Effective Dates: 08/04/2016 - Present Previous | Next

TN 24 (07-04)

GN 00308.044 Massachusetts Vital Records

A. Process

The State Bureau of Vital Statistics (BVS) maintains birth, marriage and death records starting with 1911.

Divorce records are available from the Superior Court or Probate Court where the divorce was granted. The cost of copy varies.

IMPORTANT: Instructions for obtaining records through the state BVS are included in GN 00308.044B. Instructions for obtaining City of Boston and other cities and towns' records are found in GN 00308.044C.

B. Procedure - State Records

See GN 00308.044D. for City of Boston Records

1. Address and FO Code

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Bureau of Vital Statistics
150 Mt. Vernon Street
Dorchester, MA 02125

FO Code 048

NOTE: You can find the most up-to-date information from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics . In addition, you can find EIN information here .

2. Cost of Copy:

$20.00 if the request is made in person at the Bureau of Vital Records in Dorchester; $50.00 if the request is made by internet, fax or telephone; $32.00 if the request is made by mail. Expedited service is available. The fee for expedited service varies depending on the method of request. Specific information on fees, various downloadable forms, phone and fax numbers is available at the above website.

3. Type of Payment:

Cash, money order, personal check or credit card.

4. Remarks:

To obtain birth records prior to 1911 contact the Massachusetts State Archives, 220 Morrisey Boulevard, Boston MA 02125. FO Code is 048. The cost of a certified record is $3.00. Personal checks are accepted. The phone number is 617-727-2816.

The State BVS office has an index of divorce records since 1952. The inquirer will be directed where to forward the request.

Can parallel FO verify, certify or obtain free copy of birth/death record from the central BVS? Verifications are free only when requested via the parallel FO (048, Dorchester, MA). The preferred method to submit requests is via e562. The FO must pay for all other services. Limit requests to those detailed in GN 00904.080.

C. Local Records

Birth and death records are available from the City or Town Clerk's Office in the city or town where the event occurred. Marriages records are available in the city or town where the marriage intentions were filed. Information is available for some cities and towns at this Commonwealth Communities link.

D. City of Boston Record

Information on fees and methods of claimant contact for the City of Boston can be found at the City of Boston Registry Division . SSA field office requests for City of Boston records must be made through the parallel field office (FO Code 030, Boston, MA). The Boston FO prefers that requests be made via e562 with the Birth Certificate verification screen completed fully. Title the request “Boston City Hall Request” and include all pertinent information. Can parallel FO verify, certify or obtain free copy of birth/death record from Boston City Hall? Only verifications are free. The FO must pay for all other services. Limit requests to those detailed in GN 00904.080.

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200308044
GN 00308.044 - Massachusetts Vital Records - 08/04/2016
Batch run: 08/04/2016
Rev:08/04/2016