Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital Statistics

Maine · Vital Records

maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/vital-records/request-documents

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.

Steps to takeKey facts

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Confirm the death occurred in Maine; the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
2
Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
  • •Online: Order through VitalChek, the DRVS online partner; VitalChek charges a processing fee per order
  • •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 the municipal office where the death occurred or where the decedent lived
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Completed Application for a Vital Record
  • •Driver's license, passport or other government-issued photo ID, or photocopies of two listed secondary documents
  • •Proof of lineage or direct and legitimate interest when the applicant is not on the record
  • •Self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests
4
Allow the office's processing time (5-7 business days for mail orders).

State Vital Records in Maine: key facts

What Maine says9

Administering office

Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital Statistics.1

Office location and hours

220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME. 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.1

Mail orders

11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011.1

Certificate fee

$15 for the first certified copy; $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1

Processing time

5-7 business days for mail orders.1

Who may order

Person with direct and legitimate interest (22 M.R.S. § 2706); Spouse or registered domestic partner; Family members demonstrating lineage (descendants, grandparents, siblings, step-relatives, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws); Guardian, or attorney or agent of the family; A minor's living parent.1

Person needing the record for property rights, insurance, Social Security, a creditor or a vehicle title (with documentation).1

Filing deadline

The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.2

Public record

Death records become public 25 years after the death.1

Records available from

1892.1

Governing law: Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 2843

Sources2

  1. 1.Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital Statistics
  2. 2.Maine death-certificate filing rule (Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 2843; Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 2842; Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 22, § 2846; Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 13, § 1032; Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 13, § 1142; Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 13, § 1181; 10-146 C.M.R. ch. 1; 10-146 C.M.R. ch. 5)

Maine vital records offices

Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital Statistics

Phone

207-287-1919

Hours

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Mailing address

11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Verified Oct 2026

Tools for Settling an Estate in Maine

Free tools for settling an estate in Maine: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

In Maine, certified death certificates come from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital StatisticsMaine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $15Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $6Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.

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How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Maine: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 days18-C MRSA §§ 3-706, 3-707, 3-708Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 months18-C MRS §§ 3-801, 3-803, 3-805, 3-806Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.

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