Vital Records & Certificates in Potomac, MarylandMaryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene – Division of Vital Records

Potomac’s proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique demands for vital records. Federal employees need certified documents for security clearances, diplomatic families require apostilled certificates for international assignments, and the community’s transient professional population frequently needs records for relocations, school transfers, and employment verifications throughout the metropolitan area.

Birth certificates for Potomac residents are processed through the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Division of Vital Records at 2000 Dennis Ave in Wheaton. Many Potomac children are born at nearby Suburban Hospital on Old Georgetown Road or at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital across the river. Montgomery County charges $24 for the first certified copy and $13 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. The Wheaton office maintains comprehensive records for all Montgomery County births, with expedited service available for urgent passport or school enrollment needs common among Potomac’s internationally-mobile families.

Potomac couples planning weddings at venues like Bretton Woods Recreation Center or the scenic grounds along the Potomac River obtain marriage licenses from the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk in Rockville. Maryland requires a 48-hour waiting period after license issuance, though this can be waived by a judge for military deployment or other circumstances. The license fee is $55, and couples must appear together with valid identification to complete the application process.

Death certificates are issued by the Maryland Division of Vital Records in Wheaton for deaths occurring in Montgomery County. Families often need multiple certified copies for estate proceedings, insurance claims, and Social Security notifications. The first copy costs $24 with additional copies at $13 each when ordered together, providing essential documentation for the complex estate matters common in Potomac’s affluent community.

Divorce decrees are obtained from the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk’s office in Rockville, which maintains all divorce records for Potomac residents. Given the community’s high rate of federal employees and international professionals, divorce records often require apostille certification for overseas use. Court fees vary depending on the specific documents requested and certification requirements.

The Maryland Division of Vital Records at 2000 Dennis Ave in Wheaton operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot, and the office is accessible via Metrobus Route Y8 from the Wheaton Metro station. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order – credit cards are not accepted. Online ordering is also available through the state’s VitalChek system for added convenience.

From Potomac, take River Road east to Interstate 270 north, exit at Veirs Mill Road east to Dennis Avenue. The office is located in the Wheaton government complex.