Residents of Maine have the right by law to search, examine, or obtain any public record. This right is enshrined in the Maine Open Records Law, which states that all government records unless they meet certain conditions, which is listed below, are presumed public.
Any citizen can obtain these records without submitting personal information unless a record is classified or confidential by either law or court order. These records include criminal records, inmate records, court records, driving records, vital records, and historical records, all of which amount to over 10 million records available to the public.
The purpose of this article is to provide easy access to all relevant Public Records information for the state of Maine. This includes information about the records themselves and the process and fees associated with requesting them.
In 1892 Maine began collecting public record information from all sixteen of its counties. Over the last thirty years, digitization has made it easier for the public to access these documents. Not only does the Government of Maine make it easy for citizens to acquire public records, but there are many third-party websites that one can use as well.
Maine Freedom of Access Act
As every U.S. state believes the right to obtain information about the government and the public it serves sits at the heart of every healthy democracy. The Maine FOAA (Freedom of Access Act) gives citizens of the state of Main broad rights to access public records.
Simultaneously, the FOAA ensures that the legitimate privacy interests of government and citizens alike are protected.
Government accountability is ensured by the act, ensuring that citizens can have access to public agencies’ meetings. The Maine FOAA is essential for transparency and open decision-making, allowing for greater public trust and confidence in Maine’s state government.
In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, several changes and provisions have been made to the acts governing public proceedings. To learn more, visit the Maine FOAA website.
Public Access Ombudsman of the State of Maine
In 2012 the Maine Legislature created the office of the Public Access Ombudsman. The purpose of this office is to review all complaints relating to FOAA compliance, and if needed, mediate any necessary resolutions.
The Ombudsman also answers calls from public members, the media, or government agencies about the requirements surrounding public access laws.
In addition, the Ombudsman is responsible for educational materials regarding the law, providing opinions in an advisory capacity, and working with advisory committees that monitor new developments in public access law.
The Public Access Ombudsman releases an annual report detailing Maine’s efforts to maintain its principles of transparency. You can view these reports back to 2012 when the position was created on the Public Access Ombudsman’s webpage.
How can I contact the Ombudsman?
Branda Kielty is Maine’s Public Access Ombudsman. You can reach her:
Address:
Office of the Attorney General
Public Access Ombudsman
6 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 043332
Phone number:
07-626-8577
Email:
Brenda.Kielty@maine.gov
How can I make FOAA requests?
The state of Maine does not have a central records office that services FOAA requests. This means that each individual public agency is responsible for responding to that agency’s requests for records.
To submit a request, you will need to determine what public agency maintains the records you seek and submit the FOAA request to that public body directly. In the next section, you will find a detailed list of the appropriate individuals to contact for each public agency.
To make a request, you should submit a written statement with as many specific details as possible describing the sought-after records. Identify precisely any of the documents you require, including author, title, and date.
If you do not know the specifics of the records you are looking for, explain as much information as possible about the record type, timeframe, and subject so that the agency can help you find what you are looking for. Explaining what information you hope to learn will help the agency determine the kind of documentation you are looking for.
For more information on how making FOAA requests works, click on this link for an FAQ on FOAA’s for the state of Maine.
FOAA Contact List
The following list enumerates all contacts for the various departments and public agencies of the state of Maine and the contact information for making public access requests.
Department/ContactPhone/Address
| Administrative and Financial Services | Kelsey Goldsmith, Cross Building, Augusta, ME, 04332624-7453 Kelsey.goldsmith@maine.gov |
| Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations | Kelsey Goldsmith,10 Water Street, Augusta, ME, 04332624-7453 Kelsey.goldsmith@maine.gov |
| Service Centers | Kelsey Goldsmith, 111 Sewall St, 78 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04332624-7453 Kelsey.goldsmith@maine.gov |
| Bureau of General Services | Kelsey Goldsmith, Cross Building, 77 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04332624-7453 Kelsey.goldsmith@maine.gov |
| State Controller | Kelsey Goldsmith, Cross Building, 14 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04332624-7453 Kelsey.goldsmith@maine.gov |
| State Budget Officer | Kelsey Goldsmith, Cross Building, 3rd Floor, Augusta, ME, 04332624-7453 Kelsey.goldsmith@maine.gov |
| Office of Information Technology | Kelsey Goldsmith, 51 Commerce Drive, 145 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04332624-7453 Kelsey.goldsmith@maine.gov |
| Bureau of Human Resources | Kelsey Goldsmith, 4 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04332624-7453 Kelsey.goldsmith@maine.gov |
| Office of Employee Relations | Kelsey Goldsmith, 45 Memorial Circle, Augusta, ME, 04332624-7453 Kelsey.goldsmith@maine.gov |
| Maine Revenue Services | Kelsey Goldsmith, 51 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME, 04332624-7453 Kelsey.goldsmith@maine.gov |
| Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry | Shannon Ayotte, 22 State House Station, 18 Elkins Lane, Augusta, ME, 04332287-5976 Shannon.ayotte@maine.gov |
| Attorney General’s Office | Jonathan Bolton, 6 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04332626-8551 Jonathan.bolton@maine.gov |
| Office of the State Auditor | Kristin Guerete, 66 State House StationAugusta, ME, 04332624-6272, Kristin.Guerette@maine.gov |
| Corrections | Randall Liberty, 11 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04332287-4363 randall.liberty@maine.gov |
| Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management | Scott Young, 33 State House Station, Camp Keyes, Augusta, ME, 04332430-5997 scott.a.young@maine.gov |
| Economic and Community Development | Kate Foye, Cross Building, Augusta, ME, 04332624-9838 kate.foye@maine.gov |
| Education | Keli Deveaux, Cross Building, 23 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333624-6747 kelli.deveaux@maine.gov |
| Environmental Protection | Kevin Martin, 17 State House Station, 28 Tyson Drive, Augusta, ME, 04333287-4305 FOAARequest.DEP@Maine.gov |
| Finance Authority of Maine | William Norbert, 5 Community Drive, P.O. Box 949, Augusta, ME, 04332620-3540 wnorbert@famemaine.com |
| Office of the Governor of Policy and Management | Timothy Feeley, 210 State Street, Augusta, ME, 04333207-287-3531 timothy.j.feeley@maine.gov |
| Health and Human Services | Kevin Wells, 221 State Street, 11 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333287-4252 kevin.wells@maine.gov |
| Inland Fisheries and Wildlife | Christl Theriault, 284 State Street, Augusta, ME, 04333287-1197 Christl.f.theriault@maine.gov |
| Labor | L. Ken Boykin, 54 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333621-5021 L.Ken.Boykin@maine.gov |
| Maine Housing Authority | Linda Uhl, 353 Water Street, Augusta, ME, 04333626-4600 luhl@mainehousing.org |
| Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics | Jonathan Wayne, 135 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333287-4179 jonathan.wayne@maine.gov |
| Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services | John Pelletier, 154 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333287-3254 John.Pelletier@maine.gov |
| Maine Arts Commission | Julie Richard, Maine State Library State Office Complex, Augusta, ME, 04333287-2710 Julie.richard@maine.gov |
| Maine International Trade Center | Janine Bisaillon-Cary, 511 Congress Street, Suite 100, Portland, ME, 04101541-7400 jbcary@mitc.com |
| Maine Historic Preservation Commission | Kirk Mohney, 55 Capitol Street, 65 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333287-2132 kirk.mohney@maine.gov |
| Maine Human Rights Commission | Amy Sneirson, 51 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333624-6290 amy.sneirson@mhrc.maine.gov |
