How can I get a copy of a birth, marriage or death certificate?

In Massachusetts, birth, marriage, or death certificates can all be obtained from the Commonwealth. These vital records are often needed and can sometimes be lost or misplaced. There are a few services that will help you get these certificates faster, but there will be an additional charge. Before using an outside service, please make sure that it is a legitimate vital records service and not a site searching for your personal information.

Before making a request for a vital record, this is the information you will need:
Name
Date of the event
Place of the event
Proof of your identification

Acceptable forms of identification are your driver’s license or Government issued Photo ID.
You may also be required to provide documentation showing your relation to the subject of the record, if you’re a legal guardian or representative, etc..

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts currently has records from 1926 to the present. Records for events that occurred from 1841–1925 are available from the State Archives. All records at the State Archives are public records. Earlier records may be available at the city or town of occurrence. Some city and town records are available from as early as 1635.

Here is a list of fees for a birth, marriage, or death certificate:

Online or by phone $51 for first copy
Online or by phone $42 per additional copy
By mail $32 per copy
In person $20 per copy

Below is a link to the Commonwealth’s website where you can find additional information and the forms necessary to start your request:

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