Find Death Records in Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel County death records for deaths that occurred in Maryland since 2015 are available through the Anne Arundel County Health Department in Annapolis. The office requires appointments for in-person requests, and recent system transitions have slowed processing times in some cases. This page explains how to request a certified death certificate in Anne Arundel County, what identification and proof of relationship you need, what fees apply, and where to find historical records for deaths that happened before 2015.

Anne Arundel County Health Department

The Anne Arundel County Health Department is where you request death certificates for deaths that occurred in Maryland since January 1, 2015. The office is in the Health Services Building at 3 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401. Appointments are required for in-person visits. Walk-ins are not accepted. Call 410-222-4462 to schedule before you go.

Hours for vital records appointments run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and from 12:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. The office closes for lunch from noon to 12:45 p.m. Do not arrive during that window, as staff will not be available. Funeral directors have a separate process. They may submit requests by fax to 410-222-4424 during dedicated hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This fax line is for funeral directors only.

Maryland Vital Records Administration recently moved to a new registration system. The health department notes that the transition has created slower wait times and occasional system outages. If you call and the system is down, try the next business day. The health department advises scheduling appointments to avoid extended waits from the backlog. Plan extra time when requesting records for time-sensitive legal or financial matters.

The Anne Arundel County Health Department vital records page is shown below. Visit the site before your appointment to confirm current hours and any updates.

The page includes links to forms, fee details, and appointment scheduling information for death and birth certificate requests.

Anne Arundel County Death Certificate Request Process

Requesting a death certificate in Anne Arundel County takes a few steps. First, schedule an appointment by calling 410-222-4462. Then gather your ID and any proof of relationship to the deceased. Show up on time during business hours. Do not arrive at lunch. The office will process your request and issue the certified copy the same day in most cases, provided all documents check out.

For deaths that happened before January 1, 2015, the Anne Arundel County Health Department cannot help you. Those records are held by the Maryland Division of Vital Records in Baltimore. You can contact the state office by phone at 410-764-3038 or 1-800-832-3277. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036. In-person visits to the state office require an appointment as well. Mail processing takes four to six weeks.

Online orders are also available through VitalChek, which is the only authorized online vendor Maryland uses for vital records. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the state fee, so the total cost will be higher than ordering in person. But online ordering is convenient if you cannot make it to an office in person or if you need records for a death that happened anywhere in Maryland.

Fees for Anne Arundel County Death Records

The Anne Arundel County Health Department charges $18 for the first certified copy of a death certificate. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $20. The office accepts cash, checks payable to "Controller, Anne Arundel County," and credit or debit cards. If you pay by credit or debit card, a 2.2% surcharge is added to the total. To avoid the surcharge, pay by cash or check.

If you order through the Maryland Division of Vital Records, the fee is $24 for the first copy and $12 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. These are state fees and differ from the local health department rates. VitalChek adds its own service and convenience fees on top. Whatever method you use, expect to pay at least $18 to $24 for the first certified copy.

Who Can Request Anne Arundel Death Records

Maryland restricts who can get certified death certificates. At the Anne Arundel County Health Department, eligible requesters include a surviving relative of the deceased, an authorized representative of a surviving relative, and a funeral director. If you are a surviving relative, you need to show proof of your relationship to the deceased.

Accepted proof-of-relationship documents include a birth certificate that connects you to the deceased, a marriage certificate, or an obituary that names you as a survivor. These documents do not need to be certified copies, but they should be legible and clear. If you are requesting the record for a business or legal reason such as an insurance claim, bring a letter from the insurance company or a legal document such as a deed or vehicle title that shows your connection to the estate.

You must also bring a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID. The ID must show both an issue date and an expiration date. A driver's license, passport, state-issued MVA photo ID card, or military ID all qualify. If your ID has expired, call the health department before visiting. You may need to provide additional documentation to complete your request.

What Anne Arundel Death Certificates Contain

A certified death certificate is a legal document. Banks, courts, and government agencies require certified copies. Photocopies and uncertified printouts do not count. You need the original certified copy with the official seal to settle estates, claim life insurance, transfer property, apply for survivor benefits, or close financial accounts.

Anne Arundel County death certificates typically include the full legal name of the deceased, date and exact location of death, age, date of birth, place of birth, and usual residence. The certificate also lists the cause of death as recorded by the attending physician or medical examiner, the name and address of the informant who provided the information at filing, the name of the funeral home, and the place of burial or disposition. Maryland uses a state registration system, so all certificates carry the state seal and are recognized by federal agencies, foreign governments, and courts nationwide.

Historical Anne Arundel County Death Records

Historical death records for Anne Arundel County go back further than the state registration system. Maryland began statewide registration of deaths in 1898, though full compliance took until about 1914. Before statewide registration, Anne Arundel County had voluntary early death record collection. The Maryland State Archives holds Anne Arundel County voluntary death records from 1865 to 1880 under collection C61. These records predate the official state system and were kept locally before central registration began.

For the period from 1898 through 1972, county death records are held at the Maryland State Archives at 350 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401. Call 410-260-6400 or 800-235-4045, or email msa.helpdesk@maryland.gov. Certified copies from the Archives cost $25 by mail. Uncertified in-person copies cost $1.00. The Death Certificate Index for 1973 through 2014 is searchable online through the Archives guide system. If you cannot find a record, the Archives provides guidance on locating hard-to-find death records that may point to alternate sources such as church records or court filings.

Anne Arundel County carries county code 2 in the Maryland death certificate index. Using the correct code when searching the index database will help you locate the right record quickly, especially for deaths in the mid-20th century where names may be common.

Cities in Anne Arundel County

Two cities in Anne Arundel County meet the population threshold for dedicated pages on this site. Residents of these cities file for death records through the Anne Arundel County Health Department in Annapolis, not through a separate city office.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Anne Arundel County. Each has its own health department and death records procedures.