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Maryland · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records (state level - Baltimore) / Local Health Departments (most jurisdictions for walk-in service)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Maryland birth records are restricted. Eligible requesters: the person named (if adult), parents, legal guardians, spouses, children, siblings 18+, grandparents, 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 (new system as of 2025); bring valid government-issued photo ID with date issued AND expiration date; same-day service available when system is operational (note: new registration system as of 2025 may cause delays)
  4. IN PERSON (Local Health Department): Available in most jurisdictions (except Baltimore City and Baltimore County) for individuals born in Maryland after 1939; bring valid photo ID; fee: typically $20; no appointment needed at most locations
  5. BY MAIL: Complete Maryland birth certificate application; include photocopy of valid photo ID; 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 (currently experiencing up to 4-week delays)
  6. ONLINE/PHONE: VitalChek (only authorized online vendor); vitalchek.com; $11.25 additional fee per order; all major credit cards accepted
  7. Submit with valid photo ID
  8. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed birth certificate application
  • Valid government-issued photo ID (must have date issued AND expiration date); photocopy for mail
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting for another person
  • Payment: cash, check, or money order for in-person/mail; credit card for VitalChek
Fee
typically $20; no appointment needed at most locations BY MAIL: Complete Maryland birth certificate application; include photocopy of valid photo ID; 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 (currently experiencing up to 4-week delays) ONLINE/PHONE: VitalChek (only authorized online vendor); vitalchek.com; $11.25 additional fee per order; all major credit cards accepted Step 3 - Submit with valid photo ID Step 4 - Pay the fee
Processing Time
In person (when available): same day; mail: up to 4 weeks or longer due to current backlog; VitalChek: expedited with additional fee
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek (only authorized vendor); vitalchek.com
Where to Go
Local Health Department for walk-in in most jurisdictions (faster for born-in-Maryland records after 1939; NOT available at Baltimore City or Baltimore County health departments); Division of Vital Records by appointment, mail, or VitalChek
County-specific variations apply

Most county/city health departments provide birth certificate walk-in service for Maryland births after 1939 (and 1942 in Anne Arundel County). Baltimore City and Baltimore County do NOT provide local health department walk-in service - must use the state DVR office. Montgomery County may also have limited or appointment-only service. Always call your specific local health department before visiting. For births before 1939 (or before 1942 for some jurisdictions), contact the state Division of Vital Records in Baltimore only.

Maryland Notes

Important state-specific details

  • IMPORTANT: Maryland's Division of Vital Records transitioned to a NEW REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SYSTEM in 2025 - processing times are slower than usual and same-day service may not always be available; appointments recommended.
  • DVR handles births, deaths, fetal deaths, AND marriage certificates (2007-present).
  • For births before 1939 (pre-1939): contact only the state DVR office in Baltimore.
  • VitalChek is the ONLY authorized online vendor.
  • ID must have BOTH date issued AND expiration date visible - strict requirement.
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope required for mail orders.
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