Harford County

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Death 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 Death Certificates will be $20.00

A partir del 1ro. de enero de 2025: el costo de los certificados de deufuncion será de $ 20.00

You MUST apply in person

Print a Death Certificate Application (click here)

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

Death Certificate FAQs

A surviving relative of the deceased must prove relationship to the deceased with documentation such as:
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Obituary
An authorized representative of a surviving relative of the deceased will need documentation such as:
  • Letter of Administration
    • Signed by the Court Clerk or the Register of Wills
OR
  • Authorization of Release
    • Signed by a surviving relative
    • Must include a copy of the surviving relative’s valid ID
    • Must include name of deceased
    • Must include relationship of surviving relative to deceased
If required by a court of law, provide a copy of the court order
If making an insurance claim or other type of business need, you must provide documentation such as:
  • Letter from the insurance company
  • Deed
  • Vehicle Title
  • 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
Applicants unable to supply valid photo ID must present two (2) different pieces of alternative documentation. Acceptable documents are as follows:
  • pay stub
  • current car registration
  • current bank statement
  • letter from a government agency
  • lease/rental agreement
  • utility bill with current address
  • copy of your income tax return or W-2 form
The fee for the  first copy of a death certificate issued by Harford County Health Department is $16.00. All Additional copies within the same transaction are 20.00 each. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Personal checks are NOT accepted.  
Death certificates may also be obtained from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Division of Vital Records by mail, fax, or on-line.  For further information, visit the "How Do I" section of the Vital Statistics Administration website at https://health.maryland.gov/pages/index.aspx
We offer the surviving relative or Authorized Representative one free certified death certificate for a deceased individual with Military Service.  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.*

 

Death Certificates

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