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 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
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Acceptable photo ID
  • •Proof of lineage/interest depending on record requested
4
Allow the office's processing time (5-7 business days for mail orders).

State Vital Records in Maine: key facts

What Maine says8

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

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; Family members demonstrating lineage.1

Filing deadline

No fixed deadline.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. 13, § 1032; Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 13, § 1142; 10-146 C.M.R. ch. 1; 10-146 C.M.R. ch. 11)

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
Verified Sep 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 Sep 1, 2026View source; the first copy costs $15Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital StatisticsVerified Sep 1, 2026View source, additional copies $6Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Data, Research, and Vital StatisticsVerified Sep 1, 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 Sep 15, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.

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