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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.

A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID is required. Applicants who are unable to supply a valid photo ID must present two pieces of alternative documentation. Acceptable alternative documents include:

  • social security card
  • pay stub
  • current car registration
  • bank statement
  • letter from government agency
  • lease/rental agreement
  • utility bill with current address
  • copy of your income tax return
  • W-2 return

At least one of these documents must contain your current mailing address.

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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