Maryland Vital Records: Birth: Difference between revisions

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{{breadcrumb
[[Maryland|Maryland]]>[[Maryland Vital Records|Maryland Vital Records]]>Births
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2=[[Maryland, United States Genealogy|Maryland]]
| link3=[[United States Vital Records|U.S. Vital Records]]
| link4=
| link5=[[Maryland Vital Records|Maryland Vital Records: Birth]]
}}
 
 


= Maryland Birth Records  =
= Maryland Birth Records  =


== Quick Reference ==
== Quick Reference<br> ==


=== Maryland Birth Records (for Baltimore City after 1874 see next table)===
''Maryland Birth Records (for Baltimore City after 1874 see next table)''<br>


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="8" width="200" border="1"
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Years'''  
| '''Years'''  
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Where Can I Get it?'''  
| '''Where Can I Get it?'''  
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Restrictions'''  
| '''Restrictions'''  
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Indexes/Documents online?'''  
| '''Indexes/Documents online?'''  
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Notes'''
| '''Notes'''
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | [[#Colonial_Period_.28Up_to_1800.29|Colonial (1654 to 1776)]]  
| [[#Colonial_Period_.28Up_to_1800.29|Colonial (1654 to 1776)]]  
|  
|  
[https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=birth-former Maryland State Archives;]
[http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/refserv/html/birthhis.html#Colonial Maryland State Archives;]&nbsp;


[[An overview of the FamilySearch Catalog|FamilySearch Library]]
[[An overview of the Family History Library Catalog|Family History Library]]&nbsp;


| None  
| None  
|  
|  
Transcriptions: [https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/000001/000054/html/index.html Kent, Talbot, & Somerset Counties, various years]
Transcriptions: [http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/000001/000054/html/index.html Kent, Talbot, &amp; Somerset Counties, various years]&nbsp;


Transcriptions: [https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/000001/000669/html/index.html Kent County, 1694-1707]<br>Transcriptions: [https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/000001/000557/html/index.html Kent County, 1676-1698]  
Transcriptions: [http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/000001/000669/html/index.html Kent County, 1694-1707]<br>Transcriptions: [http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/000001/000557/html/index.html Kent County, 1676-1698]


| Not all births were recorded.
| Not all births were recorded.
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | [[#Maryland_Births.2C_1800-1864|1800-1864]]  
| [[#Maryland_Births.2C_1800-1864|1800-1864]]  
| NO BIRTH RECORDS KEPT BY THE COUNTY COURTS
| NO BIRTH RECORDS KEPT BY THE COUNTY COURTS&nbsp;
|  
| &nbsp;
|  
| &nbsp;
| [[Maryland Church Records|Try Searching church records]]
| [[Maryland Church Records|Try Searching church records]]
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | [[#County_Circuit_Court.2C_1865-1884|1865-1884]]  
| [[#County Circuit Court, 1865-1884|1865-1884]]  
| [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=birth-former#countycircuit Maryland State Archives]
| [http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/refserv/html/birthhis.html#countyct M<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1233613453761_297"></span><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1233613453761_516"></span>aryland State Archives]&nbsp;
| None  
| None  
| No  
| No  
| Not all births were recorded.
| Not all births were recorded.
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | [[#Maryland_County.C2.A0Birth.C2.A0Records.2C.C2.A01898-1972|1898-1972, County Records]]  
| [[#Maryland_County.C2.A0Birth.C2.A0Records.2C.C2.A01898-1972|1898-1972, County Records]]  
| [https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/refserv/html/birthhis.html#county Maryland State Archives]
| [http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/refserv/html/birthhis.html#county Maryland State Archives]&nbsp;
| Birth records are restricted for 100 years.  
| Birth records are restricted for 100 years.  
| NO
| No
| Registration of births can be incomplete until 1914
| Registration of births can be incomplete until 1914
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | [[#Maryland_Births.2C_1973_to_Present.C2.A0|1973 to Present]]  
| [[#Maryland_Births.2C_1973_to_Present.C2.A0|1973&nbsp;to Present]]  
| [https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/birth.aspx Division of Vital Records]  
| [http://www.vsa.state.md.us/html/birth.html Division of Vital Records]&nbsp;&nbsp;
| Birth records are restricted for 100 years. Can only provide individual’s certificate for parent, guardian, or legal representative.  
| Birth records are restricted for 100 years. Can only provide individual’s certificate for parent, guardian, or legal representative.  
| No  
| No  
|
| &nbsp;
|}
|}


==== Baltimore City, Maryland Birth Records ====
<br>''Baltimore City, Maryland Birth Records''


