Vital Records Online, a secure, US-based service, makes ordering your Maine birth, marriage, and death certificates easy. Rest assured, your documents will be delivered securely, while your personal data remains confidential.
Summary:
Maine, “the Pine Tree State,” has a population of almost 1.4 million. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is committed to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for the people of Maine. The Department provides health and social services to approximately one-third of the state’s population.
Maine’s birth, death, fetal death, marriage, divorce, and domestic partnership records are housed at the Vital Statistics Office (DRVS) and most all municipal offices statewide. Maine officially started preserving vital records on January 1, 1892. Vital records created before 1892 may be obtained from the municipal offices where the event occurred or from the Maine State Archives. Birth records of 75 years or older, marriage records of 50 years or older, and death certificates of 25 years or older are available to the public. Those mentioned on the document, spouse or registered domestic partner, parents named on the record, descendants of the person named on the record, guardian, or legal representative may order the vital records.
If you are doing genealogy research, the Vital Statistics Office may be able to help, or else you can try many public archives. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start your application online for ME vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates serve as essential documentation for significant life events. These vital records can be used to prove your identity, nationality, and family ties. They can also be crucial for resolving legal issues, securing inheritances, and researching genealogy. These records offer valuable information about your forebears, including their complete names, birth and death dates, and places of residence. If you misplace any of these certificates, you should report it to the police and request a certified replacement immediately.
Each county In Maine certifies and issues vital records that occur within its jurisdiction. You can order Maine vital records online, in person, or via mail. You can locate where to apply for a replacement record in the comprehensive directory below of county vital record providers in Maine. The directory includes locations, contact details, and online birth, death, and marriage certificate applications. Records can also be ordered from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (MDHSS).
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Maine, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Residents of Maine have several options for ordering their vital record copies. Making these requests in person or by mail is possible, but ordering online is the most reliable and sometimes the only available method. The Department of Health and Human Services’s Data, Research, and Vital Statistics division is responsible for producing certified copies of these records. You can request a vital record certificate provided you fulfill the requirements and follow the instructions for ordering, which can differ depending on the certificate type. Once you understand the specific criteria, the process of ordering your certificate is straightforward.
The type of certificate you need and your ordering method can affect the total costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing time. When requesting a certified copy of a vital record from DHHS-DRVS, it is crucial to understand the process and stipulations before applying, whether you choose to do so by mail, online, or in person.
Ordering Maine vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
Authorized persons who meet the eligibility requirements can request a Maine birth, death, or marriage certificate online. Ensure you have the necessary documents ready for a smooth application process. You will be prompted to upload copies of these documents in the secure online application.
Vital Records Online streamlines the process of generating and gathering the documents you need for your application, and it provides clear guidance on where and how to submit them. The application can be completed from any internet-enabled device in as little as five minutes. Vital Records Online’s system also helps you avoid the typical errors or omitted documents that can cause application rejection.
✔︎ First-Class mail tracking is included with every online application.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a Maine birth, death, or marriage certificate online.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and providing an online notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services does not offer in-person application services; however, requesting records in person at a municipal health department office may be possible. When you go, ensure the office is open to the public and prepare for potentially long lines. You can apply online more efficiently or by mail if you don’t reside near one of these offices.
Whether you prefer to apply for vital records in person or via mail, the procedure remains the same. If you are applying in person, you will need to complete the following tasks:
Additionally, by mail, you will need the following:
Ensure your request isn’t rejected due to errors or incomplete information by thoroughly checking the specific criteria for each required document before sending out your application packet.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents, we recommend purchasing mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
It’s important to understand the requirements and conditions of applying for vital record copies before compiling your application documents.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
To order certified copies of your vital records in Maine, you will need to provide various documents and information, as specified in the table below. A secondary form of identification may suffice if you lack a primary ID.
All applicants must verify their identity, as required by the Data, Research, and Vital Statistics Office of the Department of Health and Human Services. A driver’s license or a state photo ID generally suffices for most record types (verify other acceptable IDs per certificate needed).
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Maine?
