Vital Records

Birth Records

In Massachusetts Birth Records are kept in 3 locations:

• Community in which birth occurred
• Residence community of parents
• Registry of Vital Records & Statistics in Boston

Death Records

In Massachusetts Death Records are kept in 3 locations:

• Community in which death occurred
• Residence community of deceased
• Registry of Vital Records & Statistics in Boston

Marriage Records

In Massachusetts Marriage Records are kept in 2 locations:

• The community in which Notice of Intention is filed
• Registry of Vital Records & Statistics in Boston

How to Obtain a Certified Copy of a Vital Record

In Massachusetts certified copies of birth records may only be obtained from one of the following: the community in which the child was born; the community in which the child's parents resided at the time of birth; and the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.

In Massachusetts certified copies of death records may only be obtained from one of the following: the community in which the person died; the community in which the decedent resided at time of death; and the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.

In Massachusetts certified copies of marriage records may only be obtained from one of the following: the community in which the couple filed their Notice of Intention; and the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.

Currently the Town of Amherst cannot provide certified copies of birth, death, or marriage records which are not filed in Amherst.

Please check the state procedures and requirements for obtaining certified copies of birth, death, and marriage records which did not occur in Massachusetts.

Certified copies of records of birth, death, and marriage may be obtained from the Town Clerk upon request during normal business hours at a cost of $10 each (cash or check). They may also now be requested and paid for online by clicking here. 

Those unable to request a certified copy in person or online, may do so by mail. Mailed written requests must include:
   - the name(s) and date of occurrence,
   - a check made payable to the Town of Amherst for the appropriate amount, and
   - a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Only the parties named on a Restricted vital record may obtain certified copies of that record. Valid photo ID will be required for the Town Clerk to fill a request for a certified copy of a Restricted record.