Maryland · 24 counties
When someone dies in Maryland
Two things matter first: getting certified death certificates, and, if money is short, reaching the burial assistance program in the county where the death happened. Pick your county below for exact contacts.
The paperwork
Death certificates in Maryland
Certified copies come from the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records (official site).
The first copy is $25 and each additional copy is $20. Order online through VitalChek, in person at some local health departments, or by mail to the Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036, including ID photocopies, proof of entitlement, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. One catch that surprises people: the Division only issues records for deaths from 2012 onward. For anything earlier you have to go to the Maryland State Archives. You must show a direct or tangible interest in the record. The Division's number is 410-764-3038.
Planning ahead
Nobody has died yet? Set up a power of attorney
If someone you love is aging or ill, the cheapest protection your family can get is a power of attorney, and it must happen while they can still sign. We cover Maryland's exact rules and official forms.
Maryland power of attorney rulesIf money is tight
Statewide burial assistance
Maryland's Burial Assistance Program, run by the Maryland Department of Human Services, provides limited financial help toward funeral expenses when a deceased person was receiving public assistance (or met the eligibility rules for programs like TCA, PAA, Medical Assistance, or foster care) and their family cannot afford funeral costs. The benefit is paid directly to the funeral director, not reimbursed after the fact, so families should apply and get approval before finalizing arrangements or paying a funeral home. You can start the process by calling 1-800-332-6347 or applying through the DHS website.
Pick your county
Maryland counties (24)
Allegany CountyAnne Arundel CountyBaltimore CountyBaltimore CityCalvert CountyCaroline CountyCarroll CountyCecil CountyCharles CountyDorchester CountyFrederick CountyGarrett CountyHarford CountyHoward CountyKent CountyMontgomery CountyPrince George's CountyQueen Anne's CountySomerset CountySt. Mary's CountyTalbot CountyWashington CountyWicomico CountyWorcester County