<br>  
<br>


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="8" border="1"
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="8" width="200" border="1"
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Years'''  
| '''Years'''  
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Where can I go to get it?'''  
| '''Where can I go to get it?'''  
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Restrictions'''  
| '''Restrictions'''  
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Indexes/documents online?'''  
| '''Indexes/documents online?'''  
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Notes'''
| '''Notes'''
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | Before 1875  
| Before&nbsp;1875  
| Check County Records Above  
| Check County Records Above  
|  
| &nbsp;
|  
| &nbsp;
| [[Maryland Church Records|Try Searching church records]]
| [[Maryland Church Records|Try Searching church records]]
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | [[#Baltimore_City.2C_1875_to_1972|1875 to 1972]]  
| [[#Baltimore_City.2C_1875_to_1972|1875 to 1972]]  
| [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=birth-former#baltimore Maryland State Archives]  
| [http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/refserv/html/birthhis.html#baltimore Maryland State Archives]&nbsp;&nbsp;
| None for births occurring over 100 years ago.  
| None for births occurring over 100 years ago.  
| No  
| No  
| Registration of births can be incomplete until 1914
| Registration of births can be incomplete until 1914
|-
|-
| width="16.6%" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | [[#Maryland_Births.2C_1973_to_Present.C2.A0|After 1973]]  
| [[#Maryland_Births.2C_1973_to_Present.C2.A0|After 1973]]  
| [http://www.vsa.state.md.us/html/birth.html Division of Vital Records]  
| [http://www.vsa.state.md.us/html/birth.html Division of Vital Records]&nbsp;&nbsp;
| Birth records are restricted for 100 years. Can only provide individual’s certificate for parent, guardian, or legal representative.  
| Birth records are restricted for 100 years. Can only provide individual’s certificate for parent, guardian, or legal representative.  
| No  
| No  
|
| &nbsp;
|}
|}


== Content  ==
== Content  ==


=== Colonial Period (Up to 1800) ===
=== '''Colonial Period (Up to 1800)'''  ===


Beginning in 1654, the Maryland General Assembly required the recording all births by the clerk of the county court. Later, the responsibility was assigned to the Clerks of the Protestant Episcopal Vestry. The Protestant Episcopal Church was required to register all births that occurred – regardless of the parents' religion – until 1776. Other churches also recorded births of their congregation members, thus creating a second recording of some individual's birth.  
Beginning in 1654, the Maryland General Assembly required&nbsp;the recording all births&nbsp;by the clerk of the county court. Later, the responsibility was&nbsp;assigned to the Clerks of the Protestant Episcopal Vestry.&nbsp; The Protestant Episcopal Church was required to&nbsp;register all births&nbsp;that occurred – regardless&nbsp;of the parents' religion – until 1776. Other churches also recorded births of their congregation members, thus creating a second&nbsp;recording of some&nbsp;individual's birth.  


:The information requested normally included:
:The information requested normally included:
Line 103: Line 95:
:*Birth date of child  
:*Birth date of child  
:*Child’s name  
:*Child’s name  
:*Names of parents (sometimes the mother's name was not recorded).
:*Names of parents (sometimes the mother's name&nbsp;was not recorded).


=== Maryland Births, 1800-1864 ===
=== Maryland Births, 1800-1864<br> ===


During 1800 to 1864, Maryland did not require the recording of any birth information. Only local churches were recording births occurring during this time period.  
During 1800 to 1864, Maryland did not&nbsp;require the recording of any birth information.&nbsp; Only&nbsp;local churches were recording births occurring during this time period.


=== County Circuit Court, 1865-1884  ===
=== '''County Circuit Court, 1865-1884''' ===


Registration of births was reestablished in 1865 and assigned to the county circuit courts by the Maryland General Assembly. Most people did not comply with the new law, which resulted in a small number of births actually being recorded. Church records continue to be a primary source of birth information.  
Registration of births was&nbsp;reestablished in 1865 and assigned&nbsp;to the county circuit courts by the Maryland General Assembly. Most people did not comply with the new law, which resulted in a small&nbsp;number of&nbsp;births actually being recorded. Church records continue to be a primary source of birth information.


:Information on births registers normally included:
:Information on births registers normally included:
Line 124: Line 116:
:*Usually sex and race of child
:*Usually sex and race of child


=== Baltimore City, 1875 to 1972  ===
=== '''Baltimore City, 1875 to 1972''' ===


Baltimore City had different laws regarding the recording of births compared to the rest of Maryland. In 1874, the Mayor and City Council required registration of all births that occurred in Baltimore City. This registration requirement lasted until 1972, when the state Division of Vital Records became responsible for all 23 counties and the city of Baltimore. The Maryland State Archives has an 1875 - 1941 index for the Baltimore City births. The index is public even though the birth records are restricted for 100 years.  
Baltimore City had different laws regarding the recording of births compared to the rest of Maryland. In 1874, the Mayor and City Council required registration of all births that occurred in Baltimore City.&nbsp;This registration requirement lasted until 1972, when the state Division of Vital Records&nbsp;became responsible for all 23 counties and the city of Baltimore. &nbsp;The Maryland State Archives has an 1875 - 1941 index for the Baltimore City births. The index is public even though the birth records are restricted for 100 years.


