Are Birth Records Public in Maryland?
No, there are no public birth records in Maryland. Per MD. Code, Health - General, § 4-217, only specific persons can access birth records in the state, such as the record holders, their parents, court-appointed guardians, spouses, and legal representatives. Other vital records in Maryland, such as death, divorce, and marriage records, are also restricted to specific individuals and entities.
What are Birth Records in Maryland?
Birth records are official documents providing information about births. In Maryland, the Division of Vital Records (DVR) of the Maryland Health Department (MHD) is the official government organization that maintains birth records. They also issue certified copies of birth certificates to eligible individuals who must provide documentary evidence of their eligibility. A birth record documents vital data regarding a person’s birth, such as:
- Full name
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Full name of parents
Two forms of birth certificates are commonly requested in Maryland State. These are the certified and commemorative birth certificates. Certified birth certificates, also known as certificates of live births, are the standard options for birth records. They are used to satisfy all legal requirements for birth records and serve as valid proof of iidentity Commemorative birth certificates, in contrast, are specially designed for display purposes for persons born in Maryland. Although considered legal documents, they are used to celebrate births or honor some persons. Usually well-designed, a commemorative birth certificate features hand calligraphy on heirloom-quality paper, an embossed seal, and the governor’s signature.
A Maryland birth record is a critical part of the state’s vital statistics and is primarily used to establish a person’s age, citizenship, and identity. It is also used for a variety of legal purposes like obtaining a passport or driver’s license and helps determine eligibility for the following:
- Retirement benefits
- School enrollment
- Employment
- Social security number
- Access to Medicaid
Certified copies of Maryland birth certificates are issued on security papers with embossed government official seals to authenticate them. In contrast, informational copies of birth certificates are only used to confirm the availability of birth certificates and serve no legal purpose.
Where to Find Public Birth Records in Maryland
As mentioned earlier, the public does not have access to birth records in Maryland. Nonetheless, some older birth information is open to those who wish to conduct genealogical research. The Vital Statistics Administration of the Maryland Department of Health publishes a list of organizations that offer genealogical research services to the public. One example is the Maryland State Archives, where researchers can search public birth indexes and obtain Maryland birth records filed before 1924.
Individuals who submit a birth record query to the Vital Statistics Administration or any local health department must be legally entitled to obtain the record. Admittedly, members of the public can request public health data on vital events that occurred in Maryland, including births. They can also review public vital statistics reports published by the administration. For instance, the Maryland Vital Statistics Annual Report revealed that 68,546 live births took place in the state in 2020, a 2.3% decline compared to 2019 (70,130 births).
How to Find and Request Birth Records Online in Maryland
The Maryland Division of Vital Records (DVR) does not process online birth records requests, nor does it offer an online lookup of birth records. Qualified requesters can only make online requests through third-party vital records providers. Since most of them are not state-approved, the DVR does not guarantee the correctness of any birth record obtained through them. Also, their service or fees are not regulated by the DVR, and requesters often pay additional service charges for ordering Maryland public birth records through them. However, individuals who request birth records through these third-party online vendors can opt for an expedited service.
Considered open to citizens of the United States, public records are available through both traditional, government sources, and through third-party websites and organizations. In many cases, third-party websites make the search easier as they are not limited geographically or by technological limitations. They are considered a good place to start when looking for a specific record or multiple records. In order to gain access to these records, interested parties must typically provide:
- The name of the person listed in the record. Juveniles are typically exempt from this search method.
- The last known or assumed location of the person listed in the record. This includes cities, counties, and states.
While third-party sites offer such services, they are not government-sponsored entities, and record availability may vary on these sites when compared to government sources.
How to Get Birth Records in Maryland
Birth records are not open to public inspection in Maryland, and as such, only qualified persons can obtain certified copies of birth records. The Division of Vital Records processes mail-in and in-person birth records requests for births that occur within the state. However, requesters must provide sufficient documentary evidence to establish their eligibility, such as a valid ID or supporting documentation.
