Massachusetts Birth Records

Massachusetts officially began the statewide registration of births in 1841; while pre-1841 birth records may exist, they are usually only available at the municipal level.

Massachusetts birth records are generally issued as "long-form" birth certificates that contain comprehensive information, such as the registrant's full name, the date and place of the birth, the parents' full names and birth dates, and even details like the attending physician. Long-form birth certificates are typically required for passports, immigration, and other legal matters that demand comprehensive identification.

Notwithstanding this, some municipalities also offer short-card form birth certificates - these only contain essential details like the registrant's name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' names. Short-form birth certificates may be used for most purposes where basic proof of identity is sufficient.

Likewise, Massachusetts birth certificates, whether long-form or short-form, are usually issued as certified copies, which are authorized copies of the certificate that are stamped with an official state or local government seal.

However, informational (uncertified) copies of birth records may also be available upon request. Note that these informational copies are not considered valid for legal or official purposes, but may be used for genealogical purposes.

How To Order a Massachusetts Birth Certificate?

You may obtain copies of Massachusetts birth certificates from 1931 to date by visiting the state's Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS) at:

You will typically be required to provide information, such as the name of the registrant, the date and place of birth, a valid photo ID, and pay a $20 fee (per copy needed). Requests may also be submitted to the RVRS by mailing an Application for Vital Record along with the necessary documentation and fees to the Registry. Note that mail-in requests cost $32 per copy (additional charges may apply for expedited requests).

Town and city clerks also maintain records of births that occurred in their respective municipalities (some of these records go back to the 1600s), and make copies of these records available to interested parties. Locally-issued birth certificates typically cost $15 (actual costs may vary by municipality). Contact the appropriate clerk's office for their specific requirements for ordering copies of birth certificates.

Lastly, you may order copies of Massachusetts birth certificates for 1841-1930 from the Massachusetts Archives by completing and submitting a Certified Vital Records Order Form to the agency (using the addresses indicated at the top of the form). There is a $3 fee for these types of birth certificates.

Are Birth Records Public in Massachusetts?

Birth records are generally considered public records in Massachusetts and may be accessed by any interested party. However, birth records for children born to parents who were not married at the time of the child's birth and pre-adoption birth records are considered private and restricted to specific parties, including the person named on the record (the registrant) and their parents.

Who Can Order a Birth Certificate in Massachusetts?

Anyone can typically order a birth certificate in Massachusetts. However, Massachusetts law limits access to birth records for children born to unwed parents to:

• The child
• The parents
• The father, if not listed on the record (with proof of paternity)
• A legal guardian (with proof of guardianship)
• A legal representative (with proof of representation)

Access to pre-adoption birth records is also restricted to the following individuals:

• Adult adoptees born in Massachusetts
• Adult children of deceased adoptees born in Massachusetts
• Parents or legal guardians of minors whose deceased parent was an adoptee born in Massachusetts
• Adoptive parents of minors born in Massachusetts

How Long Does It Take to Get a Massachusetts Birth Certificate?

Massachusetts birth certificate orders are typically processed within 2 - 3 weeks; standard requests may take up to 30 business days, while expedited mail requests are usually processed within 7 - 10 business days. Be aware that actual processing times may vary, depending on the agency that received the request (the RVRS, Massachusetts Archives, or a local clerk's office) and this agency's workload.

Where Can I Find Massachusetts Birth Records Free?

You may access informational (uncertified) copies of Massachusetts birth records at no cost through several sources, such as the Massachusetts Archives. This agency offers free access to digital copies of birth records from 1841 - 1925. Other options for accessing Massachusetts birth records for free include genealogy websites (like Ancestry.com and Familysearch.org), as well as trusted third-party platforms like PublicRecords.

Be aware that informational copies of birth records cannot be used for legal purposes, and you will typically need to pay a fee to obtain a certified copy of the record.

When Would I Need My Massachusetts Birth Records?

Certified copies of Massachusetts birth certificates typically serve as official proof of identity and/or age and may be used in various situations, such as:

• Applying for a passport, driver's license, or other government-issued ID
• Applying for a marriage license
• Registering for government benefits
• Applying for a Social Security number or card
• Enrolling in schools, colleges, or universities
• To establish rightful inheritance
• For family research or personal records

How Much Is a Replacement Birth Certificate in Massachusetts?

Replacement birth certificates are necessary if the original is lost, stolen, or damaged/destroyed. The process for obtaining a replacement birth certificate is the same as for obtaining a new copy and generally involves submitting a written application to your town/city clerk or the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, providing a valid ID, and paying a fee. This fee generally ranges from $15 - $32 (or more), depending on where you order the certificate and your preferred delivery method.

When Can the Public Access Massachusetts Birth Certificates?

Massachusetts birth certificates are considered public records; as such, they are generally accessible to any interested member of the public. However, access to records of out-of-wedlock births (children born to unwed parents) is limited to the child, parents, and certain legal representatives with supporting documentation. Likewise, pre-adoption birth records are limited to adult adoptees, their adult children, and adoptive or legal guardians under specific conditions.

How To Correct an Error on a Massachusetts Birth Certificate?

To amend a Massachusetts birth certificate, you will typically need to provide evidence that the original information on the certificate was wrong at the time of the birth. Some common reasons for requesting a birth certificate amendment include:

• To add or change a parent on the certificate
• To change the sex and name listed on the certificate

You may initiate the amendment process by contacting the town or city clerk who originally recorded the birth for details on the required evidence and paperwork; you can also contact the RVRS at (617) 740-2674 or via email for this information. You will be charged a one-time amendment fee of $50, plus the cost of obtaining a certified copy of the amended record.

Does Massachusetts Provide Non-Binary Birth Certificates?

Yes, Massachusetts allows individuals to obtain non-binary birth certificates. Per Massachusetts General Laws c. 46, Section 13(e), individuals who are 18 years or older, emancipated minors, and the parent or guardian of a minor may request an amendment in the sex designation on their birth record to "female," "male," or "X" (indicating another or undesignated gender). Medical documents, court orders, or proof of name change are not required for this amendment; however, the request must include an affidavit confirming the change aligns with the registrant's gender identity and is not for fraudulent purposes.