:Information on Baltimore City birth records included:  
:Information on Baltimore City birth records&nbsp;included:  
:*Sex  
:*Sex  
:*Race  
:*Race  
Line 141: Line 133:
:*After 1910, residence, race, age and occupation of both parents<br>
:*After 1910, residence, race, age and occupation of both parents<br>


=== Maryland County Birth Records, 1898-1972 ===
=== '''Maryland County&nbsp;Birth&nbsp;Records,&nbsp;1898-1972'''  ===


A new law by the General Assembly in 1898 required birth registration in Maryland’s 23 counties. Baltimore City was excused from the new law because it had required registration since 1875. The citizens and counties were slow to comply with the registration requirement. A high compliance rate did not occur until approximately 1914.  
A new law by the General Assembly in 1898 required birth registration in Maryland’s 23 counties. Baltimore City was excused from the new law because it had required registration since 1875. The citizens and counties were slow to comply with the registration requirement.&nbsp;A high compliance rate did not occur until&nbsp;approximately 1914.  


:Information on birth records from 1898 to 1972 include:  
:Information on birth records from 1898 to 1972&nbsp;include:  
:*Name of child  
:*Name of child  
:*Birth date  
:*Birth date  
Line 160: Line 152:
:*Medical attendant’s name and address
:*Medical attendant’s name and address


=== Maryland Births, 1973 to Present ===
=== '''Maryland Births, 1973 to Present&nbsp;'''  ===


The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records became the only agency to register births for all 23 counties and Baltimore City beginning in July 1972.  
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records was the only agency to record births for all counties in Maryland and Baltimore City starting in July 1972.  


:Birth certificates from 1973 to the present include:
:Birth certificates from 1973 to the present include:
Line 179: Line 171:
:*Medical attendant name and address
:*Medical attendant name and address


<br>  
<br>


== Locating Records  ==
== Locating Records  ==


=== Maryland State Archives  ===
==== Maryland State Archives  ====


Birth records and indexes located at the Maryland State Archives can be viewed onsite or a research request can be made. To view fees and how to request information, go to the Maryland State Archives website, [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=placeorder Placing Research & Copy Orders].  
Birth records and indexes located at the Maryland State Archives can&nbsp;be viewed onsite or a research request&nbsp;can&nbsp;be made.&nbsp; To view fees and how to request information, go to the Maryland State Archives website,&nbsp;[http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/refserv/html/orders.html Placing Research &amp; Copy Orders].  


Below is a list of the necessary information to view or request copies of microfilm and original records that are available at the Maryland State Archives. The list includes birth indexes and birth records available separated by time period.  
Below is a list of the necessary information to view or request copies of microfilm and original records that are available at the Maryland State Archives. The list includes birth&nbsp;indexes and birth records&nbsp;available seperated by time period.<br>


Note: The Maryland State Archives is always receiving additional records. Check the list of [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/qualifiers.aspx "Transferred State & Local Series"] to locate newly acquisitioned birth records, and revisit [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=birth Birth Records] at Maryland State Archives.<br>
'''''[http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/refserv/html/birthhis.html#Colonial Colonial Births (up to 1800)]'''''


'''''[https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=birth-former#colonial Colonial Births (up to 1800)]'''''
:'''INDEXES to births '''
:*Bible and Tombstone Records, Index: Maryland Indexes various dates [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=S1406 MSA S1406, Index 32]
:*Church Indexes, Birth &amp; Baptism Index: Maryland Indexes 1663-1967, various dates for 13 churches [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=S1401 MSA S1401, Index 28]&nbsp;
:*<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1233871576249_908"></span>Birth Records, Index: Maryland Indexes, 1649-1720, 1804-1877, 1898-1923, incomplete [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=S1403 MSA S1403 Index 30]


:'''INDEXES to births '''  
:'''Birth Records '''
:*Bible and Tombstone Records, Index: Maryland Indexes various dates [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=S1406 MSA S1406, Index 32]  
:*Charles County Court, 1654-1706 (original) [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C653 MSA C653]
:*Church Indexes, Birth &amp; Baptism Index: Maryland Indexes 1663-1967, various dates for 13 churches [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=S1401 MSA S1401, Index 28]
:*Charles County Court, 1654-1693 (microfilm) [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=CM1234 MSA CM1234]  
:*Birth Records, Index: Maryland Indexes, 1649-1720, 1804-1877, 1898-1923, incomplete [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=S1403 MSA S1403 Index 30]
:*Somerset County Court, 1649-1720 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C1739 MSA C1739, original];&nbsp; [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=CM956 MSA CM956, microfilm]  
:*Talbot County Court, 1657-1691 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C1840 MSA C1840, original]; [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=CM1009 MSA CM1009, microfilm]


:'''Birth Records '''
'''''[http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/refserv/html/birthhis.html#countyct Births in Circuit Court records&nbsp;from 1865-1884:]'''''<br>
:*Charles County Court, 1654-1706 (original) [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C653 MSA C653]
:*Charles County Court, 1654-1693 (microfilm) [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=CM1234 MSA CM1234]
:*Somerset County Court, 1649-1720 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C1739 MSA C1739, original]; [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=CM956 MSA CM956, microfilm]
:*Talbot County Court, 1657-1691 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C1840 MSA C1840, original]; [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=CM1009 MSA CM1009, microfilm]


