Genealogical Research Application

The new law restricting access to Maine vital records requires that a genealogist researching outside his own family submit an "Genealogical Research Application," along with a check for $50. The Maine Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics now has this application online as a Word document. (Here is a PDF version.)

Maine birth, death and marriage records that are less than one hundred years old are private documents available only to those with a direct and legitimate interest in the matter recorded on the record and genealogists registered with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC). In order to receive a Maine CDC issued researcher card, an applicant must be a member of an established genealogical society, provide positive proof of identity, and submit the required fee ($50) along with this application. Please make checks payable to: Treasurer, State of Maine. If you are applying by mail, enclose a photocopy of your government issued photo ID or other positive identification, as well as a photocopy of your membership card in an established genealogical society, with this application. Return the completed application, supporting documents and fee to: Vital Records Unit, Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Maine Department of Health and Human Services, 244 Water Street, 11 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0011.

The researcher card is good for one year and will entitle the bearer to view or purchase non-certified copies of birth, death and marriage records registered in Maine, that are less than 100 years old, from any municipality or from the Vital Records Unit of the Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics. This card, along with positive proof of identity, must be presented to the municipal clerk or Vital Records Unit staff when making a request for records.

The website provides no guidance as to what constitutes an "established genealogical society."

As of today, the Maine State Archives website has not been updated to reflect the new requirements.

Note that this is only for researchers requesting records of people they are not descended from. Anyone can request birth, marriage and death records of people from whom they can prove descent without paying the $50 fee.