How to Get a Death Certificate in Maryland

Getting a death certificate in Maryland is straightforward, with online, mail, and in-person options through the state Division of Vital Records in Baltimore and through local health departments. This guide explains every option, the actual cost, and how many copies your family will need.

Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Maryland?

Death certificates in Maryland are issued by the Division of Vital Records (DVR), part of the Maryland Department of Health, located in Baltimore. The DVR issues certificates for deaths that occurred in Maryland in 2012 or later; for earlier deaths, records are held by the Maryland State Archives. Local health department offices around the state also process orders. Website: health.maryland.gov/vsa.

How to Order a Death Certificate in Maryland

• Online: Order through VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor, which adds its own fee on top of the state fee. Typically 2–3 weeks.
• By mail: Submit the completed application, a legible copy of your government-issued photo ID, documentation of your entitlement to the record, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order payable to the Division of Vital Records. Mail to: Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036. Allow 4–6 weeks.
• In person — Baltimore: The Division of Vital Records' lobby is open by appointment only.
• Local health department: Many county health departments accept walk-in orders processed through the state system — check your local office for hours.
• 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 Maryland?

The fee is $10 for the first certified copy, purchased in a single transaction, and $12 for each additional copy of the same certificate purchased in that same transaction. Ten copies cost $118 total ($10 + 9 × $12). If the request can't be filled because no record is found, the fee is not refunded, and a Certification of Record Search is issued instead. VitalChek adds its own separate processing fee for online or phone orders.

There's no fee at all for a copy requested by a current or former armed forces member for their own record, or by their surviving spouse or child, when it's needed in connection with a dependent or beneficiary claim — proof of service is required.

How Many Copies Should You Order?

Most Maryland families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the Orphans' Court (for probate), Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, retirement accounts, and Maryland estate or inheritance tax filings when applicable. Larger estates may need 15 or more.

Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Maryland?

Under COMAR 10.03.08, Maryland restricts certified copies to people with a direct and tangible interest in the record — surviving relatives, the executor or personal representative, an authorized representative, beneficiaries, attorneys representing the estate, legal guardians, and those with a documented business need or court order. You'll need government-issued photo ID plus documentation proving your entitlement (such as a birth or marriage certificate, letters of administration, or a court order).

Processing Timeline

What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates

Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:

1. Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
2. File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
3. Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
4. Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
5. Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
6. Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
7. Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.