Order official Maryland Birth Certificates and Vital Records online

How do I get a Maryland birth certificate?

In Maryland, the Division of Vital Records is responsible for issuing birth certificates and other vital records. Here are the requirements and procedures for ordering a birth certificate and other vital records in Maryland:

Eligibility:

Only authorized persons are eligible to request and receive copies of Maryland birth certificates. These include the person named on the birth certificate (if 18 years of age or older), parents of the person named on the birth certificate, legal guardians or representatives, and certain family members.

Types of certificates:

Maryland issues two types of birth certificates: the long-form birth certificate and the short-form birth certificate. The long-form certificate is a certified copy of the original birth certificate and includes all available information, such as the individual's name, date and place of birth, parents' names, and attending physician or midwife. The short-form certificate is a computer-generated document that contains basic information about the individual's birth.

Online ordering:

You can order Maryland birth certificates online through the VitalChek service. You will need to provide personal information about yourself and the person named on the birth certificate, as well as a valid form of identification and payment for the certificate and processing fees.

Mail ordering:

You can also order a Maryland birth certificate by mail. You will need to fill out an application form, provide a copy of your identification, and pay the certificate and processing fees. The application form and identification requirements can be found on the Division of Vital Records website.

In-person ordering:

You can order a Maryland birth certificate in person at the Division of Vital Records office in Baltimore. You will need to provide a valid form of identification and pay the certificate and processing fees.

Fees:

The fee for a long-form Maryland birth certificate is $32. The fee for a short-form Maryland birth certificate is $25. Additional fees may apply for processing, expedited services, and shipping.

Processing time:

Processing times for Maryland birth certificates can vary depending on the method of ordering and other factors. Online orders typically take 5-7 business days, mail orders can take 10-15 business days, and in-person orders can be processed while you wait. Expedited services are also available for an additional fee.