How much is a death certificate in Maryland?

$10 for the first certified copy from the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, and $12 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Additional copies of the same record cost more than the first. Online orders add a $13 processing fee. Local health department fees vary. The state issues copies only for deaths in 2012 or later. Older records are at the Maryland State Archives.

Who can order a death certificate in Maryland?

A surviving relative or an authorized representative of the deceased, or the funeral director in charge of final disposition. You must send proof of your relationship or interest, such as a birth or marriage certificate, letter of administration or court order.

How do I order a death certificate in Maryland?

You can order online, by mail or in person. Online orders go through VitalChek, a private company the state uses, which adds its own fee. A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, or two other documents from the office's list, one showing your current mailing address.

Death certificates

Death certificates in Maryland

In Maryland, a certified copy of a death certificate costs $10 from the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. Each extra copy ordered at the same time costs $12. You can order online, by mail or in person. The funeral home can often order the first copies for you.

Last checked October 20, 2026 on the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records site. General information, not legal advice. Fees change, so confirm before you pay.

How to order in Maryland

Ordering a certified copy of a death certificate in Maryland
Office	Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records
First certified copy	$10
Each extra copy, same order	$12 Additional copies of the same record cost more than the first. Online orders add a $13 processing fee. Local health department fees vary. The state issues copies only for deaths in 2012 or later. Older records are at the Maryland State Archives.
Who can order	A surviving relative or an authorized representative of the deceased, or the funeral director in charge of final disposition. You must send proof of your relationship or interest, such as a birth or marriage certificate, letter of administration or court order.
ID you need	A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, or two other documents from the office's list, one showing your current mailing address.
Ways to order	Online, by mail or in person. The state takes online orders only through VitalChek, a private company, which adds its own fee. By mail or in person costs only the state fee. At the Division of Vital Records lobby in Baltimore by appointment only, or at some local health departments.
How long it takes	Same day in the lobby. About 6 weeks for mail orders. About 5 weeks for online orders with regular shipping, or 3 weeks with expedited shipping.

Do funeral homes order the first copies?

Often, yes. The funeral director files the death certificate with the state, so ordering copies at the same time is common. The FTC lists death certificates among the cash advance items a funeral home may buy for you and add to its bill. Ask what it charges per copy.

The funeral director in charge of final disposition may order copies. Funeral facilities can order through the state funeral facility portal or by mail.

For more copies later, order from the office above. How many copies do you need? Our calculator counts one for each bank, insurer and agency.

Questions people ask

How much is a death certificate in Maryland?: $10 for the first certified copy from the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, and $12 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Additional copies of the same record cost more than the first. Online orders add a $13 processing fee. Local health department fees vary. The state issues copies only for deaths in 2012 or later. Older records are at the Maryland State Archives.
Who can order a death certificate in Maryland?: A surviving relative or an authorized representative of the deceased, or the funeral director in charge of final disposition. You must send proof of your relationship or interest, such as a birth or marriage certificate, letter of administration or court order.
How do I order a death certificate in Maryland?: You can order online, by mail or in person. Online orders go through VitalChek, a private company the state uses, which adds its own fee. A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, or two other documents from the office's list, one showing your current mailing address.

Death certificates in Maryland

How to order in Maryland

Do funeral homes order the first copies?

Questions people ask

Sources