Maryland Department of Health 2026: Services, Phone & Records
Most people searching for the Maryland Department of Health need one clear answer: which official page handles my phone question, birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate, divorce verification, license lookup, nursing license, immunization record, public records request, food complaint, or local health department service?
This guide is written in plain U.S. English for Maryland residents, seniors, caregivers, parents, licensees, applicants, employers, and out-of-state users who need Maryland records. It is not the official Maryland Department of Health website. It helps you choose the right official route before you call, pay, upload ID, mail a form, file a complaint, or drive to an office.
Quick answer: what the Maryland Department of Health helps with in 2026
The Maryland Department of Health, often searched as MDH, Maryland health department, Maryland department of health phone number, Maryland department of health records, or Maryland department of health license lookup, connects users to statewide public health programs, the Vital Statistics Administration, healthcare licensing boards, public records, immunization records, food safety routing, local health departments, healthcare facility complaints, and official agency contacts.
| What you need | Best official route | Prepare first | Senior-friendly tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland Department of Health phone number | MDH Contact Us page | Your topic, county, callback number, and program name if known | Ask, “Which program handles this and which official page should I use?” |
| Maryland birth certificate | Vital Statistics Administration birth certificate page | Full name, date of birth, place of birth, valid ID, relationship proof if needed, payment method | Use the official Maryland Vital Records page before paying any online vendor. |
| Maryland death certificate | Vital Statistics Administration death certificate page | Decedent name, date of death, county, relationship, ID and reason for request | Ask the bank, insurance company or attorney exactly which copy they accept. |
| Marriage certificate or divorce verification | Maryland Division of Vital Records or the Circuit Court, depending on document type | Names, date, county, certificate versus decree question, ID and payment method | A divorce verification is not the same as the full divorce decree. |
| Maryland immunization records | ImmuNet / MyIR Mobile / Maryland Records Request Form | Name, date of birth, contact information, legal relationship and provider or pharmacy portal access if available | Adults 18 and older generally must request their own records. |
| Maryland healthcare license lookup | Correct Maryland health board lookup, such as Board of Nursing, Board of Physicians, Pharmacy Board, Dental Board or other board | Profession, license number, last name, first name, facility or business name | Maryland does not have one perfect lookup for every health profession; choose the correct board. |
| Maryland nursing license verification | Maryland Board of Nursing License Verification | Profession, license number, last name, first name or combined fields | Set the profession correctly before searching. |
| Healthcare facility complaint | Maryland Office of Health Care Quality complaint route | Facility name, address, dates, facts, documents and your contact details | Online complaint routing is usually the best first step when OHCQ regulates the facility. |
| Restaurant or food store complaint | Local health department in the county where the facility is located | Business name, address, county, date, time, food item, symptoms, receipt and photos if available | Food service complaints are local-county issues first. |
| Maryland Public Information Act request | MDH Public Information Act page | Record type, program, date range, subject, names, and preferred contact method | A narrow request is easier to process than “send everything.” |
For Maryland MDH tasks, the fastest answer is usually not another search result. The fastest answer is the correct official system: Vital Statistics Administration for vital records, ImmuNet for vaccination records, the right licensing board for license lookup, Office of Health Care Quality for many facility complaints, and the local health department for restaurants, food service, clinics, septic, local permits and county programs.
Maryland Department of Health route finder: choose the right service before calling, paying or visiting
Use this route finder for common searches like Maryland department of health license, Maryland department of health login, Maryland department of health phone number, Maryland department of health nursing license, Maryland vital records, MDH immunization records and local health department Maryland.
Maryland MDH task router
Select your need. The safest next step appears below.
Maryland Department of Health phone number, hours, main address and call script
The Maryland Department of Health contact page lists 410-767-6500 and 1-877-463-3464. The official contact page says to call during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding State holidays.
Use a short call script
Say: “I need help with [birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate, divorce verification, immunization record, license lookup, nursing license, facility complaint, food complaint, public records or local health department]. My county is [county name]. Which official Maryland Department of Health page or program should I use next?”
Use the right phone number for the right task
General MDH questions can start with the main line. Birth certificate recorded information can start with 410-764-3038 or 800-832-3277. Nursing license questions can route through the Maryland Board of Nursing. Facility complaints often route through the Office of Health Care Quality. Restaurant and retail food service complaints usually route to the local health department in the county where the business is located.