The DHHS-DRVS sets distinct criteria for different certificates and circumstances. Review Maine’s eligibility conditions and requirements for replacing birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Email, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Name, Phone Number, Place of Birth, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Passport, Valid Government ID |
Bank Statement, College ID, Corrections ID, DD-214 Form, Hospital Birth Worksheet, Income Tax Return, Letter from Government Agency, Marriage License, Medicaid Card, Medicare Card, Pay Stub, Personal Check with Address, Previously Issued Vital Record, Rental Agreement, Social Security Card, Social Security Disability Award Letter, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, Work ID |
| Death Certificate | Date of Death, Email, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Place of Death, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Passport, Valid Government ID |
Bank Statement, College ID, Corrections ID, DD-214 Form, Hospital Birth Worksheet, Income Tax Return, Letter from Government Agency, Medicaid Card, Medicare Card, Pay Stub, Personal Check with Address, Previously Issued Vital Record, Rental Agreement, Social Security Card, Social Security Disability Award Letter, US Marriage Certificate, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, Work ID |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride's Name Before Marriage, Date of Marriage, Email, Groom Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Place of Marriage, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Passport, Valid Government ID |
Bank Statement, College ID, Corrections ID, DD-214 Form, Hospital Birth Worksheet, Income Tax Return, Letter from Government Agency, Marriage License, Medicaid Card, Medicare Card, Pay Stub, Personal Check with Address, Previously Issued Vital Record, Rental Agreement, Social Security Card, Social Security Disability Award Letter, Utility Bill, Voter Registration Card, Work ID |
Who can request vital records in Maine?
The individual on record can apply for a certified copy of their vital records. However, they must present identification either with the application.
To order a vital record on someone else’s behalf, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for each birth, death, and marriage certificate to confirm that you are authorized to make the request. Only those authorized by the DHHS-DRVS can legally request such records. This includes family members or legal representatives of the individual on record.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Attorneys, Aunts/Uncles, Children, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, In-Laws, Informant, Legal Guardian, Nephew/Niece, Officiant, Other Descendants, Parents, Person on Record, Siblings, Spouse, Step Children, Step-Parents |
| Death Certificate | Attorneys, Aunts/Uncles, Children, Great Grandchildren, In-Laws, Informant, Legal Guardian, Nephew/Niece, Officiant, Other Descendants, Parents, Siblings, Spouse, Step Children, Step-Parents |
| Marriage Certificate | Attorneys, Aunts/Uncles, Children, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, In-Laws, Informant, Legal Guardian, Nephew/Niece, Officiant, Other Descendants, Parents, Person on Record, Siblings, Spouse, Step Children, Step-Parents |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.
Do I need a notary with my application?
A notary is not typically required when obtaining certified copies of Maine birth, death, or marriage certificates, regardless of the order method. The DHHS-DRVS generally only requires notarized affidavits when amending vital records.
❗️ Notarized statement is required when a valid government ID is not available.
Additional relevant information can be found on the DHHS-DRVS website at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/public-health-systems/data-research/vital-records/order/index.shtml. When applying via municipal vital records offices, requirements may vary.
✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document using a local public notary.
The costs for replacing vital records vary depending on the type of certificate and the fees set by the DHHS-DRVS. When ordering birth, marriage, divorce, or death records through Vital Records Online, the online Application Assistant starts at $29. The DHHS-DRVS charges a $16.00 fee for each certified copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate and a $6.00 fee for each additional certified copy. The total cost will depend on how you submit your application and whether a notary is required for identity verification.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $15.00 | $6.00 |
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested in the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Maine?
Processing times for obtaining copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates can differ. Check the current processing and delivery times listed in the table below. Applying with Vital Records Online can speed up the application process by allowing you to complete the entire application process online.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | 2 to 5 weeks | N/A |
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by DHHS-DRVS may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
After submitting your application through Vital Records Online, you can monitor its progress from start to finish. Every order includes first-class prepaid mail postage, which enables you to track your application packet to the Maine Department of Public Health.
If you send your application packet manually to the vital records health department, purchase first-class mail tracking to confirm its successful arrival. The DHHS-DRVS ships all vital records through USPS first-class mail for secure delivery to your home. However, they do not hold responsibility for any lost or misdirected certificates. If any of your vital records go missing, you should file a report immediately. Remember to review your application packet thoroughly before shipping it, as minor errors or omitted documents can lead to extended waiting periods, additional shipping expenses, or potential exposure of your personal data.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Maine counties office locations directory.
