Tempe Genealogy Records

Genealogy records for Tempe residents are managed through Maricopa County rather than the city. Tempe sits in the East Valley next to Arizona State University and has a rich history dating back to the 1870s. Birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses flow through county departments. Tempe also has a unique resource for genealogy research. The Tempe History Museum maintains archives with nearly 50,000 cataloged photographs and historic documents that can help trace local family roots.

Maricopa County Handles Tempe Genealogy Records

All vital records for Tempe residents go through Maricopa County. Arizona places vital records at the county level rather than city level. Tempe genealogy researchers use the same county system that serves Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and other Maricopa County cities.

The closest Maricopa County vital records office for Tempe residents is the East Valley location at 331 E. Coury Avenue in Mesa. The main Phoenix office at 1645 E. Roosevelt Street is also not far. Phone number for all locations is 602-506-6805. Same day service is often available when you visit in person.

Office hours run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday hours start at 9 a.m. Certified copies cost $20 each. Non-certified copies for genealogy research cost $5. The county accepts cash, money orders, cashier's checks, and credit or debit cards.

Tempe History Museum Archives

The Tempe History Museum holds a valuable collection for genealogy researchers. The archives contain nearly 50,000 cataloged photographs and historic documents. These materials document Tempe families and community life over many decades.

You might find photos of ancestors who lived in Tempe. The collection includes images of early settlers, businesses, schools, and community events. Historic documents may mention family members in various contexts. Contact archivist Josh Roffler at 480-350-5176 for help with your research.

The Arizona Memory Project shown above also contains Tempe historical materials that may help with genealogy.

Tempe City Clerk Office

The Tempe City Clerk handles city administrative matters but not vital records. The clerk manages elections, city council records, and public records requests for city operations. For birth certificates, death records, or marriage licenses, contact Maricopa County offices.

The Tempe City Clerk office is at 31 E. Fifth Street in Tempe. The phone number is 480-350-4311. Email is clerk@tempe.gov. The city uses JustFOIA for handling public records requests about city operations.

Tempe has a long history in the Phoenix area. Charles Trumbull Hayden founded the community in 1871. Arizona State University, originally called Tempe Normal School, opened in 1885. Early residents included farmers, ranchers, and merchants who served the growing college town.

Tempe Marriage Records

Marriage licenses for Tempe couples come from the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court. Under ARS 25-121, couples must apply in person at a county clerk office. The Southeast clerk office at 222 E. Javelina in Mesa is close to Tempe. The downtown Phoenix office at 601 W. Jackson Street is another option.

The marriage license fee is $98. Certified copies of existing marriage records cost $43.50, or $35.50 with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Arizona residents can start the application online before visiting to complete it. Phone for marriage license info is 602-372-5375.

Tempe Property and Land Records

The Maricopa County Recorder maintains property deeds, land records, and 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 ancestors owned homes and land in Tempe. Deeds list buyer and seller names, property descriptions, and dates. Land records can reveal family connections when property passed between generations. Tempe grew from a small farming community into a college city. Records might show ancestors buying land that is now part of ASU or downtown Tempe.

Arizona Genealogy Resources for Tempe

Arizona offers a free genealogy database at genealogy.az.gov. Search birth and death certificate images at no cost. Birth records older than 75 years and death records older than 50 years are included. This covers all of Maricopa County including Tempe.

The Arizona State Archives in Phoenix has additional materials. Collections include court records, naturalization papers, prison records, voter rolls, and probate files. Arizona residents get free Ancestry access from the archives. The Arizona Historical Society has a research center in Tempe at Papago Park with manuscripts, photographs, and oral histories.

Tempe Court Records for Genealogy

Court records go beyond vital statistics. The Arizona eAccess portal provides 24/7 online access to Maricopa County court records. Search civil cases, criminal records, probate files, and family court matters.

Probate records are very useful for genealogy. When someone died, probate court handled their estate. Files list heirs, family members, and property distribution. Divorce records show children and asset divisions. Certified copies cost $35 each.

Nearby Tempe Genealogy Resources

Tempe sits in the East Valley. Other cities nearby use the same Maricopa County offices for vital records. If your ancestors moved around the metro area, the same county system helps track them.

Neighboring cities include Phoenix to the west, Scottsdale to the north, and Mesa to the east. Chandler and Gilbert are to the south. All are in Maricopa County.

For southern Arizona ancestors, check Tucson in Pima County.

Note: The Arizona Historical Society Tempe location offers additional local genealogy resources.