'''''[https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=birth-former#countycircuit Births in Circuit Court records from 1865-1884:]'''''<br>
:*Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, 1804-1877 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C39 MSA C39]
:*Baltimore County Circuit Court, 1865-1883 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C283 MSA C283]
:*Caroline County Circuit Court, 1865-1884 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C474 MSA C474]
:*Cecil County Circuit Court, 1865-1891 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C593 MSA C593]
:*Charles County Circuit Court, 1865-1877 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=T2144 MSA T2144]
:*Frederick Courty Circuit Court, 1865-1873 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C759 MSA C759]
:*Kent County Circuit Court, 1865-1873 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C1027 MSA C1027]  
:*Montgomery County Circuit Court, 1865-1899 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C1116 MSA C1116]
:*Prince George's County Circuit Court, 1865-1867 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C1167 MSA C1167]
:*Queen Anne's County Circuit Court, 1865-1881 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C1358 MSA C1358]
:*Somerset County Circuit Court, 1865-1870&nbsp;[http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C1738 MSA C1738]
:*St. Mary's County Circuit Court, 1865-1867 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C1534 MSA C1534]
:*Washington County Circuit Court, 1865-1867 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C1935 MSA C1935]
:*Worcester County Circuit Court, 1865-1889 [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C1998 MSA C1998]


:*Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, 1804-1877 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C39 MSA C39]
The Maryland State Archives is always receiving additional records. Check the list of “[http://guide.mdsa.net/transfer.cfm transferred records]” to see newly acquisitioned birth records.<br>
:*Baltimore County Circuit Court, 1865-1883 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C283 MSA C283]
:*Caroline County Circuit Court, 1865-1884 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C474 MSA C474]
:*Cecil County Circuit Court, 1865-1891 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C593 MSA C593]
:*Charles County Circuit Court, 1865-1877 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=T2144 MSA T2144]  
:*Frederick County Circuit Court, 1865-1873 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C759 MSA C759]
:*Kent County Circuit Court, 1865-1873 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C1027 MSA C1027]
:*Montgomery County Circuit Court, 1865-1899 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C1116 MSA C1116]
:*Prince George's County Circuit Court, 1865-1867 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C1167 MSA C1167]
:*Queen Anne's County Circuit Court, 1865-1881 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C1358 MSA C1358]
:*Somerset County Circuit Court, 1865-1870 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C1738 MSA C1738]
:*St. Mary's County Circuit Court, 1865-1867 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C1534 MSA C1534]
:*Washington County Circuit Court, 1865-1867 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C1935 MSA C1935]
:*Worcester County Circuit Court, 1865-1889 [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C1998 MSA C1998]


[https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=birth-former#county '''''County Birth Records from 1898 to 1972''''']<br>  
[http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/refserv/html/birthhis.html#county '''''County Birth Records from 1898 to 1972''''']<br>


:'''INDEXES to Birth Records: '''<br>  
:'''INDEXES to Birth Records: '''<br>
:1898-1909, Board of Health [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=S1035 MSA S1035 microfilm]<br>1898-1919, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=T1332 MSA T1332] <br>1910-1919, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=S1045 MSA S1045] <br>1910-1950, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=SM27 MSA SM27];[https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=SM35 MSA SM35 microfilm] <br>  
:1898-1909, Board of Health [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=S1035 MSA S1035 microfilm]<br>1898-1919, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=T1332 MSA T1332] <br>1910-1919, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=S1045 MSA S1045] <br>1910-1950, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=SM27 MSA SM27];[http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=SM35 MSA SM35 microfilm]&nbsp;<br>
:'''INDEX to Delayed Birth Records:<br>'''  
:'''INDEX to Delayed Birth Records:<br>'''
:1860-1921, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=SM29 MSA SM29 microfilm]
:1860-1921, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=SM29 MSA SM29 microfilm]


''There are no indexes from 1951-1972 at the Maryland State Archives''  
''There are no indexes from 1951-1972 at the Maryland State Archives''  


:'''Birth Records (Restricted for births occurring in the last 100 years):'''<br>1898-1951, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=SM35 MSA SM35 microfilm] <br>1898-1924, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=T1886 MSA T1886] <br>1951-1969, Department of Health, Division of Vital Records and Statistics [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=SM32 MSA SM32 microfilm]<br>1969-1972, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=SM36 MSA SM36 microfilm]
:'''Birth Records (Restricted for births occurring in the last 100 years):'''<br>1898-1951, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=SM35 MSA SM35 microfilm] <br>1898-1924, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=T1886 MSA T1886] <br>1951-1969, Department of Health, Division of Vital Records and Statistics [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=SM32 MSA SM32 microfilm]<br>1969-1972, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=SM36 MSA SM36 microfilm]


'''[https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=birth-former#baltimore Baltimore City Birth Records]'''  
'''[http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/refserv/html/birthhis.html#baltimore Baltimore City Birth Records]'''  


:'''INDEXES to Balitmore City Birth Records'''  
:'''INDEXES to Balitmore City Birth Records'''  
:1875-1941, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C2 MSA C2 original]; [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=CM1134 MSA CM1134 microfilm]  
:1875-1941, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C2 MSA C2 original];&nbsp;[http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=CM1134 MSA CM1134 microfilm]  
:1918-1941, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C8 MSA C8]
:1918-1941, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C8 MSA C8]


