Portland residents frequently need certified documents for passport applications when traveling to nearby Canada, enrollment at the University of Southern Maine, employment verification at the bustling Port of Portland, mortgage applications for historic Old Port properties, and various legal proceedings. As Maine’s largest city and economic center, Portland’s location requires residents to maintain current vital records for both local and international opportunities.
Vital Records & Certificates in Portland, MaineCumberland County Register of Deeds
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Cumberland County Register of Deeds. We also offer expedited passport services for Portland residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Portland residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Portland
Portland birth certificates are processed exclusively through the Cumberland County Register of Deeds at 25 Pearl Street, conveniently located in the heart of downtown near Monument Square. Whether your child was born at Maine Medical Center on Bramhall Street, Mercy Hospital on State Street, or the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, all birth records for Cumberland County residents flow through this central office. The historic Pearl Street location puts you within walking distance of the Old Port shopping district and numerous downtown parking garages. County fees typically run $15 for the first certified copy with additional copies available at reduced rates, and processing usually takes 2-3 business days for walk-in requests.
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 Portland
Couples planning waterfront ceremonies at the Eastern Promenade, intimate gatherings at the Portland Museum of Art, or receptions at the Historic Inns of Portland obtain their marriage licenses from the Cumberland County Register of Deeds on Pearl Street. Maine requires no waiting period, allowing couples to marry immediately after receiving their license. The downtown location makes it convenient for couples staying at nearby hotels or meeting with wedding planners in the Arts District. Processing fees typically range from $40-60, and licenses remain valid for 90 days throughout Maine.
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 Portland
Death certificates for Portland residents are issued by the Cumberland County Register of Deeds at 25 Pearl Street. Whether for insurance claims, estate proceedings, or social security matters, certified copies typically cost $15 each with expedited processing available. The office maintains records for all deaths occurring within Cumberland County, including those at local hospitals and care facilities throughout the greater Portland area.
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 Portland
Divorce decrees processed through Cumberland County Family Court are available from the Register of Deeds office on Pearl Street. Certified copies are essential for name changes, remarriage licenses, and financial matters. Having your case number expedites the search process, though staff can locate records using names and approximate dates.
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 Portland
The Cumberland County Register of Deeds at 25 Pearl Street operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Downtown Portland parking is available at the Temple Street Garage just two blocks away, or at metered spaces along Pearl and Temple Streets. The office accepts cash, check, and major credit cards. Located between Monument Square and the Portland City Hall, the office is easily accessible via METRO bus routes and within walking distance of most downtown hotels and businesses.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Cumberland County Register of Deeds
Address
25 Pearl St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
Located at 25 Pearl Street in downtown Portland, between Temple and Preble Streets, one block from Monument Square.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Cumberland 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 Portland residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Portland, Maine
Where can I park near the Cumberland County Register of Deeds office in Portland?
▼Can I take public transit to get my certificates in Portland?
▼What are the office hours for the Cumberland County Register of Deeds?
▼How much does a birth certificate cost in Portland, Maine?
▼Do I need an appointment at the Portland clerk office?
▼Can I order certificates online for Portland, Maine?
▼What hospitals in Portland are covered by the Cumberland County Register?
▼How long does it take to get a death certificate in Portland?
▼Can I get marriage records from other Maine counties at the Portland office?
▼What payment methods are accepted at the Portland vital records office?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Portland residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Cumberland County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs