Maine has one of the most decentralized death certificate systems in the country: any of Maine's roughly 500 town clerks can issue certified copies of a Maine death record, not just the state vital records office. That usually means a faster local option than waiting on Augusta. Here's every ordering path and what to expect.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Maine?
Death certificates in Maine are issued by the Office of Vital Records, part of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, located in Augusta. Uniquely, every Maine town clerk can also issue certified copies of any Maine death record, not just records from their own town. Website: maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Maine
- Online: Order through VitalChek. Typically 2–3 weeks, plus VitalChek's own processing fee on top of the state fee.
- By mail: Submit a completed application, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine." Mail to: Vital Records, 220 Capitol Street, 11 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. Allow 4–6 weeks.
- In person — any town clerk: Because every Maine town clerk can issue certified copies of any Maine death record, this is typically the fastest local option — often same-day, and you don't need to travel to Augusta.
- In person — Augusta: Walk-in service is also available directly at the Office of Vital Records.
- Through the funeral home: The funeral home can order certified copies on your behalf in the days after death.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Maine?
The fee is $15 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, at both the state office and town clerk offices. Ten copies cost $69 total ($15 + 9 × $6). This pricing is confirmed consistent across the state office and numerous town clerk offices statewide.
Pro tip
Because additional copies are only $6 each, order 10–12 in your first request rather than going back for more later — a second "first copy" would cost $15 again. And don't assume you have to go through the state office in Augusta: your own town clerk, or any town clerk, can usually issue certified copies faster.
What will it cost in Maine?
- First certified copy
- $15
- Each additional copy
- $6
- Total for 10 copies
- $69
- Typical across all states
- $137Below average
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Most Maine families need 8–14 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the Probate Court, Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, retirement accounts, and — for larger estates — Maine's estate tax filing.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in Maine.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
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See the full checklist →Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Maine?
Maine restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest in the record, such as immediate family members, the personal representative of the estate, an attorney representing the estate, legal guardians, and authorized government officials. You'll need to provide government-issued photo ID with your request.
Processing Timeline
| Method | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Online via VitalChek | 2–3 weeks |
| By mail to Augusta | 4–6 weeks |
| In person, any town clerk | Often same-day |
| In person, Augusta | Often same-day |
| Through funeral home | Typically within the first 1–2 weeks |
What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:
- Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
- Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in Maine. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 62 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Maine may change. Consult a licensed Maine attorney for guidance specific to your situation.