Are Arizona Records Public?

Yes, Arizona records are publicly accessible, as provided by the Arizona Public Records Law. A.R.S Section 39 - 121 stipulates that individuals "have the right to request and access copies of state government records." In the event of denial of access, the custodian of such records should provide an index of the records and give reasons for not granting access (A.R.S Section 39 - 121.03). However, access to records may be restricted if state interest outweighs the right of the public to know. Also, personal information identifying eligible persons (this includes judges, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, public defenders, and individuals protected by court order) can only be released if:

• There is written consent from the record owners.
•  The custodian of such records or government agency determines that the information does not pose risks or lead to the destruction of properties.

Information on the location of critical infrastructure such as telecommunication lines, location of equipment, and plants is only accessible if the information is for:

• Construction of capital project
• Economic development purpose
• General information regarding construction activities in the state.

Getting hard copies of Arizona public records may come at a fee if government resources are involved in printing out such copies. In addition, to use Arizona records for commercial purposes (you must indicate this when requesting the records), the custodian of the records will charge the following fees:

• The cost of obtaining original copies of the records, printouts, or photographs
• A fee for time, personnel, and equipment used to provide the records
• The value of such records on the commercial market.

Note that the custodian may deny access to records for commercial use if the requester abuses the right to access such records.

Who Can Access Arizona Public Records?

Any interested individual can access Arizona public records. Arizona public records are accessible to citizens and non-citizens of the United States. In Arizona, access to public records may be denied under the following conditions:

• The interest of the state outweighs the public right to know (inspection may lead to irreparable private or public harm)
• The records are confidential by statute
• The records involve personal privacy interests (private information may be redacted from the accessed record).

However, the above conditions may not apply if the records are for litigation against the government. 

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Public Records in Arizona?

No, you need to state your purpose and use when requesting public records in Arizona. However, Arizona Public Records requesters must indicate in the request form if such records are for commercial or non-commercial use. Unlike non-commercial public record use, requesters must pay additional fees to use Arizona public records for commercial purposes. Using non-commercial public records for commercial use attracts penalties. In Arizona, Accessing Arizona public records may be for reasons that include uses for:

• Criminal justice
• Journalistic purpose
• Research 
• Child welfare
• Licensing and mental treatment.

What Records are Public in Arizona?

In Arizona, the following records are public:

• Court records
• Personal records such as:
• Marriage Records 
• Birth certificates
• Death certificates
• Adoption records 
• Divorce Decrees
• Business records 
• Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration records
• Criminal records
• Accident Reports
• Policy and Procedures
• Legal Memoranda
• Reports
• Calendars.

Note that some records may be restricted records under statute laws.

Arizona Public Court Records

Arizona Public Courts Records are information on court proceedings in the state. In Arizona, court documents and information are not considered confidential and can be made public under the Arizona Public Records Law. The Clerk of the Arizona Supreme Court is responsible for maintaining court records in the state. Arizona Court Records include:

• Information on criminal and civil cases in state superior courts
• Vital records across Arizona counties
• Sex offense cases
• Crime data

To access Arizona Public Court Records Online, visit the Arizona Judicial Branch website. However, certain information can be restricted from public access by state laws or court orders.

Arizona Public Criminal Records

Criminal records is a list of an individual’s infractions with the law. In Arizona, criminal Records are public and show a person’s contact with law enforcement agencies and courts due to violations of state laws. Public Criminal Records information includes:

• Arrest records
• Detention records, and
• Conviction records.

Maintaining Criminal Records in Arizona is the responsibility of the Central State Repository of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Criminal Records are accessible only by authorized individuals or agencies. Arizona State does not check criminal records for private non-state residents and agencies for immigration, foreign adoption, or employment. Arizona Criminal Records are accessible under the Noncriminal Justice (NCJ) Compliance Program. To obtain Criminal Records under the NCJ program, eligible individuals and agencies must obtain a fingerprint Clearance Card. For further information on Arizona Public Criminal Records, write to:

The Arizona Department of Public Safety

2222 W. Encanto Blvd. 

Phoenix, 

AZ 85009

Phone: (602) 223-2000.

