Get your certified Maryland Birth Certificate
Order your government-issued Maryland birth certificate from home.
Start your application now.
Trusted by +1.5 million customers
Order your government-issued Maryland birth certificate from home.
Start your application now.
Trusted by +1.5 million customers
Order with confidence
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.
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.
Requesting a Maryland birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.
Starting from
$29+ state fees
Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO
required documents
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 | Utility Bill |
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
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 |
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$10.00 |
Rush Processing |
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Not offered |
Additional Copy |
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1 x $10.00 |
Processing time
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 |
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6 weeks |
Rush Processing Time |
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Not offered |
Authorization
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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:
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: