Maryland Vital Records Search

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What are Maryland Vital Records?

In Maryland, vital records include birth, death, adoption, stillbirth, marriage, and divorce records. The Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration is the government agency in charge of collecting, storing, preserving, and issuing vital records. The Vital Statistics Office allows you to request copies of vital records through the mail, in person, and online, via fax, and phone using the VitalChek service. Many vital records are private, and not just anyone can get a copy of yours, usually only close family members and legal personnel.

Maryland Birth Records

Maryland has birth records going back to the 1600s. However, the state has officially been keeping track of birth records since 1898. The Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration is the state's government agency in charge of all birth records. They issue certified copies of birth records in person, through the mail, or online using the VitalChek service. Some uses for a certified copy of a birth certificate include applying for passports or driver's licenses, social services, school enrollment, and other legal purposes where you need to verify your identity. Birth records remain private in Maryland, and therefore, not just anyone can get a copy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Birth Records

How do I find birth records in Maryland?

Contact the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration to inquire about a search and copy. You will need to fill out an application and pay the fee.

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in Maryland?

The Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration allows you to visit their office to get a copy, mail in the application with payment, or use the VitalChek service to get a certified copy of your own birth certificate or someone close to you.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in Maryland?

It costs $10 per copy of a certified birth certificate if you order directly from the state. If you order through VitalChek, the cost is $11.75, and if you want expedited shipping, you must pay $18.50.

Who can request birth records?

Only the following people may get access to your birth records:

  1. An individual requesting his/her own birth certificate.
  2. A parent named on the certificate.
  3. A court-appointed guardian of the individual named on the certificate. A foster care appointment is not acceptable; proof of guardianship must be submitted.
  4. A surviving spouse of the individual named on the certificate.
  5. A representative of: (1) the individual or a parent named on the certificate; or (2) the court-appointed guardian of the individual named on the certificate. The representative must have a letter signed by the individual, parent, or guardian, and certified by a notary public, stating that the representative has permission to obtain a copy of the certificate.

What information do I need when getting a copy of my Maryland birth certificate?

When you request a copy of someone's birth certificate, including your own, you must supply the following information:

  1. The name of the person listed on the certificate.
  2. Date of birth.
  3. Current age.
  4. Place of birth.
  5. Hospital.
  6. Full maiden name of the mother.
  7. Full name of the father.
  8. Your name.
  9. Your address.
  10. Your signature.
  11. Your email address.
  12. Your relationship to the person listed on the birth record.

Where can I find historical vital records in Maryland for genealogy research?

Although the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration has most birth records, you can find even older ones with the Maryland State Archives, the Peabody Library, the Maryland Historical Society, and the Maryland State Law Library.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

Corrections to birth records may be possible, but specific laws govern what may be changed and the circumstances. You can file an affidavit to request a correction and then follow up with the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration.

Can I get a refund if my Maryland birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

Maryland Death Records

The Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration has death records dating back to 1969. Death records are held private in Maryland, and only specific people can get copies. However, the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration allows you to request death records in person, through the mail using their downloadable form and through the internet/phone/fax using the VitalChek service. When requesting copies, you will need to provide proof of ID and relationship to the deceased. Maryland death records are necessary when you apply for insurance benefits, get remarried after your spouse has died, and other situations when you need to verify your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Death Records

How do I find death records in Maryland?

You can contact the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration for current records and those dating back to 1969. For older records, you must contact the Maryland State Archives.

Are death records public in Maryland?

No. Only certain people may have access to death records in the state of Maryland.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in Maryland?

A certified copy of a death certificate in Maryland costs $10 if you get it through the state. If you order through VitalChek, the fee is $11.75 unless you want it expedited, then the cost jumps to $18.50.

How long does it take to get a copy of a Maryland death record?

If you order through the mail, you may wait 3-4 weeks. If you order through the internet using VitalChek, you can get a copy within 10-12 business days. If you order expedited shipping, the wait time drops to 5-7 days.

Who can request death records?

Death records in Maryland are private, and only the following list of people can get a copy of someone's death certificate:

  1. Surviving relative or an authorized representative of the deceased.
  2. Funeral director who was in charge of the final disposition of the body of the deceased.

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's Maryland death certificate?

