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PublicLibraries.com Public Records Rankings

Maine Public Records Rankings

Maine ranks 3rd out of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.) for how easy, fast and affordable it is to get certified birth, marriage, divorce and death records.

Cost#11 (tie)of 51
Speed#4 (tie)of 51
Ease of ordering#3 (tie)of 51

Birth certificates #2 of 51

Cost: $15 first copy, $6 each extra copy
Processing time: Mail: 5–7 business days; in person: same day
Time until the copy is in hand: About 1.5–2.5 weeks by mail (estimate)
Where to order: State office or the town or city clerk
Order online: Yes, through the state’s approved vendor, for an extra fee
Records available: State records from 1892

Marriage records #3 of 51

Cost: $15 first copy, $6 each extra copy
Processing time: Mail: 5–7 business days; in person: same day
Time until the copy is in hand: About 1.5–2.5 weeks by mail (estimate)
Where to order: State office or the town or city clerk
Order online: Yes, through the state’s approved vendor, for an extra fee
Records available: State records from 1892

Divorce records #3 of 51

Cost: $15 first copy, $6 each extra copy
Processing time: Mail: 5–7 business days; in person: same day
Time until the copy is in hand: About 1.5–2.5 weeks by mail (estimate)
Where to order: State office or the court that granted the divorce
Order online: Yes, through the state’s approved vendor, for an extra fee
Records available: State records from 1892

Death certificates #3 of 51

Cost: $15 first copy, $6 each extra copy
Processing time: Mail: 5–7 business days; in person: same day
Time until the copy is in hand: About 1.5–2.5 weeks by mail (estimate)
Where to order: State office or the town or city clerk
Order online: Yes, through the state’s approved vendor, for an extra fee
Records available: State records from 1892

Note: These rankings were done on October 27, 2026. Prices, processing times and ordering rules may have changed since then, so check with the issuing office before you order. Times marked “estimate” add typical mail delivery to the office’s posted processing time. “Not published” means the office does not post that detail.

How the PublicLibraries.com Public Records Rankings work

How to order

How to order Maine birth, death, marriage and divorce records

How do I get a Maine birth certificate?

A certified Maine birth certificate costs $15 for the first copy and $6 for each extra copy ordered at the same time, from Maine CDC’s Data, Research and Vital Statistics office (DRVS) in Augusta or from the town or city clerk. Walk-in requests in Augusta are usually done the same day; mail orders average 5–7 business days to process; online orders go through VitalChek for an extra $15.50 per order.

Maine birth records: ordering details
Who can order	Maine is a closed-record state. The person named on the record or a parent named on it can order with ID. Anyone else must show a direct and legitimate interest: for example, a spouse (with the marriage certificate), a guardian (court papers), other family with proof of lineage, an attorney or agent with a signed release, or a registered genealogist with a researcher ID card. See the eligibility chart.
Fee	$15 for a search and the first certified copy; $6 for each extra copy of the same record ordered at the same time. The $15 is charged for each search even if no record is found. A non-certified copy (not a legal document) is $10. Extras (VitalChek): $15.50 processing per order. Standard USPS shipping is included; express courier is $17.50 (2–3 day), $18.50 (standard overnight) or $19.50 (priority overnight).
How to order	Online or by phone: VitalChek, DRVS’s online partner, or 1-877-523-2659 (records of grandparents and earlier generations by phone only). By mail: the Application for a Vital Record, a copy of your photo ID, any proof of eligibility, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the exact amount payable to “Treasurer, State of Maine” to DRVS, 11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011. In person: DRVS, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta (walk-ins 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; cashier’s check, money order or card), or the town or city clerk.
ID needed	A driver’s license, passport or other government-issued photo ID. Without one, send copies of two items from DRVS’s list (such as a utility bill, bank statement, car registration, pay stub or W-2). By mail, include a copy of a signed photo ID; applications without ID and payment are returned.
Processing time	In person in Augusta: same day in most cases (sometimes up to 24 hours). Mail: 5–7 business days on average from when DRVS receives it. VitalChek processing times aren’t published. Estimate: about 1.5–2.5 weeks for a mail order to arrive.
Older and local records	DRVS has births from 1892, when Maine started statewide registration, to today (it took over issuing the 1892–1922 records from the Maine State Archives in 2015). For births before 1892, contact the town or city where the birth happened or the Maine State Archives.

Tip: Near Augusta? A walk-in visit is usually the fastest way. You can also ask the town or city clerk; call first to confirm hours and fees.

Last verified: October 27, 2026. Sources: Maine DRVS: Request Documents, Maine Vital Records, Eligibility Requirements, Maine State Archives: Research.

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How do I get a Maine death certificate?

A certified Maine death certificate costs $15 for the first copy and $6 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Order from Maine DRVS in Augusta (walk-in, mail or VitalChek), or from the town or city clerk where the death happened or where the person lived.

