As Hancock County’s seat and gateway to Acadia National Park, Ellsworth residents and visitors need certificates for school enrollment, employment at local hospitals and tourism businesses, passport applications for international travel, and estate planning as many retirees choose Maine’s scenic coast for their golden years. The city’s historic character and natural beauty attract new residents requiring documentation for their transitions.
Vital Records & Certificates in Ellsworth, MaineHancock County Registry of Deeds
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Hancock County Registry of Deeds. We also offer expedited passport services for Ellsworth residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Ellsworth residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Ellsworth
As Hancock County’s seat, Ellsworth provides convenient access to birth certificates through the Hancock County Registry of Deeds at the courthouse on 50 State Street. Local births often occur at Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital in Ellsworth or Eastern Maine Medical Center in nearby Bangor for specialized care. The registry maintains comprehensive records with fees typically $15-25 for certified copies. Ellsworth’s role as a regional center means residents throughout Hancock County often travel here for vital records, while local families need certificates for children attending Ellsworth schools, summer camp registrations, and passport applications for family vacations exploring Maine’s coastal islands and international destinations accessible via Bangor International Airport.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Ellsworth
Couples drawn to Ellsworth’s historic charm and natural beauty, from intimate ceremonies at the Woodlawn Museum to outdoor celebrations near Branch Lake or riverside venues along the Union River, obtain marriage licenses directly at the Hancock County Court House on State Street. Maine’s efficient system allows same-location processing, making it convenient for couples planning weddings at local venues or those choosing Ellsworth as a romantic gateway before honeymooning in nearby Acadia National Park or coastal destinations.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Ellsworth
Death certificates for Hancock County residents are processed at the Registry of Deeds within Ellsworth’s courthouse complex. These essential documents serve families throughout the region, supporting arrangements with local funeral homes and estate settlements. As the county seat, Ellsworth efficiently handles these sensitive matters for both city residents and those from surrounding communities.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Ellsworth
Divorce records for Hancock County cases are maintained at the courthouse in Ellsworth, providing centralized access for residents throughout the region. These court documents are crucial for remarriage, legal name changes, and estate planning matters. The courthouse staff provides professional assistance to individuals needing certified copies of divorce decrees.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Ellsworth
The Hancock County Registry of Deeds operates within the courthouse at 50 State Street in downtown Ellsworth, easily accessible from Route 1 and local streets. Visitors can park along State Street or in nearby municipal lots. The office maintains regular weekday hours, typically 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Staff accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for certificate fees. As a smaller city serving a rural region, personal service and local knowledge help residents and visitors navigate the process efficiently, with staff often able to provide historical context for older records.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Hancock County Registry of Deeds
Address
Hancock County Court House, 50 State St # 9, Ellsworth, ME 04605, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The courthouse is located on State Street (Route 230) in downtown Ellsworth, easily accessible from Route 1. Look for the historic brick courthouse building with ample street parking available.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Hancock County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Ellsworth residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Ellsworth, Maine
Do I need to travel to Ellsworth from other parts of Hancock County for certificates?
▼Is parking available near the Hancock County courthouse in Ellsworth?
▼What are the operating hours for vital records in Ellsworth?
▼Can I order certificates by mail to avoid traveling to Ellsworth?
▼Are there any special considerations for older records in Ellsworth?
▼What if I need certificates for someone born in a different Maine county?
▼How does winter weather affect access to certificates in Ellsworth?
▼Are there any services specifically for seasonal residents?
▼What payment methods are accepted at the Ellsworth courthouse?
▼Can I get multiple types of certificates in one visit to Ellsworth?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Ellsworth residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Hancock County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs