Vital Records Online (VRO) is a safe, secure, and simple US-based service for ordering Maryland vital records online. With VRO, you can quickly obtain your Maryland birth, death, and marriage certificates online. Your vital records will be delivered safely to your address, and your private information is guaranteed to remain confidential.
Summary:
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) began in 1792 (Chapter 56, Acts of 1793). In 1797, after Baltimore was incorporated as a city, the State’s first local health department emerged.
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) – Division of Vital Records (VR) issues certified copies of Maryland birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for events in Maryland. Vital records in Maryland become open to the public after a statutory confidentiality period passes – 100 years for birth records. Individuals may request their birth certificates along with parents, guardians, spouses, and legal representatives. A surviving relative, an authorized individual, the funeral director who handles the final disposition, or a legal representative may order the death certificate. Marriage records and death certificates in Maryland are public.
If you are doing family tree research, the Vital Records Office can help, or you can try many public archives. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start Your Application Online for MD Vital Records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Obtain marriage records for yourself or a family member.
Get an original copy of a death certificate replacement for a lost record.
Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates are essential for various life events, including marriage, enrolling in school, joining the military, or traveling. These records can prove your identity, citizenship, and family relationships. They can also be valuable in settling legal disputes, claiming inheritances, and conducting genealogical research. Vital records provide essential details about your ancestors, including their full names, birth and death dates, and locations.
In case you have lost a birth, marriage, or death certificate, it is advisable to file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible. Additionally, you can find more helpful information about vital records in the birth, death, and marriage certificate FAQs.
You have multiple options to order Maryland vital records. You can order them online, in person, or via mail. Because vital records are maintained at the county and state levels, each county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records that occur within its jurisdiction. To find the specific county’s vital record issuing agency, refer to the complete list of Maryland’s County vital record agencies. The list provides locations, contact information, and access to online applications for requesting birth, death, and marriage certificates. The application process may vary by county, with some offering in-person applications by appointment only.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Maryland, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting the Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Maryland residents have multiple ways to request vital records from their home state, including online, in-person (walk-ins), or by mailing. Online requests are often the most reliable and sometimes the only option available. The Maryland Department of Health – Division of Vital Records produces and certifies copies of vital records if the requirements are met, and the detailed instructions for each birth, death, and marriage certificate are followed. Each type of vital record has conditions; once you understand them, the process becomes straightforward. The type of certificate needed and the ordering method also impact the associated costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times.
Whether you order online, by mail, or in person, it is essential to thoroughly study the steps and conditions before requesting a certified vital record copy from the MDH-DVR. Ensure you send your documents, application, and payment to the correct vital record location that produces certified copies of the original records.
Ordering Maryland Vital Records online is quick, effortless, and involves two simple steps.
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
If you meet the eligibility requirements as an authorized person, you can apply to order a Maryland birth, death, or marriage certificate online. Before starting the process, be certain you possess the required documents and have them ready for upload during the secure online application.
Vital Records Online provides a simplified system that helps you quickly collect and generate the necessary documents. It also directs you to the correct application and submits your packet to the health department’s vital records office, which issues the certified record. The application can be efficiently completed from any device with an internet connection, and the entire process can be finished in as little as five minutes. By following this process, you can avoid application rejections due to common mistakes or missing documents.
✔︎ First-Class mail tracking is included with every online application.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ If required, a notarized sworn statement is included when ordering a Maryland birth, death, or marriage certificate through VRO.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and providing an online notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
Applying in person is feasible for those who reside within travel distance to the state health department office that issues certified copies of the original vital records. However, be mindful to confirm the office’s hours of operation and whether they are open to the public for walk-ins. You can apply online more efficiently or by mail if you don’t reside near one of these offices.
If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
Each type of certificate defines specific requirements regarding who is eligible to request a certified replacement. Vital Records Online can help simplify the process and reduce mistakes, leading to quicker processing time.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents, we recommend purchasing mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Before gathering the documents for your vital record application, it is crucial to understand the conditions and requirements involved.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
To order certified copies of Maryland vital records, applicants must provide the necessary information and documents to prove their identity. The Maryland Department of Health – Division of Vital Records accepts a driver’s license, state-issued photo ID, or passport as valid forms of identification. If the ID expires in less than six months, it can be submitted with an additional secondary form of ID. If a valid ID is unavailable, two pieces of alternative documentation must be provided, with at least one containing the current mailing address. In cases where an acceptable form of ID cannot be provided, getting the application notarized may be required. It is important to note that verification of identity with a valid, government-issued ID or two secondary forms of identity accepted by the MDH-DVR is mandatory for certified birth certificates. Driver’s licenses or state photo IDs are generally acceptable for most types of vital records requests.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Maryland?
