Massachusetts Death Records

Massachusetts has a mortality rate of 699.1 deaths per 100,000, lower than the national rate of 793.7 per 100,000. This translates to an average of 62,497 deaths annually and also indicates a rising trend in death rates across the state over the last five years. Municipalities in Massachusetts have typically kept records of deaths in their respective jurisdictions going back to the 1600s; however, the state began officially collecting and maintaining death records in 1841.

There are two types of death records in Massachusetts:

• Official Death Certificates: These are permanent, public records that contain comprehensive information about deaths in the state, including details on the deceased, as well as the cause and manner of the death. These documents can be used for legal purposes. There are two types of official death certificates:
• Original Death Certificate: This is the first official record of the death and is typically prepared by the state's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner or any other locally-authorized medical professional. Original death certificates are kept on file with the local city or town clerk's office where the death occurred.
• Certified Copy: This is an official duplicate of the original death certificate that is issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics or the local city or town clerk's office. Certified copies may be obtained by the general public and are recognized as valid proof of death.
• Genealogical Death Records: These are uncertified (unofficial) documents that contain relevant genealogical information, most of which is usually transcribed from the official death record. This typically includes details on the deceased, the time and place of the death, the name of the physician or medical examiner who pronounced the death, and where the person was buried. Genealogical death records are sometimes referred to as "Death Verifications" and are typically more accessible for older records (usually pre-1841).

How Do I Get a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate in Massachusetts?

Certified copies of death certificates in Massachusetts are typically available at the town or city clerk's office in the municipality where the death occurred; some municipalities also keep death records for individuals who resided within their locality (regardless of whether the death occurred there). To obtain these documents, you will typically need to submit a written application that contains relevant details like the name of the deceased person and the date of the death.

You will also be asked to provide a valid photo ID and pay a fee, which often ranges from $10 - $15 per copy. You can contact the relevant town or clerk's office to get more information on their specific request procedure.

The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS) also maintains copies of death records from 1931 to date. Requests may be made in person at:

You will need to provide the information necessary to locate the required record (such as the name of the deceased party and the date and place where the death occurred), a valid photo ID, and pay $20 per copy.

Requests may also be made by mailing an Application for Vital Record, along with the supporting documentation and fees, to the Registry. Note that additional charges apply for mail-in requests.

Requests for certified copies of Massachusetts death certificates are usually processed within 2 - 3 weeks; however, actual timelines may vary by office.

Are Massachusetts Death Records Public?

Massachusetts death records are considered public records; as such, they may be readily accessed by any interested member of the public following the state's public records laws. However, per Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 46, Section 2A, records of fetal deaths are exempt from public disclosure and may only be accessed by specific authorized parties or with a court order.

Who Can Request an Original Death Certificate in Massachusetts?

Original Massachusetts death certificates are filed with town or city clerks and are generally not issued to the public. Nevertheless, anyone can request a certified copy of these certificates; certified copies are official duplicates of the original certificate and may be used for legal purposes. Examples of individuals who commonly request certified copies of Massachusetts death certificates include:

• The deceased person's immediate family
• Their legal representatives
• Funeral directors
• Insurers

Be aware that a court order is required to obtain records of fetal deaths that occurred after 1841.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Death Certificate in Massachusetts?

It usually takes 10 - 14 business days to get a certified copy of a death certificate in Massachusetts. However, delays may occur due to high request volumes and administrative backlogs.

In situations where the cause of death is not immediately apparent after an examination (autopsy), the death certificate may still be issued, but the cause (and manner) of the death will be listed as "pending". Note that pending death certificates may not be accepted for certain banking and insurance-related purposes. You are typically given the option of indicating that you don't want a pending death certificate; however, this may delay the issuance of the record - you may also request an updated certificate once the cause of death is determined.

The issuance of certificates for suspicious/investigation-related deaths may also be delayed, sometimes for several weeks, depending on the complexity of the investigation.

Can I View Massachusetts Death Records Online for Free?

While Massachusetts does not offer free online access to death certificates, you may view digital copies of genealogical death records from 1841 - 1925 online via the Massachusetts Archives website. Third-party platforms like Ancestry.com, Familysearch.org, and Massachusettspublicrecords.us also provide access to historical death records for genealogical research (note that a nominal fee may be required to access more recent records).

You may also check local obituary records held by local genealogical and historical societies and public libraries. Some obituaries are published in local newspapers, online, and on many funeral homes' websites. Typically, obituaries contain the name of the deceased, date of burial, and names of living relatives, among other information.

Additionally, substitute records like cemetery records, church records, census data, tax records, and probate files may also be used to source death-related information in Massachusetts.

When Would You Require a Death Certificate in Massachusetts?

You will require a certified copy of a death certificate in Massachusetts for various legal purposes, including, but not limited to:

• Filing insurance claims
• Processing wills and settling estates
• Resolving pension and retirement benefits
• Accessing or stopping veteran's benefits
• Applying for Social Security benefits
• Closing/canceling accounts with banks and government agencies like the IRS, DMV, and U.S Post Office
• Notifying credit bureaus

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Massachusetts?

The number of death certificates you may need to order in Massachusetts generally depends on your specific circumstances and needs. On average, it is advisable to request between 8 and 12 certified copies of the death certificate; however, the actual number will be influenced by factors like the number of agencies or institutions you have to give a copy and how many copies they require (based on their respective policies).