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.
Administering agency
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
State Vital Records in Massachusetts: key facts
- Administering office
- Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.
- Office location
- 150 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA.
- Certificate fee
- $32 for the first certified copy; expedited processing adds $10.
- Processing time
- 7-10 business days for online orders; 15-30 business days for mail. Expedited: Next day service available online.
- Who may order
- Death certificates are public record - any member of the public may obtain a copy.
- Filing deadline
- Immediately. Massachusetts sets no hour count — the attending physician "shall immediately furnish for registration a standard certificate of death" (MGL ch. 46 § 9), and the certificate must be registered before the town clerk issues the burial or cremation permit (MGL ch. 114 § 45).
- Public record
- Death records are public immediately.
- Records available from
- 1936. Records 1841-1935 available from State Archives. Earlier records available from city/town (some as early as 1635).
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in Massachusetts — the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
- Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
- Online: Order through VitalChek — $54 first / $42 additional online
- By mail: Mail completed order form with check/money order payable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts ($32/copy; +$10 for expedited)
- In person: Visit the RVRS Registry counter in Dorchester ($20/copy), or the city or town clerk where the death occurred (local fees)
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Allow the office's processing time (7-10 business days for online orders; 15-30 business days for mail); expedited handling is available.
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
by mail: Mail completed order form with check/money order payable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts ($32/copy; +$10 for expedited). in person: Visit the RVRS Registry counter in Dorchester ($20/copy), or the city or town clerk where the death occurred (local fees). The office is at 150 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA.
Immediately. Massachusetts sets no hour count — the attending physician "shall immediately furnish for registration a standard certificate of death" (MGL ch. 46 § 9), and the certificate must be registered before the town clerk issues the burial or cremation permit (MGL ch. 114 § 45). The funeral director or person in charge of disposition files the certificate with the state; the family orders certified copies once the record is registered.
Valid photo ID (for in-person requests). The office also asks for the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death to locate the record.
The record belongs to the state where the death occurred, not the state of residence. Order from the state of death, following its fees and eligibility rules.
Sources
Data sourced from State Vital Records in Massachusetts primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics