Who can request a death certificate in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, death certificates can typically be requested by the surviving spouse or domestic partner, adult children, parents, siblings, the executor or administrator of the estate, a funeral director, or a legal representative. Some states allow any person with a direct and tangible interest. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of your relationship to the deceased.

What do I do after getting the death certificate in Massachusetts?

After receiving death certificates, you will need to notify the Social Security Administration, file life insurance claims, notify banks and financial institutions, begin the probate process if required, and close or transfer accounts. Each institution will need an original certified copy. See our Massachusetts state guide for specific probate rules and deadlines.

How to Get a Death Certificate in Suffolk County, Massachusetts

Q: How much does a death certificate cost in Suffolk County, MA?

A certified copy of a death certificate in Suffolk County, Massachusetts costs $14. Most families need 10 to 15 copies, which would cost $140 to $210. You can order from the City of Boston, Registry Division.

If someone has died in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, here is everything you need to know about ordering certified copies of the death certificate, including where to go, how much it costs, and how long it takes. Death certificates are one of the first documents you will need to begin handling the estate, filing insurance and Social Security claims, and closing accounts.

$14

Per certified copy

Yes

Online ordering

Same day in person

Processing time

803,907

County population

Suffolk County Vital Records Office

Office Name

City of Boston, Registry Division

Address

1 City Hall Square, Room 213, Boston, MA 02201

Phone

(617) 635-4175

Website

Visit official website

Order Online

Death Certificate Cost in Suffolk County

Cost per certified copy$14

10 copies (recommended minimum)$140

15 copies (recommended for larger estates)$210

Processing timeSame day in person; 3 to 5 weeks by mail

Online ordering availableYes

Compare death certificate costs across all states in our state-by-state guide. In Massachusetts, the state-level cost is $20 for the first copy and $20 for additional copies.

Important Note

For deaths in Boston, contact the City of Boston Registry Division. For other cities in Suffolk County, contact the respective city or town clerk.

How to Order a Death Certificate in Suffolk County

Check if the funeral home already ordered copies

Most funeral directors order death certificates on behalf of the family as part of their services. Ask your funeral home before ordering additional copies on your own. Learn more about funeral costs and services.

Gather your documents

You will need a government-issued photo ID, the deceased person's full legal name, date of death, Social Security number (if known), and proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or court documents). Use our document checklist to make sure you have everything.

Choose how to order

You can order online, in person at 1 City Hall Square, Room 213, Boston, MA 02201, or by mail. Online ordering may include an additional processing fee.

Pay the fee and submit your request

Each certified copy costs $14. Most offices accept checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards. If ordering by mail, send a check or money order payable to the vital records office along with your completed application.

Receive your certified copies

Processing time: Same day in person; 3 to 5 weeks by mail. Each copy will have an official seal or stamp, making it valid for legal and financial purposes.

Who Needs a Death Certificate from Suffolk County?

You will need to provide a certified death certificate to multiple institutions. Based onSuffolk County's population of 803,907, families here commonly need copies for:

Social Security AdministrationTo report the death and claim survivors benefits

Life insurance companiesTo file a death benefit claim

Banks and financial institutionsTo close or transfer accounts

Probate and Family CourtTo begin the probate process in Massachusetts

Retirement account providersFor inherited IRA and 401(k) claims

Health insurance providersTo update coverage and COBRA enrollment

Credit bureausTo protect the deceased from identity theft

DMV, mortgage, and utility companiesTo close or transfer various accounts

Frequently Asked Questions: Death Certificates in Suffolk County

How much does a death certificate cost in Suffolk County, MA?

A certified copy of a death certificate in Suffolk County costs $14. Most families need 10 to 15 copies, which would cost $140 to $210. You can order from the City of Boston, Registry Division at 1 City Hall Square, Room 213, Boston, MA 02201.

Can I order a death certificate online in Suffolk County?

Yes, Suffolk County offers online ordering for death certificates through the City of Boston, Registry Division. You can also order in person or by mail. Online orders may include an additional processing fee of $5 to $15.

How long does it take to get a death certificate in Suffolk County?

Processing time for death certificates in Suffolk County: Same day in person; 3 to 5 weeks by mail. In-person requests at the City of Boston, Registry Division are typically faster than mail orders. Your funeral home may also order initial copies on your behalf as part of their services.

What should I do after I receive the death certificate?

After receiving death certificates, your next steps include notifying Social Security, filing life insurance claims, contacting banks and financial institutions, beginning probate if required (Massachusetts's small estate threshold is $25,000), and protecting the deceased from identity theft. Use our deadline tracker to see critical filing dates.

Complete Massachusetts Guide

For broader information about probate, estate tax, funeral costs, and other after-death procedures in Massachusetts, see our comprehensive state guide. Massachusetts has a probate threshold of $25,000, has a state estate tax, and death certificates through the state office cost $20 for the first copy.

View Full Massachusetts State Guide

Other Counties in Massachusetts

Middlesex County

$20/copy | Online ordering

Norfolk County

$20/copy | Online ordering

Need help with the next steps in Massachusetts?

Ordering death certificates is just one of many tasks. Get a personalized checklist of everything you need to do, specific to Massachusetts and your situation.

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