by All states in the United States of America keep records on all vital events that happen in them. These vital events include births, adoptions, marriages, divorces and death. The registration of these events is known as vital records. This article will cover on how to find birth records in Massachusetts, as one of the ways on how to find birth records online.
Massachusetts, the state that borders Atlantic Ocean to east, has a population of about 7 million. It is possible to find birth records in the state that date back to the 1600s to now. Although statewide registration of birth records in Massachusetts was in 1841, the towns in the state has been registering birth since the 1600s.
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Birth Records at the Massachusetts Archives
The Archives so far has birth records for all Massachusetts towns and cities that date between 1841 to 1925. There are digital copies these records available from Massachusetts Archives website, Digital Records at the Massachusetts Archives. It is worth noting tht digital copies of records from 1921 to 1925 are not available at the moment.
You can order certified copies of birth records dating between 1841 and 1925 using the mail or in person. In order to do so, you will first need to complete a Certified Vital Records Order Form for your particular birth certificate. You can either email your order to archives@sec.state.ma.us or print and sent it to:
Massachusetts Archives
220 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125
Attn: Certified Vitals
Who can Access Birth Records in Massachusetts?
The public can access birth records in Massachusetts as they are regarded as public records but birth records on people who were born out of wedlock are accessible to the public but only a few individuals. Individuals who are eligible for out of wedlock birth certificates in Massachusetts are:
- The subject of the record (child).
- The parents listed on the birth record.
- The father not listed on the birth record with legal documents proving that he is the father (such as a paternity adjudication, provision or properly completed Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage)
- The legal guardian of the child
- The legal representative of the child
Only the above listed individuals can obtain an out of wedlock birth certificate in Massachusetts. They are required to provide legal proof that support their eligibility claim to the birth records.
With birth records, you can prove citizenship, prove age, prove identity, apply for government benefits, enroll in schools, join the military and apply for a passport. Birth records found in Massachusetts have the following details in them:
- Date of birth
- Location of birth
- Full name of child
- Sex/ gender of child
- Method of birth
- Date and location of registration and birth registration number
- Parents’ names
- Mother’s marital status
Online Birth Records in Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts does not have a method which can be used to lookup birth records online. It does not have a database where you can search for the records. The only online available source would be third party sites that offer vital records sites. For better outcome, the site need to be approved by the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Registry and Statistics (RVRS). Such details as full name of the birth record owner and location (city, county, state) where you want to search can prove a difference maker.
Proof of identification would also be necessary. Searches on third party sites come with charges which may be a bit more than hen using other means to obtain the records.
Getting Birth Records in Massachusetts
Applicants are expected to provide a valid photo identification such as a US passport, Massachusetts driver’s license or any other driver’s license from any other state. Applicants who are not the individual or parents of the individual listed on the birth record are required to prove their relationship or eligibility to the owner of the birth record.
All birth records that took place in Massachusetts are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS). Only certified copies of birth records are available from here no matter the purpose of the requestor.
Ways to Request Birth Records in Massachusetts
Applicants can use the following methods to obtain birth records in Massachusetts:
In Person Requests
To request birth records in person in Massachusetts, requestors are required to fill up the Application for Vital Record form and deliver it at the RVRS counter in person. Birth records can also be obtained in person by visiting the Vital Records Offices where the person you are looking up was born. For more information pertaining in person birth record requests, you can call RVRS on (617) 740-2600 or via email.
Mail Requests
Mail applications directed to the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics must be accompanied by the following:
- Filled in Application For Vital Record form.
- Applicant’s self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Proof of payment.
- A valid and clear copy of acceptable photo ID
The request should then be sent to the RVRS office or the Vital Records Office in the city or town where the birth occurred.
With these details, you are on your way on how to find birth records in Massachusetts. They can help you find old and recent birth records depending on what you are looking for.
