Harford County

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Birth Certificates


Location and Phone
120 S. Hays Street
Bel Air, MD  21014
410-838-1500

Vital records is open for walk-in service of birth and death certificates between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm Monday through Friday excluding state-observed holidays. Vital record services are by appointment only between 3 pm and 3:45 pm. All transactions must be completed by 4 pm.  You must go to the Vital Records location in Baltimore City for any corrections or changes to a birth certificate.

 

On May 1, 2023, the Maryland Vital Records Administration transitioned to a new registration and payment system that affects counties statewide.  The system may be down at times during this transition.  Process and wait times are slower and longer than usual.  We recommend calling before coming in for same day issuing of certificates. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

Within the new system, you will be charged prior to the record search for your birth or death certificate. If no record is found or if any issue prevents the certificate from being issued to you, you will be reimbursed immediately if you paid by cash; however, if you paid by a debit or credit card, this refund may take a few days.

You may still obtain birth/death certificates online or through the mail at health.maryland.gov

Effective January 1, 2025: Cost of Birth Certificates will be $30.00

A partir del 1ro. de enero de 2025: el costo de los certificados de nacimiento será de $ 30.00

You MUST apply in person.

DEBE aplicar en persona y hacer una cita en línea.

 

To Print a Birth Certificate Application (click here)

Para imprimir una solicitud de certificado de nacimiento (haga clic aquí)

***Please fill out and bring with you***

*** Por favor complétela y traigala a su cita ***

 

Birth Certificate FAQs

  • An individual requesting his/her own birth certificate.
  • A parent named on the certificate.
  • A court-appointed guardian of the individual named on the certificate. A foster care appointment is not acceptable; proof of guardianship must be submitted.
  • A surviving spouse of the individual named on the certificate.  Must have copy of deceased spouse death certificate.
  • A representative of: (1) the individual or a parent named on the certificate; or (2) the court-appointed guardian of the individual named on the certificate. IF AN INDIVIDUAL IS INFIRMED (of poor or deteriorated vitality. especially: feeble from age), DISABLED, OR NON-AMBULATORY AND NEEDS A CERTIFICATE, then a representative must have a letter signed by the individual, parent, or guardian, and certified by a notary public, stating that the representative has permission to obtain a copy of the certificate
Harford County Health Department will issue certified birth certificates for individuals born in Maryland from 1940 to present and are on the State of Maryland Online System.
Until June 30, 2019 the fee for birth certificates will be $20.00. Effective July 1, 2019, the fee for birth certificates will increase to $25.00. We accept cash or credit card only. Personal checks will not be accepted
  • Current driver's license
  • Current ID card issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration
  • Current  issued passport
  • Current U.S. military IF for active service personnel (PX/Base privelege ID is not acceptable)
  • Prison photo ID IF it has an issued date and expiration date
    • Pay stub
    • Current car registration
    • Current bank statement
    • Current lease/rental agreement
    • Current property deed
    • Copy of tax return
    • Copy of a W-2 form
    • Letter from a government agency requesting the vital record
    • Utility bill with current address (i.e. cable, electric bill, etc.)
At least one (1) of these documents must contain your current mailing address. Applicants unable to provide a valid photo ID will not be able to receive their certificate the same day. Their request will be mailed to the address displayed on the document provided.
The Division of Vital Records in Baltimore will issue certificates for individuals born from 1898 to present. The fee is $10.00. Certificates may be requested in person or by mail. A photocopy of the required identification is to be mailed along with the application. Mailing address: Division of Vital Records Department of Health and Mental Hygiene 6500 Reisterstown Road Baltimore, MD 21215 Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday,  8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit their website https://health.maryland.gov/pages/index.aspx  for closings Phone Number: 410-764-3038
We offer one FREE certified birth certificate for individuals who serve or have served in the military. Military Service (Veterans and Active Service Only) – No charge with DD214 or Military I.D.

 

*Please note that Harford County Health Department follows Harford County Government delays and closures during inclement weather. Please visit our home page to see if the health department is open.*

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