How Do I Get a Death Certificate in Maryland?

Use our free calculator to determine how many certified death certificates to order based on your specific situation, and see exactly what it will cost in your state.

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Death certificate requirements and fees vary by state and are subject to change. This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available data. Contact your state vital records office for current pricing and availability.Data verified 2026-04-21

Frequently Asked Questions

In Maryland, the first certified copy costs $10, with additional copies at $12 each when ordered at the same time. Copies ordered together cost less than placing separate orders later. The estate settlement plan outlines each account and institution that typically requires a certified copy.

Death certificates in Maryland are issued by the Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records. Online ordering is available through VitalChek. Most funeral homes also assist families with ordering certificates at the time of death.

Standard processing in Maryland takes 4 weeks for mail orders (experiencing backlog). Funeral homes typically handle initial certificate orders at the time of death.

In Maryland, death certificates can be requested by: Surviving relatives (with proof of relationship), Authorized representative (with Letter of Administration), Beneficiaries, Those with business need or court order. Requesters typically need to provide Valid photo ID and Proof of relationship (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, or Obituary).

The Maryland Department of Health - Division of Vital Records has death records from 2012 to present. For deaths prior to 2012, contact Maryland State Archives Records become public 75 years after the date of death.

The number of certified copies depends on the deceased's accounts and assets. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and retirement plans each typically require an original certified copy. Most families need between 8 and 15 copies. The Maryland estate settlement plan lists each step of the estate settlement process to help determine the right number.

Death Certificates in Maryland

Most families underestimate how many certified death certificates they need. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and financial institutions each typically require an original certified copy with a raised seal. The first copy costs $10 and additional copies cost $12 each when ordered together — significantly less than placing separate orders later.

Estate settlement in Maryland begins with notifying banks, insurers, and government agencies — each requiring a certified copy. The probate timeline starts at 6 months for simple estates, with a 6 months creditor claim window. Delays in obtaining certificates can extend this timeline further.

The Maryland estate settlement plan walks through every step from obtaining death certificates to final distribution. For a full breakdown of probate fees and timeline, see the probate cost calculator.