Order official Maine Birth Certificates and Vital Records online

A birth certificate is a vital record that serves as an official document confirming the birth of an individual. This document is essential for numerous purposes, such as applying for a passport, enrolling in school, obtaining a driver's license, and securing employment. Obtaining a certified Maine birth certificate involves a specific application process, submitting required documents, and adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

Who Can Request a Birth Certificate?

To protect privacy and prevent identity theft, the State of Maine restricts access to birth certificates. Those eligible to request a birth certificate in Maine include:

• • The individual named on the birth certificate (if 18 or older);
• • A parent or legal guardian;
• • The spouse or domestic partner;
• • Descendants, such as children and grandchildren;
• • Legal representatives or agents with a notarized release or a court order.

What Documents Are Required?

When requesting a Maine birth certificate, certain documents must be provided to verify eligibility. The required documents include:

• • A completed application form (downloadable from the Maine Vital Records website);
• • A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, state ID card, passport).

For legal representatives or agents, additional documents, such as a notarized release form or court order, may be necessary.

How to Obtain a Maine Birth Certificate

There are several ways to obtain a Maine birth certificate:

By Mail

To request by mail:

• • Download and complete the application form from the Maine DHHS website.
• • Enclose a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID.
• • Include a check or money order for the applicable fee.
• • Mail the completed form and payment to the Maine Office of Vital Records.

In Person

To request in person:

• • Visit the Maine Office of Vital Records or a local municipal office that provides vital records services.
• • Bring a completed application form and a valid government-issued photo ID.
• • Pay the applicable fee with cash, check, or money order.

Online

To request online:

• • Visit the VitalChek service to order a birth certificate online.
• • Follow the instructions to complete the application and submit payment.

Ensure all information provided is accurate and all required documents are included to avoid delays in processing.

How Much Does a Birth Certificate Cost?

The cost for a certified copy of a Maine birth certificate is $15. Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time are $6 each. Expedited services, if available, may incur additional charges. Payments can typically be made via check, money order, or credit card for online requests.

Processing Time

The processing time for obtaining a Maine birth certificate varies based on the method of request:

• • By Mail: Typically takes 2-6 weeks.
• • In Person: Same-day service is usually available.
• • Online: Processing time is generally 5-10 business days, with options for expedited delivery.

To ensure timely processing, double-check all information and documents before submission.

Following these guidelines carefully will help ensure a smooth process when obtaining your Maine birth certificate. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact the Maine Department of Health and Human Services directly.