OBTAINING A BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

When you request services for your child or open a bank account, someone may ask you for a copy of the child’s birth certificate.

Can anyone request a copy of the birth certificate?

Generally, if a child’s birth parents were married to each other, the birth certificate is public information and available to anyone with a direct and legitimate interest.  In Maine, if the parents of the child were not married to each other, the birth certificate is not public information and only the child’s legal guardian or people whose names are listed on the certificate (such as a parent or child) may obtain a copy of a birth certificate.

How do I get a copy of the birth certificate?

You can request a birth certificate from the town or the state where the child was born. In Maine, contact the Maine Vital Records Office at 207-287-3181, or toll-free at 1-888-664-9491 to request a birth certificate from the State of Maine. 

             A.  Costs for copies: $15.00 for first certified copy
                                             $ 6.00 for each additional certified copy of the same record
                                             $10.00 for non-certified copy

            B.  Information Needed For A Request:  Visit the Maine Vital Records Office website to find and print an                   application form to use to request the birth record. You will need to provide the following information for                   your request:

                  Name on the birth record
                  Date of birth
                  Name of city/town the birth occurred in.
                  Names of parents (with mother’s maiden name)
                  State your relationship to the name on the birth record being requested
                  Include a daytime telephone number

            C.  There are three ways to request a record from Maine Vital Records:

                  1.  Walk-in request with payment by cash or check.  The office of Maine Vital Records is located at 244                        Water Street in Augusta, Maine.

                  2.   Written request through the mail with payment by check or money order made payable to Treasurer –                         State of Maine.  Please enclose a long, self-addressed, STAMPED envelope with your request and                         mail to Vital Records, 11 State House Station, 244 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04333.

                  3.   Maine Vital Records does not accept credit cards or online orders; however, you can process online                         requests through an independent company partnering with MVR to provide this service called                            VitalChek Network, Inc.  An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for using this service.  All major                         credit cards are accepted.

Things to consider when obtaining a child’s birth certificate:

1.  If you need a birth certificate for probate court guardianship petition, there have been situations when the probate court has directly requested the birth certificate from Maine Vital Records or the town office has mailed the birth certificate directly to the probate court.  Check with your probate court to see if they will request a copy for your guardianship petition.

2.  If you need a birth certificate for proof of citizenship for MaineCare and/or state benefits talk with your DHHS caseworker and ask them to request to verify the birth certificate.  This verification is possible when the family of the child may have been receiving state benefits previously.  This procedure can be done in-house, saving time and money.

To request a birth certificate from another state, check that state’s vital records website or contact Families And Children Together (F.A.C.T.) for assistance.

How do I get the child’s social security number?

All children should have a social security number.  To get a first-time social security card or to replace a lost one, you will need a birth certificate.  There are three ways you can apply for the card:
            1.  Go to the website www.ssa.gov, and go to form SS5
            2.  Call 1-800-772-1213
            3.  Go to the nearest Social Security Office