| Maine Health Data Organization | Karynlee Harrington, 151 Capitol Street, 102 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333446-0890 Karynlee.harrington@maine.gov |
| Maine State Board of Nursing | Veronica Cochrane, 158 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333287-1146 Veronica.Cochrane@maine.gov |
| Maine Technology Institute | Greg Lee, 405 Water Street, Suite 300, Gardiner, ME, 04345582-4790 glee@mainetechnology.org |
| Maine Turnpike Authority | Jon Arey, 2360 Congress St, Portland, ME, 04102871-7771 jarey@maineturnpike.com |
| Marine Resources | Melissa Macaluso, Winthrop Street, Hallowell, ME, 04347-0021624-6550 Melissa.macaluso@maine.gov |
| Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority | William Gayle, 75 West Commercial St., Suite #104, Portland, ME, 04101780-1000 ext. 104 william@nnepra.com |
| Professional and Financial Regulation | Anne Head, 76 Northern Avenue, 35 State House Station, Gardiner, ME, 04333-0035624-8511 Anne.L.Head@maine.gov |
| Bureau of Financial Institutions | John Barr, 76 Northern Avenue, 36 State House Station, Gardiner, ME, 04333-0035624-8561 john.a.barr@maine.gov |
| Office of Securities | Karla Black, 76 Northern Avenue, 121 State House Station, Gardiner, ME, 04345-003624-8614 Karla.black@maine.gov |
| Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation | Kristin Racine, 76 Northern Avenue, 35 State House Station, Gardiner, ME, 04333-0035624-8615 Kristin.racine@maine.gov |
| Bureau of Insurance | Ben Yardley, 76 Northern Avenue, 34 State House Station, Gardiner, ME, 04345624-8537 Benjamin.yardley@maine.gov |
| Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection | Will Lund, 76 Northern Avenue, 35 State House StationGardiner, ME, 04333-0035624-8527 william.n.lund@maine.gov |
| Public Advocate | 103 Water Street, 3rd Floor, Hallowell, ME, 04347624-3687 opq@maine.gov |
| Public Safety | Christopher Parr, 45 Commerce Drive – Suite 1, Augusta, ME, 04333624-7205 Christopher.parr@maine.gov |
| Public Utilities Commission | Harry Lanphear, 101 Second Street, Hallowell, ME, 04347287-1353 Harry.A.Lanphear@maine.gov |
| Secretary of State | Kristen Muszynski, 148 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333626-8400 Kristen.Muszynski@maine.gov |
| Transportation | Toni Kemmerle, Child Street, 2nd Level, Augusta, ME, 04333624-3024 Toni.Kemmerle@maine.gov |
| Treasurer | Matthew Colpitts, 111 Sewall St., Cross Building, Augusta, ME, 04333647-7468 matthew.colpitts@maine.gov |
| Workers’ Compensation Board | John Rohde, 27 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333287-7091 john.rohde@maine.gov |
What exemptions are there to Maine’s FOAA?
Over 300 exemptions exist for Maine’s Freedom of Access Act. These exemptions detail types of records or classes of information not subject to FOAA laws.
An example of this is that any record containing a private citizen’s health care information cannot be disclosed to anyone except the individual listed on that record or someone authorized by that individual. Thus, that information is exempt from Freedom of Access requests.
The Maine Legislature maintains a search tool that will allow you to search for specific exemptions to the laws surrounding Freedom of Access.
Criminal Records of the State of Maine
Any individual who passes through Maine’s criminal justice system in connection with a crime, even if only alleged, acquires a criminal record. Several agencies are responsible for the information that goes into a criminal record, including the courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, correctional departments, and the Bureau of Identiifical.
The following information may be included in these records:
- Name of the offender
- Known aliases of the offender
- Fingerprints
- Physical description of the offender (including body markings, tattoos, and piercings)
- Criminal charges (including pending and acquitted charges)
- What the plea for those charges was
- Previous arrest information
- Offenses (allegedly) committed
Arrest Records: Law enforcement agencies maintain arrest records. They contain information on individuals taken into custody by law enforcement agents because they witnessed their involvement in a crime, because it is believed beyond a reasonable doubt that they have committed a crime, or that they planned to commit a crime.
