OBTAINING DEATH CERTIFICATES

IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND

DEATH AND FETAL DEATH CERTIFICATES

THE FOLLOWING PERSONS MAY APPLY:

• Surviving relative of the deceased
• Authorized representative of a surviving relative of the deceased
• Funeral director who was in charge of the final disposition of the body of the deceased
• An individual who has a proven legal need
• Court of law

TO APPLY

Download APPLICATION FOR A COPY OF DEATH CERTIFICATE

Download in Word format (needs Microsoft Word)
  Download in Acrobat PDF format (needs Acrobat Reader - free download)

You must present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID displaying a date issued and an expiration date. Applicants unable to supply valid photo ID must present two (2) different pieces of alternative documentation. Acceptable documents are pay stub, current car registration, bank statement, letter from a government agency, lease/rental agreement, utility bill with current address, or a copy of your income tax return or W-2 form. At least one of these documents must contain your current mailing address. Applicants unable to provide valid photo ID will not be able to receive their requests the same day. Their requests will be mailed to the address displayed on the documents provided. If you wish to order a Certificate by mail, include the requested information, photocopy of required identification, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and the required fee.

DEATH AND FETAL DEATH INFORMATION

The Division issues certified copies of death certificates for individuals who died in Maryland in 1969 or thereafter. For copies of records for deaths that occurred prior to 1969, contact the Maryland State Archives. Complete the APPLICATION FOR A COPY OF DEATH CERTIFICATE. If the certificate is for a fetal death, write "Fetal Death" on the application. You may mail the application and fee to the Division of Vital Records or visit the Division offices for same day service. If you do not have an application, (you may obtain one from the Division of Vital Records (see Application for Certificates page)) or send the following information to the Division of Vital Records:

• Date of application
• Name of deceased (first/middle/last)
• Date of death (month/day/year)
• Place where death occurred (city or county and state)
• Number of copies requested
• Reason for request
• Relationship to deceased
• Applicant's full name (Name should be both printed and signed.)
• Current address

Within 30 days of a death, copies of the record may also be obtained from the local health department in which the funeral director filed the death certificate, with the exception of Baltimore City and Baltimore County health departments. You must apply in person at the appropriate local health department.

Click here to apply online for this certificate through VitalChek at an additional charge.

YOU WILL RECEIVE

A certified copy of the death or fetal death certificate. If the search provides no record, a Certification of Record Search will be provided.

CORRECTIONS TO EXISTING DEATH CERTIFICATES

If there are errors on an existing death or fetal death certificate, call the Division of Vital Records for information on how to request corrections.

LENGTH OF WAIT

If application is made in person, certificates can be received the same day if valid photo identification is provided. Requests by mail take approximately one to two weeks to process.

For those that need further legal assistance, The Probate, Will and Trust Lawyer Resource Center provides an introduction into the District of Columbia and Maryland law practice of Attorney George Teitelbaum, licensed both in DC and MD. Check out George Teitelbaum's Legal Experience and Background, as well as office locations and other contact information.