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Maine · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Maine DHHS, Maine CDC, Division of Data, Research and Vital Statistics - DRVS (state level - Augusta) / Municipal Clerk (local level - where birth occurred)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Eligible requesters include the registrant (18+), parents, legal guardian, legal representative, surviving spouse, children, and others who can demonstrate a direct and legitimate interest in the record. See Maine's eligibility matrix (EligMatrix) at maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/vital-records/forms.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON (Augusta State Office): Maine CDC Vital Statistics, 244 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04333; bring valid photo ID; typically processed same or next business day; payment by check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine" OR by credit card in-person
  4. IN PERSON (Municipal Clerk): Contact the town or city clerk where the birth occurred - many municipal clerks maintain birth records and can issue certified copies locally (often faster); call ahead; payment methods vary
  5. BY MAIL: Complete Vital Records application (available at maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/vital-records/forms); include valid photo ID copy; self-addressed STAMPED envelope; check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine"; mail to: Maine CDC Vital Records, 11 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0011
  6. ONLINE (Municipal): Maine Municipal Vital Record Request Service at vitalrecords.egov.com (for records held at municipal level) - $2 identity verification fee per transaction
  7. ONLINE/EXPEDITED: VitalChek - additional fees apply
  8. Submit with valid photo ID and proof of relationship/direct and legitimate interest
  9. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed vital records application
  • Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, government-issued photo ID); copy for mail orders
  • Proof of qualifying relationship or direct and legitimate interest
  • Payment: check or money order to "Treasurer, State of Maine" for mail; card accepted in-person at state office
Fee
Certified copy: $15.00; each additional copy of same record ordered at same time: $6.00; non-certified copy (stamped "not for legal purposes"): $10.00; municipal online service: $2 identity verification fee added; VitalChek: additional service fees
Processing Time
In person (state office or municipal clerk): same day or next business day; mail: several weeks
Online Option
Maine Municipal Vital Record Request Service (vitalrecords.egov.com) for municipal records; VitalChek for state office records
Where to Go
Maine CDC Vital Records, 244 Water Street (or 11 State House Station), Augusta, ME 04333; or Municipal Clerk where birth occurred (often faster for local births)
Maine Notes

Important state-specific details

  • CLOSED RECORD STATE - only those with direct and legitimate interest may obtain certified copies.
  • State office has comprehensive records from 1923+; 1892-1922 records at Maine State Archives.
  • Non-certified copy ($10) available to those with somewhat broader interest; stamped "not for legal purposes."
  • Adult adoptees (18+): may access original birth certificate under Chapter 12 rules - contact state Vital Records office.
  • Self-addressed STAMPED envelope required for mail orders - state does not provide return postage.
  • Check/money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine" for mail orders.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Maine CDC Vital Records - maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/vital-records | 1-888-664-9491 | 244 Water Street (11 State House Station), Augusta, ME 04333-0011