You can get a copy of a birth certificate for anyone who was born at a hospital or home in Boston, or whose parents listed Boston as their residence at the time of the birth. You have three options:
Born in Boston? You can order your birth certificate online
Boston has birth records from 1870 to present day. Birth certificates for recently born babies are available at Boston City Hall about two weeks after the baby’s paperwork is completed at the hospital. Boston birth records from 1630-1869 require a $10 research fee, more time, and should be ordered by mail.
If the parents weren’t married when the baby was born, the birth certificate becomes restricted. Only those listed on a restricted record can request it. For online orders, you will need to upload:
- a photocopy of your valid ID (a driver’s License, state ID, or passport), and
- any other required documents when making your request.
Birth 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.
Make a birth certificate request online
You can place an order online with your credit or debit card. You will not be charged until the order is confirmed and processed, usually within two to three business days.
We will contact you if we need more information to fulfill the order. If we contact you but do not hear back from you within two business days, we will cancel the order without a charge.
Born in Boston? We can mail your birth certificate to you
Boston has birth records from 1630 to present day. Birth certificates for recently born babies are available at Boston City Hall about two weeks after the baby’s paperwork is completed at the hospital.
If the parents weren’t married when the baby was born, the birth certificate becomes restricted. Only those listed on a restricted record can request it and you need to include a photocopy of your valid ID (a driver’s License, state ID, or passport).
Prepare your request and payment
Complete and print out a birth certificate request form:
Cost of certificates
Certificates cost $14 per copy. If you are requesting a copy dated before 1870, include an additional $10 research fee.
For a request by mail, please pay by check or money order made payable to the City of Boston. Include a photocopy of a valid ID. Please also include a self-addressed stamped envelope so we can mail the copy back to you.
Send us your request
Mail your completed form, payment, self-addressed stamped envelope, and the photocopy of your ID to:
Registry Birth
1 City Hall Square, Room 213
Boston, MA 02201
Can't mail your request? You can also visit Boston City Hall.
Born in Boston? You can pick up your birth certificate at City Hall
Boston has birth records from 1630 to present day. Birth certificates for recently born babies are available at Boston City Hall about two weeks after the baby’s paperwork is completed at the hospital.
If the parents weren’t married when the baby was born, the birth certificate becomes restricted. Restricted means that only those listed on the birth record can get a copy of a restricted birth certificate, and you have to show a valid ID (a driver’s License, State ID, or passport).
Prepare your request and payment
Complete and print out a birth 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 and completed birth certificate request form to the window labeled “Birth” at the Registry Division:
1 City Hall Square, Room 213
Boston, MA 02201-2006
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Keep in mind
Massachusetts General Law only allows certain people to get a copy of a restricted birth certificate. If a record is restricted, only those people listed on the record can get a certified copy. Learn more about the law.
Legal guardians can get a copy of a child’s birth certificate by showing their court order and a valid ID.
If you legally change your name, that does not change your name on your birth certificate. If you were adopted, your birth certificate after your adoption is the only copy we can give you.
Do you need an Apostille? Some countries require an Apostille for some records being used overseas, for example, when you apply for dual citizenship. Check with their consulate office to see if it is required. If you need an Apostille, request your certified copy of a record from the Boston Registry with a raised seal. You then need to submit it in person or by mail to Mass. Secretary of State’s Office to request an Apostille from them. We don't have to hand sign it, and our office cannot provide the Apostille.
Want to fix or add information on a birth certificate? Call the Registry Depositions and Corrections Office at 617-635-4182 on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For any other questions, please email us at registry@boston.gov. You can also check with the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records.
- When you complete the Birth Certificate Request Form, check the box “Time of Birth Only.”
- You only need to pay $10 for this type of request.
You’ll need to provide additional documents and come into an RMV service center. The state's website has more information.
Still have questions?We created a page that answers some of the common questions we hear.
Registry informationHave questions? Contact:
BOSTON, MA 02201-2006
We're open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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