If you live in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Frederick County, Harford County, Charles County, Washington County, Wicomico County, or any other Maryland county, local services can differ. Give your county early in the call.
Maryland Department of Health records: birth, death, marriage, divorce, corrections and certificates
When people search “Maryland Department of Health records,” they may mean vital records, immunization records, public records, medical records, or license records. Maryland’s Division of Vital Records handles certified copies of certain birth, death, fetal death and marriage certificates for events in Maryland, and also provides divorce verification guidance. The lobby is by appointment only.
Certificates
Birth, death, fetal death, marriage certificate, divorce verification, adoption, foreign adoption, legitimation and correction guidance.
Open VSARequest certificates
Use the official certificate request page to choose birth, death, marriage, divorce verification or other record guidance.
Request certificatesCounty health departments
Many local health departments issue certain certificates. Hours, appointments, fees and services vary by jurisdiction.
Local certificate officesMaryland Vital Statistics Administration says VitalChek is the only authorized online vendor for Maryland Vital Records. Other online services may use your information to request a copy by mail. Confirm the official MDH page before entering ID or payment details.
Maryland birth certificate: order checklist, phone number and local office option
Use this section if you need a certified Maryland birth certificate, delayed birth certificate guidance, adoption-related record guidance, a correction, or help deciding whether to use the state Division of Vital Records or a local health department.
| Prepare | Why it matters | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Full name on the birth record | Helps match the exact Maryland birth record. | Using a married name when the birth record shows a different birth name. |
| Date and place of birth | Needed to identify the event and possible local health department route. | Not knowing whether the birth occurred in Maryland. |
| Parent details | May help verify and locate the record. | Leaving parent information blank when it is needed. |
| Valid ID and relationship proof | Certified record access can require identity and eligibility documents. | Uploading or mailing unclear ID copies. |
| Payment method and delivery choice | Fees, delivery and local office options can vary. | Paying a non-authorized website before reading the MDH page. |
Start with the official Maryland birth certificate page
The Maryland birth certificate page gives official request instructions and lists a recorded birth certificate information line at 410-764-3038 or 800-832-3277.
Check if a local Maryland health department can help
Many users prefer a local office, especially seniors, caregivers and parents. Local health department certificate service can vary by county, appointment rules, payment type and record year.
If you were born outside Maryland, Maryland MDH cannot issue your birth certificate. Contact the vital records office in the state or country where the birth occurred.
Maryland death certificate: estate, insurance, benefits and older record routing
A Maryland death certificate may be needed for insurance, pension, veterans benefits, Social Security, probate, bank accounts, real estate, family records or legal matters. Confirm the document type and record year before ordering.
Recent Maryland deaths
The Maryland death certificate page explains certified copy service for Maryland death records and gives the official request route.
Open death recordsCheck the official year coverage
Older death records may route differently. Use the official page and FAQ to confirm whether VSA or another official records office applies.
Open VSA FAQAsk which death certificate copy is accepted
Before ordering, ask the bank, court, insurance company, benefits office, pension office or attorney which death certificate version it accepts and whether it needs a certified copy.
Order only the number of certified copies you truly need after checking with each agency. Some agencies accept a copy for review, while others require a certified record.
Maryland marriage certificate and divorce verification: certificate versus court decree
A Maryland marriage certificate or divorce verification from the Division of Vital Records is not always the same as a marriage license application, complete court case file, or divorce decree. This is one of the most common records mistakes.
Marriage certificate or divorce verification
Use Maryland Vital Records for official certificate and verification instructions when VSA covers your record type and event year.
Open certificatesDivorce decree or full court file
If someone asks for the decree, judgment, order or full case file, contact the Circuit Court that granted the divorce.
Find circuit courtMaryland Vital Records can provide divorce verification guidance, but a decree of divorce and annulment must come from the Circuit Court that granted the decree. Ask the receiving agency which document it requires before paying.
Maryland immunization records, ImmuNet, MyIR Mobile and school vaccine forms
If your search for Maryland Department of Health records is about vaccine records, school forms, childcare, employment, college, travel or an adult vaccination history, start with ImmuNet and MyIR Mobile guidance.
Understand what ImmuNet is
ImmuNet is Maryland’s secure Immunization Information System. MDH describes it as a confidential, secure, HIPAA-compliant statewide database that stores vaccination records for individuals across Maryland.
