Vital Records & Certificates in Bel Air, MarylandHarford County Circuit Court

Bel Air residents regularly need certified vital records for passport applications, college enrollment, marriage license applications, and estate proceedings conducted through the local circuit court. As Harford County’s seat of government, many families settling inheritance matters, applying for Social Security benefits, or establishing legal guardianship rely on the courthouse’s convenient location in the heart of downtown’s historic district.

As Harford County’s seat, Bel Air houses vital records services at the Circuit Court located at 20 West Courtland Street, just steps from the historic courthouse square. Babies born at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air or at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center are registered through Maryland’s state vital records system, with copies available locally through the circuit court clerk. Harford County processes requests efficiently, typically within 3-5 business days for walk-in service. The clerk’s office maintains convenient hours for working parents, accepting requests from immediate family members with proper identification. First copies cost $24, with additional copies at $4 each when ordered together.

The historic Harford County Courthouse at 20 West Courtland Street issues marriage licenses for couples planning weddings throughout the county, from intimate ceremonies at the Bel Air Armory to elegant receptions at venues like Swan Harbor Farm overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland requires a 48-hour waiting period between license issuance and ceremony, though this can be waived by judicial order for an additional fee. The clerk’s office operates during regular business hours, with licenses valid for six months from issuance. Many couples appreciate Bel Air’s central location for guests traveling from Baltimore or Washington metropolitan areas.

Death certificates for Harford County residents are processed through the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in Bel Air’s courthouse square. Funeral homes throughout the area, including those serving families from Aberdeen to Havre de Grace, work directly with the clerk’s office for initial filings. Family members typically need multiple copies for estate proceedings, insurance claims, and property transfers. The office provides same-day service for walk-in requests when all documentation is in order. Certified copies cost $24 for the first document and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.

Divorce records for Harford County are maintained at the Circuit Court in Bel Air, where family law proceedings have been conducted since the county’s founding. Located at 20 West Courtland Street in the courthouse complex, the clerk’s office provides certified copies of divorce decrees essential for remarriage or legal name changes. Case files can be located using either party names or docket numbers. Fees vary based on document length and certification requirements, typically ranging from $5-15 per document depending on the specific papers needed.

Harford County Circuit Court operates at 20 West Courtland Street in downtown Bel Air, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Free parking is available behind the courthouse on Pennsylvania Avenue, with additional spaces along Main Street and surrounding side streets. The clerk’s office is located on the first floor of the courthouse building, easily accessible from the main entrance. Payment is accepted by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Walk-in service typically provides same-day processing for complete requests. Mail orders should include applications, fees, and self-addressed stamped envelopes, with processing taking 5-7 business days for return to Harford County addresses.

Harford County Circuit Court is located at 20 West Courtland Street in downtown Bel Air. Free parking available behind courthouse on Pennsylvania Avenue.