What are considered criminal records?

Criminal records contain an individual's crime history. Criminal records information include:

• Arrests
• Charges, and 
• Convictions.

Keeping criminal records is the responsibility of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). Criminal records are accessible to the general public. However, juvenile records and social security numbers may be redacted for privacy reasons. 

Arizona law does not allow the Department of Public Safety to issue clearance for immigration, visa application, and foreign adoption or release criminal records to out-of-state agencies. Also, criminal records are accessible to authorized individuals and entities only (this may include law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, non-profit organizations making background checks, or the owner of the record).

In Arizona, criminal records are accessible through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Noncriminal Justice Compliance (NCJ) Program. To obtain information on criminal records in Arizona, call the DPS at (602) 223-2000, or write to:

Arizona Department of Public Safety

2222 W. Encanto Blvd.

Phoenix, AZ 85009.

Arizona Public Arrest Records

Arizona Public Arrest Records is a document that shows an individual’s arrest history by law enforcement agencies in the state. In Arizona, arrest records are public but restricted to authorized individuals. Arrest records are available through the Phoenix Police Department and local Sheriff's offices (or police departments). Also, arrest records are available through the criminal history records repository of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (you can call at (602) 223-2222).

Arizona Public Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy records are official documents outlining the financial records of individuals and businesses that filed for liquidation due to the inability to meet obligations. In Arizona, bankruptcy records are public and contain information that includes:

• Information on the financial situation of the individual or business (this includes income, expenses, assets, and liabilities)
• Debtors to the individual or entity
• Financial transactions such as income and payments made
• Court orders and decisions on the bankruptcy filing
• Discharge order that officially cleared the debts (if bankruptcy is approved)

In Arizona, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court oversees bankruptcy records. To look up bankruptcy records in Arizona, visit the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) online portal. Log in to the PACER registration page and provide the necessary information. You can also write to or visit the Clerk's Office or any U.S. Bankruptcy Courts Districts in Arizona using the following addresses.

Phoenix, Bullshead, Flagstaff, and Yuma

U.S. Bankruptcy Court

230 N 1st Ave, Ste 101

Phoenix, AZ 85003.

Tucson 

U.S. Bankruptcy Court

38 S Scott Ave, Ste 100

Tucson, AZ 85701.

Note that court services are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Arizona Public Birth Records

Arizona birth records are legal documents that show evidence of birth. In Arizona, birth records are the responsibility of the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Vital Records. Records below 75 years from birth date are not public and can only be available to authorized individuals and entities. However, birth records above 75 years are public. To access birth records in Arizona, a requester must be any of the following:

• The owner of the birth record
• The parents named on the birth certificate
• An adult child
• Siblings above 18 years grandparents of the individual named in the records
• A legal guardian
• An authorized government representative.
• Spouse 
• A person designated by court order
• An attorney representing the parents or guardian of the owner of the records
• An attorney representing the adoptive parents of the individual named in the records.

Requesters of certified copies of birth records in Arizona must provide a notarized consent release from the record owner, their immediate family (children, parents, or siblings), legal guardian, or a court order. 

To obtain certified copies of birth records in Arizona, call the Arizona Department of Health Services Vital Records office at (602) 364 - 1300 or (888) 816 - 5907. For in-person requests. For in-person requests, visit the Bureau of Vital Records at:

150 North 18th Ave., Ste. 120

Phoenix, AZ 85007.

Arizona Public Death Records

A death record is a legal document containing information about the death of a person. Arizona death records are public and are maintained by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Office of Vital Records. Death records contain information that includes:

• Personal information that includes 
  • Name of the dead
  • Gender
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
• Death information that includes: 
  • Date of death
  • Place of death
  • Time of death 
  • Cause of death
• Names of family members, including 
  • Parents' names (including the mother's maiden name)
  • Spouse (if any)
  • Surviving family members 
• Marital status, occupation, and address of residence 
• Medical information
• Name of physician and hospital where the deceased died
• Registration details: 
  • Registration number and location
  • Name and location of the funeral home for funeral arrangements 
• Disposition information:  
  • By cremation or burial
  • Name of crematory or cemetery.

