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Massachusetts Public Records

There are many reasons for people to request public records.

An employer can request a background check for a prospective employee, a victim may want to access the criminal records of an attacker, or a person may want to replace their birth certificate.

While requesters have many reasons to review public records, it is not always an easy process.

You need to figure out which state department has the records and know how to request them.

You need to know which records you can access by law to start.

Those needing to access records have a right to submit a request through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Every state has different processes, so it’s essential to know the state’s law before requesting any documents.

Table of Contents

What does the Massachusetts public records law say?

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has closely followed federal laws like the Freedom of Information Act when it comes to releasing records.

While government records held by a governmental entity are considered public, Massachusetts is the only state to exempt its executive offices, legislative, and judicial branches from public records release.

Massachusetts General Laws exclude documents with personal information such as medical files, abuse or rape files, personnel files, or documents deemed an invasion of privacy. Records that pertain to public safety are also off-limits.

Massachusetts has ten days to reply when you request records. If requested records cannot be delivered in that timeframe, the state can add 20-30 day extensions to your request. However, Massachusetts state must send a written response explaining the need for the extension.

If the request is denied, the requester can appeal the decision. The appeal must happen within ten days of the denial.

Visit Mass.gov for more information about public records requests in Massachusetts.

How can I access public records in Massachusetts?

Public interest in Massachusetts records can be accommodated by electronic records or by submitting a formal records request.

If a request is required, it can be sent via email, mail, or phone to the record-holding department.

Every department is different, so expect some variation to the rules if you access records from multiple places.

In general, a public records request should include:

  • Your name
  • Parties name
  • Contact information
  • The name of the document
  • Details about the document
  • A time frame that you would like to receive the materials by
  • Document delivery method, mail or email

Massachusetts Criminal Records

When you want to hire a candidate who will be dealing with your business records, financial accounts, or personnel information, you want a candidate with a clean background check.

You would not want to hire someone to deal with your cash if that person has been arrested for fraud or bribery.

The criminal record, gleaned from Massachusetts’ sixteen correction facilities, will provide you with a record of arrests, convictions, and incarcerations. You will not receive juvenile, expunged, or other such records.

Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) maintains criminal records in the state.

What’s on a criminal record?

In Massachusetts, the following information would be released:

  • Date of birth
  • Photograph/mugshot
  • Fingerprints
  • Current and past addresses
  • Former arrest records
  • Current and past warrants
  • Arrest report

Where can I find Massachusetts criminal records?

The Massachusetts Department of iCORI Services can provide criminal records through its iCORI system.

You can complete a name-based criminal record check for the individual you seek. A fingerprint-supported check will review the state you are in and other states.

To submit a criminal background check to iCORI, you must first register for an iCORI account. You must choose between registering as an individual or as an organization.

Follow these quick steps for help:

  • Choose account type
  • Enter account details
  • Verify and submit
  • An email confirmation will be sent to you for your login
  • Go back to iCORI and log into your new account

Follow the steps on the web page to complete your request. Select the organization associated with the request. Make sure you add a purpose and subject.

You must pay a one-time fee of $25.00.

By mail, a requester can complete an iCORI Request Form to get information about your criminal records.

The request and $25 money order should be sent to the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.

Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington St
# 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150

Phone number: 617-660-4600

Massachusetts Inmate Records

Inmate records can provide information on current inmates housed within any correctional facility within the state.

Inmate records are maintained by the State of Massachusetts Department of Corrections.

What’s on a Massachusetts inmate record?

Public access to inmate records can provide the following information when accessed:

  • Name and aliases
  • Date of Birth
  • Social security number
  • Height and weight
  • DOC ID
  • Booking photo
  • Assigned location
  • Sentence summary

Where can I find Massachusetts inmate records?

You can access Massachusetts inmate records by using VINElink.

Use VINELink to find the inmate you seek and begin by entering the state and facility.

You will need to have the inmate’s complete last name and first initial of the first name.

You need to enter the offender’s identification number to continue your request.

You can also call the Toll-Free Number to receive Massachusetts inmate records.

866-277-7477

The website supports 195+ languages over the phone and is confidential. You can opt-in for notifications by phone, text, email, TTY, or their app.

Massachusetts Court Records

Court records, or court case information, hold vital information for you to use every day.

You will need to find the Court Clerk’s office in the jurisdiction where the case occurred.

The Massachusetts judiciary consists of various courts.

What’s on a Massachusetts court record?

You can request the following from Massachusetts courts:

  • Docket number and court dockets
  • Case files
  • Decisions and orders
  • Court filings
  • Transcripts of oral arguments
  • Pending and closed civil and criminal cases
  • Civil cases.
  • Pleadings and motions from a lawsuit
  • Jury information and questionnaires
  • Child support orders
  • Court rules

Where can I find Massachusetts court records?

You will visit the Massachusetts Court system website.

Then, you will scroll down until you see three icons. Trial Court Records, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and Divorce Records all have an icon. Each icon allows an online or phone search.

