Family Connections
Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles Raising Their Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews
Kinship Care
Service for Agencies, Schools and Community Groups
Upcoming events and group meetings
Connecting with other Families
INFORMATION FOR MAINE
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 or social security number.
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 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. Only the child's legal guardian or people whose
names are listed on the certificate (such as a birth parent or the child)
may obtain a copy.
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.
To order from the state of Maine, contact the Maine Vital Records office:
Cost of certified copy: $10.00
By fax call 287-8946
By mail: Vital Records, 221
State Street,
Station 11, Augusta,
ME 04333
In person: Vital Records office
To purchase a bith certificate by using a credit card call: Vital Check Network at 1877-523-2659. There is an additional fee when using a credit card.
To request a bith certificate
from another state, check that state's vital records website or contact
Maine Kids-Kin for assistance at 866-298-0896.
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: