In-Person Access
The Talbot County Health Department will be issuing birth and death certificates to the public on a walk-in basis at our offices. The hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please call (410) 819-5600.
For birth certificates, you must be born in the State of Maryland. You will need to supply a copy of a valid photo ID. In this case, you will leave the premises with your birth certificate in hand as long as there are no corrections that need to be made to the document.
If your ID or driver’s license is expired, you will need to provide two forms of proof such as copies of your social security card, bank statement, utility bill, and/or W2. In this case, your birth certificate will be mailed to you.
The cost is $22 and can be paid by cash, check, credit card, or money order. Please make the check or money order payable to the Talbot County Health Department, ensuring it is fully completed, accurate, and signed in the appropriate place.
We are not able to make changes/corrections to birth certificates and if a change/correction is needed, it can ONLY be made by contacting the Division of Vital Records at 6764-B Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215 at 410-764-3038.
Online Access
For your convenience, you can process online requests through an independent company that the Maryland Department of Vital Records has partnered with to provide you this service, VitalChek Network, Inc.
To order online, visit www.vitalchek.com.
An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for using this service, and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®.
Please use caution when ordering Maryland vital records from any vendor other than the State government’s partner vendor, VitalChek. Neither the Maryland Department of Vital Records nor VitalChek have control over the services and fees other Internet vendors offer and charge, nor can we guarantee the confidentiality of any vital record data provided to vendors other than VitalChek.
Other Access Options
Birth Certificates by Mail
Mail the completed application with your payment, a self-addressed envelope, and a photocopy of your identification to: Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036. Accepted forms of payment include checks or money orders, which must be made payable to the Division of Vital Records. (NOTE: Expedited shipping is not available when ordering by mail.)
For a recorded message about birth certificates, call 410-764-3038 (Baltimore local) or 800-832-3277 (toll-free).
Death Certificates by Mail
The Division of Vital Records of the Maryland Department of Health issues certified copies of death certificates for individuals who died in Maryland in 2012 or later. For copies of records for deaths that occurred prior to 2012, contact the Maryland State Archives.
Mail the completed application with your payment, a self-addressed envelope, and a photocopy of your identification to: Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036. Accepted forms of payment include checks or money orders, which must be made payable to the Division of Vital Records. (NOTE: Expedited shipping is not available when ordering by mail.)
Birth & Death Certificates in Person
Certificates may be obtained at the Maryland Department of Vital Records in Baltimore.
You must make an appointment. Visit the Vital Records website for complete information.
For Deaths Before January 1, 2012
Records of deaths before 2012 are kept by the Maryland State Archives.
To find a record, you’ll need to use the archives’ search room computers. Request an appointment so that their staff can best assist you. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Maryland State Archives
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 800-235-4045 or 410-260-6400
Fax: 410-974-2525
Email: msa.helpdesk@maryland.gov