ATTENTION - On February 1, 2010, we will be converting to a new birth and death certificate system.  There may be an increased wait time during this transition. We appreciate your patience during this learning process.

Certified copies of birth and death certificates are provided on a walk-in basis. The cost is $20.00 per certificate, which is payable by cash or check.

If you were born in the State of Maryland after January 1, 1939 you can apply for a copy of your birth certificate at the Health Department.

If you were born prior to 1939, or need to obtain a birth certificate for a deceased person, you need to contact the Baltimore Office of Vital Records to obtain a copy of your birth certificate. 

If you were born in another state you would need to contact that state directly to apply for your birth certificate.

Contact us at (301) 600- 1029 and we can give you the telephone numbers for the other states and for the Baltimore office.

Each individual, or parent of an individual, must appear in person to fill out an application and will need to have a valid government issued photo ID with an issued date and an expiration date.

Only the individual, or parent listed on the certificate can obtain the certificate unless you have documentation of legal guardianship, or a notarized letter of permission.

If you do not have a valid ID the certificate will be mailed to you, however you must provide two alternative pieces of documentation. At least one of these documents must contain your current mailing address.

Certified copies of death certificates can be issued to immediate family members within 30 days of the date of death as long as the certificate has been filed in our office.