Introduction to Massachusetts Death Certificates

This article is designed to help you get a Massachusetts Death certificate.  Counter to common belief, not everything is on the Internet.  Personal Death certificates are one of the items that are not readily available online, and that is probably a good thing.  You do not want your Death certificate in the public domain, where it can be seen by anyone.  However, this does not mean that you can’t easily get your Death certificate.  

Massachusetts Death certificates have been maintained by the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics for individuals that died in the state of Massachusetts since 1916. Vital Records have been registered in Massachusetts since 1635. Statewide collection began in 1841. Records for events that occurred from 1841-1915 are available at the State Archives (617) 727-2816. Earlier records may be available at the City or Town of Occurrence.

Massachusetts Death Certificate Authorized Persons

By Massachusetts state law, Massachusetts Death certificates are confidential records and can only be obtained by the following authorized individuals:

• Mother/Father (or Legal Guardian) of Person Named on the Massachusetts Death Certificate
• Legal Representative of an Authorized Person of Person Named on the Massachusetts Death Certificate

Massachusetts Death Certificate for Genealogy Purpose

Note that only certified copies of records are issued by the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, regardless of intended use, even for genealogy purposes

Massachusetts Death Certificate Ordering

Options Option 1 – Order Massachusetts Death Certificate Online

This option is the simplest and easiest way to get your Massachusetts Death Certificate.  Order online and you will get your Massachusetts Death Certificate usually in less than a week.  Many times you will have the option of receiving your vital record by next-day or second-day service.

Order Birth and Death Records Online!  

Option 2 – Order Massachusetts Death Certificate through the Mail

Follow the instructions below, if you are not ordering your Massachusetts Death certificate online.  It usually takes 20-30 days upon receipt of request to be sent to you:

Step 1: Download Mail-In Application

Step 2: Please provide as much of the following information as possible to locate the Massachusetts Death certificate:

• Full name of person at Death on the Massachusetts Death certificate
• Date of Death on the Massachusetts Death certificate
• Sex on the Massachusetts Death certificate
• County (or city) of Death on the Massachusetts Death certificate
• Your name 
• Your signature 
• Your relationship to the person whose Massachusetts Death certificate you are requesting 
• Address where the Massachusetts Death certificate is to be mailed 
• Self addressed stamped envelope
• Your daytime phone number
• By Mail: Send the above information and the appropriate fee to:

 

Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics

150 Mount Vernon St., 1st Fl.

Dorchester, MA 02125-3105

Option 3 – In Person

In Person in Massachusetts: You may go to any county health department in the State of Massachusetts to obtain a certified copy of a Massachusetts Death certificate. Most Massachusetts Death certificates can be issued while you wait.

Massachusetts Death Certificate Ordering Cost

The fee to search for a Massachusetts Death certificate is $28.00, which includes one certified copy of the Massachusetts Death certificate or a "Certificate of Failure to Find." For each additional copy of the Massachusetts Death certificate ordered at the same time, the fee is $28.00. Checks or Money Orders should be made payable to "The Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Please do not send cash. Fees are not refundable. Additional fees are required for expedited service.