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Maryland · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records (state level - Baltimore) / Local Health Departments (available in some jurisdictions)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Maryland death records are restricted. Eligible requesters: surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, legal representatives, and others with documented legal interest.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON (State Office - Baltimore): Division of Vital Records, 6764-B Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215; APPOINTMENT REQUIRED; bring valid government-issued photo ID (with date issued AND expiration date); DVR handles deaths from 2012 to present; for deaths before 2012, contact Maryland State Archives
  4. IN PERSON (Local Health Departments): Some local health departments offer death certificate issuance - availability varies significantly by jurisdiction; Howard County health department charges $30 first copy / $20 additional; contact your local jurisdiction's health department to confirm availability (funeral directors only in Howard County); call your local health department before visiting
  5. BY MAIL: Complete Maryland death certificate application; include photocopy of valid photo ID and proof of relationship; self-addressed stamped envelope; check or money order payable to "Division of Vital Records"; mail to: Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036; allow 4+ weeks
  6. ONLINE: VitalChek (only authorized online vendor); vitalchek.com; $11.25 additional fee; credit cards accepted
  7. Submit with valid photo ID and proof of relationship/interest
  8. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed death certificate application
  • Valid government-issued photo ID with date issued AND expiration date (photocopy for mail)
  • Proof of qualifying relationship or legal interest
  • Payment: cash, check, or money order for in-person/mail; credit card for VitalChek
Processing Time
In person with appointment: typically same day; mail: up to 4 weeks or longer due to system transition; VitalChek: expedited
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek (only authorized vendor)
Where to Go
Division of Vital Records (by appointment or VitalChek); Local Health Department in your jurisdiction if available
County-specific variations apply

Local health department availability for death certificates varies widely by jurisdiction. Some departments issue them (Anne Arundel, Frederick, Talbot); others do not or restrict to funeral directors (Howard County). For deaths before 2012: contact Maryland State Archives (msa.maryland.gov). Death certificates in Maryland are issued for deaths from 2012+ at the state DVR; older records at Maryland State Archives.

Maryland Notes

Important state-specific details

  • DVR issues death certificates for deaths from 2012 to PRESENT; for deaths before 2012 contact Maryland State Archives - msa.maryland.gov | (410) 260-6400.
  • ID must have BOTH date issued AND expiration date visible.
  • Maryland's new registration system (2025) has caused delays - appointment recommended.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need a copy.
  • Funeral homes assist with initial filing for recent deaths.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records - health.maryland.gov/vsa | (410) 764-3038 | 6764-B Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215; mail: P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036