Maryland Birth Records

Recognizing the importance of maintaining statewide records of births, Maryland's General Assembly passed a law in 1875 mandating birth registrations across all counties. This led to the systemic and centralized keeping of birth records in the state. Before this date, birth records were maintained at the specific county clerk's office where the birth occurred.

Birth records serve as the official documentation of an individual's birth, capturing essential details, such as the child's name, date and place of birth, and parentage. When a child is born in Maryland, the state issues certified copies of birth certificates, which are recognized as the official legal documents for proof of birth.

Unlike some states that offer both "long-form" and "short-form" versions of the birth record, Maryland provides a single certified copy that serves all legal and identification purposes. The certified copies issued by the state are true copies of the original record. A certified Maryland birth certificate typically contains the complete name of the registrant, date, time, and place of birth, gender of the child, parents' information, birth registration number, and date of registration.

In addition, certified birth records contain the signature of the issuing officer and a raised or embossed seal of the issuing authority. Certified birth records serve various purposes, such as establishing your legal identity to tracing family history and lineage.

Maryland offers informational (non-certified) copies of birth certificates. They contain most of the information a certified birth record holds but are intended for personal reference or research purposes. It is not valid for legal use. The state also issues Commemorative Birth Certificates, designed as keepsakes to celebrate a birth rather than for legal purposes.

How To Order a Maryland Birth Certificate?

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Division of Vital Records is the primary custodian for birth records from 1924 to date. You may order the birth certificate by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Maryland Birth Record form. Provide information to help locate the record and a valid government-issued photo ID. Mail requests for birth certificates must include the $10 fee and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Mail the record requests to:

You may also order certified copies of Maryland birth records by mail from some local health departments. Usually, each local health department provides request forms on their website or at their service location. You may schedule an appointment or visit the local department to order the birth certificate.

Birth certificates ordered at the local health department vary. Generally, it costs between $20 - $30 to order birth records at your local health department. Maryland birth certificates are accessible online. The Wisconsin Division of Vital Records partners with an independent company to process online requests for birth records for a fee.

For birth records before 1925, you may visit the Maryland State Archives. The State Archives provides information on procedures, forms, and fees for ordering birth records.

Are Birth Records Public in Maryland?

Birth records are not considered public records in Maryland. Maryland classifies its birth records as confidential documents. Per state law, only qualified individuals, usually those with a direct or tangible interest in the record, are eligible to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate.

While certified copies of birth records are closed to the public, members of the public may access informational copies of birth records.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in Maryland?

Per state law, the following individuals are eligible to order birth certificates in Maryland:

• The individual named on the birth record
• The biological or adoptive parents
• The spouse of the individual named on the birth certificate
• Legal guardians
• Authorized representatives, including attorney
• Persons with a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get A Maryland Birth Certificate?

It takes 6 weeks for the Division of Vital Records to process mail requests for certified copies of birth certificates. Records processed online are typically processed within 5 weeks. There are no expedited services for mail requests. However, persons who want expedited services may process their record requests online or at the local health department. The local health department processes walk-in requests on the same day if all your documents are in place, while expedited processing for online orders takes about 3 weeks.

Where Can I Find Maryland Birth Records for Free?

Official, certified birth records are confidential documents in Maryland, only accessible to individuals with a direct or tangible interest in the record. However, if you are not eligible for a certified copy, there are several free resources where you can access informational or historical birth records.

Maryland State Archives has a vast amount of historical birth records, including indexes and digitized images of older certificates. Most of the archived records are available online for free. You can find Maryland birth records dating back to the 1600s.

Genealogy websites like FamilySearch.org provide free searchable databases and digitized and scanned images of original birth records, including Maryland birth records. Similarly, Ancestry.com offers free access to historical Maryland birth records. The platform offers a free but extensive database with search tools and filters to refine your research.

Trusted third-party websites like PublicRecords.us gather public records from various state and county agencies. The web tool offers free preliminary searches for Maryland birth records alongside other vital records. The platform is ideal for initial research or for gathering basic information on births occurring in Maryland.

When Would I Need My Maryland Birth Records?

Maryland birth certificate not only serves as a record of your birth but also as your primary proof of identity. To this end, your birth record is significant and becomes useful in the following situations:

• Applying for a passport
• Obtaining a driver's license or State ID
• Verifying your age and residency during enrollment in school
• Registering for Social Security, Medicaid, or other government benefits
• Verify your identity during legal proceedings such as marriage or divorce
• Establishing inheritance rights
• Applying for visas

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in Maryland?

You would require a replacement birth certificate in Maryland if your original birth record is damaged, destroyed, lost, or stolen. The process to replace your birth certificate is the same as obtaining a certified copy of the birth record.

Birth certificates from 1924 to date are managed by the MDH Division of Vital Records. You may also visit your local health department to replace your birth record. Birth records before 1924 are kept at the Maryland State Archives.

To replace your birth record, contact the relevant agency holding the record. Fill out the official application form for ordering a birth certificate. Provide any required identification, usually a government-issued photo ID, and the $10 fee. Submit your application by mail or in person to the Division of Vital Records or your local health department.

When Can the Public Access Maryland Birth Certificates?

Maryland treats birth records as confidential records, unlike some records that are open to the public. Maryland restricts access to certified birth certificates to protect personal privacy. Unlike some states that make birth records accessible to the public after a predetermined period, Maryland law has no such provisions.

How To Correct an Error on a Maryland Birth Certificate?

You may correct typographical errors, clerical errors, inaccurate personal information, or incorrect sex designation errors on your birth certificate. Generally, the MDH Division of Vital Records amends minor errors on birth certificates. However, substantial changes or corrections that could affect legal rights, such as completely altering a name, may require a court order.

To amend your Maryland birth certificate, contact the MDH Division of Vital Records or visit their official website to download and fill out the appropriate birth certificate correction form. Indicate the error and provide the correct information. Sign the form under oath, attesting that the information is true. Also, validate your correction by submitting supporting documents such as a copy of your birth certificate or a government-issued photo ID.

Submit the form, supporting documents, and fees in person or by mail. There is a $10 fee for correcting the error and an additional $10 for obtaining a certified copy of the corrected birth certificate.

Does Maryland Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

No. While the state permits individuals to amend the sex designation on their birth certificates following specific procedures, it does not offer a non-binary or gender-neutral designation "X" on birth certificates. Currently, individuals may only amend their gender marker from "Male" to "Female" or vice versa.