How to Find Maine Birth Records
How to Find United States Births 
Maine Births
Statewide registration of births began in 1892 in Maine.
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 Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers. | |
| Next try: | ||
| Ancestry database: Includes Index Only | ||
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| 1853-1969 - 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 order the microfilm from the Family History Library.
- 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 after 1892
The state of Maine began recording births in 1892.
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 Family History Library and FamilySearch Centers. | |
| 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 | |
STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
To get an image of the certificate, you can order a copy of the birth certificate for a fee from one of the following locations:
- Iowa Department of Public Health
- If you are uncertain of the exact date or if the individual died in Maine, the department can do a search for the certificate, for a fee.
- VitalChek
Birth records are also maintained at the county level. County copies may be obtained at the Register of Deeds office in the county where the event occurred.
Restrictions for Obtaining a Certificate:
To obtain a copy of the birth certificate, you must be:
- The decedent's spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or sibling
- Any person who provides documentation that he or she is acting on behalf of any of the previously mentioned persons.
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must provide notarized identification and signature
NOTE: A copy of the certificate cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 75 years have passed from the date of birth.
If you do not want to order the birth record, there are other records with birth information you can search.