How to Find Maine Birth Records
In 1820, Maine was created from the state of Massachusetts. Statewide registration of births began in 1892.
Next Step: When did the birth occur? |
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Births before 1892
Before 1892, birth records were kept by individual town clerks or selectmen. Although some towns have existed since the 1650s, most records date from about 1700. Some of these records have been indexed. Refer to the databases below to access those indexes.
| Maine Births Databases - Includes Indexes Only | ||||
| Try 1st: | ||||
| 1739-1900 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; index to birth, baptism and christening records. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the FamilySearch Library and some FamilySearch Centers. | |||
| Next try: | ||||
| Maine Vital Records - Images | ||||
| Maine, Vital Records, 1670-1907 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; Births prior to 1892 includes records for 80 towns; Images (index available only for records after 1892). | |||
| Ancestry Databases - Includes Index Only | ||||
| Choose one of the following: | ||||
| 1621-1922 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries | Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center | |||
| 1621-1922 - use your own Ancestry subscription | $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library | |||
| Can't find your ancestor in the online index? | Tips for searching online indexes | |||
If your ancestor does not appear in the index, you may need to contact the town clerk office or you may need to search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s birth date and place.
| Records that give birth information: | ||
Obtain the Birth Record
If your ancestor appeared in the index, there are two options:
- FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can view the microfilm at the FamilySearch Library or some FamilySearch Centers.
- Individual Town Clerks - If there is no GS microfilm number available, or if you cannot gain access to the microfilm, you may contact the town clerk office where your ancestor was born and order a copy of the birth record.
Births between 1892 and 1922
The state of Maine began recording births in 1892. All birth certificates from 1892 to 1922 are held at the Maine State Archives.
STEP ONE: Find Birth Information
For births that exist during this time period, try the following database.
| Maine Births Databases - Includes Indexes Only | |||
| Try 1st: | |||
| 1739-1900 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; index to birth, baptism and christening records. Microfilm copies of these records are available at the FamilySearch Library and some FamilySearch Centers. | ||
| Maine, Vital Records, 1670-1907 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; Contains indexed vital records from 1892-1921. | ||
| Next try: | |||
| Ancestry database: Includes Index Only | |||
| Choose one of the following: | |||
| 1621-1922 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries | Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center | ||
| 1621-1922 - use your own Ancestry subscription | $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library | ||
| Can't find your ancestor in the online index? | Tips for searching online indexes | ||
| No birth record for your ancestor? | Other records with birth information | ||
STEP TWO: Obtain the Birth Certificate
If your ancestor appeared in the index, there are two options:
- FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you can view the microfilm at the FamilySearch Library or some FamilySearch Centers.
- Maine State Archives - If there is no GS microfilm number available, or if you cannot gain access to the microfilm, you may contact the state archives and order a copy of the birth record.
Births after 1922
The Vital Records Office of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services has copies of births from 1923 to present day. Births from 1892 to 1922 are held by the Maine State Archives. Births before 1892 are held by the individual town clerk offices.
Restrictions to qualify for certificates for persons born within the last 100 years:
To obtain a copy of the certificate, you must be:
- The person named on the certificate
- The person's spouse
- The parent(s) named on the record
- Descendants of the person named on the record (including children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to the most remote degree)
- The legal custodian, guardian, or authorized representative of the person named on the record
- Genealogists who have a researcher card issued by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics
NOTE: You must have full name, exact date and place of the birth to order from the certificate. If you do not have the exact information, a search can be conducted for a fee by the Vital Records Office.
If you do not want to order the birth record, there are other records with birth information you can search.
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