Try provider or pharmacy portal first when available
The fastest path may be the healthcare provider, pharmacy or patient portal that gave the vaccine. If that does not work, use the Maryland records request route or MyIR Mobile guidance.
Adults 18 and older should request their own records
Maryland’s printable ImmuNet records request form notes that clients age 18 and older must request their own records. Parents and guardians should make sure provider records are updated correctly for children.
ImmuNet can only show records that were reported or matched correctly. If a vaccine was given out of state, under a different name, with a different phone number, or before electronic reporting, you may need provider records or a support request.
Maryland Department of Health license lookup, provider search and professional board routing
Maryland health license lookup is board-specific. A doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, massage therapist, counselor, nursing home administrator, audiologist or other professional may not appear in the same search system. Choose the profession first, then use the correct official lookup.
| Profession or facility | Official route | Search tip |
|---|---|---|
| Physician, physician assistant, radiographer, radiation therapist or related Board of Physicians license | Maryland Board of Physicians Practitioner Search | Search by license number or last name. For hyphenated names, use one part of the name if needed. |
| RN, LPN, APRN, CNA or nursing-related credential | Maryland Board of Nursing License Verification | Select the correct profession and try license number, last name, first and last name, or last name plus license number. |
| Pharmacy, pharmacist or pharmacy technician | Maryland Board of Pharmacy | Use the board page for license verification, written verification and complaint routes. |
| Dental license | Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners verification | Search by license number or last name for best results. |
| Controlled dangerous substances registration | Office of Controlled Substances Administration CDS search | Search by CDS number or registrant name. |
| Healthcare facilities | Office of Health Care Quality licensee directories or facility resources | Use facility name, county, service type and address when available. |
Maryland Board of Physicians search
Use this for many physician and allied health practitioner searches handled by the Maryland Board of Physicians.
Open physician searchMaryland Board of Nursing lookup
Use this for Maryland nursing license verification, CNA verification and nursing-related credential status.
Open nursing lookupMaryland CDS registration search
Use this route for Maryland Controlled Dangerous Substances registration verification.
Open CDS searchFor hiring, credentialing, insurance, or patient safety checks, do not rely only on a screenshot or third-party profile. Open the official Maryland board lookup, save the search date, profession, license number, status, expiration and any discipline or action pages that are available.
Maryland Department of Health nursing license, login, renewal and Board of Nursing contact
Searches like “Maryland department of health nursing license,” “Maryland nursing license lookup,” “Maryland Board of Nursing renewal,” and “Maryland department of health license renewal” usually belong with the Maryland Board of Nursing, not the MDH main phone line.
Maryland Board of Nursing
The Board of Nursing page lists 4140 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215 and 410-585-1900 as the main office phone number.
Open Board of NursingOnline license and certification renewal
The Board of Nursing renewal page notes that license and certification renewals can take 5 to 10 days to be processed, and extra time may apply if background check requirements are involved.
Open renewal pageLook up the license first
Before renewing, applying for endorsement, checking status or contacting the board, verify the credential status using the official Board of Nursing lookup.
Use the correct nursing renewal or application route
Maryland nursing tasks can differ for RN, LPN, APRN, CNA, endorsement, exam, renewal, certification, verification letter, name change or background check. Use the specific Board of Nursing page for your category.
Maryland Department of Health complaints: provider, facility, nursing, physician and OHCQ routing
Complaint routing depends on the person, facility and license type. A hospital, assisted living facility, laboratory, nursing home, physician, nurse, pharmacist or unlicensed facility may have a different complaint route.
Office of Health Care Quality
OHCQ says the best way to file a complaint is the online complaint form because it routes the complaint to the correct unit.
Open OHCQ complaintMaryland Board of Physicians
The Board of Physicians complaint page says complaints must be submitted in writing or through the complaint form.
Open physician complaintMaryland Board of Nursing
The Board of Nursing complaint procedures page explains complaint review and notes that anonymous complaints are not accepted.
Open nursing complaint| Prepare | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Provider, facility or licensee name | Helps route the complaint to the correct board or OHCQ unit. |
| Address and county | Shows location and jurisdiction. |
| Dates and timeline | Creates a clear sequence of what happened. |
| Documents, photos or records | Supports the complaint with evidence beyond memory. |
| Your contact information | Many Maryland board complaint routes do not accept anonymous complaints or need follow-up details. |
Write facts, not opinions. Use names, dates, locations, documents, photos, exact words when relevant and a short timeline. A clear complaint is easier to review than a long message without details.
Maryland food safety complaints, restaurant complaints and foodborne illness reporting
For Maryland restaurant complaints, carryout complaints, grocery store complaints, food truck complaints and other retail food service facility issues, MDH says to contact the local health department in the county where the facility is located. For commercially manufactured Maryland food, milk or dairy products, processing facilities and cottage food issues, a separate MDH complaint route may apply.
| Food issue | Best route | Prepare first |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant, carryout, grocery store, food truck or retail food service complaint | Local health department in the county where the facility is located | Business name, full address, county, date, time, food item and what happened |
| Foodborne illness complaint | MDH food safety complaint route or local health department depending on the situation | Symptoms, start time, food eaten, receipt, photos, packaging and who became ill |
| Maryland-manufactured packaged food, milk, dairy, processing facility or cottage food | MDH Food Safety Complaints page and complaint form | Product label, lot code, store, purchase date, photos and remaining product if safe to keep |
| Food made outside Maryland | FDA or correct state/federal complaint route may apply | Product label, manufacturer, state, lot code, UPC and purchase location |
Start with the correct Maryland food complaint page
Use county routing for restaurants and retail food service. Use the MDH complaint form route for certain foodborne illness, Maryland manufactured food, milk and dairy, food processing or cottage food complaints.
If someone has severe dehydration, blood in stool, confusion, trouble breathing, severe allergic reaction, chest pain, signs of stroke, poisoning, or life-threatening symptoms, call emergency services. Do not wait for a complaint form response.
Maryland Department of Health public records request: MPIA, agency records and medical record confusion
A Maryland Public Information Act request is not the same as ordering a birth certificate, death certificate, marriage certificate, divorce verification, immunization record, or your own medical chart. Use MPIA for Maryland Department of Health agency records and public disclosure requests.
Use the MDH Public Information Act page
The MDH MPIA page provides the official request route and mailing address for public information requests. Mail requests can be directed to Maryland Department of Health, Attn: Public Information, 201 W. Preston St., Suite 507G, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Make the request narrow and searchable
Include the program name, date range, record type, subject, facility, license number, county, case name, and preferred contact method. Do not ask for “all records about health” unless you expect delays and clarification.
Your personal medical record usually comes from the provider, hospital, clinic, Medicaid managed care organization or health plan that treated you. Maryland Board of Physicians guidance notes providers must disclose medical records within a reasonable time, but no more than 21 working days after a proper request from a person in interest.
Find a Maryland local health department: county offices, certificates, clinics, permits and inspections
Maryland local health departments are often the correct route for county clinics, local vital record service, immunizations, WIC, food service complaints, septic, wells, environmental health, animal bites, local permits and county-specific programs.
Birth and death certificates
Some counties offer local certificate service. Appointment rules, fees and record coverage vary.
Restaurant complaints
MDH says retail food service complaints should go to the local health department in the facility’s county.
Septic, wells and permits
Address-based environmental health questions usually begin locally.
Appointments and programs
Call your county health department for local clinic hours, eligibility, appointment rules and program availability.
For Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Frederick County, Harford County, Carroll County, Charles County, Washington County, Wicomico County, Worcester County, Allegany County and every other Maryland jurisdiction, always check the local page before visiting. Hours, appointments, services and fees can vary.
Maryland Department of Health Baltimore map, Vital Records location and before-you-visit warning
The main Maryland Department of Health address is 201 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. The Division of Vital Records location page lists 6764B Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215, at the rear of Reisterstown Road Plaza. Do not drive to either address until you confirm the correct office and appointment rules.
| Need | Better than driving first |
|---|---|
| Birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate | Check the Division of Vital Records page, appointment-only lobby note, local health department options and official forms first. |
| Healthcare license lookup or renewal | Use the correct professional board page, such as Board of Nursing, Board of Physicians, Board of Pharmacy, Dental Board or OHCQ. |
| Public records request | Use the MPIA request route online or mail to the specific Public Information address. |
| Restaurant, clinic, septic, well or local issue | Use the local health department directory and contact the county office first. |
The address on a website footer is not always the right walk-in counter for your service. Confirm the exact office, appointment rule, payment method, parking, hours and required documents on the official page first.