Maine death records: ordering details
Who can order	Maine is a closed-record state. The spouse (with the marriage certificate), registered domestic partner, parents, descendants (with proof of lineage), a guardian, an attorney or agent with a signed statement, and the informant or funeral home listed on the record can order with ID. Others must show a direct and legitimate interest, for example a letter on letterhead from an insurer, lender or Social Security, a will or court papers, or proof of lineage. A minor’s living parent can get the death certificate with the minor’s birth certificate.
Fee	$15 for a search and the first certified copy; $6 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. A non-certified copy is $10. Extras (VitalChek): $15.50 per order; express courier $17.50–$19.50.
How to order	Online or by phone: VitalChek or 1-877-523-2659. By mail: the Application for a Vital Record with ID, proof of eligibility, a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order payable to “Treasurer, State of Maine” to DRVS, 11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011. In person: 220 Capitol Street, Augusta (9 a.m.–4 p.m.), or the clerk of the town where the death happened or where the person lived.
ID needed	A government-issued photo ID, or copies of two items from DRVS’s alternate list. A copy is required by mail.
Processing time	In person: same day in most cases (sometimes up to 24 hours). Mail: 5–7 business days on average after receipt. VitalChek times aren’t published. Estimate: about 1.5–2.5 weeks for a mail order to arrive.
Older and local records	DRVS has deaths from 1892 on. For earlier deaths, contact the town where the death happened or the Maine State Archives.

Tip: Order all the copies you need at once: extra copies are $6 each only when ordered with the first.

Last verified: October 27, 2026. Sources: Maine DRVS: Request Documents, Maine DRVS: Death Records, Eligibility Requirements.

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How do I get a Maine marriage certificate?

A certified Maine marriage certificate costs $15 for the first copy and $6 for each extra copy ordered at the same time, from Maine DRVS in Augusta or from the town or city clerk. DRVS also handles Maine domestic partnership records.

Maine marriage records: ordering details
Who can order	The spouses named on the record can order with ID. Others must show a direct and legitimate interest (for example, proof of lineage, or a letter from an agency or company explaining why the record is needed).
Fee	$15 for a search and the first certified copy; $6 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. A certified marital status letter is $50. Extras (VitalChek): $15.50 per order; express courier $17.50–$19.50.
How to order	Online or by phone: VitalChek or 1-877-523-2659. By mail: the Application for a Vital Record with ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment to “Treasurer, State of Maine” to DRVS, 11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011. In person: 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, or the town or city clerk.
ID needed	A government-issued photo ID, or copies of two items from DRVS’s alternate list.
Processing time	In person: same day in most cases. Mail: 5–7 business days on average after receipt. Estimate: about 1.5–2.5 weeks for a mail order to arrive.
Older and local records	DRVS has marriages from 1892 on. For earlier marriages, contact the town where the marriage was recorded or the Maine State Archives.

Tip: The marital status letter is a separate, appointment-only service. If you just need proof of your marriage, order the certified copy.

Last verified: October 27, 2026. Sources: Maine DRVS: Request Documents, Maine DRVS: Marriage and Domestic Partnership, Maine Vital Records.

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How do I get a Maine divorce record?

A certified Maine divorce certificate costs $15 for the first copy and $6 for each extra copy from Maine DRVS in Augusta. The full divorce judgment comes from the Superior Court or District Court that granted the divorce.

Maine divorce records: ordering details
Certificate vs. decree	Divorce certificate (DRVS): a certified record that the divorce happened. Divorce judgment (court): the court’s full decision, from the Superior Court or District Court that granted it. Ask which one you need before ordering.
Who can order	Certificate: the people named on the record, with ID; others must show a direct and legitimate interest. Court records: ask the court.
Fee	Certificate: $15 for a search and the first copy, $6 for each extra copy ordered at the same time; VitalChek adds $15.50 per order. Court copies: set by the court.
How to order	Certificate: online through VitalChek, by mail with the Application for a Vital Record to DRVS, 11 State House Station, 220 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011, or in person in Augusta. Judgment: contact the court that granted the divorce.
ID needed	Certificate: a government-issued photo ID, or copies of two items from DRVS’s list. Court records: ask the court.
Processing time	Certificate: same day in person in most cases; mail orders average 5–7 business days after receipt. Court: varies.
Older records	DRVS has divorces from 1892 on.

Tip: Remarrying in Maine? The town clerk needs to see the court order or divorce certificate before issuing a new license.

Last verified: October 27, 2026. Sources: Maine DRVS: Request Documents, Maine Vital Records, Maine DRVS: Marriage and Domestic Partnership.

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Note: Fees, processing times and rules are set by the issuing offices and can change. Times are estimates. Check with the office before you order. PublicLibraries.com is not a government agency.

Other records

Other Maine records people search for

Official Maine sites for other common lookups. Some records are kept by counties or carry fees; the note on each line says so.