Arrest Warrants: Judges or magistrates issue arrest warrants in response to a law enforcement agent’s sworn statement that they possess evidence a person is involved in criminal activity. The arrest warrant will contain a name or description of the arrestee and the facts that link them to the crime. Under Maine law, an arrest warrant is not always necessary.
Felony: In Maine, offenses fall in order of severity on a lettered scale of A through E, A being more serious, E being less serious. Felony offenses are classified as A, B, or C, with murder being its own felony class. According to Maine law, felonies are punishable by a term in state prison. In Maine, murder carries a sentence of 25 years to life.
Misdemeanor: D and E class offenses are called Misdemeanor offenses. These offenses carry a lesser punishment than felony offenses because they have less impact on public safety and/or property and are therefore less devastating. Therefore, the penalty for misdemeanors is less severe, typically resulting in fine, forfeiture, or brief confinement.
Serious Traffic Violation: According to Maine Law, serious traffic offenses occur when serious bodily injury or property damage has occurred. Typically these result in harsher punishments than minor traffic violations, such as suspension of a license, hefty fines, or jail sentences.
Conviction Records: When an individual pleads guilty, is found guilty, or pleads no contest to a crime, a sentence is issued by the courts telling the punishment to be carried out. The conviction record contains information detailing the offense, how it violates the law, and its punishment.
Inmate/Jail Records: Individuals incarcerated or held in custody in any facility administered by the Maine Department of Corrections, county-level jails, or corrections centers of any kind will have an inmate or jail record. Prisoners and inmates are persons found guilty by a judge or jury and sentenced to a term of incarceration.
Parole Records: When an inmate achieves early release, they come under a parole officer’s supervision until the parole’s terms and conditions are satisfied. A parole record would contain information about these terms and conditions. 1976 saw the elimination of paroles from criminal sentences in Maine, replaced by ‘good time credits.’
Juvenile Criminal Records: If an offender is under 18 and adjudicated (as opposed to convicted) for a crime following the same felony/misdemeanor class system of A through E offenses or murder listed above, they will receive a Juvenile Criminal Record. In the state of Maine, some of these records are public, and some are private.
Criminal History Record Information
The State Bureau of Identification of the Maine Department of Public Safety maintains a repository of criminal records. This repository aims to file and preserve criminal records, arrest and conviction reports reported to the State Bureau of Identification, usually by law enforcement agencies.
These collections are then made available to both the public and criminal justice systems 24 hours a day as a matter of public access. There are, however, some restrictions on how that information can be released.
An online and publicly available Criminal History Record Search will only release information regarding an adult’s conviction for a crime or a juvenile’s adjudications for felonies not sealed by a judge.
This online tool gives the public access to criminal history records and information about juvenile crimes recorded by the State Bureau of Identification or the Maine State Police. This online search tool provides all publically available adjudication and conviction information for crimes committed in the state of Maine, as well as cases that are pending.
What information will I need to search?
You can request a search based on three criteria:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth of the subject
- Credit card/InforME subscription
What are the fees?
- For members of InforME currently residents of Maine, the fee is $21.00
- For members of InforME living out of state, the fee is $31.00
- For non-InforME subscribers, the fee is $31.00
- Online requests for notarized reports are available online for an additional $10.00
How do I request a Maine Criminal History Record online?
Use the form available on the Maine Criminal History Record ; Juvenile Crime Information Request Service website to request history checks for up to ten individuals.
Suppose you are requesting criminal history checks for more than twenty subjects. In that case, it might be useful to subscribe to the Information Resource of Maine, which allows you to upload multiple names instead of searching for them individually.
Once you enter the search criteria, you will receive one of two responses. Either there will be no match found under the information you provided, or there will be a record found. If the record was found, you would be emailed the record within a few hours of your search. Contact the State Bureau of Identification if your request has taken longer than three weeks.
What information is contained in the Maine Criminal History Record?
For a detailed discussion of the information contained in these records, see section number 16 of the Criminal History Record Information Act MRSA 703(3).