''There are no indexes from 1941-1972 at the Maryland State Archives'' <br>  
''There are no indexes from 1941-1972 at the Maryland State Archives'' <span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1233876267614_506"></span><br>


:'''Baltimore City Birth Records:'''  
:'''Baltimore City Birth Records:'''  
:1875-1972, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=CM1135 MSA CM1135 microfilm]
:1875-1972, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=CM1135 MSA CM1135 microfilm]&nbsp;
:1890-1911, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C6 MSA C6]  
:1890-1911, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C6 MSA C6]  
:1875-1896, 1911-1924, [Baltimore City] Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=T310 MSA T310]  
:1875-1896, 1911-1924, [Baltimore City] Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=T310 MSA T310]  
:'''Delayed Baltimore City Birth Records:'''  
:'''Delayed Balitmore City Birth Records:'''  
:1876-1925, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics [https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/series.aspx?id=C2145 MSA C2145] <br>
:1876-1925, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics [http://guide.mdsa.net/series.cfm?action=viewSeries&ID=C2145 MSA C2145]&nbsp;<br>


Birth indexes and records are available from 1875 to 1941 for Baltimore City, although actual birth records have restrictions within the last 100 years.
Birth indexes and records are available from 1875 to 1941 for Baltimore City, although actual birth records have restrictions within the last 100 years.


=== FamilySearch Library  ===
==== Family History Library  ====


There are some Maryland Colonial birth records available at the FamilySearch Library. The following are links to topics in the [[Introduction_to_the_FamilySearch_Catalog|FamilySearch Catalog]] that list sources that can be viewed at the FamilySearch Library. Each source has either a book call number or microfilm number assigned to it. Microfilm records and books can be viewed at the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library] in Salt Lake City, Utah. Microfilms and microfiche can be loaned and viewed at local [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ FamilySearch Centers]. Although books from the FamilySearch Library do not circulate, you may be able to find the same title at your local public library, or order it through interlibrary loan (ILL).  Below are links that contain birth record sources for different counties in Maryland:  
There are some Maryland Colonial birth records available at the Family History Library.&nbsp;The following are&nbsp;links&nbsp;to topics in the [https://wiki.familysearch.org/en/Introduction_to_the_Family_History_Library_Catalog Family History Library Catalog]that list sources that can be viewed at the Family History Library.&nbsp; Each source has either a book call number or microfilm number&nbsp;assigned to it.&nbsp;Microfilm records and books can be viewed at the [[Family History Library|Family History Library]]&nbsp;in Salt Lake City, Utah. Only [[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers: Accessing Family History Library Materials in Your Area|microfilms and microfiche]] can be loaned from the Family History Library and viewed at&nbsp;local [[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers: Accessing Family History Library Materials in Your Area|Family History Centers]].&nbsp; Below are links that contain birth record sources&nbsp;for different counties in Maryland:  


:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Anne Arundel - Church records|subject|subject-id=1695581590|disp=Anne Arundel County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=418805&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Anne+Arundel+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Anne Arundel County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Baltimore - Church records|subject|subject-id=768029554|disp=Baltimore County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=355869&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Baltimore+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Baltimore County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Baltimore (Independent City) - Church records|subject|subject-id=768029554|disp=Baltimore City Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=341311&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Baltimore+%28Independent+City%29+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Baltimore City Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Baltimore (Independent City) - Vital records|subject|subject-id=1028222565|disp=Baltimore City Vital Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=395607&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Baltimore+%28Independent+City%29+%2D+Vital+records&columns=*,0,0 Baltimore City Vital Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Calvert - Church records|subject|subject-id=1621831862|disp=Calvert County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=351456&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Calvert+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Calvert County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Caroline - Church records|subject|subject-id=860284736|disp=Caroline County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=421432&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Caroline+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Caroline County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Caroline - Vital records|subject|subject-id=1446840535|disp=Caroline County Vital Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=415460&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Caroline+%2D+Vital+records&columns=*,0,0 Caroline County Vital Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Carroll - Church records|subject|subject-id=1445438152|disp=Carroll County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=355868&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Carroll+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Carroll County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Cecil - Church records|subject|subject-id=1788112379|disp=Cecil County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=511483&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Cecil+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Cecil County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Charles - Church records|subject|subject-id=876533531|disp=Charles County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=443620&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Charles+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Charles County&nbsp;Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Charles - Vital records|subject|subject-id=5340818|disp=Charles County Vital Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=414131&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Charles+%2D+Vital+records&columns=*,0,0 Charles County Vital Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Dorchester - Church records|subject|subject-id=1784428232|disp=Dorchester County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=413281&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Dorchester+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Dorchester County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Dorchester - Vital records|subject|subject-id=922462287|disp=Dorchester County Vital Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=370838&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Dorchester+%2D+Vital+records&columns=*,0,0 Dorchester County Vital Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Frederick - Church records|subject|subject-id=1161327088|disp=Frederick County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=329103&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Frederick+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Frederick County&nbsp;Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Harford - Church records|subject|subject-id=1406935275|disp=Harford County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=414137&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Harford+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Harford County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Howard - Church records|subject|subject-id=260655116|disp=Howard County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=438578&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Howard+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Howard County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Kent - Church records|subject|subject-id=1626244559|disp=Kent County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=423251&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Kent+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Kent County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Kent - Vital records|subject|subject-id=1055906920|disp=Kent County Vital Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=421134&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Kent+%2D+Vital+records&columns=*,0,0 Kent County Vital Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Montgomery - Church records|subject|subject-id=69835872|disp=Montgomery County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=426724&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Montgomery+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Montgomery County&nbsp;Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Prince George's - Church records|subject|subject-id=229748665|disp=Prince George's County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=430578&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Prince+George%27s+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Prince George's County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Queen Anne's - Church records|subject|subject-id=595874697|disp=Queen Anne's County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=421434&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Queen+Anne%27s+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Queen Anne's County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Queen Anne's - Vital records|subject|subject-id=468479854|disp=Queen Anne's County Vital Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=421135&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Queen+Anne%27s+%2D+Vital+records&columns=*,0,0 Queen Anne's County Vital Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, St. Mary's - Church records|subject|subject-id=1068127349|disp=St. Mary's County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=464263&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+St%2E+Mary%27s+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 St. Mary's County&nbsp;Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, St. Mary's - Vital records|subject|subject-id=70475518|disp=St. Mary's County Vital Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=357843&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+St%2E+Mary%27s+%2D+Vital+records&columns=*,0,0 St. Mary's County Vital Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Somerset - Church records|subject|subject-id=732377035|disp=Somerset County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=453833&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Somerset+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Somerset County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Somerset - Vital records|subject|subject-id=1304167148|disp=Somerset County Vital Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=445073&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Somerset+%2D+Vital+records&columns=*,0,0 Somerset County Vital Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Talbot - Church records|subject|subject-id=1807386855|disp=Talbot County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=382275&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Talbot+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Talbot County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Talbot - Vital records|subject|subject-id=1200297552|disp=Talbot County Vital Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=404659&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Talbot+%2D+Vital+records&columns=*,0,0 Talbot County Vital Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Washington - Church records|subject|subject-id=1708126367|disp=Washington County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=419335&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Washington+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Washington County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Wicomico - Church records|subject|subject-id=232063255|disp=Wicomico County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=523007&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Wicomico+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Wicomico County Church Records]
:*{{FSC|United States, Maryland, Worcester - Church records|subject|subject-id=882445793|disp=Worcester County Church Records}}
:*[http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=topicdetails&subject=490203&subject_disp=Maryland%2C+Worcester+%2D+Church+records&columns=*,0,0 Worcester County Church Records]


=== Department of Health - Division of Vital Records  ===
<br>


Birth certificates from 1898 or beginning in 1875 for Baltimore City to the present can be ordered from the [https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/birth.aspx Division of Vital Records]. However, they are unable to issue certificates for genealogical purposes. If you are not immediately related to the individual, you must order the birth certificate from the Maryland State Archives.
==== Division of Vital Records Department of Health &amp; Mental Hygiene  ====


'''Records are restricted for 100 years after the date of birth unless you are:'''  
From Aug 1898 to the present (January 1975 for the City of Baltimore), records and indexes&nbsp;for births can be ordered from the [http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/lifeevents/birth&deathcert.htm Division of Vital Records.]&nbsp; However, they are unable to give out certificates for genealogical purposes. If you are not directly related to the individual, you must order the birth certificate from the Maryland State Archives.
 
'''Records are restricted for&nbsp;100 years after the date of birth unless you are:'''  


:*Requesting your own birth certificate  
:*Requesting your own birth certificate  
:*Parent or guardian of individual named on certificate  
:*Parent or guardian of indivdiual named on certificate  
:*Representative of the individual named on certificate, parent, or guardian
:*Representative of the individual named on certificate, parent or guardian


<br>  
<br>


See [https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/Pages/birth.aspx To Order by Mail section] to download a birth certificate application from the Division of Vital Records.
Click [http://www.vsa.state.md.us/apps/abcapp.pdf here], to download a birth certificate application  


:To mail in a request:
:To mail in a request:
Line 307: Line 301:
:To call for more information: (410) 764-3038 or (800) 832-3277
:To call for more information: (410) 764-3038 or (800) 832-3277


:To order for same day service with an additional fee, go to [http://www.vitalchek.com/maryland-express-vital-records.aspx Vitalchek.com].
:To order for same day service with additional fee, go to [http://www.vitalchek.com/maryland-express-vital-records.aspx Vitalchek.com]:&nbsp;


== References ==
== References<br> ==


Information provided here was taken from the following sources:  
Information provided here was taken from the following sources:  
Line 315: Line 309:
Eichholz, Alice. ''Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources.'' (Provo, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, c2004).  
Eichholz, Alice. ''Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources.'' (Provo, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, c2004).  


''The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America. (Logan, Utah : Everton Publishers, c2006).''
''<span id="1234643179473S" style="display: none">&nbsp;</span>The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1234643178574_517"></span>. (Logan, Utah&nbsp;: Everton Publishers, c2006).''  
 