  • The Boston Court and District Court have civil, criminal, and small claims records.
  • Superior State Court documents are civil actions, state and municipality records, business litigation, equitable remedies, real property, and torts.
  • Probate Court case dockets include a name change, custody, support, domestic relations, equity claims, estates, guardianship, paternity, probate, and wills.
  • Housing Court cases are civil and small claims. Land Court case types are permits, registration, tax liens, miscellaneous, severed, and service members.
  • Trial court Department criminal cases include criminal complaints, indictments, and probation transfers.

Massachusetts Vital Records

The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics maintains public vital records in the state.

Massachusetts public vital records include:

  • Birth Certificates
  • Death Certificates
  • Marriage Licenses
  • Divorce Decrees

Public record requests for vital records will be different depending on the document you are ordering.

Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
50 Mt Vernon St
Dorchester, MA 02125

Phone number: 617-740-2600

What information do I need to request a Massachusetts birth certificate?

The Application for Vital Records will ask for specific details.

  • Full name on the birth record
  • Date of birth
  • The city or town the birth took place
  • Full name of both parents before marriage

Where can I find a Massachusetts birth certificate?

You can order a Massachusetts birth certificate online by using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Massachusetts birth record by completing the Application for Vital Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified birth certificate in Massachusetts is $20 if you order in person, and $32 by mail.

What information do I need for a death certificate in Massachusetts?

The Application for Vital Records will ask for specific details.

  • Full name on the death record
  • Date of birth
  • The city or town the death took place
  • Full name of both parents before marriage

Where can I find a Massachusetts death record?

You can order a Massachusetts death certificate online by using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Massachusetts death record by completing the Application for Vital Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified death certificate in Massachusetts is $20 if you order in person, and $32 by mail.

What information do I need to request a marriage certificate in Massachusetts?

The Application for Vital Records will ask for specific details.

  • Full name on the marriage record
  • Date of birth
  • The city or town where the marriage occurred
  • Full name of both parents before marriage

Where can I find an existing Massachusetts marriage record?

You can order a Massachusetts marriage record online by using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Massachusetts marriage certificate by completing the Application for Vital Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified marriage license in Massachusetts is $20 if you order in person and $32 by mail

What information do I need to request a divorce certificate in Massachusetts?

The Request for Copies form will ask you for specific details when requesting a certified copy.

  • Case number
  • Type of case
  • The date the divorce was filed

Where can I find a Massachusetts divorce record?

You can order a certified copy of a divorce decree by completing the Massachusetts Request for Copies form and submitting it in person or by mail.

Massachusetts does not charge for a certified copy of a divorce record.

Massachusetts Property Records

The Secretary of Commonwealth of Massachusetts Registry of Deeds maintains public property records in Massachusetts.

The property records you can access include:

  • Liens
  • Land records
  • Titles
  • Property deeds
  • Mortgages
  • Property tax assessment records
  • Zoning information
  • Probate

What information do I need to request property records in Massachusetts?

Public property record requests are different depending on the information you are requesting.

Where can I find a Massachusetts property record?

You will need to contact the Registry of Deeds in the jurisdiction of the record to inquire about the appropriate forms, fees, and office hours.

Example – Plymouth County Registry of Deeds
Plymouth County Registry of Deeds
77 Winthrop Street
Augusta, ME 04330

Phone number: (207) 622-0431

FAQs

Can a request be submitted by non-residents of Massachusetts

Whether you live in Boston, Worcester County, Denver, or New York City, residents and non-residents can submit requests.

Is there a records custodian in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law states that each agency must assign a supervisor of public records or a records access officer.

What exemptions exist for public records in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has several exemptions. You cannot obtain records that have been labeled confidential, such as personnel, medical files, or information that would be an invasion of personal privacy.

Records between law enforcement officers and victims of abuse or rape shall not be public records and are kept within the police departments to protect confidentiality. The victims, attorneys, law officers, and victim-witness advocates can access these records.

Massachusetts statutes can prohibit you from receiving public records. These records are marked either “shall not be a public record” or “shall be kept confidential.”

How long does Massachusetts have to respond to a public records request?

The state agency has 10 business days to respond to your request.

The agency may add a 20 or 30-day extension to copy and redact information.

Is there an appeal process in place for public records in Massachusetts?

If your request is denied or the records cannot be provided within ten days, the records custodian is required to inform you.

At that time, you have the right to appeal to the Secretary of State and the appellate court according to the code of Massachusetts regulations (CMR).

The secretary can turn the case over to the Attorney General if necessary.

What fees are associated with requesting public records in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts agencies will charge a search and segregation fee. This fee can be the time allocated for redacting information.

This fee can be up to but not exceed $25.00 an hour.

The fee varies by the population of the municipality.

If it exceeds $25.00 an hour, it has to be approved by the agency’s supervisor.

Also, $0.05 is charged for single or double-sided black and white copies.

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