Maine Death Records

The Maine became a separate state in 1820, by the 18th century, more then 200 towns were recording the birth and death. The birth and death records were kept by the towns and city level of the Maine before 1892, some of the municipalities kept properly maintained record while some municipalities did not, in these record parent’s name are rarely listed. In 1920, when the state requested copies of pre-1892 vital records from the towns, only 20 percent of them responded.

In 1892, the State Board of Vital Statistics was established by legislation with a view of mandatory recording of birth and death within the geographical boundaries at the state level. Now the office of vital statistics, Department of Human Services, State of Maine has properly maintained death records since 1923. The state defined fee for the death certificate certified copy is $15, if additional copies required, $6 will be charged for each copy. The payment can be made by cash or through check. The office also provides non-certified copy on the fee of $10.

Vital Statistics office need following information on request Name of the descendent, Date of death, Name of city/death where death occurred, day time telephone number of the applicant, relationship of the applicant with the deceased. Check is to be payable to Treasurer - State of Maine. All the requests are processed within 7-10 business days after the receipt of request subject to complete requirements. Maine Vital Records are much contributing in Maine Geology and family history resources of the citizens of the state.

For death records from 1923, write:

Maine Department of Human Services
Office of Vital Records
State House Station 11
244 Water Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0011