How to Get a Death Certificate in Massachusetts

Massachusetts gives you several ways to order a death certificate — through the state Registry, through the city or town clerk where the death occurred or where the deceased lived, online, or by mail. This guide explains every option, the actual cost, and how many copies you'll need to settle the estate.

Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Massachusetts?

Death certificates in Massachusetts are issued by the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS), part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, located in Dorchester. Each Massachusetts city and town clerk also maintains records of deaths that occurred in that municipality and of residents who died elsewhere — and under M.G.L. c. 46, § 2A, death records are open to any member of the public at either the state Registry or the local clerk. Website: mass.gov/orgs/registry-of-vital-records-and-statistics.

How to Order a Death Certificate in Massachusetts

• Online or by phone: Order through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor. Standard processing is typically 7–10 business days, with next-day expedited service available.
• By mail: Submit the completed mail order form and a check or money order payable to Commonwealth of Massachusetts to: Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, 150 Mt. Vernon Street, 1st Floor, Dorchester, MA 02125-3105. Most mail orders are filled within 2–3 weeks.
• In person — Dorchester: Walk-in service is available at the Registry, with same-day service in most cases.
• City or town clerk: The clerk in the city or town where the death occurred — or where the deceased was a resident — can issue certified copies directly, without going through VitalChek. This is often the fastest and cheapest option.
• Through the funeral home: The funeral home can order certified copies on your behalf in the days after death.

How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Massachusetts?

Per the Registry's official fee schedule, the cost depends on how you order:

City and town clerks generally charge less than the state Registry — often close to the in-person state rate — though fees can vary slightly by municipality. Confirm the exact fee with your local clerk's office before sending payment.

How Many Copies Should You Order?

Most Massachusetts families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the Probate and Family Court (where Massachusetts probate is filed), Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, and retirement accounts. Larger or more complex estates may need more.

Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Massachusetts?

Unlike many states, Massachusetts treats the standard death certificate as a public record under M.G.L. c. 46 — any member of the public can request one at the state Registry or a city/town clerk, no relationship or reason required.

Two pieces of the record are more restricted, however:

• Cause of death is restricted to the surviving spouse, parent, child, sibling, legal guardian, legal representative, or a funeral director listed on the record.
• Social Security number: Starting July 1, 2026, under an amendment to M.G.L. c. 46, § 1, the decedent's full SSN is redacted from certified copies unless the requester has a documented "legitimate need." The Registry defines that group to include the spouse or domestic partner, parent or legal guardian, child, grandchild, grandparent, or sibling of the decedent; the informant listed on the death record; a licensed funeral director listed on the record; a conservator, personal representative, or legal representative of the estate; a government official with an official need; someone with a court order; or, at the Registrar's discretion, another person with a direct tangible interest in the estate.

If you're the executor or personal representative and need the SSN for estate or tax purposes, request it specifically and be ready to document your role.

Processing Timeline

What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates

Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:

1. Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
2. File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
3. Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
4. Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
5. Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
6. Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
7. Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.