How to Get Maryland Birth Records by Mail
A requester wishing to obtain a certified copy of a birth record by mail can do so by taking the following steps:
- Download and complete the Application for Certified Copy of Maryland Birth Record
- Provide a legible copy of a valid government-issued photo ID or two supporting documentation that include name and current address
- Make payment with money order or check payable to the Division of Vital Records
- Attach a self-addressed stamped envelope
Eligible requesters can also request birth records by mail from some Local Health Departments (LHD). Requesters should, however, note that expedited shipping is not offered for mail-in requests. A completed application enclosed with all required documents and a requester’s self-addressed stamped envelope should be mailed to the Division of Vital Records.
How to Get Maryland Birth Records in Person
To make in-person requests for certified copies of birth certificates in Maryland, an eligible requester can visit the state office of the DVR in Baltimore City or a Local Health Department (LDH). In-person requests at the LDHs can be processed within the same day. A completed Application for Certified Copy of Maryland Birth Record must be submitted with a money order or check made payable to the MHD Division for Vital Records. For in-person requests, applicants must present valid government-issued IDs to enable the Division of Vital Records to process their requests. Alternatively, they may present two other supporting documentation as proof of identification if they are unable to provide valid photo IDs. At least one of these identification documents must contain requesters’ current mailing addresses. Some of these documents are:
- Pay stub
- Current car registration
- Bank statement
- Letter from a government agency requesting a vital record
- Lease/rental agreement
- Utility bill with current address
- Copy of income tax return/W-2 form
Where Can I Find Birth Records in Maryland?
The MDH Division of Vital Records houses birth records for individuals born in Maryland from August 1898 to date. It also maintains birth records for the City of Baltimore from January 1875 to the present. In Maryland, certified copies of birth records can be obtained from the following locations:
- The Division of Vital Records’ Lobby Baltimore, Maryland
- Local Health Departments (LHDs)
Aside from a birth record, an individual can also find Maryland death records, marriage certificates, and divorce certificates at the MHD and LDH offices.
The Division of Vital Records’ Lobby Baltimore, Maryland
For In-Person Requests, interested persons should submit applications for Maryland birth records at:
Division of Vital Records
Maryland Department of Health
6764B Reisterstown Road
Reisterstown Road Plaza
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Phone: (410) 764-3038
All mail-in applications to the Division of Vital Records go to:
Division of Vital Records
Department of Health
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Local Health Departments (LHDs)
Eligible requesters can generally obtain birth certificates in person from most Local Health Departments in Maryland for births that occurred after 1939. Before now, interested persons could obtain Maryland birth records in all jurisdictions. However, places like Queen Anne’s County, Montgomery County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City are currently excluded.
Can Anyone Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Maryland?
In Maryland, birth certificates are not open records, and as such, are restricted from public access. Only specific persons can obtain certified copies of birth certificates. Such persons must, however, be able to prove their eligibility. The DVR only issues certified copies of birth certificates to:
- The individual named on a birth certificate
- A parent named on the certificate
- A court-appointed guardian of the individual named on the certificate
- A surviving spouse of the individual named on the certificate
Also qualified to obtain a birth certificate in Maryland is a legal representative of any of the following persons:
- The individual named on the certificate
- A parent named on the certificate
- A court-appointed guardian of the individual named on the certificate
A legal representative must have a duly signed, notarized letter written by the individual, parent, or guardian authorizing them to obtain a copy of the birth certificate.
How Much Does a Birth Certificate Cost in Maryland?
The cost of certified copies of birth certificates in Maryland is $10 per copy, while a copy of a commemorative birth certificate costs $50 per copy. Although checks and money orders are considered acceptable forms of payment for Maryland birth records, some Local Health Departments (LHD) accept cash for in-person requests. Each LHD charges varying fees for copies of birth records. The birth certificate fee is usually waived for a current or former member of the armed forces. The same applies to their surviving spouse, children, and homeless individuals. A homeless individual must, however, provide a signed written statement from a homeless services provider in the state as proof of homelessness.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Birth Certificate in Maryland?
The processing time for a certified copy of a birth certificate in Maryland depends on the method of request. Mail-in requests are typically processed within four weeks, while online orders are processed and fulfilled in three weeks for regular shipping and two weeks for expedited shipping. Most in-person applications are concluded on the same day.
How to Get a New Birth Certificate in Maryland
Certain circumstances qualify a citizen to get a new birth certificate in Maryland from the state vital statistics office, such as adoption, legitimation, adjudication of paternity, sex change, and diagnosis of an intersex condition (MD. Code, Health - General, § 4-211).