Note that while death records are public in Arizona, due to privacy conditions, information is accessible by people with direct interests such as:

• Family members
• Legal representatives
• Government officials are authorized to have access.

To obtain Public Death Records in Arizona, apply the following steps:

• Contact the Arizona Department of Health Services 
• Fill out a request form (you can download this from the ADHS website or in person)
• Provide identification (a driver's license, passport, or an Arizona-state-issued ID is acceptable)
• Specify your relationship to the deceased and the use for the death records. 
• Provide the deceased full name, date, and place of death 
• Play the applicable fees, and submit the completed request form.

Arizona Public Marriage Records

Arizona Public Marriage Records is an official document that outlines the details of marriages in the state. In Arizona, keeping marriage records is the responsibility of the Clerk of the Superior Court in the county where the marriage license was issued. Arizona Public Marriage Records contain the following information:

• Full names of the couple
• Date of marriage and name of county where the marriage license was issued
• Full names of witnesses to the marriage
• Marriage license number and 
• Name of the officiant.

Arizona marriage records are public. However, certain restrictions to access may apply for privacy reasons outlined below.

• Closed records - Restriction to access to some records may apply for a specific time frame before the information becomes available to the public
• Access by eligible parties - Some records may only be available to the owners, family members, and legal representatives.
• Legal restrictions to information of certain types. For instance, child custody and domestic violence information may not be accessible to the public. 
• Identification - The requester must show relationships to record owners to gain access.

To obtain Public Marriage Records in Arizona, a requester needs to:

• Identify the County where the marriage license was issued.
• Contact the Clerk of the Superior Court office to inquire about the process of obtaining marriage records in the county (you can do this by calling official phone lines, visiting their website, or in-person visit to the office) 
• Provide identification documents
• Provide the full name of the record owners, date of marriage, and other relevant information that will help to locate the records.
• Verify eligibility to access the marriage records
• Pay applicable fees (amount may differ across Arizona counties).

Note: Arizona Superior Court County Clerk Offices have marriage records from 1950 till date. For older marriage records, you may contact the Arizona State Archives. The contact address of Arizona Superior Courts varies by County. You can verify the address from the county where the courts are located.

Arizona Public Divorce Records

Arizona Public Divorce Records provides information about official marriage annulments in the state. In Arizona, divorce is available at the clerk of the Superior Court office where the divorce decree was issued. Arizona Public Divorce Records information includes the following:

• Full names of the parties involved in the divorce, date, and place of birth of both individuals
• Reasons for divorce and location of divorce decree
• Divorce court case number and location of court
• Child custody and child support details (if any)
• Details on division of assets and property.

The following information may be redacted from divorce records due to privacy rights and security risks:

• Sensitive information such as bank account details and social security numbers
• Information on child custody 
• Information relating to domestic violence
• Sealed records and 
• Access by ineligible entities.

Arizona Public Inmate Records

Arizona Public Inmate Records provides information about inmates who were incarcerated or currently serving jail terms in the various prisons or correctional facilities across the state. In Arizona, keeping records of inmates is the responsibility of the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADOC). Inmate records are public and accessible to interested individuals. Arizona inmate records include information such as:

• Full name of the incarcerated person 
• Booking details- These are the date, time, and location of the arrest
• Location of the correctional facility where the individual is/was imprisoned
• Mugshot of the individual
• Criminal charges against the imprisoned person
• Date and conditions of release
• Inmate ID or DOC number.

Arizona Inmate Records are public and available to:

• The public (online and by request to the ADOC)
• Local and federal law enforcement agencies for investigation
• Crime victims and their legal representatives
• Journalists and researchers.

For security reasons, the following information may be redacted from inmate records in Arizona:

• Personal identifier and contact information such as social security numbers and residence address
• Medical records
• Witness information
• Prisons security protocols
• Information that may impact ongoing investigations or court cases
• Victim information
• Information that falls under juvenile privacy laws (if the inmate was a juvenile at the time of the crime).

