Birth & Death Certificates

Fax (410) 901-8193

Monday through Friday between 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Birth Certificates

The Dorchester County Health Department can produce an official birth certificate with a raised seal for anyone born in the State of Maryland from 1940 to the present. Birth certificates can only be issued to the person or the parent named on the certificate. Legal guardians must present original Court documents. For individuals born before 1940, the application can be faxed to the Division of Vital Records and the birth certificate will be mailed to the individual's home address by the Division of Vital Records in approximately one week.

Death Certificates

The Dorchester County Health Department registers, validates, and issues death certificates to funeral directors or other individuals who are entitled (must present proof of relationship to the deceased, i.e. insurance policy). Death Certificates are issued for 30 days after the initial filing date.

Fees (Cash, check or money order only):

Birth Certificates: $20.00 ($12.00 if faxed)
Death Certificates: $20.00
Fee for changes: $12.00 after one year

The Dorchester County Health Department provides walk-in service only at the 3 Cedar Street location. All applications must be completed on the premises and a photo ID is required. Acceptable forms of photo ID are:

valid drivers' license
MVA ID
military ID
passport

Damaged or expired ID's are not acceptable.For more information, please contact Linda Bradford, CAP at 410-901-8116 or please access the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website at www.dhmh.state.md.us