Find Death Records in Haverhill
Haverhill death records extend back to the 1600s, placing this Essex County city among the oldest continuous record sets in New England. The Haverhill Death Index includes entries maintained by the city clerk's office, the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, and the State Archives. If you need a certified copy of a death certificate or want to search historical records for genealogy, this guide covers every option, fee, and step for accessing Haverhill records.
Haverhill Overview
Haverhill City Clerk - Death Records
The Haverhill City Clerk's Office is located in Room 118 at City Hall. The clerk maintains death records for all deaths that occurred in or were registered to Haverhill. This includes records stretching back into the 1600s, which reflects Haverhill's status as one of the oldest cities in Massachusetts. Walk-in requests are accepted during business hours. No appointment is required.
| Address | City Hall, 4 Summer Street, Room 118, Haverhill, MA 01830 |
|---|---|
| Phone (in city) | 311 |
| Phone (outside) | (978) 358-1311 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Haverhill's clerk office can help you locate a record even if your date information is approximate. Staff will search the index and let you know if a record is on file before you pay any fee. The office processes most in-person requests while you wait.
The Massachusetts State Archives maintains a full collection of Massachusetts vital records, including Haverhill's early records. The following screenshot shows the State Archives vital records page, which explains the free digital image access and certified copy ordering process.
The Massachusetts State Archives vital records collection includes free digital images of Haverhill death records from 1841 through 1924.
The State Archives page outlines the difference between free online browsing (1841-1924) and ordering certified copies for a $3 fee per record.
Note: Haverhill cannot send electronic copies of death certificates, even for online or mail requests, so all certificates are delivered as physical documents.
How to Request a Haverhill Death Certificate
Haverhill offers in-person, mail, and online request options. Fees differ by method, and the city has a separate fee structure for genealogical searches on records from 1924 or earlier. Read the breakdown below before submitting your request.
In Person: Visit Room 118 at City Hall, 4 Summer Street. Complete the request form and show a valid ID. For standard death records, the fee is $10 per copy. For genealogical searches on records from 1924 or older, pay a non-refundable $10 search fee. If the record is found, that search fee covers one copy.
By Mail: Send your written request to the Haverhill City Clerk, City Hall, 4 Summer Street, Room 118, Haverhill, MA 01830. Include the full name of the deceased, the date of death, number of copies needed, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The mail fee is $15 per copy. For genealogical searches by mail on records from 1924 or older, the non-refundable search fee is $15. As with in-person searches, that fee covers one copy if found.
Online: Haverhill accepts online requests through the city's official portal at haverhillma.gov. Documents are mailed within one to two business days. The city cannot send electronic copies by any method.
Amendment requests: If a Haverhill death certificate contains an error, amendments cost $35. An amendment can only be filed in the city or town where the death occurred. Processing takes between one week and one month and requires supporting documentation. Under MGL Chapter 46, Section 13, corrections to vital records must meet specific legal standards.
Note: The non-refundable genealogical search fee applies even if no matching record is found, so confirm your search details carefully before submitting.
Searching Haverhill Death Records Online
Free online access to Haverhill death records covers a wide historical range. The State Archives and FamilySearch both provide searchable collections at no charge. More recent records require a certified copy request through the city clerk or RVRS.
FamilySearch offers a free Massachusetts vital records guide with links to digitized collections. Many Haverhill records from the 1800s and early 1900s are indexed and searchable by name. The site is free to use with a free account.
For deaths from 1841 through 1924, the State Archives offers free digital images at the vital records collection page. You can browse Haverhill entries by year without submitting a formal request or paying any fee. Certified copies of the same records are available for $3 each.
For deaths from 1926 to the present, the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics at 150 Mount Vernon Street in Dorchester is the statewide repository. You can order through VitalChek at $54 for the first copy, by mail at $32 per copy, or in person at $20 per copy. The RVRS is open Monday through Friday, 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM.
For Haverhill deaths prior to 1841, the State Archives holds physical records that are not fully digitized. Contact the Archives at 617-727-2816 or archives@sec.state.ma.us to inquire about a specific record.
Haverhill Historical Death Records
Haverhill's death records are among the oldest locally maintained records in Massachusetts. The city was founded in 1640, and vital records from the early settlement period survive in various forms. The depth of this collection makes Haverhill a valuable source for genealogical researchers tracing New England family lines.
The "Tan Books" series includes Haverhill vital records through approximately 1850. These published volumes, titled "Vital Records of Haverhill to 1850," transcribe and index deaths from the colonial and early American period. Copies are held at the Haverhill Public Library at 99 Main Street, which maintains an extensive local history and genealogy collection. The library staff can help you navigate both the published volumes and original town records.
The Essex Probate Court at 36 Federal Street in Salem holds probate records that often reference deaths and can supplement official death certificates. Probate files frequently include inventories, wills, and other documents that help confirm death dates and surviving family members.
For very early Haverhill deaths, the State Archives and various genealogical societies in Essex County may hold records not available through standard online searches. The New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston also maintains collections relevant to Haverhill's early history.
Note: Haverhill records from the 1600s and 1700s are mostly manuscript entries and may have inconsistent spelling, so searching under multiple name variants is often necessary.
What Haverhill Death Certificates Contain
Massachusetts death certificates are standardized statewide. A Haverhill death certificate includes the deceased person's full name, date of birth, date of death, and the specific location of death within the city. The certificate records the cause of death as certified by a physician or medical examiner.
The manner of death field lists one of four categories: natural, accident, homicide, or suicide. The form also captures the decedent's occupation, Social Security number, and the names of both parents, including the mother's maiden name. Disposition method (burial, cremation, or other) and the funeral home's name and address appear on all certificates.
Under MGL Chapter 46, Section 9, death records are public documents in Massachusetts. Any person may request them. The law under Section 12 of Chapter 46 governs who may issue certified copies and what fees are permitted. Physicians are required to file the death certificate within 24 hours of the death event.
Note: The Social Security number field on Haverhill death certificates is redacted on copies issued for genealogical purposes when the person died less than 50 years ago.
Getting a Certified Copy in Haverhill
Where you get your certified copy depends on when the death happened. Recent deaths go through the city clerk or RVRS. Deaths from the mid-1800s through 1925 can be obtained from the State Archives at a lower cost.
The Haverhill City Clerk at 4 Summer Street, Room 118, can issue certified copies for deaths registered in Haverhill. Standard copies cost $10 in person or $15 by mail. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The RVRS at 150 Mount Vernon Street in Dorchester holds records from 1926 forward. In-person copies cost $20, mail requests are $32, and VitalChek online orders are $54 for the first copy. You can visit the state ordering page to start an online request.
The State Archives at 220 Morrissey Boulevard in Boston holds records from 1841 through 1925 and charges $3 per certified copy. For deaths before 1841, the Archives may still have physical records on file. Call 617-727-2816 to confirm availability before traveling.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities near Haverhill in Essex and Middlesex counties include the following.
Essex County Death Records
Haverhill is located in Essex County. The county page covers court locations, the Essex Probate and Family Court, and county-level record access.