State Vital Records in Maine
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital Statistics issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Maine. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.
Administering agency
Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital Statistics
State Vital Records in Maine: key facts
- Administering office
- Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital Statistics.
- Contact
- Phone 207-287-1919.
- Office location
- 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME. 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
- Certificate fee
- $15 for the first certified copy; $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing time
- 5-7 business days for mail orders.
- Who may order
- Person with direct and legitimate interest; Family members demonstrating lineage.
- Filing deadline
- No fixed deadline. Maine sets no hour count — the certificate must be filed "within a reasonable period of time, as specified by department rule" (22 M.R.S. § 2842), and the rules set no hour or day figure. A completed certificate is required before the burial-transit permit issues, and the registrar investigates if none is received within 21 days.
- Public record
- Death records become public 25 years after the death.
- Records available from
- 1892.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in Maine — the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
- Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
- Online: Order through VitalChek with additional expedite fee
- By phone: Call VitalChek at 1-877-523-2659
- By mail: Mail request with check/money order. Include copy of photo ID and self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow 5-7 business days
- In person: Walk-in at DRVS office in Augusta or participating municipal offices statewide
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- Acceptable photo ID
- Proof of lineage/interest depending on record requested
- Allow the office's processing time (5-7 business days for mail orders).
Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital Statistics
Phone: 207-287-1919
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
by phone: Call VitalChek at 1-877-523-2659. by mail: Mail request with check/money order. Include copy of photo ID and self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow 5-7 business days. in person: Walk-in at DRVS office in Augusta or participating municipal offices statewide. The office is at 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME.
No fixed deadline. Maine sets no hour count — the certificate must be filed "within a reasonable period of time, as specified by department rule" (22 M.R.S. § 2842), and the rules set no hour or day figure. A completed certificate is required before the burial-transit permit issues, and the registrar investigates if none is received within 21 days. The funeral director or person in charge of disposition files the certificate with the state; the family orders certified copies once the record is registered.
Acceptable photo ID; Proof of lineage/interest depending on record requested. The office also asks for the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death to locate the record.
The record belongs to the state where the death occurred, not the state of residence. Order from the state of death, following its fees and eligibility rules.
Sources
Data sourced from State Vital Records in Maine primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital Statistics