Death certificates
How to Get a Death Certificate in Maryland
How to order Maryland death certificates from MDH, local health departments, or VitalChek, including eligibility, fees, and records before 2012.
Maryland death certificates are issued by the Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records for deaths that occurred in Maryland in 2012 or later. For deaths before 2012, the Maryland Department of Health directs families to the Maryland State Archives.
You can usually request certified copies by mail from the Division of Vital Records, online through VitalChek, by appointment at the Division of Vital Records lobby, or through some local health departments. Fees and timing depend on the method, so check the current MDH, local health department, or VitalChek instructions before ordering.
This guide is educational only. It is not legal, tax, probate, benefits, or medical advice. Eligibility, fees, and ordering procedures can vary by office and can change.
Who Can Order a Maryland Death Certificate
Maryland does not issue certified death records to anyone who asks. The Division of Vital Records says death certificates may be requested by:
- A surviving relative
- An authorized representative of the deceased
- The funeral director who handled final disposition
- A person with a direct and tangible interest, such as a beneficiary, a business need, or a court order
For mail requests, the MDH death certificate application asks for photo identification and entitlement documentation. Examples include a birth or marriage certificate for a surviving relative, Letters of Administration for a personal representative, authorization from a surviving relative, a court order, or business need documentation.
If you are not sure whether you qualify, call the Division of Vital Records or the local health department before submitting the order. Certificate fees may be nonrefundable if the record cannot be issued.
Records From 2012 or Later
For Maryland deaths in 2012 or later, start with the Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records.
You can request copies:
- By mail using the official death certificate application
- Online through VitalChek
- In person at the Division of Vital Records lobby by appointment
- At some local health departments
MDH notes that local health departments may issue certificates, but availability and fees can vary. If you need copies quickly, contact the local health department where you plan to order and confirm whether they can issue the record you need.
Records Before 2012
For deaths that occurred before 2012, MDH directs requesters to the Maryland State Archives. This matters if you are handling an older estate, clearing title, documenting family history, or resolving a financial account for someone who died years ago.
Do not assume the Division of Vital Records can issue every older death certificate. Check the Maryland State Archives process before sending a payment or original paperwork.
Fees
The direct MDH mail application lists:
| Order Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy in a single transaction | $10 |
| Each additional copy of the same certificate in the same transaction | $12 |
Those are the fees listed on the Division of Vital Records direct application. Local health department fees and VitalChek fees may vary, and VitalChek adds its own processing and delivery charges. For that reason, do not treat $10 and $12 as the statewide price for every ordering method.
There may be no fee for certain death certificate copies involving current or former armed forces members when the copy is requested for a qualifying dependent or beneficiary claim and proof of service is provided. Check the current MDH application instructions before relying on that exception.
How to Order by Mail
For a mail request to the Division of Vital Records, include:
- The completed Maryland death certificate application
- A legible copy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- Documentation showing your entitlement to the record
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- A check or money order payable to the Division of Vital Records
The MDH application lists the mail address as:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, Maryland 21215-0036
Do not send cash. If you are paying by check, the application instructions say to include a copy of a government-issued photo ID showing your current address, or other acceptable ID documentation listed on the form.
How to Order Online
The Maryland Department of Health directs online certificate requests to VitalChek. VitalChek is an independent company partnered with MDH for online orders and charges additional fees.
Use the MDH death certificate page as the starting point so you do not accidentally order through an unrelated vendor. MDH states that it does not control the services, fees, or confidentiality practices of other internet vendors.
Before you pay, confirm:
- The death occurred in Maryland
- The death occurred in 2012 or later, or VitalChek says the record is available
- You can prove your relationship or other direct and tangible interest
- You understand the processing, shipping, and refund rules
How to Order In Person or Through a Local Health Department
The Division of Vital Records lobby serves customers by appointment. Some local health departments can also issue death certificates. Availability, hours, accepted payment methods, and fees vary by office.
Before going in person, call the office and ask:
- Whether it can issue the certificate for the date of death
- Whether an appointment is required
- What identification and entitlement documents to bring
- What forms of payment are accepted
- Whether same-day issuance is available
Avoid making firm plans around same-day service until the issuing office confirms it.
How Many Copies to Order
Order enough certified copies for the institutions that will require originals. Many agencies and companies will not accept photocopies.
| Purpose | Copies Often Needed |
|---|---|
| Register of Wills probate filing | 1 |
| Banks and credit unions | 1 per institution |
| Life insurance | 1 per policy |
| Retirement accounts | 1 per plan administrator |
| Vehicle title transfer | 1 |
| Real estate or title work | 1 or more |
| Veterans benefits, if applicable | 1 |
For many families, 8 to 12 certified copies is a practical starting range. If the estate has few accounts, you may need fewer. If there are multiple banks, policies, retirement accounts, or real estate matters, you may need more.
Common Problems
The record is not available yet. The death certificate has to be completed and registered before certified copies can be issued. If the death was recent, ask the funeral home or issuing office when the record is expected to be available.
The death happened before 2012. Contact the Maryland State Archives instead of the Division of Vital Records.
You are not a relative. You may still qualify if you are an authorized representative, beneficiary, business requester with a direct and tangible interest, or someone with a court order. Bring documentation.
You need copies for probate. The Register of Wills lists a death certificate among the items commonly required to open a Maryland estate. See how probate works in Maryland for the broader process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone order a Maryland death certificate?
No. Maryland limits certified death records to people with a qualifying relationship, authorization, or direct and tangible interest.
How much does a Maryland death certificate cost?
The direct Division of Vital Records application lists $10 for the first certified copy in a single transaction and $12 for each additional copy of the same certificate in that transaction. Local health department and VitalChek costs can vary.
Where do I get a certificate for a Maryland death before 2012?
MDH directs requesters to the Maryland State Archives for death records before 2012.
Can I order a Maryland certificate if the person lived elsewhere?
Yes, if the death occurred in Maryland and you qualify to receive the record. Death certificates are issued by the state where the death occurred, not the state where the person lived.
What to Do Next
Death certificates are one of the first documents you will need for estate administration, insurance claims, account transfers, and benefit notifications. For the broader checklist, see what to do when someone dies in Maryland.
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information about Maryland death certificate ordering as of May 2026. It is not legal, tax, probate, benefits, or medical advice. Confirm current fees, eligibility, and processing with MDH, the relevant local health department, VitalChek, or the Maryland State Archives.
Sources: Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records death certificate page; MDH death certificate application; Maryland Register of Wills new estate publication.