How to Find Maryland Death Records: Difference between revisions

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{{breadcrumb
=== THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. PLEASE WAIT TO USE  ===
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
 
| link2=[[United States Vital Records|U.S. Vital Records]]
''[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to Find United States Deaths]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] '''Maryland Deaths'''''<br> __NOTOC__  
| link3=[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to Find U.S. Death Records]]
| link4=[[Maryland Vital Records|Maryland Vital Records]]
| link5=[[How to Find Maryland Death Records|How to Find Maryland Death Records]]
}} __NOTOC__  


*Some deaths were recorded in colonial Maryland but not many survived or were ever recorded.  
*Some deaths were recorded in colonial Maryland but not many survived or were ever recorded.  
*1865 - Some counties began Death registrations.  
*Death registration started in 1865.  
*1875 - Baltimore City began recording deaths.  
*1875 Baltimore City began recording deaths.  
*1898 - All counties in Maryland began recording deaths, although greater compliance did not happen until after 1914.<br>
*1898 All counties in Maryland began recording deaths, although greater compliance did not happen until after 1914.  
*Birth records are restricted for 100 years to immediate family members.


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== Next Step: When did the death occur?  ==
== '''Next Step: When did the death occur? ''' ==


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:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_from_1865_thru_1897|1865 thru 1897]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_from_1865_thru_1897|1865 thru 1897]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_from_1875_thru_1972.2C_Baltimore_City|1875 thru 1972 - Baltimore City]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_from_1875_thru_1972.2C_Baltimore_City|1875 thru 1972 - Baltimore City]]''' </span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_from_1898_thru_1951|1898 thru 1951]]'''</span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_from_1898_thru_1972|1898 thru 1972]]'''</span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_from_1952_thru_2001|1952 thru 2001]]'''</span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_from_1973_thru_1978|1973 thru 1978]]'''</span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_from_2002_thru_present|2002 thru present]]'''</span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_from_1940_thru_present|1940 thru present]]'''</span>  
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Estimate United States Death Information|Death year unknown]]'''</span>
:*<span style="font-size:120%">'''[[How to Estimate United States Death Information|Death year unknown]]'''</span>


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== Deaths 1654 thru 1694  ==
== '''Deaths 1654 thru 1694''' ==


Deaths were to be recorded by the clerk of the county court. Only the following county records exist:  
Deaths were to be recorded by the clerk of the county court. Very few records exist. The following county records exist:  


::*Charles County Court 1654-1706  
::*Charles County Court 1654-1706  
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::*Talbot County Court 1657-1691
::*Talbot County Court 1657-1691


<br> <br> Copies of exisiting death records are available from the [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives].  
<br> <br> Copies of exisiting death records are available from the [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives].  


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
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| align="center" colspan="1" | '''To Order Death Records'''
| align="center" colspan="1" | '''To Order Death Records'''
|-
|-
| width="95%" align="center" colspan="1" | [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives Order]
| width="95%" align="center" colspan="1" | [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=deathbirth Maryland State Archives Order]
|-
|-
| width="95%" align="center" colspan="1" |   The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee.
| width="95%" align="center" colspan="1" | Request a copy. The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee
|}
|}


<br> Some records may also be available at your local FamilySearch Center. Use the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] to see what is available.  
. <br> <br> Some records may also be available at your local FamilySearch Center. Use the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.  


::*Search the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] by county, then vital records.
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by county, then vital records  
::*Select the topic Vital Records.  
::*Select the topic Vital Records.  
::*Some microfilms may be available to view at a local Family Search Center.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_death_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another death year]]</center>  
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_death_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another death year]]</center>  
<br>  
<br>  
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! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" | <br>
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
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== Deaths 1695 thru 1864  ==
== '''Deaths 1695 thru 1864''' ==


*No government records were kept.  
*No government records were kept.  
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*Other denominations kept their own records of deaths.
*Other denominations kept their own records of deaths.


Copies of Church death records may be available from the [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives] or in the FamilySearch Catalog.  
Copies of Church death records may be available from the [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives] or in the Family History Library Catalog.  


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
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| align="center" colspan="4" | '''Church Death Records'''
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''Church Death Records'''
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives]  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=deathbirth Maryland State Archives Order]  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog]
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee  
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<br>
<br>  


== Deaths from 1865 thru 1897  ==
== '''Deaths from 1865 thru 1897''' ==


:*1865 - Maryland law required county circuit courts to record deaths.
:*1865 - Maryland law required county circuit courts to record deaths  
:*Low compliance with the law.
:*Low compliance with the law  
:*[https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death-testing#ccc List of counties which kept some records during this time period].
:*[http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death#ccc List of counties which kept some records during this time period]  
:*If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for death information in [https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Maryland_Church_Records church records].
:*If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for death information in [[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_1695_thru_1864|church records]].


