Gila County Birth Certificates

Gila County issues birth certificates at two locations in Globe and Payson. You can request certified copies for any Arizona birth at either office. Unlike most Arizona counties, Gila County does not offer same day service. Processing takes seven to ten business days even if you apply in person. Plan ahead if you need a birth certificate for an upcoming deadline. You must be an eligible person under state law to request a copy. Parents, the person on the certificate, and close family can apply. Call 928-402-8811 for questions about the application process or to check on the status of your request.

Two Gila County Vital Records Offices

Gila County operates vital records offices in Globe and Payson. The Globe office is at 5515 South Apache Avenue, Suite 100, in Globe, AZ 85501. The Payson office sits at 110 West Main Street, Suite A, in Payson, AZ 85541. Both locations are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. You can call 928-402-8811 to reach either office. The phone line connects to staff who can answer questions about forms, fees, and required documents. You can also fax requests to 928-425-8817.

Both offices provide the same services. You can visit the location that is most convenient for you. If you live in the northern part of Gila County near Payson or the Mogollon Rim area, the Payson office is closest. If you live in Globe, Miami, or the southern part of the county, the Globe office is easier to reach. Either office can issue a birth certificate for any Arizona birth. You do not need to visit the county where the birth occurred.

Learn more at the Gila County vital records page: www.gilacountyaz.gov/government/health_and_emergency_services/health_services/vital_records.php. You can also visit the specific birth certificates page at www.gilacountyaz.gov/government/health_and_emergency_services/health_services/birth_certificates.php for forms and detailed instructions.

The county website lists what documents you need to bring and explains the processing timeline for birth certificate requests in Gila County.

Processing Time for Birth Certificates

Gila County does not provide same day service for birth certificates. Even if you visit an office in person, your request will take seven to ten business days to process. This is different from most Arizona counties, where same day service is common. The longer processing time means you need to plan ahead. If you need a birth certificate for travel, school enrollment, or any deadline, apply at least two weeks before you need the document.

The county processes requests in the order they are received. Walk in applications and mail requests go into the same queue. Staff verify each application, check eligibility, and confirm the birth record exists in the state database. Once approved, they print and certify the birth certificate. You can pick up the finished certificate at the office where you applied, or the county will mail it to you if you request that option. Call 928-402-8811 to check on your request if you have not heard back after ten business days.

Note: Plan ahead for birth certificate requests in Gila County as same day service is not available.

How to Request Birth Records

You can apply for birth certificates in person or by mail in Gila County. For in person requests, visit either the Globe or Payson office during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver license or state ID card. You also need proof of your relationship to the person on the birth certificate if you are not that person. Fill out form VS-11 at the office or download it from the county website ahead of time. Staff will review your application and documents. If everything is in order, they will accept your request and tell you when to expect the certificate to be ready.

Mail requests work well if you cannot visit Globe or Payson. Download form VS-11 from the Arizona Department of Health Services website or the Gila County site. Fill out the form completely. Sign it. Include a copy of your photo ID. Do not mail your original ID. Add payment in the form of cash, check, money order, or credit card information if the county accepts card payments by mail. Check the county website or call to confirm which payment methods work for mail orders. Send your application, ID copy, and payment to the Globe office at 5515 S. Apache Ave., Suite 100, Globe, AZ 85501, or to the Payson office at 110 W. Main Street, Suite A, Payson, AZ 85541.

Processing by mail takes seven to ten business days after the office receives your request, plus mailing time. The county will mail the certified birth certificate to the address you write on your application form. Make sure your address is clear and correct. Include a phone number so staff can reach you if they have questions about your request or need more information.

Fax Applications with Credit Card

Gila County accepts faxed applications if you pay by credit card. This option can be faster than regular mail. Fill out form VS-11 and sign it. Make a copy of your photo ID. Write your credit card number, expiration date, and security code on the form or on a separate sheet. Fax everything to 928-425-8817. Include a phone number where staff can reach you. The office will process your faxed request in seven to ten business days just like walk in and mail applications.

Faxing works well if you need a birth certificate and cannot visit in person but want slightly faster service than mailing. The county will call you when the certificate is ready. You can then pick it up at the Globe or Payson office, or ask staff to mail it to you. Be aware that faxing your credit card information has some security risk. Only use this method if you are comfortable with it. You can also call 928-402-8811 to pay by phone in some cases.

Birth Certificate Fees

A certified birth certificate costs $20 in Gila County. This is the standard Arizona state fee. Each additional copy costs $20. Amendments or corrections to a birth certificate cost $30. You must provide documents that support the change, such as a court order or hospital paperwork. Non-certified copies for genealogy research cost $20 but are not valid for legal use.

Gila County accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. If you visit in person, you can use any of these payment methods. A convenience fee may apply if you pay by credit or debit card. For mail requests, send a check or money order. Some counties do not accept personal checks, but Gila County does. Make your check payable to Gila County. For fax requests, include your credit card information on the form. Do not send cash by mail or fax as it cannot be secured.

Who Can Request Birth Certificates

Arizona restricts who can get birth certificates to protect privacy. You must be an eligible requester under state law. The person named on the birth certificate can get their own record if they are 18 or older or an emancipated minor. Parents listed on the certificate can request copies at any time. A spouse can get a copy if they show a marriage certificate. Grandparents, adult siblings, and adult children may request copies if they prove their relationship.

Legal guardians and conservators need a court order. Attorneys can request records if they represent an eligible party. Government agencies can get copies for official purposes. Some youth age 16 and 17 can request their own birth certificate if they are in DCS custody or homeless. All requesters must show valid photo ID. You also need documents that prove your relationship to the person on the birth certificate. The office will not issue a certificate to anyone who does not meet these requirements.

Access to Arizona Birth Records

Gila County connects to the statewide Arizona vital records database. This system holds all birth records for the state from July 1909 to now. County staff can look up and print a birth certificate for any Arizona birth. You do not have to go to the county where you or your child was born. If you were born in Phoenix but live in Payson, the Gila County office can issue your birth certificate. This statewide access makes vital records more convenient for everyone.

All Arizona birth certificates have the same format and security features. Each certificate includes a raised seal and the registrar's signature. These features make the document official for use anywhere in the United States or other countries. Schools, employers, passport offices, and government agencies accept birth certificates from any Arizona county.

The county birth certificates page provides downloadable application forms and a checklist of required documents for requesting birth records in Gila County.

Order Online Through VitalChek

You can order Arizona birth certificates online at www.vitalchek.com. VitalChek is the official state vendor for online vital records. The service is available 24 hours a day. You pay by credit or debit card. VitalChek charges service fees on top of the $20 state fee. Shipping costs extra. Expedited delivery is available for a higher price if you need the certificate fast.

Online orders require you to upload a photo ID. The system checks your identity and verifies you are eligible to get the record. If approved, your order goes to a county or state office for processing. The birth certificate is mailed to your address. Standard shipping takes about one week. Online ordering is convenient if you cannot visit Gila County or if you live out of state and need an Arizona birth certificate.

Other Arizona Counties

Gila County borders several other counties. Maricopa County is to the west and southwest. Pinal County is to the south. Graham County and Greenlee County are to the east. Coconino County and Navajo County border Gila County to the north. If you live near a county line, you might find it easier to visit a vital records office in a neighboring county. All Arizona counties can issue birth certificates for any state birth. Check the hours and processing times for each county. Some offer same day service while Gila County does not.

See our pages for Maricopa County, Pinal County, Graham County, and Coconino County to learn about their vital records services. You can view all 15 Arizona counties on our counties page.