Official Maryland Department of Health links used in this guide
Use these official pages for final details, forms, payment, fees, appointments, eligibility, license verification, complaint filing and public records submission. This independent guide does not collect records, accept complaints, process licenses, renew credentials or verify identity.
People also search for: Maryland Department of Health Google and Bing intent guide
These are common Google-suggest and Bing-style search intents around “Maryland Department of Health.” Use the matching official route instead of opening random third-party pages.
Maryland department of health license
Choose the correct licensing board first. Physicians, nurses, pharmacy, dental, OHCQ and CDS records may use different systems.
License routeMaryland department of health login
Login can mean nursing renewal, professional licensing board services, ImmuNet, MyIR Mobile, OneStop or a local system.
Login routeMaryland department of health phone number
Use 410-767-6500 or 1-877-463-3464 for general MDH contact routing.
Phone routeMaryland department of health birth certificate
Use the Vital Statistics Administration birth certificate page, local health department list or authorized VitalChek route.
Birth routeMaryland department of health death certificate
Use VSA death certificate guidance and confirm whether older records route differently.
Death routeMaryland department of health immunization records
Use ImmuNet, MyIR Mobile, provider portals or the Maryland records request form.
Immunization routeMaryland department of health nursing license
Use Maryland Board of Nursing license verification, renewal, licensing and contact pages.
Nursing routeMaryland department of health complaints
Use OHCQ, the correct licensing board, local health department or food safety route depending on the complaint type.
Complaint routeSafety, privacy and independent guide notice
HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It is not the official Maryland Department of Health website, not health.maryland.gov, not a local health department, not the Maryland Division of Vital Records, not ImmuNet, not MyIR Mobile, not Maryland OneStop, and not a healthcare licensing board.
Do not send Social Security numbers, birth certificates, death certificates, driver licenses, passports, medical records, vaccination records, payment cards, license documents, complaint evidence or patient information to an independent guide page. Use only official secure pages for final submission.
Fees, forms, appointment rules, eligibility, record year coverage, phone numbers, processing times, login requirements and office hours can change. Confirm final details on the official Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, ImmuNet, licensing board, OHCQ, VitalChek or local health department page before taking action.
Maryland Department of Health FAQs
What is the Maryland Department of Health phone number?
The Maryland Department of Health contact page lists 410-767-6500 and 1-877-463-3464. The official page says to call during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding State holidays.
What is the Maryland Department of Health address?
The main Maryland Department of Health address is 201 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. The Maryland Division of Vital Records location is 6764B Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215. Check the correct office and appointment rules before visiting.
How do I order a Maryland birth certificate?
Start with the official Maryland Request Birth Certificates page. Prepare the full name on the record, date and place of birth, parent details, valid ID, proof documents if required, payment method and delivery details.
How do I order a Maryland death certificate?
Use the official Maryland Request Death and Fetal Death Certificates page. Prepare the decedent name, date of death, county, your relationship, identification, reason for request and payment details. Confirm whether older records route differently.
Is VitalChek authorized for Maryland vital records?
Maryland Vital Statistics Administration says VitalChek is the only authorized online vendor for Maryland Vital Records. Other online services may use your information to request a copy by mail, so confirm the official MDH page before paying.
How do I get Maryland immunization records?
Use ImmuNet, MyIR Mobile, your healthcare provider or pharmacy portal, or the Maryland ImmuNet Records Request Form. Adults age 18 and older generally must request their own records.
How do I verify a Maryland healthcare license?
Use the correct Maryland health board lookup. Physicians often use the Maryland Board of Physicians practitioner search, nurses use the Maryland Board of Nursing verification page, and other professions may use pharmacy, dental, CDS, OHCQ or profession-specific board routes.
Where do I verify a Maryland nursing license?
Use the Maryland Board of Nursing License Verification page. Select the correct profession and search by license number, last name, first and last name, or last name plus license number.
How do I file a complaint about a Maryland healthcare provider or facility?
Use the correct complaint route. Facility complaints often start with the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality. Physician complaints route to the Maryland Board of Physicians. Nursing complaints route to the Maryland Board of Nursing. The right route depends on the provider or facility type.
Is HealthDepartmentGuide.org the official Maryland Department of Health website?
No. HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide that helps users find the right official route. It does not process records, collect payments, verify licenses, file complaints, renew credentials or replace health.maryland.gov, local health departments, licensing boards, OHCQ, ImmuNet or VitalChek.