When requesting a copy of someone's death certificate, you need to provide the following information:

  1. Your name.
  2. Your address.
  3. Your email address and phone number.
  4. Your signature.
  5. The name of the decedent.
  6. Date of death.
  7. Age at death.
  8. Place of death.
  9. Name of the funeral home.
  10. Reason for requesting the certificate.

You, as the requestor, must also prove your eligibility.

Where can I find historical death records in Maryland?

The Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration has death records dating back to 1969. For older records, contact the Maryland State Archives.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

The process of changing vital records is not overly complicated, but specific laws restrict what can be corrected and how. You must apply to the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration and pay a $10.

Can I get a refund if my Maryland death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

Maryland Marriage Records

The Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration has been keeping marriage records since January 1, 2007. They do issue certified copies of marriage certificates for those who qualify. Marriage records are not open to the public. Therefore, only certain people may get a copy. If you need records that are older than 2007, you must contact the Maryland county circuit court where the marriage occurred or the Maryland State Archives. To get a copy of a certified marriage record, contact the Vital Statistics Administration. That agency allows you to get copies in person, by mail, and online using the VitalChek service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Marriage Records

Are Maryland marriage records public?

No. Only certain people may gain access to your Maryland marriage records through the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration. The circuit courts also have copies older than 2007, and they may allow public access to some marriage records.

What Maryland marriage records are available?

The Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration keeps marriage records from January 1, 2007, until the present day. The county circuit courts have older records, as does the Maryland State Archives.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Maryland?

If you order through the mail, you may wait 3-4 weeks. If you order through the internet using VitalChek, you can get a copy within 10-12 business days. If you order expedited shipping, that wait time drops to 5-7 days.

How much does a Maryland marriage certificate cost?

Each Maryland marriage certificate costs $10 if you get it through the state. If you order through VitalChek, the cost is $11.75. If you want it sooner, you can order expedited shipping for $18.50.

When requesting records, what information do I need?

When requesting a copy of a marriage record, you will need the following information:

  1. Your name and signature.
  2. Your address and phone number.
  3. Your email address.
  4. Full names of both spouses.
  5. Date of marriage.
  6. Place of marriage.
  7. Person you represent.
  8. The reason for the request.

How do I get a copy of a Maryland marriage record?

Contact the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration if your marriage was after January 1, 2007. If it was before that, you must contact the circuit court in the county where you were married or the Maryland State Archives.

What if I didn't get married in Maryland?

If you were not married in Maryland, contact the county court where you were married or the vital records office in the state where you were wed.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Because marriage records are private, only certain people can get copies. The list includes:

  1. Either spouse named on the record.
  2. Representative of either spouse named on the record. (The representative must show a letter stating that s/he has permission to obtain a copy of the marriage certificate. The letter must be signed by one of the spouses and certified by a notary public).
  3. Attorney representing either spouse named on the record. (The attorney must present proof that s/he represents the spouse).

How do I correct a marriage certificate in Maryland?

You must contact the District Court in the county where the marriage took place to get a correction on a marriage certificate.

Maryland Divorce Records

The Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration has been keeping track of divorce records since January 1, 1992. This agency can verify that a divorce or annulment took place with a Verification of Divorce certificate. They do not provide divorce decrees. You would have to contact the Circuit Court that granted the divorce for those. Divorce records are kept private in Maryland, and only specific people are eligible to get a copy of verification of divorce. The Vital Statistics Administration allow you to get copies in person, through the mail, or online using VitalChek.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in Maryland?

Not though the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration. Some courts may have divorce records online, but as a law, divorce records are private in Maryland.

How do I find old divorce records?

The Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration has records dating back to January 1, 1992. If you need older records, you can contact the courthouse where the divorce was granted.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

You can easily get a copy of your own divorce certificate (verification) through the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration by mail, in person, or online using VitalChek.

Who can get a copy of my divorce certificate?

Because divorce records are confidential, only certain people can get a copy. That list includes:

  1. Either spouse named on the record.
  2. Representative of either spouse named on the record. (Note: The representative must show a letter stating that s/he has permission to obtain a copy of the Verification of Divorce. The letter must be signed by either spouse named on the record and certified by a notary public).
  3. Attorney representing either spouse named on the record (Note: The attorney must present proof that s/he represents either spouse named on the record).

Anyone requesting copies will need to provide proper ID and verify their eligibility.

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.

What if my divorce took place outside of Maryland?

If you were not divorced in Maryland, contact the state vital offices or courthouse where your divorce was granted in the state where you were divorced.

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