''Maryland: Research Outline. (Salt Lake City, Utah : Corp. of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, c1988). <br>''  


[https://guide.msa.maryland.gov/pages/viewer.aspx?page=vital Maryland State Archives]
''Maryland: Research Outline. (Salt Lake City, Utah&nbsp;: Corp. of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of L.D.S., c1988). <br>''


[https://health.maryland.gov/vsa/pages/dvr.aspx Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records]  
[http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/refserv/html/vitalrec.html ''Maryland State Archives'']  


[[Category:Maryland Vital Records|Birth]]
[http://www.vsa.state.md.us/ ''Division of Vital Statistics Department of Health &amp; Mental Hygiene'']

Revision as of 14:59, 27 February 2009

Maryland>Maryland Vital Records>Births

Maryland Birth Records[edit | edit source]

Quick Reference
[edit | edit source]

Maryland Birth Records (for Baltimore City after 1874 see next table)

Years Where Can I Get it? Restrictions Indexes/Documents online? Notes
Colonial (1654 to 1776)

Maryland State Archives; 

Family History Library 

None

Transcriptions: Kent, Talbot, & Somerset Counties, various years 

Transcriptions: Kent County, 1694-1707
Transcriptions: Kent County, 1676-1698

Not all births were recorded.
1800-1864 NO BIRTH RECORDS KEPT BY THE COUNTY COURTS      Try Searching church records
1865-1884 Maryland State Archives  None No Not all births were recorded.
1898-1972, County Records Maryland State Archives  Birth records are restricted for 100 years. No Registration of births can be incomplete until 1914
1973 to Present Division of Vital Records   Birth records are restricted for 100 years. Can only provide individual’s certificate for parent, guardian, or legal representative. No  


Baltimore City, Maryland Birth Records


Years Where can I go to get it? Restrictions Indexes/documents online? Notes
Before 1875 Check County Records Above     Try Searching church records
1875 to 1972 Maryland State Archives   None for births occurring over 100 years ago. No Registration of births can be incomplete until 1914
After 1973 Division of Vital Records   Birth records are restricted for 100 years. Can only provide individual’s certificate for parent, guardian, or legal representative. No  

Content[edit | edit source]

Colonial Period (Up to 1800)[edit | edit source]

Beginning in 1654, the Maryland General Assembly required the recording all births by the clerk of the county court. Later, the responsibility was assigned to the Clerks of the Protestant Episcopal Vestry.  The Protestant Episcopal Church was required to register all births that occurred – regardless of the parents' religion – until 1776. Other churches also recorded births of their congregation members, thus creating a second recording of some individual's birth.

The information requested normally included:
  • Birth date of child
  • Child’s name
  • Names of parents (sometimes the mother's name was not recorded).

Maryland Births, 1800-1864
[edit | edit source]

During 1800 to 1864, Maryland did not require the recording of any birth information.  Only local churches were recording births occurring during this time period.

County Circuit Court, 1865-1884[edit | edit source]

Registration of births was reestablished in 1865 and assigned to the county circuit courts by the Maryland General Assembly. Most people did not comply with the new law, which resulted in a small number of births actually being recorded. Church records continue to be a primary source of birth information.

Information on births registers normally included:
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Name of child
  • Names of parents
  • Occupation of father
  • Residence of parents
  • Date of record
  • Usually sex and race of child

Baltimore City, 1875 to 1972[edit | edit source]

Baltimore City had different laws regarding the recording of births compared to the rest of Maryland. In 1874, the Mayor and City Council required registration of all births that occurred in Baltimore City. This registration requirement lasted until 1972, when the state Division of Vital Records became responsible for all 23 counties and the city of Baltimore.  The Maryland State Archives has an 1875 - 1941 index for the Baltimore City births. The index is public even though the birth records are restricted for 100 years.

Information on Baltimore City birth records included:
  • Sex
  • Race
  • Number of child (birth order)
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Names of parents
  • Birthplaces of parents
  • Occupation for father
  • Name and address of medical attendant
  • After 1903, name of child (not commonly reported until 1911)
  • After 1910, residence, race, age and occupation of both parents

Maryland County Birth Records, 1898-1972[edit | edit source]

A new law by the General Assembly in 1898 required birth registration in Maryland’s 23 counties. Baltimore City was excused from the new law because it had required registration since 1875. The citizens and counties were slow to comply with the registration requirement. A high compliance rate did not occur until approximately 1914.

Information on birth records from 1898 to 1972 include:
  • Name of child
  • Birth date
  • Birth place
  • Sex
  • Race
  • Number of the child (birth order)
  • Living or still born
  • Names of parents
  • Race of parents
  • Occupation of parents
  • Birth place of parents
  • Residence of parents
  • Medical attendant’s name and address

Maryland Births, 1973 to Present [edit | edit source]

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records was the only agency to record births for all counties in Maryland and Baltimore City starting in July 1972.