The Maryland Department of Health – Division of Vital Records (MDH-DVR) has specific conditions and requirements for each type of certificate and personal circumstance. Carefully review the eligibility details and requirements for obtaining certified replacements for Maryland birth, death, and marriage records.
An authorized representative of a surviving relative of the deceased will need documentation such as:
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
What Information is Required to Apply for Vital Records in Maryland?
When applying for a vital record in Maryland, applicants must provide key identifying information related to the record type. This may include names, dates, locations, and other relevant details to ensure accurate identification and processing of the request.
Who can request vital records in Maryland?
The person on record can request a certified copy of their vital records, but they must provide proof of identity when making the request. If you need to request a birth, death, or marriage certificate on someone else’s behalf, review the eligibility requirements to ensure you are authorized. The eligibility of third parties varies depending on the type of certificate. Authorized third-party applicants can refer to the table below for birth and death certificates. Third parties can only legally request a copy of a vital record permitted by the Maryland MDH-DVR, such as family members or a legal representative of the individual on record. Generally, the Maryland MDH-DVR allows a third party to legally request a copy of the vital record as long as they have a familial or legal relationship to the individual on record and provide proof of it.
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The MDH-DVR does not require applicants to obtain notarized statements when requesting certified copies of their birth or marriage certificates. For death certificates, immediate family members of the individual on record do not need notarizations, regardless of whether the request is made online, by mail, or in person. However, authorized representatives must provide either a court order or a notarized statement signed by a person named on record.
The MDH-DVR may require notarized statements for record amendments. Individuals with a “direct, tangible interest,” such as family members or legal representatives, can only obtain certified death certificates. An online notary is included with your order when ordering through Vital Records Online.
❗️ A Notarized sworn statement may be required under the following circumstances:
You can find more information about unique circumstances that may require a notary with your application on the MDH-DVR website at https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/certs.aspx. If you choose to use a local public notary, you will need to bring your ID to create the required document. It is important to note that notaries may be necessary for apostilles, corrections, or amendments to vital records under certain conditions. For further details on these conditions, please refer to the other FAQs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document using a local public notary.
When replacing vital records, the costs will depend on the fees set by the Maryland Department of Health – Division of Vital Records (MDH-DVR) for each type of certificate. It’s important to be aware of these fees and costs when applying for replacement vital records to ensure a smooth and successful process. The total cost may also be influenced by how you submit your application and whether a notary is required to prove your identity.
To order vital record replacements from Maryland, the fees are $10.00 per copy for a birth record, $12.00 per copy for a marriage certificate, $10.00 per copy for a death certificate, and $12.00 per copy for additional death certificate copies.
The online Application Filing Service provided by Vital Records Online starts at $29, which includes automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested in the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Maryland?
Processing and replacement times for birth, death, or marriage certificates may vary. Check the current processing and delivery times, which can be found in the table below. The method you choose to submit your application and documents can also impact the overall time it takes to receive your vital record by mail. By ordering through Vital Records Online, you can simplify the process of gathering documents and submitting your application packet, with the option to expedite your order for faster processing. It is worth noting that these times are subject to change based on the volume of requests received by the MDH-DVR.
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by the MDH-DVR may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
After submitting your application through Vital Records Online, you can easily track the progress of your order and monitor its processing status by visiting the order monitoring page. You can track your application packet to the Maryland Department of Health – Division of Vital Records using the prepaid mail postage provided with your order. If you choose to send the application packet manually, it is advisable to purchase first-class mail tracking to ensure its safe arrival. It is important to note that the Maryland MDH-DVR ships all vital records via USPS first-class mail for enhanced security. However, they cannot be held responsible for misdirected or lost certificates. If your birth certificate is lost, it is crucial to report it immediately. To safeguard your personal information, it is essential to avoid any minor errors or typos that could result in the delivery of your documents to the incorrect address.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Maryland counties office locations directory.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
An Apostille is required when a vital record needs to be filed with a foreign government. Apostilles can be ordered through the Secretary of State or Vital Records Online in Maryland-issued vital records. Vital Records Online offers reliable apostille services across all 50 US states and is acknowledged by various governments and organizations with legal validity in over 100 countries. Their service covers apostilles for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates, all with professional assistance.
