Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics

Massachusetts · Vital Records

mass.gov/how-to/order-a-birth-marriage-or-death-certificate

State Vital Records in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Massachusetts. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.

Steps to takeKey facts

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Confirm the death occurred in Massachusetts; the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
2
Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
  • •Online: Order through VitalChek — $54 first / $42 additional online
  • •By phone: Call VitalChek toll free at (866) 300-8535 (research is not available by phone)
  • •By mail: Mail completed order form with check/money order payable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts ($32/copy; $42/copy expedited)
  • •In person: Visit the RVRS Registry counter in Dorchester ($20/copy), or the city or town clerk where the death occurred (local fees)
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Proof of identification: preferably a driver's license (even expired) or a government-issued photo ID
  • •By mail: a photocopy of a government-issued photo ID and a postage-paid, self-addressed envelope
  • •For a copy with the full Social Security number: evidence of the legitimate need (for example a marriage or birth certificate showing the relationship, or a certified court appointment)
4
Allow the office's processing time (7-10 business days online or by phone; 15-30 business days by mail); expedited handling is available.

State Vital Records in Massachusetts: key facts

What Massachusetts says9

Administering office

Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.1

Office location and hours

150 Mount Vernon St., 1st Floor, Dorchester, MA 02125. Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m..1

Mail orders

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, 150 Mt. Vernon St., 1st Floor, Dorchester, MA 02125.1

Certificate fee

$32 for the first certified copy; $32 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1

Processing time

7-10 business days online or by phone; 15-30 business days by mail. Expedited: Next business day online or by phone; within 10 business days by expedited mail.1

Who may order

Death certificates are public record - any member of the public may obtain a copy; A copy with the full Social Security number requires a verified legitimate need: spouse or domestic partner, parent, legal guardian, child, grandchild, grandparent or sibling.1

Also eligible for the full-SSN copy: the informant or funeral director on the record, the estate's conservator or legal representative, a government official, a person named in a court order, or another direct tangible interest at the Registrar's discretion.1

Filing deadline

Immediately.2

Public record

Any requester may obtain a copy of a death record with no waiting period; certified copies follow the eligibility rules.1

Records available from

1936. Records 1841-1935 available from the Massachusetts State Archives. Pre-1936 records may also be available from the city or town where the death occurred.1

Governing law: M.G.L. c. 114 § 34

Sources2

  1. 1.Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
  2. 2.Massachusetts death-certificate filing rule (M.G.L. c. 114 § 34; M.G.L. c. 114 § 35; M.G.L. c. 114 § 43M; M.G.L. c. 114 § 45; M.G.L. c. 114 § 46; M.G.L. c. 46 § 9; 239 CMR 3.10(7))

Massachusetts vital records offices

Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics

Phone

617-740-2600

Hours

Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Mailing address

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, 150 Mt. Vernon St., 1st Floor, Dorchester, MA 02125
Verified Oct 2026

Tools for Settling an Estate in Massachusetts

Free tools for settling an estate in Massachusetts: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

In Massachusetts, certified death certificates come from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and StatisticsMassachusetts Registry of Vital Records and StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $32Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.

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How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Massachusetts: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysMGL c. 190B §§ 3-706, 3-707, 3-708Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 12 monthsMGL c. 190B §§ 3-306, 3-801, 3-803, 3-804, 3-805, 3-806Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.

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