Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
The Registry collects, processes, corrects and issues copies of birth, death and marriage records that occur in Massachusetts. Information about divorces is also collected and maintained at the Registry. There are several functions that the Registry performs. Select your area of interest:
- Obtaining Certified Copies of Vital Records
- Amendments and Corrections to Vital Records
- Genealogical Research
- Data & Publications
- Preparing Vital Records (forms & fact sheets)
- EBC Newsletter
- Notice
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
150 Mount Vernon St., 1st Fl.
Dorchester, MA 02125-3105
Main Telephone: (617) 740-2600
We are located next to the Bayside Expo Center, in the Bayside Office Center. Directions to the Offices.
Notice
Please excuse us. We are working to improve our services.
Starting the week of May 5, 2008 the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics will begin the process of scanning and indexing Massachusetts birth records, working backwards, from 1986 to 1935. The Registry is working very hard to make sure the transition from hard copies to digital images is as seamless as possible.
Once the digitizing project is completed, there will be a more efficient and effective way to conduct searches pertaining to births. Deaths and marriages will not be included in the project at this time. Visitors to our public research facility will have electronic access to non-restricted birth records from 1935 to the present.
As always, our staff will be here to assist you in any and every way possible. We hope that you are all just as excited about this project as the Registry, and thank you for your continued support.
Publications
- Chapter 216 of the Acts of 2008: An Act Relative to Certain Marriage Laws (PDF) | Word
- Memo to Clerks Regarding Chapter 216 of the Acts of 2008 (revised) (PDF) | Word
- Massachusetts Legal Impediments to Marriage (PDF) | Word
- Chapter 109 of the Acts of 2007: An Act Further Regulating Access to Birth Certificates
- Memo: Effective January 28, 2005 medical certificates are no longer required for marriage licenses (PDF) | Word
To answer questions or obtain further information, please contact:
Vital records:
For certified copies, use of public indices, examining records, record restrictions, and genealogical research facilities, call: (617) 740-2600 or email: vital.recordsrequest@state.ma.us
Preparing Vital records:
For legal issues on birth/marriage/death records, call: (617) 740-2600 or email: vital.regulation@state.ma.us
For parent or hospital issues on birth records, call: (617) 740-2600 or email: vital.guideline@state.ma.us
Changing a Vital record:
To amend or correct a vital record call: (617) 740-2603 or email: vital.regulation@state.ma.us
Statistical Data:
For vital records statistical data call: (617) 740-2670 or email: vital.datarequest@state.ma.us
The Registry of Vital Records and Statistics is part of the Health Information, Statistics, Research and Evaluation.
This information is provided by the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics within the Department of Public Health.