Birth certificates from 1973 to the present include:
  • Name of child
  • Sex
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Parents’ names
  • Parents’ birthplace
  • Parents’ race
  • Parents’ age
  • Parents’ residence
  • Parents’ occupation
  • Number of children previously born to mother
  • Medical attendant name and address


Locating Records[edit | edit source]

Maryland State Archives[edit | edit source]

Birth records and indexes located at the Maryland State Archives can be viewed onsite or a research request can be made.  To view fees and how to request information, go to the Maryland State Archives website, Placing Research & Copy Orders.

Below is a list of the necessary information to view or request copies of microfilm and original records that are available at the Maryland State Archives. The list includes birth indexes and birth records available seperated by time period.

Colonial Births (up to 1800)

INDEXES to births
  • Bible and Tombstone Records, Index: Maryland Indexes various dates MSA S1406, Index 32
  • Church Indexes, Birth & Baptism Index: Maryland Indexes 1663-1967, various dates for 13 churches MSA S1401, Index 28 
  • Birth Records, Index: Maryland Indexes, 1649-1720, 1804-1877, 1898-1923, incomplete MSA S1403 Index 30
Birth Records

Births in Circuit Court records from 1865-1884:

  • Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, 1804-1877 MSA C39
  • Baltimore County Circuit Court, 1865-1883 MSA C283
  • Caroline County Circuit Court, 1865-1884 MSA C474
  • Cecil County Circuit Court, 1865-1891 MSA C593
  • Charles County Circuit Court, 1865-1877 MSA T2144
  • Frederick Courty Circuit Court, 1865-1873 MSA C759
  • Kent County Circuit Court, 1865-1873 MSA C1027
  • Montgomery County Circuit Court, 1865-1899 MSA C1116
  • Prince George's County Circuit Court, 1865-1867 MSA C1167
  • Queen Anne's County Circuit Court, 1865-1881 MSA C1358
  • Somerset County Circuit Court, 1865-1870 MSA C1738
  • St. Mary's County Circuit Court, 1865-1867 MSA C1534
  • Washington County Circuit Court, 1865-1867 MSA C1935
  • Worcester County Circuit Court, 1865-1889 MSA C1998

The Maryland State Archives is always receiving additional records. Check the list of “transferred records” to see newly acquisitioned birth records.

County Birth Records from 1898 to 1972

INDEXES to Birth Records:
1898-1909, Board of Health MSA S1035 microfilm
1898-1919, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records MSA T1332
1910-1919, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics MSA S1045
1910-1950, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics MSA SM27;MSA SM35 microfilm 
INDEX to Delayed Birth Records:
1860-1921, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics MSA SM29 microfilm

There are no indexes from 1951-1972 at the Maryland State Archives

Birth Records (Restricted for births occurring in the last 100 years):
1898-1951, Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics MSA SM35 microfilm
1898-1924, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records MSA T1886
1951-1969, Department of Health, Division of Vital Records and Statistics MSA SM32 microfilm
1969-1972, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records MSA SM36 microfilm

Baltimore City Birth Records

INDEXES to Balitmore City Birth Records
1875-1941, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics MSA C2 original; MSA CM1134 microfilm
1918-1941, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics MSA C8

There are no indexes from 1941-1972 at the Maryland State Archives

Baltimore City Birth Records:
1875-1972, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics MSA CM1135 microfilm 
1890-1911, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics MSA C6
1875-1896, 1911-1924, [Baltimore City] Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Vital Records MSA T310
Delayed Balitmore City Birth Records:
1876-1925, Baltimore City Health Department, Bureau of Vital Statistics MSA C2145 

Birth indexes and records are available from 1875 to 1941 for Baltimore City, although actual birth records have restrictions within the last 100 years.

Family History Library[edit | edit source]

There are some Maryland Colonial birth records available at the Family History Library. The following are links to topics in the Family History Library Catalogthat list sources that can be viewed at the Family History Library.  Each source has either a book call number or microfilm number assigned to it. Microfilm records and books can be viewed at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. Only microfilms and microfiche can be loaned from the Family History Library and viewed at local Family History Centers.  Below are links that contain birth record sources for different counties in Maryland:


Division of Vital Records Department of Health & Mental Hygiene[edit | edit source]

From Aug 1898 to the present (January 1975 for the City of Baltimore), records and indexes for births can be ordered from the Division of Vital Records.  However, they are unable to give out certificates for genealogical purposes. If you are not directly related to the individual, you must order the birth certificate from the Maryland State Archives.

Records are restricted for 100 years after the date of birth unless you are:

  • Requesting your own birth certificate
  • Parent or guardian of indivdiual named on certificate
  • Representative of the individual named on certificate, parent or guardian


Click here, to download a birth certificate application

To mail in a request:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
To call for more information: (410) 764-3038 or (800) 832-3277
To order for same day service with additional fee, go to Vitalchek.com: 

References
[edit | edit source]

Information provided here was taken from the following sources:

Eichholz, Alice. Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, c2004).

The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America. (Logan, Utah : Everton Publishers, c2006).

Maryland: Research Outline. (Salt Lake City, Utah : Corp. of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of L.D.S., c1988).

Maryland State Archives

Division of Vital Statistics Department of Health & Mental Hygiene

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