For further information about the dissemination of criminal histories in the state of Maine, look at the Frequently Asked Questions page of the request services website.
To challenge the information contained in a Criminal History Record as either inaccurate or incomplete, initiate a Criminal Record Challenge Process. This process allows individuals to review and challenge information perceived as inaccurate found in a criminal record.
Maine Sex Offender Registry
In addition to maintaining the Criminal History Record search, the Main State Bureau of Identification also oversees the Sex Offender Registry. The Sex Offender Registry lists individuals required by law to register due to a conviction for sex-related crimes. Either 10-year or lifetime registrations are possible, and the public has full access to the registry.
The registry’s purpose is to provide the public with information regarding the whereabouts of registered offenders in the state of Maine. Pursuant of Title 34A MRSA (Ch. 15/17), registration is limited to those sex crimes whose sentencing requires registration.
Periodically, registrants must provide verification of their address, but registrants may move and fail to notify the bureau of their address change. Any offender convicted in Maine and moves elsewhere will have their information maintained in the registry until their obligation expires.
However, the Main Bureau of Identification cannot guarantee the accuracy of the registry’s information but makes every effort to ensure the information contained therein is up to date and accurate. The National Sex Offender website can be consulted to corroborate your search further.
Using the Maine Sex Offender Registry website, you can search by the individual (first/last name), by location (city/town), or by area (ZIP code/radius).
To learn more about the registry, including what information is contained in the registry and common questions asked about the registry, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Maine Inmate Records
Maine provides easy and free access to search for information about adult prisoners and probationers. The Maine Department of Corrections maintains this system, and it is available at any time. Juveniles, however, are not included in this search.
It is important to note that the information granted through this search is not a complete criminal history. For such a history, see the information provided above regarding Public Criminal History Requests.
The Prisoner Online Search Service allows you to search for prisoners using several different criteria. Follow the above link and fill out as many of the following search fields as possible:
- MDOC Number (unique DOC id number)
- First, Middle, Last Names
- Gender
- Age Range
- Weight Range
- Height Range
- Eye Color
- Hair Color
- Race/Ethnicity
- Scars, Marks, Tattoos
- Current Status
- Location
- Offense Type
Once you have entered the above search criteria, press the search button, and all results matching your search will be displayed.
How will my search results be displayed?
On the far right of the results page, you will see the location at which the individual is incarcerated and the person you should contact if you have any questions. If the incarcerated individual is physically in a different place, the ‘status’ field will note this.
The search results will identify individuals who have escaped or who have active probation warrants filed by the Courts. These alerts are displayed with red-lettered fonts.
Search results will also provide you with the date of ‘earliest possible release.’ This date can change depending on the circumstances. For individuals who are incarcerated, the date represents the earliest release date possible for that person. For individuals held ‘in community,’ the date represents the earliest projected release from community supervision.
You can sort results using the sort controllers at the top of the results page — sort by MDOC#, Name, Status, Race, Gender.
Individual profiles can be viewed by clicking the client image, even if it says ‘photo not available,’ or on the MDOC number. This will open a separate page allowing you to view demographic information about the incarcerated individual.
In addition to demographic information, a ‘convictions’ section will also display as part of their profile listing active offenses. This section will provide the following information:
- Offense (class)
- Sentence
- Court
- Docket Number
- Count
- Sentence Date
A third section is also provided for individuals with ‘in community’ status only. This section is titled ‘conditions of supervision.’ It provides a list of standard conditions that every individual must meet and any non-standard conditions specific to that individual.
Maine Vital Records
Vital records detail life events such as birth, death, fetal death, marriage, domestic partnership, and divorce. In Maine, these records are closed to the public and only accessible to specific individuals. Eligible persons can view these records; they include the individual listed on the record, their spouse, and their parents or legal guardians.
Descendants can also view these records, as well as legal custodians and any authorized genealogists who are working in affiliation with the Maine CDC (Center for Disease Control).
