Are Maryland Vital Records Public?
Vital records in Maryland become open to the public after a statutory period of confidentiality elapses. Until then, the inspection and requests for copies of vital records are restricted to eligible persons per the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) regulations. These eligible requesters typically include the individuals named on the record, immediate family members, legal representatives with acceptable authorization, and requesters armed with a court order.
What Information Shows Up in Maryland Vital Records?
Maryland vital records include documents pertaining to the death, birth, marriage, or divorce of state residents. These records provide an official account of vital events occurring within state limits and are referenced for identification, research, genealogical, or legal purposes.
How Do I Search for Maryland Vital Records Online?
Online requests for Maryland vital records may be made to the state vital records office or the county equivalent. However, state agencies do not offer remote access to vital record information, for orders are typically fulfilled in-person or via mail. Individuals submitting a request for Maryland vital records must provide the necessary details to facilitate a search, including the subject's name and the location of the life event. In addition, the requester must pay the non-refundable search fees.
Publicly available vital records are managed and disseminated by some third-party aggregate sites. These sites are generally not limited by geographical record availability and may serve as a convenient jump-off point when researching specific or multiple records. However, third-party sites are not government-sponsored. As such, record availability may differ from official channels. To find a record using the search engines on third-party sites, the requesting party will be required to provide:
- The location of the record in question, including the city, county, or state where the case was filed.
- The name of someone involved, provided it is not a juvenile.
Requesters must provide relevant information associated with the record to conduct an online search for vital records. Some of these include:
- The registrant's name
- Date of the event
- Place of the event
- City or county where the life event occurred
- First and last name of parents
- Presiding judge (for marriage or divorce records)
How Do I Obtain Maryland Vital Records?
Persons who wish to obtain publicly available vital records must submit a request to the record custodian at the Maryland State Archives. However, the MDH Vital Statistics Administration (VSA) is the record custodian for certified copies in Maryland. Generally, persons requesting certified vital records must complete an application form, attach payment for the applicable fees, and show evidence of eligibility in the form of an acceptable ID.
Certified Copy vs. Informational Copy: Understanding the Difference
A certified copy of a vital record issued by the MDH will typically feature an embossed seal. Thus, these official documents can be used for identification and legal purposes, such as immigration purposes and processing insurance benefits. On the other hand, an Informational copy of a vital record simply states the basic information on the life event. It is unacceptable for identification and legal purposes.
Are Maryland Marriage Records Public Information?
Yes. Informational copies of Maryland marriage records created before 2013 are public information and available for public perusal. However, certified marriage records are only available to persons who can show acceptable evidence of eligibility. These include:
- The spouses on the record;
- A representative of either spouse with a signed and notarized letter of authorization;
- Attorneys representing the persons named on the marriage record.
How Do I Find Maryland Marriage Records?
Public marriage records are available from the Maryland State Archives. Interested persons may order online, submit a request in person, or via mail. Persons who need help finding marriage records using the Maryland State Archives may directly contact the archives office at msa.helpdesk@maryland.gov. Likewise, certified marriage records from the VSA can be requested online or by mail and in person by using the application form. The Division issues certified copies of marriages on or after January 1, 2007. For certified copies of marriage records prior to this date, contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the marriage happened. Note that each search for marriage records attracts a non-refundable $12.00 fee per name. Enclose the completed application form, the requester's photo ID, and check or money order for the fee in a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Then, mail it to:
Division of Vital Records
Department of Health
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Phone: (410) 764-3038
How to Get a Maryland Marriage Certificate
Persons may find Maryland marriage certificates from the state’s Division of Vital Records.
- In-Person: To get a Maryland birth certificate at the office, one must book an appointment prior. A marriage certificate costs $12.
- Online: By partnering with a third-party platform, Maryland’s Office of Vital Statistics provides an online option for persons to get their marriage certificates. Online orders cost an additional $11.75 and $18.50 for expedited shipping.
- Mail Order: Placing a mail order requires the requester to download and complete an application to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate form. Then they may forward the application fees (cash, money draft payable to the Division of Vital Records, or a check), photocopies of required identification, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the Division of Vital Records at:
P.O. Box 68760,
Baltimore,
MD 21215-0036.
Persons who may apply for a marriage certificate in Maryland include either the spouses named on the record or a representative of either spouse named on the form. (The representative must present a letter signed by one of the spouses and certified by a notary public), that proves their permission to retrieve a copy of the marriage certificate or an attorney representing either spouse named on the record (with proof).
Are Maryland Divorce Records Public Information?
Yes. Informational copies of Maryland divorce records are available through the Maryland State Archives after the period of confidentiality elapses. Certified divorce records are also available to eligible persons through the circuit clerk's office while the VSA issues documents for verification of divorce in Maryland. Eligible persons who can request certified copies include:
- The persons named on the record.
- Immediate family members of the spouses, i.e., children.
- The spouses' legal representatives.
How Do I Find Maryland Divorce Records?
There are three sources where interested persons may obtain Maryland divorce records. Informational copies of old divorce records are available through the Maryland State Archives. Meanwhile, eligible persons can obtain certified divorce records from the circuit clerk's office in the county where the divorce happened. Lastly, the VSA provides verifications of divorces and annulments for divorces that occurred after January 1, 1992.
