city_hall

Official websites use .boston.gov

A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

System Maintenance
/
The City of Boston is experiencing a maintenance update with the Special Item Collection system. Please check back on Wednesday, December 18.

How To File For A Domestic Partnership

Last updated:

If you’re in a relationship and want to file for a domestic partnership, you have two options:

Step
1

Before you get started in person

Complete and print out a domestic partnership form

You and your partner will need to officially declare that:

  • you share basic living expenses
  • you are responsible for each other’s well-being, and the well-being of any dependents
  • you are both at least 18 years old
  • you are both mentally capable of entering into a contract
  • you are each other’s only domestic partner
  • you aren’t married to anyone else, and you aren’t related by blood, and
  • if your relationship status changes, you will let the City Clerk know.

If you have dependents, you also need to complete and print out a separate form listing all of your dependents:

The fee for filing is $50, and you need to pay another $12 for a certified copy of your domestic partnership. We take cash, a debit card, or a check or money order made payable to the City of Boston.

Step
2

Go to Boston City Hall

Bring your information and payment to City Hall:

City Clerk's Office
1 City Hall Square, Room 601
Boston, MA 02201

Office Hours

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Step
3

Or visit the City Hall to Go Truck (drop-offs only)

If you use City Hall to Go, we forward your application and payment to the City Clerk. City Hall to Go only accepts checks or money orders made payable to the City of Boston.

If you get approved, we will mail you an official copy of your partnership within 10 business days. Find out when the truck is in your neighborhood.

Step
1

Get your info together

Complete and print out a domestic partnership form

You and your partner will need to officially declare that:

  • you share basic living expenses
  • you are responsible for each other’s well-being, and the well-being of any dependents
  • you are both at least 18 years old
  • you are both mentally capable of entering into a contract
  • you are each other’s only domestic partner
  • you aren’t married to anyone else, and you aren’t related by blood, and
  • if your relationship status changes, you will let the City Clerk know.

If you have dependents, you also need to complete and print out a separate form listing all of your dependents:

The fee for filing is $50, and you need to pay another $12 for a certified copy of your domestic partnership. We take checks and money orders made payable to the City of Boston.

Step
2

Mail us your info

Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope in your letter. Mail your information and payment to:

Office of the City Clerk, 1 City Hall Square
Room 601, ATTN: Domestic Partnerships
Boston, MA 02201

Related Information

Payment info
  • In person: We take cash, a check or money order made payable to the City of Boston, or a debit card.
  • By mail: We take a check or money order made payable to the City of Boston. Please remember to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your information and payment.
Additional Resources
Back to top