However, specific details on Inmate Records may vary. For more information on Arizona Public Inmate Records, log in to the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation & Reentry website or call (602) 542 - 5497. Also, you can write to:

The Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation & Reentry

701 E. Jefferson St.

Phoenix, AZ 85034.

Arizona Public Sex Offender Information

Arizona Public Sex Offender Information provides data on individuals convicted of sex crimes in the state. Sex offender records are public and generally accessible to enhance public safety. In Arizona, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains the state's sex offenders registry.

The key information in sex offender records in Arizona is as follows:

• The offender's information which includes: 
• Full name
• Mugshot 
• Physical description 
• Date of birth 
• Sex offense and date of conviction
• Home address and information about the neighborhood where the offender resides
• Risk level assigned to the individual
• Compliance status.

To access the Arizona sex offenders registry, log in to the Arizona Department of Public Safety website. Dissipation of offenders' information empowers communities with knowledge of sex criminals and helps to safeguard residents of Arizona.

Arizona Public Property Records

Arizona Public Property Records provides information on real estate and property ownership in the state. In Arizona, real estate and property record keeping are the responsibilities of the County Assessor and County Recorder's Office. Arizona Public Property Records information includes:

• Property Identification - This encompasses the property identification number and legal description.
• Ownership information that includes name and address of property owner, property ownership history
• Property tax assessment details, tax history, and property appraised market value
• Copies of deeds, liens, and encumbrance on the property
• Zoning information and physical characteristics describing the property
• Recorded documents (this includes deeds of trust, mortgage easements, covenants, and other related documents and property agreements)
• Plant maps indicating property boundaries and survey records.

To access property records in Arizona, send a request to the County Assessor's Office where the property resides (Title 39 of Arizona Revised Statute). Find out the specific county and log in to the County Assessor's Office website. Use the search tools to browse the database. Accessing Arizona Public Property Records may be subject to:

• Privacy restriction to protect sensitive information about property owner
• Legal restrictions to limit the disclosure of certain information
• Information on the property must be accurate and up-to-date
• Access limitations to authorized individuals only
• Fraud limitation to guard against unauthorized changes or transfer
• Record requirements on transactions on the property
• Adherence to government regulations on property records
• Title search to identify existing liens on the property.

What is Exempted Under the Arizona Public Records Act?

Although the Arizona Public Records Act does not authorize withholding government information, certain information or records may be exempted from public disclosure for various reasons. Under circumstances where privacy rights outweigh the need of the public to know, there may be an exemption to access. For instance, there may be restrictions to accessing the following records:

• Student records (this includes research records and donor records)
• Adoption records 
• Disciplinary records of some professional groups
• Medical records
• Bank records
• Trade secrets, and 
• Some correction department records.

To seek access to exempted Arizona Public Records, apply the following steps:

• Submit a Public Records request to the custodian of the record (this can be done online, by mail, or in person)
• Provide specific details of the record (this includes names, dates, and other relevant information that may help in locating the record)
• Be aware that certain information may be excluded. However, submit the request and let the agency decide. 
• Provide proof why accessing such records is issued for public interest and outweighs any exemption rights.
• Submit any documentation that may aid in retrieving such records. Also, abide by the rules for accessing Public Records.
• Wait for review and response. Also, weigh legal options if the request is not approved.
• You may seek legal assistance to help you understand your rights under the APRA. Also, a legal professional will advise on options for appeal or legal action.

How Do I Find Public Records in Arizona?

In Arizona, requests for access to Public Records are made directly to the agency responsible for keeping such records. To obtain Public Records in Arizona, apply the following steps:

• Read up on the Arizona Revised Statute Title 39 to understand the content of the Arizona Public Record Act.
• Identify the custodian agency for the target records (you can do this online through the Arizona Government Service Directory website). Note that Arizona Public Records may be kept at both state and local agencies.
• Contact the agency responsible for such records directly to know the procedures for accessing records. 
• Arizona Public Records may also be available through an online database. For instance, the Arizona Judicial Branch offers online search tools to access Public Records that fall under its jurisdiction. Also, Public Records are available through the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) online search facility.