Applications for verification of divorce records begin with completing an application form. Next, the requester must attach a check or money order as well as a valid, government-issued photo ID with the application form. Enclose the application packet in a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and mail the request to:
Division of Vital Records
Department of Health
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Phone: (410) 764-3038
How to Get a Certified Divorce Certificate in Maryland
To obtain a certified dissolution of marriage record or divorce certificate in Maryland, the person(s) concerned should visit the Division of Vital Records of the Maryland Department of Health in person, send an online request or send a mail request with a $25 processing fee. Searchers should book an appointment before walk-in visits.
The requester might need to contact the state's archives if the divorce was finalized before January 1, 1992. Before requesting to find a divorce file, the enquirer should know the following:
- The county that granted the divorce
- The case number (can be found in indexes)
- The names of the parties
- The approximate date
Regarding divorce cases after 1980, requesters should get the case file number by speaking with the county circuit court where the divorce occurred or through Maryland Judiciary Case Search.
Are Maryland Birth Records Public Information?
Maryland birth records become public information after 100 years. Pending the expiration of this period of confidentiality, the MDH regulations mandate that only specific requesters may obtain birth records. These include:
- An individual requesting their own birth certificate or ordering a birth certificate replacement
- 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
- A representative of the individual or a parent named on the certificate or a representative of a court-appointed guardian. The representative must have a letter signed by the individual, parent, or guardian and certified by a notary public.
How Do I Find Maryland Birth Records?
Public birth records are available through the Maryland State Archives. However, the VSA only issues certified copies of birth records to eligible parties who complete an application form and provide the necessary documentation. Enclose the application packet in a self-addressed stamped envelope and mail it to
Division of Vital Records
Department of Health
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Phone: (410) 764-3038
Is a Birth Certificate Public Record in Maryland?
No. A birth certificate is not a public record in Maryland. However, after one hundred years, these records become public birth records. Even though public departments store birth records, any person who may retrieve birth certificates must meet specific eligibility requirements.
According to the Vital Statistics Administration under Maryland’s Department of Health, only persons who meet specific requirements like being named on the certificate, a spouse of the person named on the certificate, or other government or legal entities may retrieve birth certificates.
When requesting a birth certificate in Maryland, it is essential to get an original one because, per the Federal REAL ID Act, only certified versions of birth certificates are valid as birth documentation to secure a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license.
Suppose an individual amends their birth certificate per Md. Code Ann., Health-General § 4-214. and needs a replacement birth certificate to reflect the changes; they may email the affidavit and associated paperwork to dvr.corrections@maryland.gov. A representative will contact them directly regarding the request and payment options.
Are Maryland Death Records Open to the Public?
Maryland death records become public records ten years after the death. Until this statutory period of confidentiality elapses, certified death records are only available on request to specific individuals who meet the default eligibility requirements. These include
- A surviving relative of the deceased
- An authorized representative of the deceased
- Funeral Director in charge of the final disposition of the body.
How Do I Obtain Maryland Death Records?
Public death records in Maryland are available in the Maryland State Archives ten years after the death. Until then, the VSA issues certified death records to eligible requesters. A death record search by name costs $10 per name and $12 for additional copies ordered at the same time. Generally, the requesters must submit a death certificate search application form online, by mail, or in person. Enclose the application packet in a self-addressed, stamped envelope and mail it to:
Division of Vital Records
Department of Health
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Phone: (410) 764-3038
Is a Death Certificate Public Record in Maryland?
No. Death certificates are not public records in Maryland. Only surviving relatives of a deceased person, their authorized representative, the funeral director who oversaw the final disposition of the deceased's body, or other persons of substantial interest may apply for a person's death certificate in Maryland. A non-refundable application fee of $10 is required. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) 's Division of Vital Records (DVR) issues certified death certificates for persons who died in Maryland from 2012 till date. Suppose a person needs copies of death records for deaths before 2012. Then, such a person may contact the Maryland State Archives.
Searchers may also order death certificates by mail or at some local health departments.
How Do I Find Sealed Vital Records in Maryland?
In Maryland, vital records are generally restricted to persons named on the record and specific entities who are statutorily allowed to obtain the documents. This restriction is because vital records typically contain sensitive information. Persons who wish to access sealed vital records must submit a petition with a court of competent jurisdiction and obtain a court order granting access to that record. Then, the requester may present this court order along with a completed application for the sealed vital record.
What are Vital Statistics in Maryland?
Vital statistics in Maryland comprise individuals’ details organized and compiled by the state’s Division of Vital Records. Functioning under the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Maryland’s Division of Vital Statistics furnishes eligible persons with certified copies of vital records. Vital statistics available under Maryland’s Bureau of Vital Statistics include marriage certificates (from 2007 to date), birth certificates, death certificates, and fetal death certificates. And divorce verifications. Maryland’s Vital Records Office also provides information on procedures for registering an adoption, foreign adoptions, and legitimation.
Persons may find vital statistics by phoning (410) 764-3038 (for certified birth, death, marriage, divorce, adoption, or paternity certification). Persons may also find vital statistics by calling (410) 764-3514 to obtain vital data for public health or research purposes only.
The address for obtaining vital records for personal use is
Division of Vital Records,
6764 B Reisterstown Road,
Reisterstown Road Plaza,
Baltimore, MD,
Zip Code: 21215.
To obtain vital records for research purposes, interested persons may contact:
Division of Health Statistics,
Metro Executive Building,
4201 Patterson Avenue, 5th Floor,
Baltimore, MD 21215
