How to Obtain a Death Certificate

Death certificates are public record, and can be requested by anyone at the city or town clerks office.

Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

Phone

Administrative Business Offices open M-F 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Administrative Business Offices open M-F 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Administrative Business Offices open M-F 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The Details   of How to Obtain a Death Certificate

What you need   for How to Obtain a Death Certificate

You can request a copy of a death certificate from the clerk of the city or town where the death occurred.

  • The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner does not issue death certificates. Death certificates are issued from the city or town clerk where the death occurred.

  • The funeral director may obtain copies of the death certificate for the deceased's closest legal living relative.

  • Sometimes more testing is needed to confirm the cause and manner of death. Our office will still release a death certificate while we do this testing. The cause and manner of death will be listed as pending until we confirm them. Once our office finds the cause and manner, you can get an updated copy from the city or town clerk.

If you have any questions, you can contact our main office at (617) 267-6767.

How to get   How to Obtain a Death Certificate

You can find the correct clerk online to request a copy of a death certificate. Once you find the right clerk, contact them to submit your request.

If you know the city or town where the death occurred, you can visit the clerk's office to get a copy of the death certificate.

Contact   for How to Obtain a Death Certificate

Address
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Headquarters
720 Albany St., Boston , MA 02118
Westfield Office
178 East Mountain Road, Westfield, MA 01085
Cape Office
1 Simpkins Road, Sandwich, MA 02563
Phone

Administrative Business Offices open M-F 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Administrative Business Offices open M-F 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Administrative Business Offices open M-F 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Fax
Boston Fax (617) 266-6763
Westfield Fax (413) 538-6862
Cape Fax (508) 539-0283

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