Massachusetts PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

Massachusetts State Public Records Search Online

With over 7 million residents across 14 counties, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts processes vast amounts of data daily to conduct its official business. The complexity of managing this data at the local and state levels necessitates clear standards and regulations.

To facilitate this governance, Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 66 (Public Records) and 66A (Fair Information Practices) regulate the management and dissemination of public records.

Additionally, federal laws assist state agencies in handling federal transactions within the Commonwealth. These stringent laws underscore the importance of public records in various aspects of daily operations, requiring all individuals, including state officials, to follow established procedures to access the information they need.

What Records are Public in Massachusetts?

Public records refer to all documents and reports maintained and preserved by the government of Massachusetts. They can exist in various formats, such as paper, maps, images, or electronic files.

What is Considered Public Information in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, any information included in public reports and records is considered public and should be readily accessible when interested individuals request inspections or copies.

Here is a partial list of these records:

• Criminal and inmate records
• Birth and death records
• Sex offender registry
• History and archives
• Environmental records
• Property and land records
• Crime statistic reports

Massachusetts Public Records Laws

The MGL (Massachusetts General Laws) mandates and regulates state governance. Part of these laws concerns public records and fair information practices found in MGL Chapter 66 and 66A, respectively.

Another law regulating public information and records is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). State officials from various can use these laws to decide on legal actions in favor of or against the actions of its citizens.

What is Massachusetts Public Records Law?

The MGL Chapter 66 presumes that all records maintained or received by any state agency are public unless exempted by law.

Residents can access, inspect, or copy information held by any governmental entity in the state. A designated custodian usually handles requests and coordinates responses.

Public records can be in the form of the following:

• Written or printed documents
• Digital format
• Photographs
• Books
• Maps
• Plans
• Microphotographs
• Financial statements
• Statistical tabulations

What is the FOIA in Massachusetts?

The FOIA allows public access to government records maintained at the federal or national level. It is the act on which MGL Chapter 66 is loosely based.

The difference between the two is the agencies covered by the laws. FOIA covers requests, records, and disputes related to any national agencies.

Who Can Access Public Records in Massachusetts?

Anyone can access MA public records. Thus, residents, organizations, and entities can obtain records after paying any applicable fee. Requests can be made orally, online, in person, or in writing, with written requests preferred for easier documentation. Record custodians must release copies of requested records within ten days of receiving a request.

Massachusetts Public Records Search

Interested parties can request access or copies online and offline. Each approach offers distinct advantages, with online methods providing convenience and offline methods offering more personalized assistance.

How to Find Massachusetts Public Records Online

The state of Massachusetts offers several online resources for accessing public records. These platforms are designed to offer convenient access to various records.

Government websites are the go-to resources for research, as they offer accurate and reliable information without requiring formal requests.

On the other hand, online and centralized databases compile records from multiple agencies, which are useful for legal proceedings and expedited requests. These platforms are the most reliable sources since the databases are updated regularly.

Lastly, third-party sites aggregate public records that are already available even without express consent from record holders. However, these sites may require expensive subscription fees or processing fees. Moreover, most providers are not accredited by the government.

Using these government platforms, here is a simple process of finding MA public records online:

• Start the search on a preferred browser by using the information needed.
• Check the appropriate site of the records custodian.
• Use the portal to send requests.
• Submit scanned copies of properly filled out forms to the official e-mail of the records custodian as an alternate procedure.
• Pay the fees and wait for the copies.

Note that copies are often sent through the mail address of the requester, especially for certified ones. Informational copies may be received through e-mail or electronic format.

How To Find Massachusetts Public Records Offline

In-person, phone, and mail requests are offline methods requesters can use to locate public records.

Here's a step-by-step guide for obtaining records through in-person visits, mail, or phone requests:

• Identify the specific public record needed and determine the agency or custodian responsible for maintaining it, which can often be found through an online search.
• Contact the custodian or the records access officer (RAO) of the relevant agency to confirm the process for accessing the records.
• Download and complete any required forms, and prepare copies of identification as needed.
• Submit the request in person, paying any associated fees at the time of submission.
• If submitting by mail, write a detailed request letter, include the completed forms, copies of identification, and payment via check or money order, and send it to the records custodian.
• Follow up with the custodian if no response is received within ten days to check on the status of the request.

Types of Public Records in Massachusetts

Below are the public records available and accessible to residents of Massachusetts:

State of Massachusetts Public Court Records

The judicial system in Massachusetts consists of several courts, each with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities. It includes the following courts:

• Supreme Judicial Court (SJC)
• Appeals Court
• Superior Court
• District Court
• Housing Court
• Housing Court
• Juvenile Court

The courts are structured hierarchically to handle cases at the appropriate level based on their nature and complexity.

Each court clerk maintains records subject to the MGL (Massachusetts General Laws) Chapter 66 and the Uniform Rules on Public Access to Court Records.

