Before passing the ‘birther’ bill, apparently, Arizona republicans decided it was unfair to limit citizenship proof to long-form birth certificates. So they chose to amend the measure of including different forms of proof, including baptismal certificates or postpartum medical records.
But if you could, it can help to apply and get an Arizona birth certificate. You will just need to fill out a simple application, pay the service and state fee, and send the package to Arizona Health Department.
New vs the Old Fashion Way of Getting Birth Certificates
To get birth certificates in Arizona the old-fashioned way, you need to start downloading applications at the Arizona Department of Health Services. You should be 18 years and above to order birth certificates, but there are still some restrictions.
You also need to send a copy (both back and front) of the government-issued ID, which has your signature. Remember to include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE).
However, if you don’t want to fill out all the paperwork and travel from office to office, there is another way. You may order your birth certificate by just filling out an online form – something that will take around five minutes of your time.
Getting Certified Copies of Birth Certificates
Basically, the Arizona Office of Vital Records has all birth records for births, which happened in Arizona. If you require certified copies of birth certificates from other states, you will need to contact the vital records office of those states.
To request birth certificates, you need to be an immediate family member of a registrant and at least 18 years old. If your details are not on a birth certificate, you will have to show proof of your relationship with the person you are ordering a certified copy for.
What is the Restriction of Getting a Birth Certificate?
Arizona is basically a closed record state. This means that vital records shouldn’t be public records. In fact, Arizona law restricts access to vital records so as to protect:
- Important information
- Confidentiality rights of citizens
Fees
Costs apply when requesting Arizona birth certificates. The fees usually amount to around $19, and you can pay it using a credit card, cashier check, or money order.
In addition, moving costs will apply. The fees will depend on the shipping company you prefer and your location.
Requesting and Obtaining for a Birth Certificate
Your child’s birth certificate is among the vital documents a family may have. For decades, it remains vital, especially when your kid registers for extracurricular and school programs, pursues job opportunities, and applies for a passport.
After your child is born, the medical records department in a hospital will need to review and verify your details and that of the baby. In Arizona, the following individuals are the only ones eligible to get a copy of a birth certificate:
- Guardian
- Parents
- Conservator
- The individual
- Grandparents
- Elder sister or brother
The Takeaway!
Anyone who requires a birth certificate needs to visit Health and Social Services and mail directly or use the dropbox to the Vital Records office.
Hospitals don’t mail birth certificates. You will have to request and apply at any Vital Records office within three weeks after a child’s birth.
