The records you will typically need include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce records. The records are maintained by the state or local government, in which the event took place. Getting copies of these records can be a lengthy, frustrating, and even costly process if you need to hire someone to find them for you. Here is how to do it yourself. 

• Maryland- For information about finding vital records (and obtaining certified copies) for events that have occurred in Maryland visit the Maryland Vital Records. A commercial service offers online copies.
   
• Outside Maryland- For births, divorces or other events that occurred elsewhere in the United States, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publishes an extremely useful guide to finding vital records in the United States and its territories entitled “Where to Write for Vital Records- Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces”. The guide lists the address and phone number of the record-keeping offices in each state and territory. It also includes fees charged for certified records, payment accepted and any special requirements or instructions. The phone numbers are listed so you can double-check on the current fees before sending in your payment. Website addresses are included for some listings to allow you to view instructions online.
  
  To download a copy of this publication in PDF format, visit the National Center for Health Statistics website. Most libraries with a government section have a copy of this publication available to their patrons.
  
  The guide is available from the Government Printing Office in Washington D.C. for $4.25 per copy. To order scroll to the bottom on the page and look for Where to Write for Vital Records: Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Divorces Book 2003. It may save you 2-5 times its cost in mistaken calls for information and incorrect checks etc..
   
• Asking for a “certified” copy: In many instances, you must provide an original document or a “certified” copy of the original. Usually a “certified” copy is available for a small additional fee. Always ask for a certified copy if you must use the copy as a replacement for the original.
   

• Changing a Name: All you need to know to change your name in Maryland including a step by step process, links to official name change forms, relevant cases, and laws.