Are death records public in the state of Arizona?

Death records are not public in the state of Arizona; it is a closed record state. To protect citizen confidentiality, Arizona law limits access to death records. With proper documentation, certain categories of people age 18 and over may obtain certified copies of death certificates.

Spouses, immediate family members, and attorneys representing family members, estates or legally interested parties may obtain certified copies of Arizona death records. Genealogists, private investigators, persons with a legal interest and third parties are also eligible to receive certified copies of death certificates. When a fetus dies, a certified copy of the death certificate is only given to the parents of the fetus or someone they authorize.