<br> Copies of death records may be available from the [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives].  
<br> Copies Death records may be available from the [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives].  


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
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| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Death Records'''
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Death Records'''
|-
|-
| align="center" colspan="4" | [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | You know the death date&nbsp;
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | You do not know the death date
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=deathbirth Maryland State Archives Order]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=deathbirth Maryland State Archives Order]
|-
|-
| align="center" colspan="4" | The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | Request a copy
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee
|}
|}


<br> <br> Some records may also be available at your local FamilySearch Center. Use the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] to see what is available.  
. <br> <br> Some records may also be available at your local FamilySearch Center. Use the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.  


::*Search the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog FamilySearch Catalog] by Maryland and the county name.  
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by Maryland and the county name.  
::*Select the topic Vital Records.  
::*Select the topic Vital Records.  
::*Some microfilms may be available to view at a local Family Search Center.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_death_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another death year]]</center>  
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_death_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another death year]]</center>  
<br>  
<br>  
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== Deaths from 1875 thru 1972, Baltimore City ==
== '''Deaths from 1875 thru 1992, Baltimore City'''  ==
 
:*Deaths maybe found in the following databases. Try each link.  
:*Deaths maybe found in the following databases. Try each link.  
:*If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for death information in [https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Maryland_Church_Records church records].
:*If you do not find your ancestor's death or if you want order a copy of the certificate, then contact the [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives]&nbsp;in Step 2.
:*If you do not find your ancestor's death you may request a search at the [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death-testing#balto Maryland State Archives] in Step 2.
:*If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for death information in [[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_1695_thru_1864|church records]].


==== STEP ONE: Find Death Information ====
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Death Information'''  ====


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
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|  
|  
| width="25%" | [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death-testing#balto Baltimore City Death Index 1875-1972] online at [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives]  
| width="25%" | [http://www.mdvitalrec.net/cfm/dsp_search.cfm Baltimore City Death Index 1875-1972] online at [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives]  
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' Also on [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2566 Ancestry.com], free at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2566 FamilySearch centers.] Name index.<br>  
| width="65%" |  
'''Free;''' name index <br>  
 
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 2nd:''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try 2nd:''  
|
|
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | ''Ancestry Database - Choose one of the following:''
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
| width="10%" | <br>  
| width="10%" | <br>  
| {{RecordSearch|1675198|1877-1992 at FamilySearch.org}}
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2566 1622-1911 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries]
| '''Free''' name index to death and burial records from the state of Maryland.
| '''Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries;''' [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center]
|-
|-
|  
|  
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
| width="10%" | <br>
| [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2566 1622-1911 - use your Ancestry subscription]
| '''$,''' [http://www.ancestry.com/cs/offers/freetrial?o_iid=48816&o_lid=48816&o_sch=Web+Property To obtain a subscription to Ancestry]; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library
|-
|-
|  
|  
| width="25%" | ''What's next?''  
|
| Go to Step Two Part B listed below. You may request a search for the death record for your ancestor from the [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives].
|
|-
|
| width="25%" | ''Can't access Ancestry?''  
| Go to Step Two Part B listed below. You may be able to order the death record for your ancestor from the [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives].
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
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==== STEP TWO: Obtain the Record  ====
==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record''' ====


<br> Copies Death records may be available from the [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives].  
<br> Copies Death records may be available from the [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives].  


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
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| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | You do not know the death date
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | You do not know the death date
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives]  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives]  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives]
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | Request a copy  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | Request a copy  
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== Deaths from 1898 thru 1951 ==
== '''Deaths from 1898 thru 1972''' ==


:*Deaths maybe found in the following database.  
:*Deaths maybe found in the following database.  
:*If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for death information in [https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Maryland_Church_Records church records].
:*If you do not find your ancestor's death or if you want order a copy of the certificate, then see below how to order from the [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives]
:*If you do not find your ancestor's death or if you want order a copy of the certificate, then see below how to order from the [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives].
:*If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for death information in [[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Death_1695_thru_1864|church records]].


==== Find Death Information and View Images  ====
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Death Information and View Images''' ====


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Maryland Death Index and Images'''  
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Maryland Death Index and Images Only'''  
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
| ''Try 1st''
| align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try: 1st''  
|-
|  
|  
|  
| width="45%" | [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death-testing#counties Maryland Death Index 1898-1972] at [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives]
| width="45%" | '''Free;''' name index & images<br>
|-
| ''Try 2nd''
|-
|
| {{RecordSearch|1675198|1877-1992 at FamilySearch.org}}
| '''Free''' name index to death and burial records from the state of Maryland.
|}
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
|''Try 3rd''
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Social Security Death Index'''
*{{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}}
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3693 U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60901 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007], Incomplete ($).
|
|
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|  
|  
|-
| width="25%" | [http://www.mdvitalrec.net/cfm/dsp_search.cfm Baltimore City Death Index 1875-1972] online at [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives]
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No death record for your ancestor?'''  
| width="65%" |  
| [[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|Other records with death information]]
'''Free;''' name index,incomplete <br>  
|}
 