For US adoptions, the Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records automatically sends the new birth certificate to the adoptive parent (s) for free. However, the parent must pay $10 to get certified copies of the certificate and a $12 processing fee. To obtain a new birth certificate after a foreign adoption, a parent must submit the following documents in person or by mail to the vital records administration:
- A complete application
- An official copy of the adoption decree from the country where the person was adopted
- Proof of place and date of the adoptee’s birth
- Proof of the IR-3 visa or IH-3 visa of the adopted individual
- Evidence that the adoptive parent is a resident of Maryland
A person born in Maryland can also request a new birth certificate if their sex has changed or they have been diagnosed with an intersex condition. However, they must fill out an Application For Change In Sex Designation on a Certificate of Live Birth and present a court order.
How to Expunge Your Birth Records in Maryland
Birth records do not qualify for expungement in Maryland. Expungement refers to the court-ordered removal of all or part of the content of a person’s record. Expunged records are exempted from public inspection.
How to Seal Your Birth Records in Maryland
Birth records of adoptees in adoptions are automatically sealed in Maryland, provided the adoption occurred after May 31, 1947. Hence, adopting parents do not need to petition to seal adoption records (but a court order will be needed to unseal the records).
The sealing of adoption records protects the privacy and anonymity of birth and adoptive parents. In Maryland, a birth record is sealed after an adoption has been finalized in the Circuit Court. Afterward, such a birth record will be restricted from public access. For court adoptions concluded before 1947, one of the parties to the adoption can seal the court adoption records by filing a motion.
How to Unseal Your Birth Records in Maryland
Unsealing a birth record in Maryland entails gaining access to non-identifying or identifying information of a sealed adoption record. The access may be by an adoptee, adopted parents, and birth parent. In Maryland, adoptees were previously restricted from getting access to their original birth certificates and needed to petition the court to order disclosure. However, recent state law permits adoptees to directly request certified copies of their birth certificates without court orders under these conditions:
- The adoptees must be aged 21 years and above
- The adoptions must be such that was finalized on or after January 1, 2000
- One or both of the birth parents must have given written consent for the release of identifying information
- The adoptees must provide proof of identification with all other documents required by the Maryland Department of Health
A birth record may also be unsealed, and an original birth certificate in adoption obtained if any of these requirements is satisfied:
- A court of competent jurisdiction has issued an order
- The request does not violate the confidentiality of the record upon written order of the secretary’s designee
- Birth records release is in line with Maryland law
One or both birth parents may file to prohibit the disclosure of their identifying information. If only one parent does this, certain parts of the adoptee’s birth certificate will be redacted to protect the affected party’s privacy. If both birth parents file the disclosure veto, then their identifying information will not be disclosed accordingly.
An adoptee’s birth parents can also obtain copies of the original birth certificate by applying to the Secretary of State under the following conditions:
- The adoptee must be age 21 years and above
- The adoption must have been finalized on or after January 1, 2000
- Proof of identification must be attached with all other documents required by the secretary
- Payment of the applicable fee as prescribed by law
Who Signs Birth and Death Certificates in Maryland?
Per § 4-208 of the Maryland Code, the administrative head of an institution (or their designee) or the attending clinician (or their designee) can sign the birth certificates of babies born in or en route to the birthing institution. The following individuals (in the order of priority) can sign birth certificates of births that occurred outside an institution:
- Anyone in attendance
- The infant's father or mother
- The person in charge of the premises where the birth occurred
Per § 4-212 of the Maryland Code, the medical examiner in charge of a dead person signs the death certificate in Maryland. However, if the medical examiner is unavailable, the physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who last attended the deceased can sign the death certificate.
Note: An eligible record seeker can get a Maryland death certificate from a third-party online vendor. The third-party online vendor offers expedited services; hence, orders take 3-5 weeks to fulfill. Individuals can also get Maryland death certificates by submitting a mail request to the Maryland Department of Health's Division of Vital Records. Interested in-person requesters must make appointments before visiting the state vital records office because no walk-in services are available. Individuals may also obtain Maryland death certificates from some local health departments. Other records available at vital records offices are marriage and divorce records (divorce verifications).