Based on the applicable mandates and laws, Massachusetts public court records include all documents generated during legal proceedings, such as briefs, dockets, case files, court orders, transcripts, and pleadings.

Individuals and interested parties seeking court records can visit the courthouse where the case was filed during business hours. For added convenience, the Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access, also called eAccess, allows online searches of court dockets, calendars, and Supreme Judicial Court briefs.

Users can search by criteria using the following information:

• Case number
• Party name
• Date of birth
• County location

Some records, like civil infractions and small claims cases, may only be accessible at courthouse public terminals.

Massachusetts Public Bankruptcy Records

Massachusetts public bankruptcy records contain essential details about bankruptcy proceedings in federal bankruptcy courts.

Below is the information found in a bankruptcy record:

• Debtor's name
• Type of bankruptcy
• Case number
• Filing date
• Case status
• Liens
• Writs and judgments

Federal courts manage access to bankruptcy records in Massachusetts, and these are available through several methods.

The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system is the primary online resource for these records. To use PACER, individuals must create an account, log in, and search for the specific bankruptcy case using relevant information. The system charges $0.10 per page, with a maximum fee of $3 per document.

Alternatively, bankruptcy records can be accessed through the Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (MCVCIS) via phone. Court clerks can assist in locating and retrieving the desired records, although fees may apply for copies of extensive searches.

County Court Records in Massachusetts

The availability and process of accessing county-level court records in Massachusetts can vary depending on the specific county. Each county's court system may have different procedures, online resources, and guidelines for requesting public records.

While some counties offer online databases where records can be accessed directly, others may require in-person visits to the courthouse or submission of written requests. Additionally, the types of records available and the extent of public access can differ based on local regulations and the nature of the records.

Massachusetts Criminal Record s

Massachusetts criminal records are public records, and the general public can access them unless restricted by law, expunged, or sealed.

Here's an overview of the key elements typically found in these records:

• Full name and aliases
• Physical descriptors (height, weight, etc.)
• Current and past addresses
• Fingerprints
• Photograph or mugshot
• Current and past warrants
• Charges
• Past arrests

Criminal records in Massachusetts are maintained by various local, county, and state jurisdictions and the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS). They are compiled from agencies handling public safety and combating crimes across the state.

To obtain criminal records, requesters can visit the clerk of court's office, contact the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), or check with the county sheriff's office.

Online access is through the Criminal Offender Record Information (iCORI), managed by DCJIS.

Third-party websites may offer similar services, but they may lack comprehensive information. While free public searches are possible, they may not include all details from the original records.

Massachusetts Public Arrest Records

An arrest record in Massachusetts offers an official summary of an individual's arrest history. It details whether a person has been detained, questioned, booked, or held for investigation on a felony, misdemeanor, or other crime.

MA arrest records are public documents created and maintained by MSP (Massachusetts State Police). Requesters can search for arrest records at the state level through the MSP or the county level through the sheriff's office or the local police department. Free searches are possible, but certain critical details may be removed.

An arrest record may contain the following information:

• Details of the alleged crime
• Personal details of the arrestee (full name, birth date, fingerprints)
• Date, location, and time of the arrest
• Detention center's location
• Arresting officer's identity and warrant issuer

Massachusetts Warrant Records

Generally, warrants are public records. As outlined in MGL (Massachusetts General Laws) Chapter 276-23A, they can be accessed through custodial offices upon request and are recorded in the Warrant Management System database maintained by the DCJIS (Department of Criminal Justice Information Services).

An MA warrant is a court-issued document authorizing law enforcement to perform actions such as arrests, property searches, or summoning individuals to court. Common types of warrants include the following:

• Arrest or straight warrants
• Search warrants
• Bench or default warrants
• No-knock search warrants

Below are the reasons for issuing a warrant:

• Failure to appear for a court date or jury duty
• Failure to pay court-imposed fines and fees
• Probable cause of criminal activity
• Violation of probation terms
• Breach of a court order
• Criminal activities on a property

Individuals are advised to conduct regular warrant searches and seek legal counsel if a warrant is discovered. They can create a personal iCORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) to search or check the court clerk.

Massachusetts Vital Records

Massachusetts vital records refer to birth, marriage, divorce, and death information. They serve as official documentation for validating identities, accessing entitlements, and handling legal matters such as inheritances and estate transfers.

The MA Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS) maintains these records under the purview of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

While many MA vital records are public and accessible to the public, certain records may be confidential. For instance, records involving minors or cases of adoption may have limited access.

Requests for certified copies can be made to the RVRS through the official online portal, by mail, phone, or in person. Requesters must supply details such as the registrant's name and the date and location of the event. They need to show identification and documents to establish a relationship with the registrant, which may be required.

The state has an accredited provider for online requests. Applicable fees apply for every request and may vary depending on the method used.

An in-person request costs $20, and requesters may receive the copies almost immediately. Still, the results depend on the records requested but should not exceed ten business days.

Note that even though requesters choose to make online requests, certified copies are only sent to the requester's mailing address.

