Less than 25 percent of Americans have expressed their thoughts in writing about how they wish to be cared for at the end of life. Most people avoid the subject. Planning ahead by completing an advance directive helps you make thoughtful choices about your future care and will ease the stress on your family and loved ones.

Congratulations on taking the first step by completing an advance directive document.

Instructions to register an Advance Directive:

1. Print a copy of the Registration Agreement
    This form is in pdf. Requires a free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

2. Read the Registration Agreement carefully, and fill in all the blank spaces.

3. Attach a copy of your witnessed or notarized Advance Directive to the Registration Agreement.

Do not send your original advance directive forms.

The copy of your advance directive forms must be legible and clearly readable.

4. Sign and date the Registration Agreement and return in person or by mail to:

Arizona Advance Directive Registry
Arizona Secretary of State
1700 W. Washington Street – 7th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85007

5. When the printed record of the registration is returned by mail, review it for accuracy. Depending on the accuracy of the record, check the appropriate box marking either “no corrections required” or “the information is not correct”. Sign the form and return it to the Secretary of State's Office.

6. The Secretary of State's Office will not activate your registration until a verification form marked “no corrections required” is received.

7. Keep the wallet card with your file number and password handy. Share your password with your appointed medical power of attorney, with your doctor and the hospital or clinic where you receive medical care.

If you have further questions, please contact the Office of the Arizona Secretary of State: 602-542-6187 or 800-458-5842.