How much do death certificates cost in Maryland?
A certified copy costs $12 from the Maryland Division of Vital Records (part of the Maryland Department of Health). This includes the search fee and one certified copy.
Local health department fees vary by jurisdiction. For example, Montgomery County charges $18 for the first copy and $20 for additional copies (effective September 2025).
For historical records before 2012, the Maryland State Archives charges $25 per copy.
Online orders through VitalChek include additional service and shipping fees.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director handles the initial order. This is the simplest route. Tell them how many copies you need when making arrangements.
From a local health department
Some local health departments and county offices issue death certificates. Fees, services, and appointment requirements vary by location. Contact your local health department directly for details.
From the Division of Vital Records
The state Division of Vital Records handles death records for deaths that occurred in Maryland in 2012 or later.
- In person. Visit the Division of Vital Records in Baltimore. An appointment is typically required.
- By mail. Send a completed application form, photocopies of required identification, a check or money order for $12 per copy payable to "Division of Vital Records," and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Division of Vital Records P.O. Box 68760 Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Online or by phone
Order through VitalChek, the authorized online vendor. Additional processing and shipping fees apply.
For deaths before 2012
Contact the Maryland State Archives for death records prior to 2012. The cost is $25 per copy.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Local health department (in person) | Same day to a few days |
| Division of Vital Records (in person) | Same day (appointment required) |
| By mail | 4 to 6 weeks |
| VitalChek (online) | 5 to 10 business days |
Who can order?
Maryland allows death certificates to be ordered by individuals with a legitimate reason, including:
- Surviving spouse
- Parent or child
- Sibling
- Grandparent or grandchild
- Legal representative of the estate
- Attorney or insurance company with a documented need
You must provide valid identification and information about the deceased.
What to know about Maryland specifically
The 2012 cutoff. The Division of Vital Records only maintains records for deaths from 2012 or later. If the death occurred before 2012, you will need to contact the Maryland State Archives instead. This catches some people off guard, especially when dealing with older records.
Local fees vary. Unlike states with uniform pricing, Maryland's local health departments set their own fees. Shopping around can save money, though the state office at $12 per copy is usually the cheapest option for recent deaths.
The dual-tax connection. Maryland is the only state with both a state estate tax and a state inheritance tax. If you are ordering death certificates for estate administration, be aware that estates exceeding $5 million may owe estate tax, and certain beneficiaries (siblings, nieces, nephews, unrelated individuals) may owe a 10% inheritance tax.
For a broader overview of the death certificate process, see our guide on how to get death certificates. If you are handling probate, see our guide on how probate works in Maryland.
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