Massachusetts Death Certificate for Probate
Massachusetts death certificate tasks usually start with the funeral home, Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (Department of Public Health), and the clerk of any Massachusetts city or town, or an approved ordering channel. Use certified copies for probate filings, banks, insurance claims, title transfers, and estate records.
- First copy
- $20 per copy in person at the Registry counter, $32 per copy by mail, and $54 for the first copy ordered online or by phone through VitalChek. City and town clerks set their own counter fee separately: M.G.L. c. 46, § 33 makes the clerk fee uniform statewide for a copy issued from the vital records database, the fee enumerated in M.G.L. c. 262, § 34 is $2, and M.G.L. c. 40, § 22F lets an accepting city or town fix a higher fee, so ask the clerk before assuming a price
- Additional copies
- $42 per additional copy online or by phone; $32 per copy by mail and $20 per copy in person, with no volume discount
- Processing time
- Online or phone orders through VitalChek typically process in 7-10 business days, with next-day service available for an extra charge. Mail orders are processed within 30 business days, or 7-10 business days when the envelope is addressed to Expedited Mail Service. The Registry counter at 150 Mount Vernon St., Dorchester issues certified copies in person Monday to Friday. A city or town clerk can often produce copies as soon as the funeral director files the record and the medical certifier completes the cause of death, usually a few days to about a week after the death
- Online ordering
- Yes
Massachusetts Death Certificate for Probate Uses
Use Massachusetts certified death certificates as proof of death for estate tasks. Ask each filing office, bank, insurer, title office, or agency whether it needs an original certified copy before handing one over.
Where to Order Death Certificates
Choose the method that works best for your timeline.
Funeral Home
The funeral home typically orders initial copies for the family. This is usually the fastest option.
County Health Department
Visit your local county health department or records office in person.
State Records Office
Order online or by mail from Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (Department of Public Health), and the clerk of any Massachusetts city or town. Check current processing time before using this path for urgent filing-office, bank, or title tasks.
Third-Party Services
Companies like VitalChek can process orders faster for an additional fee.
Use Massachusetts Records and County Instructions Together
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (Department of Public Health), and the clerk of any Massachusetts city or town controls state death-record ordering information, while county Register of Probate, clerks, recorders, banks, insurers, and title offices decide what proof they need for a specific estate task.
- Ask the funeral home how many certified copies it can order
- Check the current state death-record ordering page before mailing or paying fees
- Ask the county Register of Probate or local filing office what proof of death belongs in the filing packet
- Ask each bank, insurer, title office, or agency whether it keeps the original certified copy
- Keep receipts and a certificate-use log in the estate file
Massachusetts Death Records Office
Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (Department of Public Health), and the clerk of any Massachusetts city or town
Who Can Order Death Certificates?
In Massachusetts, certified copies can only be requested by certain people.
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Child, parent, or grandparent
- Sibling
- Legal guardian
- Personal representative or executor
- Attorney representing the estate
- Funeral director
Certified Copy vs. Working Copy
Use scanned or photocopied records for your internal checklist when allowed, but expect Massachusetts filing offices, banks, insurers, and title contacts to ask for certified copies for formal transactions. Verify the current requirement before sending an original.
How Many Death Certificates Do You Need?
Each bank, insurer, or agency typically requires an original certified copy. Here is a guide.
| Organization / Purpose | Copies Needed |
|---|---|
| Banks and financial companies | 1-2 each |
| Life insurance claims | 1 each |
| Social Security Administration | 1 |
| Probate or estate filing | 1-2 |
| Property and vehicle transfers | 1-2 each |
| Retirement account claims | 1 each |
| Credit card companies | 1 each |
| Personal records | 1-2 |
There is no rush on this. When you are ready, a short assessment can help you see whether probate is needed.
What to Do Next
Once you have death certificates, you can start notifying organizations and transferring assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a death certificate cost in Massachusetts?
How many death certificates do I need?
Who can order a death certificate in Massachusetts?
Official Massachusetts Sources and FormsOfficial references used for this page
- Massachusetts death certificate orderingMassachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (Department of Public Health), and the clerk of any Massachusetts city or town. Current state records source in Settled state data.
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Massachusetts can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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