Official Maine sites for other records
Court case lookup	Accessing electronic court records re:SearchMaine needs a sign-up; older paper cases come from the clerk.
Inmate search	Adult Resident/Client Search Maine Department of Corrections.
Sex offender registry	Maine Sex Offender Registry Run by the Maine State Police.
Property records	Maine Revenue Services, Property Tax Parcel records are kept by each town assessor and county registry of deeds.
Business filings	Corporate Name Search Secretary of State business records.
Professional licenses	ALMS License Search Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation licenses.
Unclaimed property	Maine Unclaimed Property Run by the Maine State Treasurer.

Last verified: October 27, 2026

Note: Links go to official state sites or services the state designates. Access rules, fees and coverage are set by each office and can change. PublicLibraries.com is not a government agency.

About Maine public records

Public records legislation in every state aims to make government workings transparent for the community, providing access to a wide range of documents to anyone who needs them. In most cases, public records custodians do not require identity verification or reasons for accessing these records, but some documents contain personal information that falls within the scope of laws protecting the privacy of the individual.

The Law

The law that governs public records in Maine is the Freedom of Access Act. It covers records produced and received by state government agencies but excludes records in the custody of federal bodies operating on its territory. In order to uphold the stipulations in the FOAA, Maine has created the position of public access ombudsman. The ombudsman is responsible for reviewing complaints regarding public agencies' compliance with the law and acts as mediator in the resolution of these complaints. The person in this position is also in charge of informing any interested party -- individuals, media, and government officials -- about what the law requires. They also work jointly with the Right to Know Advisory Committee to improve the law, reflecting new legislative and public developments.

In a further effort to ensure that everyone is granted unobstructed access to its public records, the state of Maine has put in place an appeal procedure. Anyone believing the FOAA has been violated can seek relief at one of the state's Superior Courts. In case the law violation is found to have been willful, Maine's Attorney General or any District Attorney can bring an enforcement action and seek penalties of up to $500.

Making a Public Records Request

There is no standardized application form for public record requests and there is no single custodian of these records in Maine, as in all other states. Basically, every government agency keeps the records that pertain to its functions, which could serve as a starting tip when embarking on a public records search. There is a helpful list of contacts at Maine.gov, where you can browse public offices including the State Controller, the Maine Revenue Services, the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations, the Maine Emergency Management Agency, the Governor, the Maine Housing Authority, and the Attorney General.

A rule of thumb when making a public records request is to be as specific as possible in explaining what records you need. If possible, include information about the particular document's author, date of creation and title. In case this is impossible, try to describe the type of record that you are looking for in as much detail as you can, including a timeframe and the record's subject. This will help the record custodians do their job more quickly and effectively, which will ultimately benefit you, saving you time and money; too broad a request will yield a lot of documents, and fees for public record access are usually set per document.

Some Types of Public Records

For legislative, legal and government records, you can send an email request to the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library. The average response time for such requests is three working days. If the records you need are available in electronic form, they will be sent to you by email but if they are only available as hard copies, the Library will mail them to you, fax them or deliver them with FedEx. Bear in mind that these options involve additional delivery fees. The Library also advises that if your request is likely to be lengthy or more complex, it is better submitted by mail to the address given at the website.

If you want to check somebody's driving history, you can do so via the website of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This option only yields uncertified records. For certified driving history records, you will need to contact the Bureau by phone at 207-624-9000, extension 52116. The online database has two types of records, either for the past three years or for the past ten years. The fee for the search depends on the type. One other thing to be aware of is that driving history records shown to you will not include personal information such as address or social security number of the driver for privacy reasons. What they do include is name, date of birth, whether or not the person is a habitual offender, and driving accidents and convictions.

For court records, you can either contact the court that has heard the case or cases you need, or you can get in touch with the Maine Judicial Branch via the Maine state website. There is no standard online application procedure, so make sure to follow the recommendations about submitting a public records request listed above.

At the Maine State Archives you can get historical records from an extensive range of areas, including judicial records, legislative documents, military records, social and economic records, land records, and genealogical documents, as well as vital records. Some of these are in digital format but some are only accessible on site.

Vital Records

Birth and death certificates, marriage records, domestic partnership records, and divorce records are considered private for a certain period of time after they are issued. For birth certificates this period is 75 years, for marriage records it is 50 years, and for death records the period is 25 years. This means that recent vital records can only be accessed by individuals covering the eligibility criteria, as listed by the custodian, the Data, Research and Vital Statistics unit of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

Eligible individuals include: the person named on the record, their spouse or domestic partner, parent or parents named on the record, descendants to the most remote degree, legal guardians and representatives of the person, and genealogists who hold a researcher card issued by the Data, Research and Vital Statistics.

There are no standardized application forms for vital records, but there are lists containing the information that you need to include in your request. These can be found at the Maine state website listed above. The request has to be accompanied by a valid proof of identity containing a photo. Copies of vital records can be requested either in person, by mail (this request should include a long, self-addressed and stamped envelope), or online.