Notice October 25, 2024: The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) phone system has returned to normal operations. Community members can contact SMCHD at 301-475-4330.

Death Certificates

Mail, Online or Phone Requests

Please note: These requests are fulfilled by the Division of Vital Records in Baltimore. Processing fees, requirements and delivery schedules may vary.

Requests by Mail

Download and complete one of the following applications. Mail the completed application, photocopies of required identification, fee (check or money order only, made payable to the Division of Vital Records), and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036.

Death Certificate​ (Word) (requires Microsoft Word)
Death Certificate​ (PDF) (required Adobe Reader – free download​)
Fetal death certificate (Word) (requires Microsoft Word)
Fetal death certificate​​​​ (PDF) (requires Adobe Reader – free download)
Descargüe el form​ulario bilingue (Inglés / Español)​​​ (necesita Adobe Reader – descárgelo gratis – la información en este formulario se puede guardar e imprimir)

Online Requests

To order online, visit www.vitalchek.com​.

Requests by Phone

To order by phone, call 410-764-3038.

Requests In-Person

Certified copies of death certificates for deaths occurring within the state of Maryland (from 2015 to present) may be obtained in-person:

Appointments available: Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: St. Mary’s County Health Department Main Office in Leonardtown
Fees: $18 for the first copy, $20 for each additional copy

Certified copies of death certificates occurring prior to 2015 must be obtained from the Division of Vital Records in Baltimore.

Required Documents

A surviving relative of the deceased must prove relationship to the deceased with documentation such as:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Obituary
An authorized representative of a surviving relative of the deceased will need documentation such as:
  • Letter of Administration
    • ​Signed by the Court Clerk or the Register of Wills
OR
  • Authorization of Release
    • ​Signed by a surviving relative
    • ​Must include a copy of the surviving relative’s valid ID
    • ​Must include name of deceased
    • ​Must include relationship of surviving relative to deceased
If required by a court of law, provide a copy of the court order.

If making an insurance claim or other type of business need, you must provide documentation such as:
  • Letter from the insurance company
  • Deed
  • Vehicle Title

Note: Applications for death certificates received prior to 12 pm will be processed and ready for pick up after 4 pm the same business day. Applications received at 1 pm or later will be processed and ready for pick up the following business day.

We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. For death certificate requests made in person at the St. Mary’s County Health Department, checks should be made out to the St. Mary’s County Health Department.

Corrections

​Death certificates can be corrected under certain circumstances in accordance with Md. Health General Code Ann. § 4-214. To request an amendment/correction to a death certificate, complete the Request for Correction/Amendment to Death Certificate Form​​​ and submit to the DVR with the $10 fee in the form of check or money order made payable to the DVR. Because each request is unique, additional documentation also will be required and may vary, according to the type of correction requested. The documents required are described on the second page of this form.

Genealogy

To obtain death records for genealogical purposes, contact the Maryland State Archives at:

Maryland State Archives
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-6400
800-235-4045
800-735-2258 (TTY)
archives@mdsa.net

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