The state of Maine began collecting and preserving vital records in 1892. There may be some records available before 1892, and these will be held in the municipal offices where the vital event occurred. They may also be held in the Maine State Archives.
How do I obtain a copy of vital records in Maine?
By law, Maine vital records are considered private information not subject to public access requests. This pertains to the following records and the respective age of the record:
- Birth records less than 75 yrs old
- Marriage records less than 50 yrs old
- Death records less than 25 yrs old
- Fetal deaths less than 50 yrs old
To request a copy, the client must present a positive ID that you are either the individual listed on the record or documentation proving direct lineage to the listed individual.
Individuals who are registered genealogists can request non-certified copies of these records, and they are limited to viewing certificates of birth, death, or marriage.
Any records of vital events beyond the age criteria listed above are considered public records and can be issued to any interested party regardless of their relation to the individual.
For more information on how to obtain copies of vital records in the state of Maine, view the following link.
General Vital Records Information and Form Links
Birth, Marriage, Divorce, and Death records: Use this link to find more information regarding ordering these records.
Vital Records application: Use this link to download a pdf search application for certified copies of vital records. Fill out, print, and return this application to the address below, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope and the non-refundable fee of $15.00 for certified copies, and $10.00 for information copies:
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC)
220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
EligMatrix: Use this link to view a chart detailing which individuals can request certified or non-certified copies of vital records.
How do I demonstrate direct lineage?
The following information can be used to prove direct lineage:
- Your birth certified
- Your parent’s marriage certificate
- Hospital or physicians birth record
- Hospital or physicians death record
- Baptismal record
- School enrollment record
- Military record
- Court record
- Family bible record
- Engagement announcements in newspapers
- Birth announcements
- Marriage announcements
- Obituaries
- Census enumeration records
- Insurance applications
- Affidavits
Can I search for Maine vital records online?
The Maine Division of Public Health Systems maintains and disseminates records for all vital events. The department does not maintain an online ordering system. You will need to follow all instructions listed below and complete the relevant linked mail-in forms to obtain copies of vital records.
If you want to order online, Maine has partnered with VitalChek, a third-party organization that allows you to request vital records online.
What is the difference between certified and informational copies?
Certified records are legal records that can be used for various legal or official assignments, such as establishing identity. Typically they contain a mark of authentication in the form of a raised seal bestowed by the record’s custodian. These records are only available to the individual on the record or the authorized individual listed above.
Information copies are available as a matter of public record. These documents are not considered legal and cannot be used to establish identity. Usually, they are used for research or genealogical purposes.
Marriage Records
Maine’s marriage records are not public records by law until 50 years after the date on the marriage license. State eligibility requirements must be met to view the records. To meet these requirements, you must be one of the following:
- A party named on the record
- Current spouse of registrant
- Legal representatives of any of the above parties
- Someone who has been issued a court order to view the documents
- Researchers authorized by the state
To obtain a record of the marriage, follow these steps:
- Fill out the Application for a Search and Certified Copy of a Vital Record,
- Include a check or money order made payable to the ‘Treasurer, State of Maine’: $15.00 for certified copies, with $6.00 per additional copy; $10.00 per informational copy
- Self Addressed stamped envelope
- Photocopy of government-issued ID or proof of relationship or proof of legitimate interest.
- Mail all of the above to the following address:
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC)
220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
Other Relevant Documentation About Marriage Records
- Individuals Authorized to Solemnize Marriages in Maine
- VS2-A: Intentions of Marriage Form
- Parent/Guardian Consent to marriage
- Application for Certificate of Marital Status: Often required for individuals conducting getting married in a foreign country.
- Dompartinst: Application instructions on how to declare a domestic partnership.
- VS70: Domestic partnership declaration.
- VS71: Application to terminate a domestic partnership.
- VS72: Alternative to the above form.
- Officiant Application: Application form required for non-resident officiants for performing a marriage in the state of Maine. See this document as well for further instructions: Officiant Instructions.
