Death Certificates

Mail, Online, or Phone Requests

Please note: The Division of Vital Records in Baltimore fulfills these requests. 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)
Death Certificate (PDF)
Fetal death certificate (Word)
Fetal death certificate (PDF)
Application for Certified Copy of Maryland Death Record | Descargüe el formulario bilingue (English / Español)

Online Requests

To order online, visit 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

Authorization of Release
- Signed by a surviving relative
- Must include a copy of the surviving relative’s valid ID
- Must include the name of the deceased
- Must include the relationship of the surviving relative to the 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 before 12 p.m. will be processed and ready for pick up after 4 p.m. the same business day. Applications received at 1 p.m. or later will be processed and ready for pickup the following business day.

We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Checks should be made out to the St. Mary’s County Health Department for death certificate requests made in person at the 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 it to the DVR with the $10 fee in the form of a check or money order made payable to the DVR. Because each request is unique, additional documentation will also 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

Death Certificates

Mail, Online, or Phone Requests

Requests by Mail

Online Requests

Requests by Phone

Requests In-Person

Required Documents

Corrections

Genealogy

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