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What are Maryland Vital Records?
Vital records in Maryland are the official records of all births, death, marriages, and divorces in the state of Maryland. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Division of Vital Records (DVR) maintains birth, death, and marriage records dated 2007 to the present and divorce records from 1992 to the present. For events before these dates, you will need to contact the Maryland county circuit court where the event occurred, the Maryland county health department where the event occurred, or the Maryland State Archives.
How Can I Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Maryland?
Maryland birth certificates are confidential; so only the following persons may obtain a certified copy:
- The registrant, if at least 18 years of age.
- The parent, legal guardian, and surviving spouse of the registrant.
- A representative of one of the above, with a letter signed by that person and certified by a notary public stating that the representative has permission to obtain a copy of the certificate.
- Anyone with a court order.
You will need to complete the Application for Certified Copy of Maryland Birth Record.
You can submit your application and obtain a certified copy of a Maryland birth certificate online, by mail, or in person.
Maryland uses VitalChek for online orders. VitalChek accepts all major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The cost for each certified copy of a Maryland birth certificate is $10. Online orders incur an additional fee of $11.75 plus $18.50 for expedited shipping.
You may obtain a certified copy of a Maryland birth certificate by mailing your completed application, along with a check or money order payable to the Division of Vital Records in the correct amount ($10, plus $10 for each additional copy), a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a copy of your valid photo ID to:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
You may also contact the office at (410) 764-3038 or (800) 832-3277.
You may obtain a certified copy of a Maryland birth certificate in person at the Division of Vital Records, 6764 B Reistertown Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21215. You will need to schedule an appointment online or by calling (410) 767-6500 or (877) 463-3464.
Some certificates may be obtained at some Maryland county health departments.
How Can I Get a Copy of a Death Certificate in Maryland?
Maryland death records are confidential. Only the following persons may obtain a copy:
- A surviving spouse of the decedent.
- An adult child or grandchild of the decedent.
- A parent or grandparent of the decedent.
- A sibling, aunt, or uncle of the decedent.
- An authorized representative of the decedent.
- The funeral director of the decedent.
- Anyone with a court order.
You will need to submit a completed Application for Certified Copy of Maryland Death Record.
You can submit your application and obtain a certified copy of a Maryland death certificate online, by mail, or in person.
Maryland uses VitalChek when you order online. You may visit www.vitalchek.com for complete information. VitalChek accepts all major credit cards and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The cost for certified copies of Maryland death certificates is $10. Online orders incur an additional fee of $11.75 plus $18.50 for expedited shipping.
You may obtain a certified copy of a Maryland death certificate by mailing your completed application, along with a check or money order payable to the Division of Vital Records in the correct amount ($10 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy), a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a copy of your valid photo ID to:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
You may also contact the vital records office at (410) 764-3038 or (800) 832-3277.
You may obtain a certified copy of a Maryland death certificate in person at the Division of Vital Records, 6764 B Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21215. The accessibility of walk-in service is by appointment only. You may schedule an appointment online or by calling (410) 767-6500 or (877) 463-3464.
Some certificates may be obtained at some Maryland county local health departments.
How Can I Get a Copy of a Maryland Marriage Certificate?
Maryland marriage certificates are confidential and can only be obtained by the following persons:
- The married parties.
- A representative of either or both married parties, with a notarized statement of one of the parties giving permission.
- An attorney of either spouse with proof of representation.
- Anyone with a court order.
You will need to complete an Application for Certified Copy of Maryland Marriage Record.
You can submit your application and obtain a certified copy of a Maryland marriage certificate online, by mail, or in person.
Maryland uses VitalChek for online orders. VitalChek accepts all major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The cost for each certified copy of a Maryland marriage certificate is $12. Online orders incur an additional fee of $11.75 plus $18.50 for expedited shipping.
You may obtain a certified copy of a Maryland marriage certificate by mailing your completed application, along with a check or money order payable to the Division of Vital Records in the correct amount ($12 for each copy), a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a copy of your valid photo ID to:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
You may also contact the vital statistics administration at (410) 764-3038 or (800) 832-3277.
You may obtain a certified copy of a Maryland marriage certificate in person at the Division of Vital Records, 6764 B Reistertown Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21215. You will need to schedule an appointment online or by calling (410) 767-6500 or (877) 463-3464.
Some certificates may be obtained at some Maryland county health departments.
How Can I Get a Copy of a Divorce Record in Maryland?
Maryland divorce verifications may only be obtained by the following persons:
- The divorcing parties.
- A representative of either or both divorced parties, with a notarized statement of one of the parties giving permission.
- An attorney of either party with proof of representation.
- Anyone with a court order.
You will need to submit a completed Maryland Application for Verification of Divorce Record.
You can submit your application and obtain a certified copy of a Maryland divorce verification online, by mail, or in person.
Maryland uses VitalChek for online orders. VitalChek accepts all major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The cost for each certified copy of a Maryland divorce verification is $12. Online orders incur an additional fee of $11.75 plus $18.50 for expedited shipping.
You may obtain a certified copy of a Maryland divorce certificate by mailing your completed application, along with a check or money order payable to the Division of Vital Records in the correct amount ($12 for each copy), a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a copy of your valid photo ID to:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
You may also contact the office at (410) 764-3038 or (800) 832-3277.
You may obtain a certified copy of a Maryland divorce certificate in person at the Division of Vital Records, 6764 B Reistertown Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21215. You will need to schedule an appointment online or by calling (410) 767-6500 or (877) 463-3464.
Some certificates may be obtained at some Maryland county health departments.
The Maryland State Archives office also maintains many older Maryland vital records. You may visit this government agency at 350 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21401. They may also be reached at (410) 260-6400.