DRVS Genealogist Researcher Program
Welcome to the Maine CDC, Data, Research, and Vital Statistics (DRVS), Genealogist Researcher Program. Genealogical researchers who would like to obtain a genealogical researcher identification card for the purpose of requesting non-certified copies* of public or restricted vital records, including access to DRVS Online Index Portal, may apply to become a member.
- Maine officially started preserving vital records on January 1, 1892.
- DRVS maintains vital records from 1892 to present if the event occurred in the State of Maine. Municipalities in the State of Maine maintain vital records that occurred in their municipality or if a resident lived in the municipality at the time of the event.
- Vital records created prior to 1892 may be obtained from the municipal offices where the vital event took place or from the Maine State Archives. Some municipalities do have vital records that occurred prior to 1892. Please check with the municipality where the event took place.
- Records prior to 1820 do not reside in Maine, they reside in Massachusetts. Genealogical researchers looking for these records must contact the State in which the records are housed and comply with that State's laws, rules, and policies regarding accessing vital records.
*Non-certified copies are copies of a birth, death, marriage, or divorce record are issued onto blank white paper. The copy is stamped "NOT TO BE USED AS A LEGAL DOCUMENT". Generally, non-certified copies are used for investigative research or genealogical purposes only. If a certified copy of a vital record needed, please see how to request documents.
How do apply to become a member?
To become a registered genealogical researcher with DRVS, researchers must complete the following:
- A completed and signed genealogical researcher card application (PDF)
- A completed and signed genealogical disclosure agreement and code of ethics form (PDF)
- Acceptable identification – Request Documents-Acceptable Identification
- The required $50.00 registration fee to for obtaining a genealogical researcher identification card; and
- Documentation of membership in an existing genealogical society in the form of a valid membership card or a statement of membership on the genealogical society's letterhead. The membership card or statement of membership must contain the genealogical society membership date of expiration.
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Genealogical researchers who are approved for the researcher identification card are entitled to three (3) non-certified copies* of a vital record per week and unlimited access to DRVS Online Index Portal.
Record requests may be submitted electronically by sending the completed application by e-mail to VitalRecords.DHHS@maine.gov or by regular mail at:
Maine Vital Records
11 State House Station
220 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
A username and password will be provided to registered genealogists to access DRVS Online Index Portal along with step-by-step instructions.
Please only submit (3) three requests at a time and enter the week ending date on your request form as well as including a stamped self-addressed envelope.
Requests will be completed weekly and mailed to the address provided on the Researcher Request Form (PDF)
How do I access DRVS Online Index Portal?
The Maine CDC, Data, Research, and Vital Statistics (DRVS) Vital Records online index is intended to aid in locating the existence of a birth, death, or marriage record. The index portal can be accessed in one convenient location via the following URL: https://docuware.maine.gov/DocuWare/Platform/WebClient/
A username and password were provided with your genealogist card and/or introduction to the index portal. If you misplaced your username and password, please contact DRVS via email at VitalRecords.DHHS@maine.gov or by calling (207) 287-5451.
DRVS Online Index Portal (query system) must be used only for the intended purposes. Any effort to determine the identity of any individual, or to use the information for any purpose other than genealogy research, is prohibited.
For more information, please see our Vital Records Indexes Portal Instructions and Tip Sheet (PDF)
Can I access the original vital records filed at DRVS?
"Hands-on" access or inspection of original, paper-based records or indexes, is not permitted. The DRVS Online Index Portal and three (3) free non-certified copies of the original record is the alternative method that is in place.
Questions about the Genealogist Researcher Program?
If you have any questions, please feel free to call DRVS at (207) 287-4813 between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or send an e-mail to VitalRecords.DHHS@maine.gov.