Order official Maryland Divorce Records and Vital Records online

Divorce records are essential documents that serve multiple purposes, such as legal name changes, remarriage, or verifying marital history. They contain vital information like the names of the parties involved, date of the marriage dissolution, and can be crucial for personal, legal, or genealogical purposes. If you're looking to obtain a Maryland divorce certificate, this guide will walk you through the process, requirements, and associated costs to ensure you secure these important documents smoothly.

Who Can Request Divorce Records?

In Maryland, divorce records are primarily available to the individuals named in the document, their legal representatives, or immediate family members. Others may request access, but typically, they must demonstrate a legitimate need or obtain a court order. It's important to confirm eligibility before starting the application process to avoid any issues.

What Documents Are Required?

When applying for a Maryland divorce certificate, you'll need specific documents to verify your identity and eligibility:

• • A completed application form.
• • A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport).
• • Proof of relationship or legal interest, if applicable.
• • Payment of applicable fees (varies by request method).

You can find and download the application form from the official Maryland Department of Health website.

How to Obtain Maryland Divorce Records

In Person

You can visit the Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records in person to request a divorce certificate. It's advisable to bring all required documents and the necessary payment to expedite the process.

By Mail

To request by mail, send the completed application form, copies of required documents, and a check or money order for the applicable fee to the Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records. Ensure everything is correctly filled out and all required documents are included to avoid delays.

Online

You can also request divorce records online through the VitalChek service. This method is convenient and allows for expedited processing, though additional fees may apply for online requests. Follow the instructions on the VitalChek website carefully to ensure a smooth transaction.

How Much Do Divorce Records Cost?

The cost for obtaining a Maryland divorce certificate varies based on the request method:

• • In person: $12 per copy.
• • By mail: $12 per copy plus shipping costs.
• • Online via VitalChek: $20.50 per copy plus VitalChek's processing fee and shipping costs.

Expedited services may incur additional fees, especially for online requests.

Processing Time

Processing times can vary depending on the method of application:

• • In person: Same-day service.
• • By mail: 4-6 weeks.
• • Online: 5-7 business days with expedited options available.

Following these guidelines carefully will ensure you obtain your Maryland divorce records without unnecessary delays. Should you have further questions or require additional assistance, don't hesitate to contact the Maryland Department of Health directly to clarify any specifics related to your application.

If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.