The paperwork · Maine
Almost everything that comes after a death, from the bank to the life insurance company, asks for a certified copy. Here is what a copy costs in Maine, where to order it, and how many to get.
Order about 10 certified copies at the start. It costs less to buy them together than to come back for more later, and nearly every office will want an original, not a photocopy.
From the state vital records office
Cost of a certified copy: Certified $15.00 Non-Certified $10.00
Mail requests to: Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention 11 State House Station 220 Capitol Street Augusta, ME 04333-0011
State office physically houses records since 1923. Records from 1892-1922 housed at the Maine State Archives. For earlier records, write to the municipality where the event occurred. Additional copies of same record ordered at same time are $6.00 each. To purchase a record, the request must include proof of identification (photocopy of valid photo IDs such as a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo identification), written request, self-addressed stamped envelope and proof of lineage (if the requestor is not listed on the record) or direct and legitimate interest in the record, if applicable. Personal check or money order should be made payable to Treasurer, State of Maine. To verify current fees, the telephone number is (207) 287-3181, or toll-free at 1-888-664-9491. This will be a recorded message. Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the Official State of Maine website.
If the family cannot afford a funeral, call the county burial assistance program before signing anything with a funeral home. Find your county on the Maine help page, and see what else is owed to you in the first 48 hours checklist.
Questions families ask
The state vital records office lists the cost of a certified copy as: Certified $15.00 Non-Certified $10.00 Fees can change, so confirm on the official site before you send payment.
Most families need about 10. Banks, life insurance, Social Security, the vehicle title office, retirement accounts, and property transfers each tend to want an original certified copy, and many will not accept a photocopy.
Yes. Funeral homes file the death record for you and can usually order certified copies at the same time. If you are using a county burial program instead, ask the caseworker how copies are ordered.
Eligibility rules are set by Maine. Spouses, children, parents, and the executor named in the will are commonly eligible, and you may be asked for photo ID and proof of your relationship. The state office confirms the exact rules.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Costs and rules come from the official Maine vital records listing and can change; confirm with the office before you send payment.
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Reviewed by the Final Steps Help research team.
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