Some Arizona Public Records are available through local agencies. For instance, records on real estate and law enforcement are available at the Clerk’s Office and Sheriff’s Office of the appropriate county.

Also, you can search for records through public libraries and third-party online databases that aggregate Public Information. 

For effective online data search, the following tips might help:

• Use Boolean operators in search queries - These are symbols and words (such as And or Not) that help narrow search parameters on a database or search engines to find the most relevant results.
• Check for available indexes that can help navigate searches more efficiently.
• Be specific about the records you seek, and provide names, dates, locations, and any relevant information that will narrow and expedite the search process.
• Check for the records across multiple sources and compare the information or documents for consistency.
• Seek assistance from experts if there is a need. For instance, you can ask for help from an archivist or a librarian.
• Check for restrictions on the information (if any), and keep records of your sources for future reference.

Caveat: it is crucial to note that online third-party data sources may not be accurate or well-detailed. Contact the record’s custodian agency For certified copies of Arizona Public Records.

Can I Find Free Public Records in Arizona Using Third-Party Sites?

Yes, Public Records in Arizona are available through third-party sites. Interested individuals can find Public Records for free in Arizona using third-party sites. Some third-party sites in Arizona have databases that aggregate and store Public Records. Others offer online tools that speed up the public records search process.

When sourcing for free Public Records on a third-party site, consider that:

• Third-party sites may only offer general information such as names and addresses (these may be available for free on government sites)
• Information scope and depth may be limited. Fees may apply for more detailed information. For instance, accessing property information and court records may come with fee payments. 
• Free Public Records from third-party sites may possess accuracy, restrictions, and use violation issues. Verify records from third-party sites through official government channels if the information is for an important use. For instance, property and court records.

Certified copies of Arizona Public Records are available from the relevant state or local government agency website.

How Much Do Public Records Cost in Arizona?

The costs of accessing Public Records in Arizona vary with the record types and the record custodian agency's policies. In Arizona, agencies are permitted to charge fees to cover the costs of processing and making copies of Public Records in their custody available to the public. The following points should be noted when requesting Public Records in Arizona:

• Requesters must pay fees to cover administrative and processing costs. 
• Fees and payment structures vary across agencies.
• Agencies may charge on a per-page basis if copies of documents are required.
• Some agencies may charge hourly rates to provide records that need searching for and redactions.
• Fees for electronic and physical copies of records may differ (most times, electronic copies are cheaper)
• Fees may vary based on the request category. For instance, the fees for records required for commercial purposes are higher than those for non-commercial use.

Waivers:

• Some agencies may offer a fee waiver or reduction if a requester can provide evidence of financial hardship.
• There may be a fee reduction for upfront payments (if a requester makes money deposit records before processing).

To determine the cost of accessing Public Records in Arizona, contact the custodian agency for such records. Information on the costs of processing Public Records in Arizona is available through the agency's websites. Also, you call, write to, or visit the appropriate agency for information on the cost estimate of obtaining such records.

What Happens if I Am Refused a Public Records Request?

There are several reasons a requester may be denied access to Public Records in Arizona. These may include any of the following:

• Privacy Rights
• Legal privileges
• Security concerns
• Trade secrets
• Ongoing investigations
• Litigation
• National security
• Executive privilege
• Statutory exemption.

If a requester is refused access to Public Records in Arizona, the following steps outline how to proceed:

• Understand why the request was not granted - Ask the agency the reason for refusal.
• Review applicable Arizona Public Records laws to find out if there are restrictions to accessing the records.
• Ask the agency for an explanation of why the request was denied
• Modify the request to address concerns raised
• Appeal the decision - Under Arizona laws, individuals have a right to appeal denial to access Public Records.
• Contact the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for guidance and assistance if an appeal to obtain Public Records fails.
• Contact government organizations that advocate for open and transparent government.
• Consider legal action as a final option to compel the release of Public Records if all other means do not work out.