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WHO MAY APPLY TO RECORD A DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP ON THE REGISTRY?

Unmarried persons participating in a domestic partnership who meet the criteria established in the ordinance may apply. The registry is gender-neutral and applies to same-sex and opposite-sex partnerships.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERING A DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP?

• Both partners must reside within the City of Phoenix and share a common residence
• Both individuals are in a committed relationship and share responsibility for each other’s common welfare
• Neither individual is married to any third party
• Neither partner is part of an existing domestic partnership or civil union with any third party
• Each individual is at least 18 years old and competent to enter into a contract
• The individual partners are not related to one another by blood closer than would bar marriage in the State of Arizona

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR REGISTERING A DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP?

Two individuals seeking to become domestic partners must complete and file a declaration of domestic partnership in person with the City Clerk Department. The Declaration of Domestic Partnership must be completed, affirmed, and signed by both applicants at 200 West Washington Street, 15th Floor. There is no additional fee for notary services provided by the City Clerk Department.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I BRING TO REGISTER MY DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP?

Each applicant must provide a valid photo ID issued by a government agency within the United States that provides name, date of birth, height, weight, and hair and eye color.

IS THERE A COST FOR REGISTERING?

Yes. There is a non-refundable administrative fee of $50.

WHAT DOCUMENTATION WILL WE RECEIVE AFTER REGISTERING?

Registered domestic partners will each receive a copy of the completed Declaration of Domestic Partnership document with the official City of Phoenix seal.

DOES THE CITY OF PHOENIX ACCEPT DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP REGISTRATIONS FROM OTHER STATES OR CITIES?

No.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS PROVIDED BY THE ORDINANCE FOR DOMESTIC PARTNERS?

The sole benefit granted by the ordinance is the right to visitation with a domestic partner in any health care facility located within the City of Phoenix, notwithstanding any rights granted through other legal documents that may have been executed by the partners. The visitation rights are subject to any restrictions that apply to all visitors established by the health care facility.

ARE OTHER GOVERNMENT ENTITIES, EMPLOYERS, BUSINESSES OR OTHER PARTIES REQUIRED TO RECOGNIZE THE PARTNERSHIP AS A RESULT OF THE REGISTRATION?

No. The registration may, or may not, be accepted by other entities for the purpose of recognizing the domestic partnership that exists between the parties.

CAN THE VISITATION BENEFIT PROVIDED BY THE ORDINANCE BE OBTAINED THROUGH MEANS OTHER THAN THE DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRY?

Yes. Such rights can be granted through the execution of a Medical Power of Attorney and are generally recognized by health care facilities. However, the City of Phoenix cannot provide legal advice concerning domestic partnerships. Applicants should seek legal counsel to determine the appropriate avenue for granting these rights to a domestic partner.

CAN DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS REGISTRATIONS BE TERMINATED?

Yes. You may contact the City Clerk’s office and request that a Notice of Termination form be sent to you. You will need to complete the form, have it notarized and return it to the City Clerk either in person or by mail. The City Clerk will process your request and return to you the original copy stamped with the official seal of the City of Phoenix. It is your responsibility to forward a copy to the person with whom you are terminating the domestic partner relationship. There is NO FEE to file a Notice of Termination.

CAN A PERSON WHO WAS PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED FILE SUBSEQUENT APPLICATIONS WITH A NEW PARTNER?

Yes, provided the previous partnership registration has been terminated.

HOW LONG MUST THE PARTNERSHIP HAVE BEEN IN EXISTENCE BEFORE THE PARTNERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER?

The City has no requirement related to the length of the relationship prior to registering. However, both parties must affirm that they are in a committed partnership and share responsibility for each other’s common welfare.

IS THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THE REGISTRATION FORM AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC?

As a governmental subdivision of the State, the City is subject to comply with State Public Records law that allows public access to these records upon request. The City will not maintain personally identifying information such as birth dates, addresses, or phone numbers as part of this registry.

WHERE CAN I OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE DOMESTIC PARTNER REGISTRY?

Law Department (602) 262-6761
City Clerk Department (602) 262-6811