Maryland Affidavit of Parentage (DHS/CSA 1040)
Maryland Department of Human ServicesParentage and paternityForm DHS/CSA 1040Free downloadLast verified November 10, 2026
Voluntary acknowledgment of parentage that adds the parent who did not give birth to the child's birth certificate. It is a legal finding of parentage. The original is mailed to the Division of Vital Records.
Who can use this form
- Both parents of the child complete and sign it
- It may not be used if the mother was married at the time of conception or birth, or between them
- The parent who did not give birth may sign regardless of that person's marital status
- Parents under 18 may sign without the permission of an adult or legal guardian
What to send with it
- The original form signed by both parents
- Each signature must be made before a witness: a notary public, or hospital, Department of Human Services or health department staff
- If you take the form home, each parent must sign before a notary public
- To rescind within 60 days, the form says to call the Division of Vital Records at (410) 764-3038 for a rescission form
Where to send it
- Mail to
- Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records P.O. Box 68760 Baltimore, MD 21215-0020
- State fee
- Not provided
- Typical processing
- About 10 weeks for corrections, according to the office's processing times page
- Issued by
- Maryland Department of Human Services
- Form revision
- Revised 01/2021
- Source
- Official government page