May 1, 2023, the Maryland Vital Records Administration transitioned to a new registration system that affects counties statewide. The system may be down at times during this transition. Process and wait times are slower and longer than usual. We are by appointment only. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
Did You Know? Birth Certificates are also available by mail from State of Maryland, Division of Vital Records, Baltimore, Maryland – Application for a Copy or Abstract of Birth Certificate
The Anne Arundel County Department of Health provides certified copies of birth certificates and death certificates at its headquarters in Annapolis. A certified copy of a birth certificate may be used for retirement purposes, passports, social services, school enrollment and legal purposes. Due to the FEDERAL REAL ID Act, documents (including a certified copy of a birth certificate) may be required to renew your Maryland Driver’s License or Identification Card.
Birth Certificates
Effective July 19, 2021:
BIRTH CERTIFICATES BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon and 12:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
(Closed between noon and 12:45 p.m.)
Call 410-222-4462 Monday through Friday to schedule a birth certificate appointment. Vital record information is also available online:
- https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/home.aspx
- https://www.vitalchek.com
- By mail to: Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215
- By calling MDH Vital Records at 410-764-3038, push 1
Birth certificates for individuals born in Maryland after 1942 may be obtained for a $20 fee at the Health Services Building, 3 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401
To obtain a Maryland birth certificate:
- Apply in person
- Present a valid government ID with photo. The ID must have the date issued as well as an expiration date.
- Copies of birth certificates can only be given to the individual whose name is listed on the birth certificate, the mother or father listed on the birth certificate, or an individual with papers showing custody of the person whose name is listed on the birth certificate.
- Pay $20 fee with cash; Discover, Mastercard or Visa credit* and debit cards; or check made payable to Controller, Anne Arundel County. *There is a 2.2% fee for use of credit cards.
- Anne Arundel County Department of Health’s Application for a Copy or Abstract of Birth Certificate – Must Apply in Person.
Another option to receive a copy or abstract of a birth certificate:
State of Maryland, Division of Vital Records, Baltimore, Maryland – Application for a Copy or Abstract of Birth Certificate
Home Births
Anne Arundel County residents planning to have a home birth should contact 410-222-7223 or HDSQI@aacounty.org to pre-register their pregnancy. The pre-registration process will also include a home visit by a public health nurse, who will offer health education and connections to community resources.
For more information about registering a home birth, visit health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/homebirth.aspx.
Death Certificates
For Funeral Directors
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Fax requests to 410-222-4424.
For the Public by Appointment Only
By Appointment Only at 410-222-4462
Monday through Friday
11 a.m. – 12 noon and 12:45 p.m. – 3 p.m.
(Closed between noon and 12:45 p.m.)
Death certificates for individuals who died in Maryland since 2015 may be obtained by funeral directors, at the Health Services Building, 3 Harry S. Truman Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401. Certified death certificates are $18 for the first certificate and $20 for each additional certificate. There is a 2.2% fee for the use of credit cards. Also, see Death and Fetal Death Certificates-Maryland Vital Statistics.