An apostille is required when a vital record is to be submitted to a foreign government. Apostilles are provided by the Secretary of State Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions for records initially filed with the DHHS-DRVS.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
The apostille for Maine vital records can be obtained through either the Secretary of State Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions, or Vital Records Online. Vital Records Online offers reliable apostille services for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Various governments and organizations recognize our online apostilles service in over 100 countries. The entire process can be conveniently completed online in just three steps, starting at $149 (plus government fees). This service provides professional assistance and ensures legal validity for the apostille quickly and efficiently.
In most cases, you can complete the procedure online, eliminating the need for a physical copy of your documents. Once you have finished the apostille documentation, it will be delivered to your doorstep using FedEx or DHL, regardless of your location within the U.S. or internationally. We utilize trusted courier services for global delivery.
To make this request, you will have to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Secretary of State Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions at the following addresses:
For walk-in appointments or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), you can visit or submit the request to the physical address:
Secretary of State Division of Corporations,
UCC and Commissions,
111 Sewall St., 4th Floor, Burton Cross Bldg.,
Augusta, ME 04333
For standard mail, use the following address:
Secretary of State Division of Corporations,
UCC and Commissions,
101 State House Station,
Augusta, ME 04333-0101
You can reach the office at (207) 624-7752 or online at https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/apostilles/
To assist people needing to correct or change their vital records, the DHHS-DRVS has provided a list of common scenarios necessitating amendments.
The Department of Health and Human Services – Data, Research, and Vital Statistic Office (DHHS-DRVS) has established a simple procedure for amending vital records such as birth, marriage, or death certificates (as authorized by law). When a vital record is to be changed, an amendment is required, and various forms are needed depending on the information that will be amended. These changes will be added to the record as addendums, as the original document cannot be altered.
The requirements for requesting changes or amendments are determined by the type of vital record that needs to be changed.
Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Finding free public records can be complicated, but many vital records in Maine are freely and readily available to the public. You can search through Maine’s archives of birth, marriage, and divorce records to find the information you want, but be prepared to devote substantial time reviewing records. Maine birth records are made public after 75 years, while Maine marriage records are made public after 50 years. Maine death records are made public after 25 years.
Are Maine vital records open to the public?
Most state records in Maine are public, but the level of access may vary depending on the type of record and the year of the birth, death, or marriage. When researching vital records, exploring third-party websites specializing in specific types of records can be helpful. These websites can provide additional information and serve as a helpful point of reference. However, it’s important to note that the data found on third-party sites may not always align with official government records.
To locate a record on a third-party website, the requester needs to provide the following details:
To ensure that your certificate is an official certified copy, it is essential to check the official documents’ appearance in the county or municipality where it was issued. Different states, counties, and municipalities may have varying formats for their vital records. One way to identify informational copies of vital records is by looking for a stamp or large print on the document indicating that it is “Informational” and cannot be used as a valid document for establishing identity.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies of vital records are considered legal documents and can be used for official identification purposes. On the other hand, informational copies are not suitable for establishing identity. Certified copies of vital records are only issued to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document. These copies are intended for those who can demonstrate a legitimate need for the information contained within the records.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of birth or marriage certificates, also known as short-form, unofficial (non-certified), heirloom, or commemorative certificates, are not official legal documents. They are intended for display or personal reference purposes only and cannot be used for official purposes such as establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. These copies are typically used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research. According to the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), citizens have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records. Birth records that are 75 years or older, marriage records that are 50 years or older, death records that are 25 years or older, and fetal deaths that are 50 years or older are considered public records. Informational copies can be issued to anyone requesting them. A non-certified copy of a vital record costs $10.00 and is stamped “not for legal purposes.” Individuals not listed on the record must prove their relationship or demonstrate a direct and legitimate interest in the requested record. It is important to note that the ID requirements are the same when ordering non-certified or certified copies, and they can only be obtained by authorized individuals or genealogists unless they are older than the specified time frames. There is a separate application for non-certified copies for adoptees.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Maine government website at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/public-health-systems/data-research/vital-records/order/index.shtml
