Find Gilbert Genealogy Records

Genealogy research in Gilbert requires working through Maricopa County offices for vital records. Gilbert is technically a town rather than a city, making it one of the largest incorporated towns in America. Birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses are all managed at the county level. The Town Clerk handles local administrative matters but not vital records. Gilbert residents can use the nearby East Valley vital records office in Mesa for in-person requests. State archives and free online databases provide additional resources for tracing Gilbert family history.

Maricopa County Handles Gilbert Genealogy Records

All vital records for Gilbert residents go through Maricopa County. Arizona puts vital records at the county level, not the town or city level. Gilbert genealogy researchers work with the same offices that serve Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, and other Maricopa County communities.

The closest vital records office for Gilbert residents is the East Valley location at 331 E. Coury Avenue in Mesa. This office handles birth and death certificate requests and can often provide same day service for in-person visits. The main phone number for all Maricopa County vital records locations is 602-506-6805. Office hours run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday hours begin at 9 a.m.

Each certified copy of a birth or death certificate costs $20. Non-certified copies for genealogy purposes cost $5. The county accepts cash, money orders, cashier's checks, and credit or debit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. Bring valid photo ID when you visit any location.

Note: The state vital records bureau in Phoenix no longer offers walk-in service, so county offices are your best option for quick turnaround.

Gilbert Town Clerk Office

The Gilbert Town Clerk handles administrative matters for the town government but not vital records. The clerk manages elections, town council business, public records requests for town operations, and boards and commissions. If you need a birth certificate, death record, or marriage license for genealogy research, you must contact Maricopa County instead.

The Town Clerk office is at 50 E. Civic Center Drive in Gilbert. Phone number is 480-503-6000. Hours run Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The office is closed on Fridays. For genealogy researchers, this office might help locate historical town documents or archived municipal records from Gilbert's past.

The Maricopa County FAQ page shown above answers common questions about getting vital records for genealogy purposes.

Gilbert Marriage Records

Marriage licenses for Gilbert couples are issued by the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court. Under ARS 25-121, couples must apply in person at a county clerk office. The closest location for Gilbert residents is the southeast clerk office at 222 E. Javelina in Mesa.

The marriage license fee is $98. Certified copies of existing marriage records cost $43.50, or $35.50 if you provide a self-addressed stamped envelope. Phone number for marriage license information is 602-372-5375. Maricopa County also has an online marriage license program where Arizona residents can start the application process from home before visiting an office to complete it.

Marriage records contain valuable genealogy information including full names of both parties, their ages, residential addresses, and sometimes parents' names. These details help researchers connect family members across generations.

Gilbert Property and Land Records

The Maricopa County Recorder maintains property deeds, land records, military discharges, and other historical documents. The recorder has over 50 million documents going back to 1871. Many records can be searched online for free.

Property records show where your Gilbert ancestors owned land. Deeds list buyer and seller names, legal property descriptions, and transaction dates. When property passed between family members, these records reveal relationships. Military discharge records filed with the recorder show veteran status. Historical plat maps show how Gilbert grew from a farming community into a major town.

The main recorder office is at 111 S. Third Avenue in Phoenix. Most searches can be done online without visiting in person. Phone number is 602-506-1511.

Gilbert FamilySearch Center

Gilbert has a FamilySearch Center that provides free access to genealogy databases. These centers are operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and offer free access to subscription websites like Ancestry, FindMyPast, and Newspapers.com. You do not need to be a church member to use these resources. Gilbert has a significant LDS population and the local center is well equipped.

The FamilySearch Arizona guide shows what free records are available online. Visiting a center in person gives you access to additional resources plus help from volunteers who know genealogy research methods. FamilySearch has digitized millions of Arizona records including county courthouse documents, naturalization papers, and military discharges.

State Genealogy Resources for Gilbert

Arizona maintains a free genealogy database at genealogy.az.gov. You can search birth and death certificate images at no cost. Birth records older than 75 years and death records older than 50 years are available without proving family relationship. This database covers the entire state including Gilbert and all of Maricopa County.

The Arizona State Archives in Phoenix holds additional genealogy materials. The state archives guide lists court records, naturalization papers, prison records, voter registration lists, and probate files. Arizona residents get free access to Ancestry records from the archives. The facility is at 1901 W Madison Street in Phoenix. Visits require an appointment by calling 602-926-3720.

The Arizona Memory Project provides nearly 280,000 digital items including historical photographs and documents. You might find images showing Gilbert's agricultural past or people who lived in the area long ago.

Gilbert Court Records for Genealogy

Court records provide information beyond vital statistics. The Arizona eAccess portal offers 24/7 online access to court records from most Arizona counties. For Maricopa County, you can search civil cases, criminal records, probate files, and family court matters. These records often contain family details that vital records lack.

Probate records are especially valuable for genealogy research. When someone died, probate court handled their estate. Files list heirs, family members, and property distributions. Divorce records show children and property divisions. The clerk of court charges $35 per document for certified copies.

Nearby Cities for Genealogy Research

Gilbert sits in the southeast valley of the Phoenix metro area surrounded by other Maricopa County communities. All use the same county offices for vital records. If your ancestors moved around the valley, the same county system can help you find their records.

Neighboring cities include Chandler to the west and Mesa to the north. Tempe is to the northwest and Scottsdale to the north. Phoenix sits further northwest. Glendale is in the West Valley but still in Maricopa County.

For ancestors in southern Arizona, check Tucson in Pima County. Different county offices handle that area.

Note: The East Valley vital records office in Mesa is the closest location for Gilbert residents needing in-person service.