Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records
Maryland · Vital Records
health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/death.aspxState 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.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •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
- •Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (or a signed statement and two documents showing name and current address, such as a utility bill, bank statement or lease)
- •Entitlement documents: a birth or marriage certificate for a relative, letters of administration, a relative's release authorization, a court order, or business-need papers
- •Completed and signed application
State Vital Records in Maryland: key facts
What Maryland says9
- Administering office
Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records.1
- Office location and hours
6764B Reisterstown Road (rear of Reisterstown Road Plaza), Baltimore, MD 21215. By appointment only, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.1
- Mail orders
Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036.1
- Certificate fee
$10 for the first certified copy; $12 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1
- Processing time
6 weeks for mail orders (temporarily increased). Expedited: 3 weeks with expedited shipping (online orders); same day at the DVR lobby.1
- Who may order
Surviving relatives; Authorized representative; A beneficiary of the deceased, or a person establishing an estate in the deceased's name; Funeral director in charge of final disposition; An insurer or benefits payer, a creditor, or a person proving death to transfer property with clear title.1
A person with a subpoena, a party to litigation over the death, or a government official who documents the need.1
- Filing deadline
The death certificate must be filed within 3 days.2
- Public record
Death records become public 10 years after the death.1
- Records available from
2012. For deaths prior to 2012, contact Maryland State Archives.1
Governing law: Md. Code, Health-General Art. § 4-212
Maryland vital records offices
Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in Maryland
Free tools for settling an estate in Maryland: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Maryland, certified death certificates come from the Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital RecordsMaryland Department of Health - Division of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $10Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $12Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Maryland: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysET §§ 7-201, 7-202, 7-203Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsMd. Code, Est. & Trusts §§ 7-103, 7-103.1, 8-103, 8-104, 8-105, 8-107Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
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