How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

How to do it

1. Determine which office holds the record you need:
2. - Birth occurred 1936-present: RVRS (state office) OR city/town clerk where birth occurred
3. - Birth occurred 1841-1935: Massachusetts Archives (and some city/town clerks still have records)
4. - Birth occurred before 1841: city/town clerk where birth occurred or Massachusetts Archives
5. Determine eligibility: Massachusetts birth records are restricted. The person named (if adult), parents, legal guardian, spouse, children, legal representatives may request. Birth records less than 70 years old require proof of direct interest.
6. Choose your method:
7. IN PERSON (State RVRS - Dorchester): 150 Mount Vernon Street, 1st Floor, Dorchester, MA 02125; $20 per copy; cash, check, or money order; processed immediately in most cases
8. IN PERSON (City/Town Clerk): Contact the clerk's office in the city/town where birth occurred - often faster for local births; typical fee $10-$15; call ahead for hours
9. BY MAIL (State RVRS): Complete application; include photocopy of valid ID; check or money order payable to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts"; mail to RVRS, 150 Mount Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125; standard mail: $32/copy (15-20 business days); expedited mail: $42/copy (10 business days)
10. ONLINE/PHONE: VitalChek - additional fees apply; credit cards accepted
11. MASSACHUSETTS ARCHIVES (1841-1935): [email protected] or (617) 727-2816; $3 per certified copy; processing up to 12 weeks
12. Submit with valid photo ID
13. Pay the fee

What you need to know

Important state-specific details

State office contact