Find Maine Vital Records Online
Are Maine Vital Records Available to the Public?
Yes, Maine vital records become public after a specified period according to the Maine Vital Records Act. Birth records are public after 75 years, death records after 25 years, and marriage and divorce records after 50 years. Until these periods elapse, access is restricted to eligible individuals.
What Information is Included in Maine Vital Records?
Maine vital records document key life events and include:
- Birth records
- Death records
- Marriage records
- Divorce records
These records serve as legal proof of identity and are essential for various legal and research purposes.
How to Access Maine Vital Records Online?
To access Maine vital records online, requesters must provide relevant information associated with the record. This includes:
- The name of the registrant(s)
- Date and place of the event
- Names of parents (for birth records)
- Presiding judge (for marriage or divorce records)
The Maine Division of Public Health Systems offers online services for ordering records remotely. Requesters need to fill out the necessary forms and provide the required details to facilitate the search.
What Do I Need to Access Maine Vital Records?
To obtain vital records in Maine, requesters must submit a written request to the appropriate office, such as the Vital Records Office or the local health department. The request should include:
- The registrant's full name
- Date and place of the event
- Names of parents (for birth records)
- The requestor's relationship to the registrant
Additionally, requesters must provide:
- A government-issued photo ID
- A self-addressed, stamped envelope
- A payment of $15 made payable to "Treasurer - State of Maine"
Requests can be submitted in person or via mail to the Vital Records Office at 11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011.
Certified vs. Informational Copies: Key Differences
Certified copies of vital records are used to establish identity and for legal purposes. They feature a raised seal and are issued by authorized record custodians. Informational copies, on the other hand, are available to the general public and are used for research or informational purposes. They do not have legal standing and cannot be used to establish identity.
Are Maine Birth Records Available to the Public?
Maine birth records become public information 75 years after the birth. Before this period, access is restricted to the individual, immediate family members, legal representatives, and authorized third parties with a court order.
How to Access Maine Birth Records?
To access Maine birth records, requesters must provide:
- The registrant's full name
- Date and place of birth
- Names of the registrant's parents (including the mother's maiden name)
- The requestor's relationship to the registrant
Requests must also include a government-issued photo ID, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and a payment of $15 made payable to "Treasurer - State of Maine." Requests can be submitted in person or via mail to the Vital Records Office at 11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011.
Are Birth Certificates Public in Maine?
Birth certificates in Maine are not public records. Access is restricted to the individual, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a judicial order, as stipulated by Maine Revised Statutes Title 22 §2706.
Are Maine Death Records Available to the Public?
Maine death records become public after 25 years for deceased adults. Fetal death records are considered private until 50 years after the event. Until these periods elapse, access is restricted to immediate family members and legally authorized individuals.
How to Access Death Records in Maine?
To access death records in Maine, requesters must provide:
- The full name of the deceased
- Date and place of death
- The requestor's relationship to the deceased
Requests must include a government-issued photo ID, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and a payment of $15 made payable to "Treasurer - State of Maine." Requests can be submitted in person or via mail to the Vital Records Office at 11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011.
Are Maine Marriage Records Available to the Public?
Maine marriage records become public information 50 years after the marriage license was issued. Until then, access is restricted to eligible individuals, including spouses, immediate family members, and legal representatives.
How to Access Marriage Records in Maine?
To obtain marriage records in Maine, requesters must provide:
- The full names of the couple
- Date and place of the marriage
- The requestor's relationship to the couple
Requests must also include a government-issued photo ID, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and a payment of $15 made payable to "Treasurer - State of Maine." Requests can be submitted in person or via mail to the Vital Records Office at 11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011.
How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Maine
To obtain a marriage certificate in Maine, requesters must contact the municipal clerk's office where the marriage license was issued or the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. The request should include:
- The full names of the couple
- Date and place of the marriage
- The requestor's relationship to the couple
Requests must also include a government-issued photo ID, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and a payment of $15 made payable to "Treasurer - State of Maine." Requests can be submitted in person or via mail to the Vital Records Office at 11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011.
Are Maine Divorce Records Available to the Public?
Maine divorce records are generally available to the public, but certain information may be restricted. This includes financial settlements, alimony payments, bank statements, property inventory, and social security information. Restricted information is available only to the individuals named on the record.
How to Get Divorce Records in Maine?
To obtain divorce records in Maine, requesters must provide:
- The names of the parties involved
- Date and place of the divorce
- The case file or court docket number
Requests must include a government-issued photo ID, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and a payment of $15 made payable to "Treasurer - State of Maine." Requests can be submitted in person or via mail to the Vital Records Office at 11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011.
How to Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate in Maine
To obtain a certified divorce certificate in Maine, requesters must contact the clerk of the district court where the divorce was granted or the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. The request should include:
- The names of the parties involved
- Date and place of the divorce
- The requestor's relationship to the parties
Requests must also include a government-issued photo ID, a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and a payment of $15 made payable to "Treasurer - State of Maine." Requests can be submitted in person or via mail to the Vital Records Office at 11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011.