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Maine · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

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

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Maine death records are restricted (closed record state). Eligible requesters: surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, legal representatives, and those who can demonstrate direct and legitimate interest (financial interest, legal matters, etc.).
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON (Augusta State Office): Maine CDC Vital Records, 244 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04333; bring valid photo ID and proof of relationship; typically same day or next business day; check, money order, or card
  4. IN PERSON (Municipal Clerk): Contact the town or city clerk where death occurred - many municipal clerks can issue certified death records locally; call ahead; often faster than state office
  5. BY MAIL: Complete application; include valid photo ID copy; proof of relationship; self-addressed STAMPED envelope; check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine"; mail to state office
  6. ONLINE (Municipal): Maine Municipal Vital Record Request Service at vitalrecords.egov.com - $2 identity verification fee
  7. ONLINE/EXPEDITED: VitalChek - additional fees
  8. Submit with valid photo ID and proof of 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 copy
  • 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
Fee
Certified copy: $15.00; each additional copy of same record ordered at same time: $6.00; non-certified copy: $10.00; municipal online: $2 identity verification fee added
Processing Time
In person: same day or next business day; mail: several weeks; municipal clerk: varies
Online Option
Maine Municipal Vital Record Request Service (vitalrecords.egov.com); VitalChek (expedited)
Where to Go
Maine CDC Vital Records, 244 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04333; or Municipal Clerk where death occurred
Maine Notes

Important state-specific details

  • CLOSED RECORD STATE - restricted to those with direct and legitimate interest.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need a copy.
  • Funeral homes assist with initial filing for recent deaths.
  • Non-certified copy ($10): available for somewhat broader purposes; stamped "not for legal purposes."
  • Self-addressed STAMPED envelope required 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