We have death certificates for anyone who died in Boston, or who listed Boston as their home.
Before you get started
We have death certificates from 1956 to the present for anyone who died in Boston or listed Boston as their home. If you need a death certificate from before 1956, you will need to order by mail.
Cost for online ordersDeath certificates cost $14 per copy. That price includes shipping. You will be charged an extra service fee of not more than $0.25 plus 2.15%. That fee goes directly to a third party to pay for the cost of card processing. We have more information about card service fees at the City of Boston.
Search our system and place your order
Prepare your request
Complete and print out a death certificate request form:
Certificates cost $14 per copy. If you are requesting a copy dated before 1870, include an additional $10 research fee. Pay by check or money order payable to the City of Boston.
Please also include a self-addressed stamped envelope so we can mail the copy back to you.
Mail your request
Mail your completed form, payment, and self-addressed stamped envelope to the Registry Division:
Registry Death
1 City Hall Square, Room 213
Boston, MA 02201-2006
You will receive the death certificate in about two weeks. If you are looking for a certificate dated before 1870, please allow additional time.
Prepare for your visit
To save time, complete and print out a death certificate request form. You can also fill out the form in person at Boston City Hall:
DEATH CERTIFICATE REQUEST FORM
COST OF CERTIFICATES
Certificates cost $12 per copy when you buy them in person. We accept cash, credit cards, pinless debit cards, and checks or money orders made payable to the City of Boston.
If you use a credit card or pinless debit card, there is a non-refundable service fee of 2.5% of the total payment, with a $1 minimum. This fee is paid to the card processor and not kept by the City.
PLEASE NOTE:If your debit card requires you to enter your pin to process a payment, you CANNOT use it to pay your fee.
Go to Boston City Hall
Bring your $12 payment and completed death certificate request form to the window labeled “Death”:
Registry Death
1 City Hall Square, Room 213
Boston, MA 02201-2006
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Keep in mind
If the final results of a Medical Examiner’s autopsy haven’t been determined, the death record is considered pending. Some insurance and banking companies won’t accept a death certificate if it is still pending.
Don't want a pending certificate?If you mail your request, you can check a box on the form to let us know that you don’t want a certificate while the death is pending.
A burial permit is needed to bury, cremate, or transport a person’s remains in Boston. You can find more information about burial permits via the Boston Public Health Commission.
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Contact Us
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Office hoursWe're open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
