How much do death certificates cost in Maine?
Certified copies from the Maine Office of Data, Research, and Vital Statistics cost $15 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Town clerk fees are typically the same.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| Office of Vital Statistics (state) | $15 first, $6 each additional |
| Town clerks | $15 first, $6 each additional |
| VitalChek (online) | State fee + $12 to $15 processing fee |
The discount for additional copies only applies when ordered at the same time as the first.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest for new deaths)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the simplest and fastest route for recently filed death certificates.
From the Office of Data, Research, and Vital Statistics
The state office in Augusta handles death certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in Maine.
- Online: Order through VitalChek. Orders typically arrive in 2 to 3 weeks.
- By mail: Send a completed application with a check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Maine." Include a copy of your ID. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks.
- In person: Visit the office in Augusta. Same-day service may be available for records on file.
From your town clerk
Maine's municipal system means each town or city has a clerk who can issue death certificates for deaths that occurred in that municipality. For recent deaths, the town where the death occurred or where the deceased lived may have copies on file sooner than the state office.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Town clerk (in person) | Same day to 5 business days |
| VitalChek (online) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Office of Vital Statistics (mail) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Office of Vital Statistics (in person) | Same day |
Town clerks are the fastest option for in-person requests, especially in smaller municipalities.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need one for each bank, insurance company, retirement account, and government agency you contact. Some institutions keep the copy you submit.
For a complete breakdown of where you will need certified copies, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
Maine restricts certified death certificates to:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent, child, or sibling of the deceased
- Grandparent or grandchild
- The executor or personal representative of the estate
- A legal guardian or attorney acting on behalf of the family
- Anyone with a court order
You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased when ordering.
What to know about Maine specifically
Town-based system, not county. Maine uses a municipal system rather than a county-based one. Your local town or city clerk is often the fastest source for death certificates, especially for recent deaths.
Affordable extra copies. At $6 each for additional copies (when ordered at the same time), Maine is one of the more affordable states for stocking up. Take advantage of this and order enough copies upfront.
Uniform Probate Code state. Maine has adopted the Uniform Probate Code. Estates under $40,000 (less liens and encumbrances) may qualify for a small estate affidavit. The threshold is adjusted annually for inflation. Probate is handled through the Probate Court. See our guide on how probate works in Maine for details.
You can track all of your estate tasks with our interactive checklist.
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