Maryland Background Checks

Maryland Vital Records Background Checks
Birth, death, marriage and divorce records are available through the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Vital Statistics Administration (VSA). Only certified copies of vital records are available here for Maryland background checks and the fee per record is $12. The fee is subject to change and applies to the search service whether or not the vital record is found.

The individual named on the original document, as long as he or she is of legal age, plus his or her parent, legal guardian or spouse can request a copy of a vital record. A legal representative of one of these persons may also submit a vital records request that may be used for Maryland criminal background checks. Any vital request record applicant who is not the subject named on the original document must have valid, non-expired, government issued, photo ID plus a signed letter of permission from the subject to allow the VSA to conduct the search.

Certified copies of death certificates that may be used for Maryland background checks can be requested by a surviving relative, funeral director, law court or an authorized representative of the deceased. Marriage records may be requested by the bride and groom named on the document, a legal representative with a permission letter from either person or a notary public. The ex-husband, ex-wife or a legal representative with a signed permission letter from either ex-spouse may request access to verify a divorce record.

Same day service is usually available for in person vital records requests. Mail requests typically take between 2 – 3 weeks of processing time. Photocopies of valid, non-expired, government issued, photo ID and a self-addressed, stamped envelope must accompany an application and fee for a mail in vital record request.

In person:
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Vital Statistics Administration (VSA)
Division of Vital Records
6550 Reisterstown Rd.
Reisterstown Road Plaza
Baltimore, MD 21215

Phone: (410) 764-3038
Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm

Mailing address:
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Vital Statistics Administration (VSA)
Division of Vital Records
PO Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036

Maryland Criminal Background Checks
According to Maryland law, the public is allowed access to all criminal cases in the state as well as to civic and traffic court records. Court cases are filed in their individual Maryland counties in district and circuit courts. The name of the defendant, case number, his or her date of birth, trial date, charge and disposition are typically included in these criminal records which may be used in Maryland background checks.

To check your own Maryland criminal history, contact the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), using the contact information below. Visiting your local police barracks or Sheriff’s office to access your criminal records is another possibility in many cases.

The fee for a self-review of your own criminal record, that you may want to use for Maryland background checks on yourself, is $18 plus fingerprinting identification costs. Your fingerprints will be sent to the CJIS Central Repository. The written results will then be sent to you by the CJIS. To access a criminal history record from the CJS for someone else, you’ll have to be an individual who qualifies for an authorization number.

Maryland Department of Public Safety
Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)
CJIS Central Repository
PO Box 32708
Pikesville, MD 21282-2708

CJIS Help Desk: (888) 795-0011