Divorce Records
Certified divorce records are made available only to parties listed on the divorce record, authorized individuals, or by court order. The public can request information records, but details about financial settlements, alimony, spousal support, bank statements, property inventories, and social security information will be redacted.
To obtain divorce records, follow these steps:
- Fill out the Application for a Search and Certified Copy of a Vital Record,
- Include a check or money order made payable to the ‘Treasurer, State of Maine’: $15.00 for certified copies, with $6.00 per additional copy; $10.00 per informational copy
- Self Addressed stamped envelope
- Photocopy of government-issued ID or proof of relationship or proof of legitimate interest.
- Mail all of the above to the following address:
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC)
220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
Birth Records
In the state of Maine, unless a birth record is over 75 years old, it is not a public record. Until such time it is available only to the registrant, their parents or guardians, descendants or next of kin, legal representatives, or state-authorized genealogists.
To obtain the record of birth, follow these steps:
- Fill out the Application for a Search and Certified Copy of a Vital Record,
- Include a check or money order made payable to the ‘Treasurer, State of Maine’: $15.00 for certified copies, with $6.00 per additional copy; $10.00 per informational copy
- Self Addressed stamped envelope
- Photocopy of government-issued ID or proof of relationship or proof of legitimate interest.
- Mail all of the above to the following address:
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC)
220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
Other Relevant Documentation About Birth Records
- VS8: Amend a birth record application (requires a legitimation affidavit)
- VS8A: Post-legitimation birth certification application
- VS27A: Paternity Acknowledgement Application
- VS27B: Application for denial of parentage
- VS27C: – Application for removal of paternity
- VS40: Application for assisted reproduction parentage consent
- VS60: Delayed registration of birth
- VS61: Instructions for the above
- Legal Name Change: Information about legally changing the name on your birth record
- Things To Know About Birth Certificates: FAQ regarding the preparation of birth certificates for your child.
- Gender Marker Change Health Care Provider Declaration: Gender transition/Intersex declaration from a Licensed Health Care Provider
- Gender Marker Change: Application for name/sex change on birth record to support gender identity Gender Marker Change Minor: Application for name/sex change on a birth record for a minor
- Gender Marker FAQ
Death Records
Until 25 years after the creation of a death record has passed, a death record is not open to the public. This is true of fetal deaths as well, but they are private up to 50 years after death. You must be an immediate member of the deceased’s family or a legally authorized individual to obtain access to these records.
To obtain the record of death, follow these steps:
- Fill out the Application for a Search and Certified Copy of a Vital Record,
- Include a check or money order made payable to the ‘Treasurer, State of Maine’: $15.00 for certified copies, with $6.00 per additional copy; $10.00 per informational copy
- Self Addressed stamped envelope
- Photocopy of government-issued ID or proof of relationship or proof of legitimate interest.
- Mail all of the above to the following address:
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC)
220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
Other Relevant Documentation About Death Records
- FAQ for Dignity in Death
- Report Form for Physician Attending to Death
- Report From for Consulting Physician
- Medication Request for a Humane and Dignified Death
- Closure Form for End of Life
- Final Arrangements Form: Documents and instructions required for the making of final arrangements
- VS38: Disinterment/removal of human remains form
- VS50: Authorizes the burial of cremated remains
Genealogical Information
- Genealogist Code of Ethics: Outlines the ethical procedures for the acquisition and use of public records by researchers and genealogists.
- Application for Genealogical Research: This is the application for acquiring a researcher card from the Centre of Disease Control of Maine. This card allows genealogists to request and obtain non-certified copies of vital records from the SVRO or the relevant municipal offices.
- Procedures Document for Accessing Vital Records: This document outlines the procedures and rules for genealogists seeking non-certified copies of vital records for research purposes.
- Death and Marriage Tip Sheet: This information sheet provides advice on how to go about searching Maine’s online death/marriage portal for genealogical research purposes.
- Death Index: This portal gives you access to death-related information and statistics for the state of Maine.
- Marriage Index: This portal allows you access to marriage-related information and statistics for the state of Maine.
