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Maryland Birth Certificates

Learn how to order Maryland Birth Certificates from the Maryland Department of Health -Division of Vital Records. The current processing time 6 weeks. The state fee is $10.00 per certified copy. Authorized persons who can order include the certificate holder, their parents or legal guardian, their spouse, or an authorized representative.

How to Order State of Maryland Birth Certificates

You can now order Maryland 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 Maryland Department of Health – Division of Vital Records (MDH-DVR) 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 MDH-DVR by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Before starting the process, make sure to confirm and review the costs, eligibility, requirements, and current processing times.


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Maryland 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 a Maryland Birth Certificate?

Applicants must provide proof of their identity to the Maryland Department of Health – Division of Vital Records MDH-DVR when requesting certified copies of birth records. The table below displays the information and documents required to order a birth certificate in Maryland.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Valid Government Photo ID
Driver’s License
State ID
Passport

Utility Bill
Car Registration Form
Pay Stub
Bank Statement
Copy of Income Tax Return/W-2 Form
Letter from a Government Agency Requesting a Vital Record
Lease/Rental Agreement

How to Get a Maryland Birth Certificate Without ID?

If you do not have a valid primary ID you can use two secondary forms of identification with at least one containing your current mailing address. Review the table above for acceptable secondary identification documents. If acceptable forms of ID cannot be provided, getting the application notarized may be required.

Cost & fees

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

The costs and fees associated with replacing a birth certificate in Maryland vary based on the method of application submission (in person, by mail, or online). The DH-DVR charges a $10.00 fee for each certified 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

$10.00


Rush Processing

Not offered


Additional Copy

1 x $10.00

Processing time

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

The Maryland DH-DVR estimates that birth certificates may vary, but generally are processed in 6 weeks. may vary. Refer to the chart 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

6 weeks

Rush Processing Time

Not offered




Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Maryland Birth Certificate?

Authorized individuals who can order a Maryland marriage certificate include those named on the record or third parties authorized by the MDH-DVR. These may include the person’s spouse or legal representatives. All applicants must provide proof of ID with their application.

To obtain a marriage certificate on someone else’s behalf, review the eligibility criteria and get a notarized authorization letter from the person on record before making the request.



Authorized People


  • An individual requesting his/her own birth certificate.
  • A parent named on the certificate.
  • A court-appointed guardian of the individual named on the certificate. A foster care appointment is not acceptable; proof of guardianship must be submitted.
  • A surviving spouse of the individual named on the certificate.
  • A representative of: (1) the individual or a parent named on the certificate; or (2) the court-appointed guardian of the individual named on the certificate. The representative must have a letter signed by the individual, parent, or guardian, and certified by a notary public, stating that the representative has permission to obtain a copy of the certificate.

Do I Need to Notarize My Maryland Application?

The MDH-DVR does not require applicants to obtain notarized applications when requesting certified copies of their birth certificates. However, authorized third-party representatives must submit a notarized letter signed by the record holder or their parent or guardian granting permission to obtain the certificate.


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 Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records (MDH-DVR) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the MDH-DVR.

When manually mailing your request to the MDH-DVR, 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 Maryland 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 Maryland; therefore, there is no birth certificate on record with the state of Maryland. 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 or 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 Maryland Birth Certificate?

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    A birth certificate, serving as an official record of an individual's birth, plays a vital role in various aspects of our lives. It verifies crucial information such as legal name, place of birth, parents' names, and date of birth. This document is acknowledged and required by all government and commercial establishments. It is a fundamental proof of identity and citizenship indispensable for significant life events, including 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 Maryland Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    An officially certified birth certificate will have distinct features to indicate the MDH-DVR 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 MDH-DVR 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 Maryland 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 MDH-DVR.

    a For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the MDH-DVR 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 MDH-DVR at:

    Division of Vital Records

    P.O. Box 68760,
    Baltimore, MD 21215-0036.

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

    2. MDH-DVR will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

  • How to Correct or Amend a Maryland Birth Certificate

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    The MDH-DVR provides a straightforward process for correcting or amending birth certificates. An amendment is necessary when a birth record needs to be changed, and different forms are required based on the specific information that needs to be amended.

    Correcting or amending birth records usually will require the following:

    1. A completed amendment application: An Affidavit to Correct Information on a Certificate of Live Birth must be completed and signed before a Notary Public.
    2. Supporting documentation: Only a notarized affidavit, signed by a parent, must be submitted when the person whose name needs correction is between 1 and 6 years of age. If the individual whose name needs correction is 7 years of age or older, two documents along with the completed affidavit must be submitted. Acceptable documents include the following:
      Baptismal certificate
      Parent’s marriage certificate
      Pre-kindergarten or grade school records
      Social security card
      Physician’s office record
      Life insurance policy
      Voter’s card
      For the complete list of documents, refer to the instructions page for the Affidavit to Correct Information on a Certificate of Live Birth.
    3. Appropriate fee(s): There is a $10.00 fee required when the person on record is over 1 year of age. You can exchange your certified copy of your birth certificate for the amended copy at no additional charge. The fee to request certified copy of an amended birth certificate is $10.00 each.
  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Maryland Birth Certificate

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    An apostille is required when a birth record needs to be filed with a foreign government. Apostilles can be ordered through the Secretary of State or online through VRO.


    To request an apostille manually, you will need to provide the following information:

    1. Your birth certificate (must be an official, certified copy)
    2. A check or money order of $5.00 per document
    3. A note stating in which country the documents will be used and how to contact you if a small question should arise concerning your documents
    4. A stamped, self-addressed envelope or prepaid express delivery service, such as FedEx or UPS.
    5. Submit the request to the Maryland Department of Health – Division of Vital Records (MDH-DVR) at the following address: