Get a certified Maryland Death Certificate
Order government-issued Maryland death certificates from home.
Start your application now.
Trusted by +1.5 million customers
4.6
on ShopperApproved
4.7
on Google
Order with confidence
Maryland Death Certificate
Learn how to order Maryland Death Certificate from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). The standard processing time varies from the 6 to 7 weeks. The state fee for certified records is $10.00 per copy for in-person orders, and $12.00 per copy for orders placed over the Internet. Only authorized individuals can order certified copies.
How to Order State of Maryland Death Certificate
You can now order Maryland death certificate through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order death certificate. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Maryland Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics (MDH-DVR) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your death 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. Confirm and review the costs, eligibility, requirements, and current processing times before ordering to ensure a smooth application process.
Ordering with VRO
Requesting a Maryland death certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.
- Complete the online application and upload your documents.
- 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
required documents
What Documents Are Required to Order State of Maryland Death Certificate?
In Maryland, proof of identification is required to obtain a death certificate. Applicants must provide one form of valid Primary ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, or two forms of valid Secondary ID, such as a bank statement or lease agreement. The table below provides a comprehensive list of acceptable forms of identification.
Primary ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|
A valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID displaying issued and expiration dates | Pay stub |
Cost & fees
What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Death Certificate in Maryland?
Obtaining a death certificate in Maryland costs $10.00 per copy for orders made in person and $12.00 for orders placed over the Internet. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering death certificates.
State Fee |
|---|
$10.00 |
Rush Processing |
|---|
Not offered |
Additional Copy |
|---|
1 x $10.00 |
How Many Copies of a Maryland Death Certificate Should You Order?
It is generally recommended to order at least three to four certified copies of a Maryland death certificate. Multiple copies are often needed simultaneously for different purposes, and having extras on hand can save time and additional fees later.
Common situations requiring a certified copy include closing bank accounts, filing insurance claims, transferring property titles, settling the estate through probate court, and notifying government agencies such as the Social Security Administration.
Ordering additional copies at the time of your initial request is more cost-effective than placing separate orders later. The Maryland Division of Vital Records charges a reduced fee for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Why You May Need a Maryland Death Certificate
A certified copy of a Maryland death certificate is a vital legal document required in numerous situations following a person's passing.
Maryland death certificates are commonly required to:
• Settle the deceased's estate — Orphans' Court (probate) requires a certified death certificate to begin the estate settlement process.
• Claim life insurance benefits — Insurance companies require an official certified copy before processing death benefit claims.
• Close or transfer financial accounts — Banks and investment firms need a certified copy to release funds or transfer ownership.
• Apply for survivor benefits — The Social Security Administration requires a death certificate for survivor benefits.
• Transfer vehicle titles and real estate — The Maryland MVA and county circuit court clerk's office require certified copies for ownership transfers.
Processing time
How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Death Certificate in Maryland?
The current processing time varies from as little as the same day for lobby appointments to 6 to 7 weeks, depending on the method of request made. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors. Several expedited shipping options are available through VRO.
Processing Time |
|---|
6 to 7 weeks |
Rush Processing Time |
|---|
Not offered |
Authorization
Who is Authorized to Order a Maryland Death Certificate?
A surviving relative of the deceased must prove a relationship to the deceased with documentation such as a birth or marriage certificate or an obituary.
An authorized representative of a surviving relative must provide specific documentation, including either a Letter of Administration signed by a Court Clerk, the Register of Wills, or a completed Authorization of Release form signed by the surviving relative. The Authorization must include a copy of the surviving relative's valid identification, the deceased's name, and the surviving relative's relationship to the deceased. If making an insurance claim or other business need, you must provide documentation such as a letter from the insurance company, deed or vehicle title.
Do I Need to Notarize My Application?
The Maryland Department of Public Health generally does not require applicants to get their forms notarized when requesting certified death records, regardless of the request method.
Tracking
How to Track the Status of Your Death Certificate
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, you must include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your application. Mail tracking is recommended to guarantee your certificate's timely handling and secure delivery. Once records leave the state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.
Are Maryland Death Records Public or Confidential?
In Maryland, death records are generally considered public records after a certain period. However, access to recent death records may be restricted to eligible applicants, including immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a documented legal or financial interest.
The Maryland Division of Vital Records maintains death records. A certified copy serves as a legal document suitable for official transactions, while a verification confirms the existence of a record without providing full details.
If you are unsure whether you qualify to obtain a certified copy of a Maryland death certificate, VitalRecordsOnline.com can help guide you through the eligibility requirements and application process.
