Vital Records: 1841-1935
The Massachusetts Archives is experiencing a very large number of requests for certified vital records due to changing dual-citizenship laws in Canada and other countries. We are working through requests in the order that they are received, and we currently have a 20+ week wait to fulfill certified vital records requests. If you do not need a state certified copy, please note that you can also request certificates from the town/city clerk’s office where the birth/marriage/death occurred. Digital images of our original (non-certified) records are also accessible for most years for free through FamilySearch.org. We truly appreciate your patience. Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
Digital copies
If you are looking for a copy of an original birth, marriage, or death record, you can search for digital copies from 1841-1930 for free on FamilySearch.org. We have partnered with them to scan our records and make them available for free online. Links to the collection are available on our Digital Records page.
NOTE: Records from 1930-1935 were recently transferred to the Archives from the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. It will be a few years before they are all digitized. 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 1841-1935. We can either email you links to the originals (if they are available online), or make individual scans by request.
Contact the Reference staff by email at archives@sec.state.ma.us. There is no charge for this service.
Certified copies
If you need a birth, marriage, or death record for legal purposes, certified copies of vital records from 1841-1935 can be ordered in person, through the mail, or through email. The cost is $3.00 per certificate, payable by cash or check made to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Please complete a Certified Vital Records Order Form 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
Attn: Certified Vitals
220 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125
Orders can take 20+ weeks to process.
Researchers may order a maximum of five certificates at one time.
If mailing your request, please include individual checks for $3.00 for each certificate requested. If you submit your request over email, we will mail you an invoice along with your certificates and payment is due upon receipt.
If we are unable to locate any of the record(s) you have requested, we will return your payment for those records.
We cannot accept credit card or electronic payments.
Vital Records: Before 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 clerk in the municipality where the event occurred.
Visit the Massachusetts City and Town Directory for a list of all the city and town clerks in Massachusetts.
Vital Records: 1936-Present
The Department of Public Health’s Registry of Vital Records and Statistics holds Massachusetts vital records from 1936 to the present. Their contact information is:
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records
Email: vital.recordsrequest@state.ma.us
Phone: 617-740-2600
In person: 150 Mount Vernon St., Dorchester MA 02125
Various offices of city and town clerks may also hold vital records from 1936 to the present. Visit the Massachusetts City and Town Directory for a list of city and town clerks in Massachusetts.
