Massachusetts Death Records

If you are looking for copies of Massachusetts death records, you have a few options available to you. The Registry of Vital Records and Statistics keeps records dating from 1921-present. You also have the option of visiting a website which offers access to an online database for a fee. The second option may be more convenient if you can’t or don’t want to travel to the Registry Office or wait to have the death record mailed to you.

The state of Massachusetts has kept vital records since 1635. If you are looking for a death record for someone who passed away between 1841-1920, contact the State Archives at (617) 727-2816 for information. Records predating 1841 may be obtained from the city or town where the death occurred.

 

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Order a Massachusetts Death Record in Person

Massachusetts death records are available to the public at the Registry counter from 8:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m, Monday-Friday, at:

50 Mount Vernon St., 1st Fl.
Dorchester, MA 02125-3105
Main Telephone: (617) 740-2600

The following information must be provided to order a certified copy of a death record at the Registry counter:

• – Deceased’s name
• – Date of death
• – Location of death

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Order Death Records in Massachusetts Online

Online orders are processed within seven-ten business days. For an additional fee of $16.50, the death record will be sent out by UPS overnight service.

Massachusetts Death Records by Telephone

If you would like to order a certified copy of a Massachusetts death record by phone, call (617) 740-2606. Payment of the $45 fee for the first certified copy and $37 for additional ones may be made using a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover).

Processing time for telephone orders is seven-ten business days. UPS Overnight shipping service is available at an additional cost of $16.50.

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Order Massachusetts Death Records by Fax

Death records may be ordered by faxing an order form to 1-866-550-2067. The cost for the first certified copy of the record is $45.00; extra copies of the same record cost $37.00.

Orders are processed within seven-ten business days. These orders may also be shipped out by UPS overnight if you need the information quickly.

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Place an Order for a Massachusetts Death Record by Mail

To place an order by mail, send your request, along with a cheque or money order payable to “Commonwealth of Massachusetts” and a stamped, self-addressed envelope, to:

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mt. Vernon Street, 1st Floor
Dorchester, MA 02125-3105

The cost to order a death record by regular mail is $28.00; expedited mail service costs $37.00 per record. Regular mail orders are processed within 20-30 days, and expedited orders are processed in seven-ten business days.

If none of these options for ordering a Massachusetts death record meet your needs, you still have the option of ordering one online from an independent web site.