Order Other Maryland Vital Records
You can also request other Maryland vital records through Vital Records Online:
You can also explore our related guides:
frequently asked questions
Other FAQs
Can a Funeral Home Order a Maryland Death Certificate on My Behalf?
Yes, most funeral homes in Maryland will order certified copies of the death certificate as part of their services. You can also order additional copies later through VitalRecordsOnline.com or the Maryland Division of Vital Records.
Are Maryland Death Certificates Public Record?
Maryland death records are generally accessible, though recent records may have restrictions on who can obtain certified copies. Eligible individuals include immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a documented legal interest.
How Do I Search for a Maryland Death Record If I Don't Know the Exact Details?
If you are unsure of the exact details, you can contact the Maryland Division of Vital Records for assistance. VitalRecordsOnline.com can also help guide you through the search process.
How Much Does a Maryland Death Certificate Cost?
A certified copy of a Maryland death certificate costs $10 for the first copy and $12 for each additional copy from the Maryland Division of Vital Records. Expedited processing is available for an additional $20.
Can I Order a Maryland Death Certificate Online?
Yes, you can order a Maryland death certificate online through an approved service provider. You may also apply by mail or in person at the Maryland Division of Vital Records in Baltimore.
Can Someone Else Request a Maryland Death Certificate?
In Maryland, eligible requesters include the surviving spouse, a parent, an adult child, a sibling, the executor of the estate, or a legal representative. If you need to request a death certificate on behalf of an eligible family member, you may submit a notarized Power of Attorney (PoA) or signed affidavit from the authorized person.
Are Maryland Death Certificates Public Records?
Maryland death certificates are not public records. Access is restricted to eligible individuals with a direct and tangible interest as defined by Maryland law. The Division of Vital Records requires proof of identity and eligibility before issuing certified copies.
What Does an Maryland Death Certificate Look Like?
An officially certified death certificate from the Maryland Department of Health and Social Services (MDH) will have unique security features to ensure its authenticity. The appearance of an official death certificate may vary depending on the year of issue, but it will contain essential details confirming the individual's identity at the time of death. Official death certificates from Maryland typically feature the state seal, the individual's name, the date and place of death, and the state registrar’s signature. They are printed on secure, tamper-resistant paper with watermarks and other security elements. The MDH issues these certificates to state guidelines, and all counties follow these secure issuance procedures.
- Full Name of the Decedent: The full legal name of the person whose death is being recorded.
- Date of Death: The exact date and time of death of the individual.
- Place of Death: The city, county, and state where the death occurred, along with the specific facility or location.
- Cause of Death: The immediate and underlying causes of death, as certified by the attending physician or medical examiner.
- Medical Certification Information: Includes details about who certified the death, such as the attending physician or coroner, and any contributing medical factors.
- Demographic Information: The deceased's age, sex, race, ethnicity, marital status, education level, and occupation.
- Disposition Details: Information about the method of disposition (burial, cremation, etc.), the date and place of disposition, and the funeral home or director responsible.
- Informant Information: The name and relationship of the person providing personal details of the deceased.
- Social Security Number: The Social Security number of the deceased.
How to Correct or Amend an Maryland Death Certificate
Death certificates can be corrected under certain circumstances by Maryland Health General Code Ann § 4-214. Only the funeral director or informant can request changes to the record.
Obtain and Fill Out the Necessary Form. Complete the Request for Correction/Amendment to Death Certificate Form and submit it to the Maryland DVR.
Pay the Amendment Fee
The fee for processing an amendment to a death record or fetal death record is $10.00. Fees are made payable by check or money order to the Maryland DVR.
Supporting Documentation
Because each request is unique, additional documentation will also be required. be required. It may vary according to the type of correction requested. The documents required are on the instruction page of the Correction form.
Submit the Application
Submit to the Division of Vital Records or to the local Health Department where the original death certificate was registered.
How to Obtain an Apostille for an Maryland Death Certificate
Apostilles may be ordered from the Maryland Secretary of State by mail or online with Vital Records Online (VRO) only.
You need an apostille when you file documents with a foreign government. It is a special certificate that verifies the authenticity of vital records for international use and is acceptable in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.
We offer comprehensive apostille services for death certificates across all 50 US states. Governments and organizations acknowledge the service, which is legally valid in over 100 countries. VRO’s service comes with expert support, costs $149 (plus government fees), and can be accomplished online in just three steps.
If you are manually submitting a request for an apostille to the Maryland office of the Secretary of State in Annapolis, you will need to provide the following items:
- The certified copy of the death certificate, with the original signature and seal of the current Maryland State Registrar;
- A payment of $5.00 per document.
Submit your request to the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State in Annapolis at the following addresses:
In-person:
By Mail:
Ensure that you indicate the country to which the document will be submitted.