How much do death certificates cost in Arkansas?
Certified copies from the Arkansas Department of Health cost $10 for the first copy and $8 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. County clerk fees are generally the same but may vary slightly.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| Department of Health (mail/in person) | $10 first, $8 each additional |
| County clerk | $10 (may vary by county) |
| VitalChek (online) | State fee + $10 to $15 processing fee |
The state fee includes a search of the records. If no record is found, the fee is still charged.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest for new deaths)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the simplest and fastest route for recently filed death certificates.
From the Arkansas Department of Health
The Department of Health issues death certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in the state.
- Online: Order through VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor. Orders typically arrive in 2 to 3 weeks.
- By mail: Send a completed application with a check or money order payable to "Arkansas Department of Health." Include a copy of your photo ID. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks.
- In person: Visit the Vital Records office in Little Rock. Same-day service is typically available for records on file.
From your county clerk
Each of Arkansas's 75 counties has a county clerk who can issue death certificates for deaths recorded in that county. In-person requests at county offices are often faster than ordering from the state.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| County clerk (in person) | Same day to 5 business days |
| VitalChek (online) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Department of Health (mail) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Department of Health (in person) | Same day |
County clerk offices are generally the fastest option for in-person requests outside of Little Rock.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need one for each bank, insurance company, retirement account, and government agency you contact. Some institutions keep the copy you submit.
For a complete breakdown of where you will need certified copies, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
Arkansas restricts certified death certificates to:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent, child, or sibling of the deceased
- Grandparent or grandchild
- The executor or personal representative of the estate
- A legal guardian or attorney acting on behalf of the family
- Anyone with a court order
You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased when ordering.
What to know about Arkansas specifically
Low cost compared to most states. At $10 for the first copy, Arkansas has some of the lowest death certificate fees in the country. Order extra copies while they are affordable rather than paying rush fees later.
75 counties, local options. Arkansas has a county-level system that can be faster than the state office for in-person requests. Check with the county clerk where the death occurred for current availability and fees.
Probate through Circuit Court. If you are also handling the estate, Arkansas probate goes through the Circuit Court (Probate Division). Estates under $100,000 (excluding homestead and statutory allowances) may qualify for a small estate affidavit. See our guide on how probate works in Arkansas for details.
You can track all of your estate tasks with our interactive checklist.
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