Application for Vital Record
Official state formFree downloadLast verified November 5, 2026
The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics application to order a certified copy of a Massachusetts marriage certificate by mail.
Who can use this form
- Covers marriages from 1936 to the present; earlier records are at the Massachusetts State Archives or the city or town where the marriage intentions were filed
- Marriage records of a person born to unwed parents are restricted to the spouses, their parents, a legal guardian or a legal representative (with proof)
- You may need to show how you are related to the people named on the record
What to send with it
- This application, with only the marriage 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