<br>
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_death_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another death year]]</center>
<br>  


{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |
|}
|}


== Deaths from 1952 thru 2001 ==
==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Record''' ====
No online records exist for this time period. You may request for the [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives] to perform a search for the death certificate. <br>
Baltimore City death records were combined with state death records beginning in 1972. For Baltimore City deaths before 1972 see the wiki page section [[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_from_1875_thru_1972.2C_Baltimore_City|Baltimore Deaths 1875-1972]].
 
{|
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | ''Try instead:''
*{{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index for New Jersey - starts 1962}} Index.
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3693 U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60901 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007], Incomplete ($).
|
|
|}


<br> Copies Death records may be available from the [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives].


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
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| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Death Records'''
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Death Records'''
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | You know the birth date
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | You know the death date from the index
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | You do not know the birth date
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | You do not know the death date
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives]  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives]  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=death Maryland State Archives]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death Maryland State Archives]
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | Request a copy  
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | Request a copy  
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|}
|}


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
<br>
|-
 
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No birth record for your ancestor?'''
:*You may also order certificates since 1940 from the death county. &nbsp;[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Deaths_from_1940_thru_present|See below]].<br> <br> Some records may also be available at your local FamilySearch Center. Use the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search Family History Library Catalog (FHLC)] to see what is available.
| [[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|Other records with death information]]
|}


<br>  
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FHLC] by Maryland and the county name.
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Birth Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_birth_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another birth year]]</center>  
::*Select the topic Vital Records.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center. <br>
<center>[[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_death_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another death year]]</center>  
<br>  
<br>  


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== Deaths from 2002 thru present ==
== '''Deaths from 1940 thru present'''  ==


'''Locating a death record'''  
'''Locating a death record'''  


You can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the Maryland Department of Health.
You can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations if you are the person on the certificate, a parent, legal guardian or surviving spouse:


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
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| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Death Certificates'''
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Death Certificates'''
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/pages/dvr.aspx From MD Dept of Health]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/html/county.html County of Death]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://dhmh.maryland.gov/vsa/SitePages/death.aspx From MD Dept of Health and Hygiene]
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
|-
| May be more expensive and faster than ordering from the state
| County websites can be more difficult to use
| Offers a search of the state index
| May be less expensive than ordering from the county
|}
|}


*After locating the county website, search for the Department of Health and Administrative or Vital Records.
*Baltimore City deaths are combined with county records after 1972.&nbsp;
*The [http://guide.mdsa.net/viewer.cfm?page=death#state Maryland State Archives] has indexes and death records up to 1978, but they are restricted.&nbsp;
*See [[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Restrictions_for_Obtaining_Death_Records|list of restrictions]] for ordering death records
*See [[How to Find Maryland Death Records#Restrictions_for_Obtaining_Death_Records|list of restrictions]] for ordering death records


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== Restrictions for Obtaining Death Records  ==
== '''Restrictions for Obtaining Death Records''' ==


'''''Restrictions for deaths within the last 20 years:'''''<br> To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those born within the last 20 years from the government agency, you must be:  
'''''Restrictions for persons born within the last 100 years:'''''<br> To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those born within the last 100 years from the government agency, you must be:  


:*The person on the certificate  
:*The person on the certificate  
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:*Surviving spouse.  
:*Surviving spouse.  
:*Someone with documented legal custody of the person on the certificate.  
:*Someone with documented legal custody of the person on the certificate.  
::'''NOTE:''' A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 20 years have passed from the date of the death.
::'''NOTE:''' A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 100 years have passed from the date of the death.


If you do not want to order the death record, you can search [[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|other records with death information]].  
If you do not want to order the death record, you can search [[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|other records with death information]].  
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:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]  
:*[[United States Record Finder|United States Record Finder ]]  
:*[[United States Record Selection Table|United States Record Selection Table ]]  
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]  
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]  
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[United States Death Records|United States Death Records ]]  
:*[[United States Death Records|United States Death Records ]]  
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]  
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]] <br>


{{Maryland|Maryland}}[[Category:Maryland_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]
[[Category:Maryland_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]] [[Category:United_States_Vital_Records]]

Revision as of 12:49, 3 July 2013

THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. PLEASE WAIT TO USE[edit | edit source]

How to Find United States Deaths Gotoarrow.png Maryland Deaths

  • Some deaths were recorded in colonial Maryland but not many survived or were ever recorded.
  • Death registration started in 1865.
  • 1875 Baltimore City began recording deaths.
  • 1898 All counties in Maryland began recording deaths, although greater compliance did not happen until after 1914.
  • Birth records are restricted for 100 years to immediate family members.

