How to Find Massachusetts Birth Records

United States US Vital Records  How to Find United States Births  Massachusetts  Vital Records  Massachusetts Births

Towns have been recording births in Massachusetts since the 1600s. Statewide registration began in 1841.

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Next Step: When did the birth occur?

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 * Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's birth record:


 * Births before 1841
 * Births from 1841 thru 1920
 * Births after 1920
 * Birth year unknown


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Births before 1841
For births that exist during the time period, try the following databases:

Return to top: Choose another birth year

Births from 1841 thru 1920
Massachusetts was the first state to initiate statewide registration of vital records beginning in 1841. However, the city of Boston, which had kept records prior to this time, didn't start reporting their vital statistics to the state until about 1850. Records from 1841 to 1920 are housed at the Massachusetts Archives. Every five years, another block of five years is transferred from the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics to the Archives.

For births that exist during the time period, try the following databases:

Return to top: Choose another birth year

Births after 1920
With an exact date (from your records or the index above), you can order a copy of the birth record for a fee from the following locations:

If you do not know the exact date or place of birth: For a fee, the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics will do a 10 year search.

Restrictions for non-marital (out-of-wedlock) births: To obtain a copy of the birth certificate for those born out-of-wedlock, you must be:


 * The subject of the record (child)
 * The parents listed on the record
 * The father not listed on the record with documentary proof that he is the father (such as a paternity adjudication, stipulation or properly completed Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage)
 * The legal guardian of the child
 * The legal representative of the child
 * NOTE: A copy of an out-of-wedlock birth record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above.

'''If you do not want to order the birth record, there are other records with birth information you can search. ''' Return to top: Choose another birth year

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