LEONARDTOWN, MD (August 1, 2013) – As the new school year approaches, many parents and guardians will be applying for birth certificates for their children in order to enroll them in school. Parents are required to provide certified copies of birth certificates to register their children for classes scheduled to begin August 21st. In order to avoid a last-minute rush, the Health Department is encouraging anyone requiring a certified copy of a birth certificate for their children to apply as soon as possible. Certified copies of birth certificates for children born in the State of Maryland may be obtained at the Health Department while you wait, Mon. – Fri. from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.) at a cost of $35 per certificate. The health department is located at 21580 Peabody Street in Leonardtown. For more information on applying for a birth certificate, please contact the Vital Records Office at the St. Mary’s County Health Department at 301-475-4330.