Researching Vital Records at the Massachusetts Archives

Vital Records: 1841-1930

The Archives currently hold births, marriages, and deaths for all Massachusetts cities and towns for the years 1841 through 1930.

Digital copies of Massachusetts vital records from 1841 to 1925 are available through the Massachusetts Archives website: Digital Records at the Massachusetts Archives

NOTE: If you are not able to find the record you need online, you can email us a request for digital images of up to five unique records from 1841-1930. We can email you links to scans of the originals if they are available online, or make individual scans by request. The Reference email is archives@sec.state.ma.us .  There is no charge for this service. If you need state Certified Copies of any vital records between 1841-1930, please see the instructions below.

Certified copies of births, marriages, and deaths from 1841 to 1930 can be ordered in person, through the mail, or over email. The cost is $3.00 per certificate. Please complete a Certified Vital Records Order Form (PDF) for each unique certificate you are requesting and email it to us at archives@sec.state.ma.us or print and mail it to us at:

Massachusetts Archives
220 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125
Attn: Certified Vitals

Application for Certified Vital Records, 1841-1930 (PDF)

All orders take approximately two weeks to process. You may order a maximum of five certificates at one time. The cost for certified vital records is $3.00 each. Researchers can pay by cash or check made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If mailing your request, please include individual checks for $3.00US for each certificate requested. If we are unable to locate any of the record(s) you have requested, we will return your payment for those records. If you submit your request over email, we will mail you an invoice along with your certificates and payment is due upon receipt. We cannot accept credit card or electronic payments.

Death registration, Town of Woburn, 1903

Vital Records: Pre 1841

Statewide collection of Massachusetts vital records began in 1841. For birth, marriage, and death records dating before 1841, researchers must contact the city and town clerks in the municipality where the event occurred.

A list of all the city and town clerks in Massachusetts can be found at: Massachusetts City and Town Directory

Birth registration, Town of Burlington, 1896

Vital Records: 1931-Present

Massachusetts vital records from 1931 to the present are held at the Department of Public Health, Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Their contact information is:

Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records
150 Mount Vernon St.
Dorchester MA 02125
617-740-2600
www.mass.gov/orgs/registry-of-vital-records-and-statistics

Vital records from 1931 to the present are also available through the various offices of City and Town clerks. A list of all the city and town clerks in Massachusetts can be found at: Massachusetts City and Town Directory