Application for Vital Record

Who can use this form

• Covers deaths from 1936 to the present; earlier records are at the Massachusetts State Archives or the city or town of death
• Massachusetts death certificates no longer list the Social Security number
• The full Social Security number is released only to people with a legitimate need, such as the spouse, parent, child, sibling, informant, funeral director or estate representative, with proof
• You may need to show how you are related to the person named on the record

What to send with it

• This application, with only the death section filled in (up to 5 searches per request)
• A photocopy of your government-issued photo ID (it may be recently expired), or copies of two other documents listed on the form
• A postage-paid, self-addressed envelope (letter size or larger) or a prepaid courier envelope
• A check or money order for $32 per copy ($42 expedited), payable to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (no cash)

Where to send it

Mail to

Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS) 150 Mt. Vernon St, 1st floor Dorchester, MA 02125

State fee

$32 per copy by mail, or $42 for an expedited request. The fee covers a 10-year search; if no record is found, a certified Negative Statement is issued.

Typical processing

Most orders are filled within 2 to 3 weeks; expedited options are available

Source

Official government page