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Maine Birth Certificates

Learn how to order Maine Birth Certificates from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) - Data, Research, and Vital Statistics (DRVS). The current processing time is 7 to 10 business days. The state fee is $15.00 for certified copies, $10.00 for non-certified and $6.00 for each additional copy. Authorized individuals who can order include the certificate holder, immediate family members, and authorized third parties.

How to Order State of Maine Birth Certificates

You can now order Maine birth certificates through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificates. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) - Data, Research, and Vital Statistics (DRVS) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the Maine DHHS-DRVS by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Before proceeding, make sure to review the total costs, eligibility, requirements, and current processing times, which can vary by order method. Maine CDC


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Maine birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order State of Maine Birth Certificate?

When requesting certified copies of birth records, applicants must provide proof of identity to the Maine DHHS-DRVS. The table below displays the information and documents required to order a birth certificate in Maine.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Driver's License
Passport
Valid Government Photo ID

Utility Bill
Bank Statement
Car Registration
Income Tax Return
Personal Check with Address
Existing Copy of Vital Record
Letter from a Government Agency Requesting a Vital Record
Department of Corrections ID
Social Security Card
DD214
Hospital Birth Worksheet
Rental Agreement
Pay Stub/W-2
Voter ID Card
Social Security Disability Letter
Medicare/Medicaid Card
School/Employee Photo ID
Other Forms of Identification Listing Your Name, Date of Birth, and Address May Also Be Considered

How to Get a Maine Birth Certificate Without ID?

If you do not have a valid, government-issued photo ID, you can submit two forms of secondary identification approved by the DHHS-DRVS, shown in the table above.

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in Maine?

The costs and fees associated with replacing a birth certificate in Maine vary based on the method of application submission (in person, by mail, or online). The DHHS-DRVS charges a $15.00 fee for a certified copy, $10.00 for a non-certified copy, and a $6.00 fee for each additional copy. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.


State Fee

$15.00


Rush Processing

Not offered


Additional Copy

1 x $6.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Maine?

The current processing time for birth certificate replacements with Maine DHHS-DRVS is 7 to 10 days, though this varies. Refer to the table below for the current delivery and processing timelines. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

7 to 10 days

Rush Processing Time

Not offered




Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Maine Birth Certificate?

Authorized individuals who can order a Maine birth certificate include the person named on the record or third parties authorized by the DHHS-DRVS. All applicants must provide proof of ID with their application. To obtain a birth certificate on someone else’s behalf, review the eligibility criteria to ensure you are authorized.


Authorized People


  • Descendants of the person named on the record (including children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to the most remote degree),
  • Genealogists who have a researcher card issued by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Data, Research and Vital Statistics,
  • Legal custodian, guardian, or authorized representative of the person named on the record,
  • Parent(s) named on the record,
  • Person named on the record,
  • Spouse or registered domestic partner

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

A notary is not required when obtaining certified copies of Maine birth certificates, regardless of the order method. The DHHS-DRVS generally only requires notarized affidavits when amending vital records.

Tracking

How to Check the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement

When you place an order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the Maine DHHS.

When manually mailing your birth certificate request to the Maine DHHS, it is required to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your application. It's recommended to use mail tracking to guarantee timely handling and secure delivery of your certificate. Once records leave the state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How to Obtain a Maine Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

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    Individuals born on an overseas military base are not considered to have been born in Maine; therefore, there is no birth certificate on record with the state of Maine. If you were born overseas on a U.S. military base and your parents were U.S. citizens, your birth should be recorded with the U.S. Department of State. You must contact the U.S. Department of State to request a copy of your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, form FS-240).

    Note that this is not a birth certificate; it is evidence of U.S. citizenship for individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This document is equivalent to having a U.S. birth certificate. This document is recognized in the U.S. as proof of birth and citizenship and can be used to obtain a passport and apply for social services. If you need additional copies of this document, you can contact the hospital where the birth occurred to request a copy of the birth certificate or order them from the Department of State. Learn more about CRBA for more information.

  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Maine Birth Certificate?

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    A birth certificate is an essential document that contains verified details about an individual's birth. It is recognized and accepted by all government and commercial entities. This official document verifies an individual's legal name, place of birth, parent’s name, and date of birth. Its diverse applications include being an essential requirement for various life events such as legal proceedings, family matters, school enrollment, employment, and travel.

    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license


  • What Does a Maine Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    An officially certified birth certificate will have distinct features to indicate the Maine DHHS-DRVS issues it. The appearance of an official birth certificate may differ depending on the year it was issued. It will often include key information to verify a person's identity and the legitimacy of their citizenship at birth. A long-form official birth certificate is used for legal purposes, whereas a short-form informational copy is usually not. The Maine DHHS-DRVS defines specific guidelines for counties that may use unique colors and layouts. In all cases, official birth certificates will generally display features such as:

    Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

    Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

    Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

    Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

    State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

    Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

    Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

    Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

    Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

    Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Maine Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1.Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the DHHS-DRVS.

    a For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to your nearest vital records-issuing office during hours of availability.

    b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the DHHS-DRVS at:

    Maine CDC 220

    Capitol Street,11 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0011

    c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).

    2. DHHS-DRVS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

  • How to Correct or Amend a Maine Birth Certificate

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    Any changes to a Maine vital record such as a correction or amendment to an item on a vital record, a legal name change, gender change, or adding a parent, requires an appointment. Please call (207) 287-3771 to make an appointment. 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.

    Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require the following:

    1. A personal notarized affidavit: An Application to Correct a Vital Record in Maine completed by a parent, grandparent, older sibling, or legal guardian who has first-hand knowledge of the registrant’s birth.
    2. Provide supporting documentation which includes:
      • Birth, death, marriage records, and marriage intentions.
      • Passport.
      • Medical records or immunization records.
      • Records of employment, education, census, selective service, or military service.
      • Voter registration applications.
      • Vehicle registrations, hunting or fishing licenses.
      • SSA statements.
      • Income taxes.
      • Insurance records.
      • Housing/rental agreements.
      • Court orders and/or divorce records.
      • Ceremonial certificate from the church and/or baptismal record.
      • Other documents approved by the State Registrar.
    3. Appropriate fee(s): The fee for correcting or amending a vital record after 90 days of filing is $60.00. A certified copy of the corrected record is $15.00.
  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Maine Birth Certificate

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    An apostille is often required when a vital record is to be submitted to a foreign government. The apostille for Maine birth certificates can be obtained through either the Secretary of State Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions, or Vital Records Online (VRO).
    To manually request an apostille, you will have to provide the following information:

    1. Completed application form.
    2. Document to be authenticated.
    3. Payment of $10.00 per document.
    4. Submit your request to the Secretary of State Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions at the following addresses:

    For walk-in appointments or Express Courier (UPS, DHL, FedEx)

    Secretary of State
    Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions,

    6 E. Chestnut Street,
    5th Floor
    Augusta, ME 04333

    For Standard Mail:

    Secretary of State
    Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions,

    101 State House Station,
    Augusta, ME 04333-0101