Next Step: When did the death occur? [edit | edit source]
Death Records
Choose a time period:

Learn more about U.S. Death Records

Deaths 1654 thru 1694[edit | edit source]

Deaths were to be recorded by the clerk of the county court. Very few records exist. The following county records exist:

  • Charles County Court 1654-1706
  • Somerset County Court 1649-1720
  • Talbot County Court 1657-1691



Copies of exisiting death records are available from the Maryland State Archives.

To Order Death Records
Maryland State Archives Order
Request a copy. The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee

.

Some records may also be available at your local FamilySearch Center. Use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

  • Search the FHLC by county, then vital records
  • Select the topic Vital Records.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to top: Choose another death year


Deaths 1695 thru 1864[edit | edit source]

  • No government records were kept.
  • In 1694 the Clerks of the Protestant Episcopal Church were required to keep record of all deaths, regardless of the family's membership.
  • Other denominations kept their own records of deaths.

Copies of Church death records may be available from the Maryland State Archives or in the Family History Library Catalog.

Church Death Records
Maryland State Archives Order Family History Library Catalog
The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee Search for the county or town where the church was located


Use substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

Records that give death information:
Death Records
Cemetery Records
Newspapers
Church Records
Census
Military Records
Return to top: Choose another death year



Deaths from 1865 thru 1897[edit | edit source]


Copies Death records may be available from the Maryland State Archives.

To Order Death Records
You know the death date  You do not know the death date
Maryland State Archives Order Maryland State Archives Order
Request a copy The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee

.

Some records may also be available at your local FamilySearch Center. Use the Family History Library Catalog (FHLC) to see what is available.

  • Search the FHLC by Maryland and the county name.
  • Select the topic Vital Records.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to top: Choose another death year


Deaths from 1875 thru 1992, Baltimore City[edit | edit source]

  • Deaths maybe found in the following databases. Try each link.
  • If you do not find your ancestor's death or if you want order a copy of the certificate, then contact the Maryland State Archives in Step 2.
  • If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for death information in church records.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information[edit | edit source]

Maryland Death Index Only
Try: 1st
Baltimore City Death Index 1875-1972 online at Maryland State Archives

Free; name index

Try 2nd:
Ancestry Database - Choose one of the following:

1622-1911 - use Ancestry Institution at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center

1622-1911 - use your Ancestry subscription $, To obtain a subscription to Ancestry; Ancestry is often available for free through your local public library
Can't access Ancestry? Go to Step Two Part B listed below. You may be able to order the death record for your ancestor from the Maryland State Archives.
Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No death record for your ancestor? Other records with death information

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record[edit | edit source]


Copies Death records may be available from the Maryland State Archives.

To Order Death Records
You know the death date from the index You do not know the death date
Maryland State Archives Maryland State Archives
Request a copy The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee

.

Return to top: Choose another death year


Deaths from 1898 thru 1972[edit | edit source]

  • Deaths maybe found in the following database.
  • If you do not find your ancestor's death or if you want order a copy of the certificate, then see below how to order from the Maryland State Archives
  • If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for death information in church records.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information and View Images[edit | edit source]

Maryland Death Index and Images Only
Try: 1st
Baltimore City Death Index 1875-1972 online at Maryland State Archives

Free; name index,incomplete

STEP TWO: Obtain the Record[edit | edit source]


Copies Death records may be available from the Maryland State Archives.

To Order Death Records
You know the death date from the index You do not know the death date
Maryland State Archives Maryland State Archives
Request a copy The archives will search for one name in one index, and provide one document for their fee


  • Search the FHLC by Maryland and the county name.
  • Select the topic Vital Records.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to top: Choose another death year


Deaths from 1940 thru present[edit | edit source]

Locating a death record

You can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations if you are the person on the certificate, a parent, legal guardian or surviving spouse:

To Order Death Certificates
County of Death From MD Dept of Health and Hygiene
Cons Cons Pros Pros
May be more expensive and faster than ordering from the state County websites can be more difficult to use Offers a search of the state index May be less expensive than ordering from the county
  • After locating the county website, search for the Department of Health and Administrative or Vital Records.
  • Baltimore City deaths are combined with county records after 1972. 
  • The Maryland State Archives has indexes and death records up to 1978, but they are restricted. 
  • See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.

Return to top: Choose another death year


Restrictions for Obtaining Death Records[edit | edit source]

Restrictions for persons born within the last 100 years:
To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those born within the last 100 years from the government agency, you must be:

  • The person on the certificate
  • The parents of the person on the certificate.
  • Surviving spouse.
  • Someone with documented legal custody of the person on the certificate.
NOTE: A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 100 years have passed from the date of the death.

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.


Related Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

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