Death Records
Death Forms & Information
- Final Arrangements by an Authorized Person (not through an in-state funeral Home)
An authorized person is a spouse, child and domestic partner that make their own arrangements without employing a funeral director. Out of state or out of country funeral establishments are also considered authorized persons.
Paternity and Parental Rights
Parentage is the legal relationship between a child and a parent. When parentage is established, the person seeking to establish parentage becomes the child's legal parent with the rights and responsibilities of a parent.
Adoption Records and State of Maine Adoption Reunion Registry
Access to Original Birth Certificates before Adoption
In Maine, adopted people who are 18 or older and were born in Maine can access their original birth certificate by filing an application for an original birth certificate before adoption with Data, Research, and Vital Statistics (DRVS). This application must be notarized and requires a $10.00 non-refundable fee. Additionally, descendants of a deceased adopted person also have the right to request and obtain the adopted person's original birth certificate.
Birth Records
Births in an institution
When a child is born in Maine, the parents will complete a parent worksheet which provides baby and parent demographics. The hospital, midwife or other attendant will complete a medical worksheet. These two forms together will provide the information needed to complete a baby's birth certificate. If the birth takes in a hospital or birthing center, these forms will be provided to parents by the facility during their stay.
Change the Gender Marker on Your Birth Record
Maine law allows individuals born in Maine to change the gender marker on their birth record.
Court Orders
Court orders for changes to birth records must be presented directly to DRVS in person, by mail, or made online. Applicants must make an appointment if they are planning on coming in person. The cost is $60.00.
Amend, Correct, or Complete Vital Records
Corrections and amendments to vital records are governed by the Maine Revised Statutes (MRS) 22 MRS §2705 and 10-146 CMR Chapter 2 Department rule. The Vital Records office must abide by these laws and regulations when processing amendments and corrections. These services cannot be completed at local municipalities.
Sometimes a person finds that the information on the official record is not complete or that some item of information on the certificate does not agree with what they believe to be the facts.