Search Massachusetts Cities Death Index

City and town clerks in Massachusetts maintain local death records for deaths that occurred or were registered in their jurisdiction. Each city page below includes clerk contact details, fees, request procedures, and information about searching the Death Index for that location. Select a city to find local resources for Massachusetts death records.

Major Massachusetts Cities

City Clerk Death Records in Massachusetts

Every city and town in Massachusetts maintains its own death registry under General Laws Chapter 46, Section 2. When a death is registered, the city or town clerk receives the death certificate and becomes the local custodian. For recent deaths, records at the local clerk are typically the fastest to access. In-person visits usually result in same-day service. Mail requests vary in processing time by office.

For deaths from 1926 forward, records also exist at the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics in Dorchester. Researchers can choose to contact either the local clerk or the RVRS. For deaths between 1841 and 1925, the Massachusetts State Archives is the source. Prior to 1841, only the original town clerk offices hold records. All city pages on this site include contact details, fees, and specifics about what each local office provides.