Get your certified Maryland Birth Certificate

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.

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.

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.

Other FAQs

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

  

  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?

  

  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?

  

  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

  

  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

  

  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

  

  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: