Maine Public Records

Many of Maine's public records are available for search and/or viewing online. Records that are not available online can usually be ordered by mail or in person. Several different state and county government agencies handle the different types of public records in Maine.

Public Libraries

Libraries are an excellent place to start a search for public records in Maine. They have lots of resources such as microfiche of old property and genealogy records. Some libraries even have access to paid subscriptions that you can access for free.

Vital Records

Maine's vital records - including records of birth, death, marriage, and divorce - are administered by the Division of Public Health Systems, Vital Records Unit. There are three ways to order vital records in Maine.

Online - To request records online, visit third party processor VitalChek. There is an extra fee associated with ordering from VitalChek, which operates similar databases for a number of U.S. states. Records ordered via this online service will arrive through the mail.

By Mail - To request records by mail, send a written request with payment by check or money order to:

Vital Records
244 Water Street
Augusta, ME 04330-4698

In Person - To request records in person, visit the Vital Records Unit at the above address. There is a 24-hour turnaround period for records ordered in person.

For more information, call the Vital Records Unit at (207) 287-3181 or visit their webpage.

Criminal Records

The Maine State Police, via the State Bureau of Identification, maintains the state's repository of criminal history record information. The purpose behind the repository is to organize and preserve criminal records and provide public access. The Bureau maintains a searchable online database of criminal records, based on arrest history. The fee is $31 (or $41 for a notarized copy).

It is also possible to order records by mail. For more information, visit the criminal history information page or call the Bureau at (207) 624-7240.

Business Records

The Department of the Secretary of State, through the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions, maintains corporate and limited liability company public records in Maine. It is possible to search records online for such information as the name and file number of a business, the names of any officers or agents, and the date of formation. The document search page is here.

For more information, call the Secretary of State at (207) 626-8400.

Property Records

Maine property records are maintained at the county level, so it is best to contact the Register of Deeds of the relevant county for property record information. There is an interactive map linking to county offices at the website of the Maine Registers of Deeds Association, here: www.maineregistryofdeeds.com/index.htm. Land records will typically include property valuations and tax history, along with other basic data.

All of the Maine Register of Deeds Office locations and contact information are located on this page.

Driving Records

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (the "BMV"), another subdivision of the Department of the Secretary of State, administers driving records in Maine. The BMV operates an online driver record check service, which offers non-certified records for order and viewing online. To use the service, you will need the search subject's drivers license number or name and date of birth. The fee must be paid by credit card.

For more information, call the BMV at (207) 624-9000.