona Birth Certificate, labeled "Example Only." This page covers the English form, which is the one completed and submitted.
Can my grandparent or sibling order my birth certificate?
Yes, if they meet the county's conditions. A grandparent supplies the birth certificate of their child named on yours, and an adult brother or sister supplies a birth certificate showing at least one common parent. Both sign the application and show ID or a notarized signature.
Is the same form used for a death certificate?
No. Death certificates use the separate Application for Certified Copy of an Arizona Death Certificate. This form is for Arizona birth records only.
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