How to Find Arkansas Death Records

United States

U.S. Vital Records

How to Find U.S. Death Records

Arkansas Birth, Marriage, and Death Records

How to Find Arkansas Death Records

Arkansas statewide registration of deaths began in 1914. Some Little Rock and Fort Smith records from 1881 are also available from the state. Public access to death records from Arkansas is restricted to deaths that occurred more than 50 years ago.

When did the death occur?	Death Records Choose a time period: Before 1914 1914 to the present Death year unknown

Learn more about U.S. Death Records

Deaths before 1914

Arkansas statewide registration of deaths began in 1914, but compliance was not complete until the 1940s. Some Little Rock and Fort Smith records from 1881 are available at the Online Arkansas Death Records & Indexes

For deaths that exist during the time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Arkansas Deaths Databases
	An Electronic Index of Arkansas Deaths, 1819-1920 , Arkansas History Commission	Free; The In Remembrance database provides information about family and historical figures from every area of the state, showing the name attached to the death record, the source in which to find the death record, and the record's date. Ongoing project - not complete.
	Arkansas Deaths and Burials, 1882-1929; 1945-1963 at FamilySearch.org	Free; Name index to death and burial records from the state of Arkansas. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the FamilySearch Library and FamilySearch Centers. This set contains 10,447 records. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed.
Can't find your ancestor in the online index?		Tips for searching online indexes
No death record for your ancestor?		Other records with death information

Records that give death information:
Cemetery Records Newspapers Probate (wills, etc) Tax Records	Church Records Census Bible Records

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths from 1914 to the present

Arkansas death records are open to the public for deaths that occurred at least 50 years ago.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information

Arkansas Deaths Databases - Index Only
	Arkansas Deaths and Burials, 1882-1929; 1945-1963 at FamilySearch.org	Free; Name index to death and burial records from the state of Arkansas. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the FamilySearch Library and FamilySearch Centers. This set contains 10,447 records. Due to privacy laws, recent records may not be displayed.
	Arkansas Death Index, 1914-1950 at FamilySearch.org	Free; Index of deaths from the Arkansas Division of Vital Records, Arkansas Department of Health. Index provided by Ancestry.com.
Ancestry Database - Choose one of the following:
	Arkansas Death Index, 1914-1950 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries	Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center
	Arkansas Death Index, 1914-1950 - use your Ancestry subscription	$, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library
MyHeritage Database - Choose one of the following:
	Arkansas, Death Index, 1935-1961 - use your MyHeritage subscription	Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center
Arkansas Department of Health Databases
	Arkansas Department of Health - Death Certificate 1935-1961 Search and Order Service	Free to search; $ to order certificate
	Arkansas Department of Health Death Records 1914-present	$ to request a search and order certificate
United States Social Security Death Index U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014 ($) U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007, incomplete ($).
Can't find your ancestor in the online index?		Tips for searching online indexes
No death record for your ancestor?		Other records with death information

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate

PART A: You know the exact date of death

To Order Death Certificates
From County of Death		From Arkansas Dept. of Health State office
Pros	Cons	Pros	Cons
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state	County websites can be more difficult to use	Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee	May be more expensive than ordering from the county

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of death

If you do not know the exact date or place of death:
For a fee, the Arkansas Department of Health office will conduct a search.

Individual counties will also search their records for deaths that occurred in their municipality.

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.

Return to top: Choose another death year

For individuals you are not related to, and who died more than 50 years ago, you may request the death certificate. It must be requested by mail, not online or over email.
Mail to:
Arkansas Department of Health
4815 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205-3867

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