If you need certified copies of vital records, you can submit a request to the Town Clerk's Office by mail, email or phone.  We can prepare the documents ahead of time and either have them ready for you to pick up or mail them to you. We appreciate your cooperation in advance. 

How do I obtain copies of vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates)? 

The Town Clerk's Office maintains the original copies of vital records and will create certified copies upon request. You can simply fill out the request form (PDF) and submit it in one of the following ways:

• Mail - You can mail your request to: Town Clerk 1 Summer Street Kennebunk ME 04043. Please include the completed Request Form, a copy of your Photo ID, Proof of Lineage (when necessary), and payment. 
• Email us - Once we receive the request form via email, we will confirm we received it and are able to process your request. When you arrive to pick up your Certified Copies, you will need to sign the Request Form, show your Photo ID, show Proof of Lineage (when necessary), and provide payment. We accept cash, check or credit card (fees apply). 
• Come into our office in person - You can complete and submit the request form in person at the Town Clerk's Office. If time allows, we can process your while you wait, or we can contact you when your request is complete. You will need to sign the Request Form, show your Photo ID, show Proof of Lineage (when necessary) and provide payment. We accept cash, check or credit card (fees apply).

What is the fee for Certified Copies of Vital Records?

The fee associated with processing Vital Record(s) requests is as follows: if you request a single copy the fee is $15.00 but if you order several copies in one request then the first copy is $15.00 and the additional copies will be $6.00 each. We accept cash, checks payable to Town of Kennebunk, and credit/debit cards (fees apply).

Who can obtain copies of vital records? 

By law, Maine birth records less than 75 years old, marriage records less than 50 years old, and death records less than 25 years old are considered private. In order to obtain copies, an individual must prove they are permitted by law to do so. Those authorized to view or obtain a copy of a vital record include:

• The person named on the record,
• The person’s spouse or registered domestic partner,
• The parent(s) named on the record,
• Descendants of the person named on the record (including children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to the most remote degree),
• The legal custodian, guardian or authorized representative of the person named on the record and
• Genealogists who have a researcher card issued by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Data, Research and Vital Statistics.

Why do I need to present positive identification when requesting a record? 

While most requests for vital records are honest attempts to obtain one own’s personal identification, some are not. These documents can be used to obtain a driver’s license, state photo ID, social security card and passport under the assumed name, opening a credit card, bank account, etc... The requirement to provide positive identification to helps protect you and your family from these sorts of crimes. 

What are acceptable forms of identification? 

We will need to view a driver’s license, passport or other government issued photo identification.

How would a person demonstrate direct lineage? 

Acceptable proof of direct lineage could include a hospital or physician’s record of birth or death, a baptismal record, school enrollment records, military records, court records, family bible record, newspaper engagement, marriage or birth announcement, obituary, U.S. Census enumeration record, insurance application or an affidavit. 

How do I obtain a Genealogical Researcher ID Card? 

In order to obtain a Genealogical Researcher ID Card, you need to apply (PDF) through the State of Maine; Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Data, Research & Vital Statistics.