State Vital Records in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Maryland. 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
Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records
State Vital Records in Maryland: key facts
- Administering office
- Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records.
- Mail orders
- Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036.
- Certificate fee
- $10 for the first certified copy; $12 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing time
- 6 weeks for mail orders (temporarily increased). Expedited: 3 weeks with expedited shipping (online orders); same day at the DVR lobby.
- Who may order
- Surviving relatives (with proof of relationship); Authorized representative (with Letter of Administration); Funeral director in charge of final disposition; Those with business need or court order.
- Filing deadline
- The death certificate must be filed within 3 days.
- Public record
- Death records become public 10 years after the death.
- Records available from
- 2012. For deaths prior to 2012, contact Maryland State Archives.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in Maryland — 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 - only authorized online vendor
- By mail: Mail application with photocopies of ID, entitlement documentation, fee, and self-addressed stamped envelope
- In person: Visit Division of Vital Records lobby by appointment only, or some local health departments
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- Valid photo ID
- Proof of relationship (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, or Obituary)
- Authorization if representing a relative
- Allow the office's processing time (6 weeks for mail orders (temporarily increased)); expedited handling is available.
Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
by mail: Mail application with photocopies of ID, entitlement documentation, fee, and self-addressed stamped envelope. in person: Visit Division of Vital Records lobby by appointment only, or some local health departments. Mail orders go to Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036.
The death certificate must be filed within 3 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.
Valid photo ID; Proof of relationship (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, or Obituary); Authorization if representing a relative. 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 Maryland primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records