VRO Postille Express service starts at $149 (plus government fees); the entire process can be conveniently completed online in just three steps:
Under most circumstances, acquiring a physical rendition of your papers isn’t necessary, allowing you to complete the procedure online. Once your apostille documentation is complete, it will be dispatched through FedEx or DHL. The delivery will arrive at your doorstep regardless of your location, whether in the US or elsewhere, as they rely on reliable courier services for global delivery.
If you are having certifications done by mail, make sure to include your check or money order, a note stating in which country the documents will be used, and how to contact you if there are any questions concerning your documents. Also, provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope or prepaid express delivery service, such as FedEx or UPS.
To request an apostille manually, you will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Maryland Department of Health – Division of Vital Records (MDH-DVR) at the following addresses:
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Office of the Secretary of State,
16 Francis Street,
Annapolis, MD 21401
For standard mail, use the following address:
Office of the Secretary of State,
16 Francis Street,
Annapolis, MD 21401
In Person (Walk-in) Address:
16 Francis Street, Wineland Building,
Annapolis, MD 21401
You can reach the office at (410) 974-5521 or https://sos.maryland.gov/Certifications/Pages/default.aspx.
The MDH-DVR provides a straightforward process for correcting or amending birth certificates, marriage certificates, or a family member’s death certificate as authorized by law. An amendment is necessary when a vital record needs to be changed, and different forms are required based on the specific information that needs to be amended. Supplemental changes are added as addendums to the original vital record, but the original document cannot be altered by any entity. It is important to note that the requirements for requesting changes or amendments vary depending on the type of vital record that needs to be changed. In certain cases, obtaining a court order may be necessary, which often requires the assistance of an attorney.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Finding free public records can be complicated, but many vital records in Maryland are freely and readily available to the public. Maryland death certificates are made public after 10 years. Maryland birth certificates are made public after 100 years. You can search through Maryland’s archives of birth, marriage, and divorce records to find the information you want, but be prepared to devote substantial time reviewing records.
Are Maryland Vital Records Open to the Public?
Maryland Vital Records are open to the public, although access may vary depending on the record type and year of the event. Third-party websites can help research specific types of vital records, but it’s important to note that the data on these sites may differ from official government records. When searching on a third-party website, you’ll typically need to provide the location of the record (city, county, or state) and the name of the person listed on the record (if applicable). Maryland residents can inspect or obtain copies of public vital records under the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA).
To locate a record on a third-party website, the requester needs to provide the following details:
You can check the document’s appearance to ensure you have the official certified copy of your birth, death, or marriage certificate. Each state, county, and municipality issues unique designs for their vital records. A stamp or large print can identify informational copies of vital records on the document stating “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar. To verify if your certificate is a certified copy, you can refer to the official, certified documents in the county where it was issued.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies of vital records are authorized and considered legal documents suitable for official identification purposes. Certified copies are provided only to individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the document. On the other hand, informational copies are not accepted as proof of identity.
Informational Copy:
Uncertified copies of birth or marriage certificates are not official legal documents, also known as short-form, unofficial (non-certified), heirloom, or commemorative certificates. They are intended for display or personal reference and cannot be used for official purposes such as establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. However, they can be used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research.
In Maryland, the Department of Health offers uncertified copies of certificates in the archives. Uncertified copies of archived birth certificates are available for births before 1925, and uncertified copies of archived death certificates are available for deaths before 2014. These uncertified copies can only be obtained by authorized individuals with approved identification.
It’s important to note that citizens have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records in compliance with the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA). The eligibility criteria for obtaining uncertified copies from the archives may vary depending on the year the original certificate was created.
Please refer to the following links for more information and to request uncertified copies from the archives:
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Maryland government website at https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/certs.aspx