The registry's records date back to 1931. To obtain vital records earlier than 1931, a written request to the MA State Archives may be required. The county record custodian may have records as early as 1635.

Massachusetts Public Birth Records

Birth records in Massachusetts serve as official proof of an individual's birth. They include essential information such as the individual's full name, date and place of birth, and parentage.

Massachusetts birth records are generally accessible to the public. However, records of individuals born to unwed parents are restricted, meaning only the registrant, their parents, legal guardians, or authorized legal representatives may access them.

To obtain these restricted records, proper documentation, such as a government-issued photo ID and proof of relationship, is required.

Individuals can obtain a birth certificate or request a replacement in several ways. They can make a request through the accredited service provider or visit the registry in person.

By mail request requires submission of a completed vital record request form and mail it to the address below:

The request must include a check or money order and a copy of a government-issued photo ID. It should also include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of the document.

The same procedures apply in obtaining birth records older than 75 years that have not been sealed by a court since the RVRS (Registry of Vital Records and Statistics) maintains records up to 1913. If requesters are looking for birth certificates beyond this date, they might need to contact state archives or the county office.

Massachusetts Public Death Records

In Massachusetts, a death record is an official account of an individual's passing and includes essential details such as the decedent's name, date of death, and place of death.

A death certificate is the official document for this record and can be used to settle estates, claim insurance, and arrange burial services.

Access to sealed death records is limited to immediate family or individuals with a court order. Otherwise, it is available to the general public. Public death records can be obtained by submitting a request to the city or town clerk where the death occurred.

To request a death record by mail, requesters must furnish certain details about the deceased, which include:

• The decedent's full name
• Date of death
• Place of death (city/town and county)
• Spouse's full name (if applicable)
• Parents' full names
• Relationship to the decedent

The process of obtaining a death certificate and other vital records is similar to a birth certificate. Deaths occurring earlier than 1912 may not be available in RVRS (Registry of Vital Records and Statistics). Instead, requesters direct their queries to the county clerk of office or the state archives.

Massachusetts Public Marriage Records

As defined in MGL (Massachusetts General Laws) Chapter 207, marriage records include marriage licenses and certificates. These records document the legal union between two individuals. The marriage license serves as official authorization for the marriage to take place, while the marriage certificate is formal proof that the union has been legally officiated.

A certificate of marriage includes information such as the full names of the spouses, the date and place of the marriage, and the names of the officiant and witnesses.

Access to these records is public to some extent and is restricted to registrants, legal representatives, and people who can provide proper documentation of a relationship to the registrants.

Requesters can obtain a marriage license in any city, county, or town of Massachusetts. However, they can only request a marriage certificate in the county where the marriage is recorded. Alternatively, individuals can request a copy of the certificate from the RVRS (Registry of Vital Records and Statistics).

As marriage records are vital records, the process of obtaining these is the same as a birth certificate.

Massachusetts Public Divorce Records

Massachusetts public divorce records detail the dissolution of a marriage. These records typically include information such as:

• Names of the spouses
• Dates pertaining to the divorce case
• Location or county of the divorce case
• The terms of the divorce settlement.

However, not all details are available to the public. Financial data, child support stipulations, or details involving domestic abuse or child molestation may be excluded from public access and sealed by court order.

To obtain divorce records in Massachusetts, individuals must send requests to the probate and family court where the case was heard. They must complete a request for divorce information form, which can be submitted to the court's clerk's office by mail or personal visit. An online registry is available for this family court.

For individuals who do not know the specific court or do not have the docket number, a request for divorce inquiry can be submitted through the RVRS (Registry of Vital Records and Statistics).

Massachusetts Property Records

Property records provide comprehensive information on real estate ownership, buying and selling, and land use in Massachusetts. They are maintained primarily by the Registry of Deeds.

Below are the details on a property record accessible:

• Ownership history
• Sequential identifying number
• Property location
• Square footage and building materials
• Legal descriptions of liens
• assessment values
• Maps and location sketches
• Building sketches
• Information on any land use restrictions or environmental hazards

Requesters can search the online registry to obtain property records. Note that requesters need to navigate the portal by choosing the county where the property is located. The online registry is not a centralized repository.

For individuals who prefer to search in person, visits to the respective local registry offices in the property's county are an option.

Massachusetts Inmate Records

Massachusetts inmate records contain detailed information about individuals incarcerated in correctional facilities. These records include personal details such as the inmate's full name, inmate ID, age, date of birth, and gender. The Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC) manages and maintains these records.

Administrative information, such as the inmate's location, sentence details, and release dates, is also included. While most inmate records are accessible to the public, certain details may be restricted for privacy and security concerns.

To obtain inmate records, interested parties can submit requests through the MADOC or use third-party site providers that aggregate such data. Records for state-run correctional facilities can be accessed by contacting the MADOC directly.

For inmates housed in county or city jails, records are maintained by the county sheriff or city police department. Essential information required to look up an inmate's record includes the inmate's name, commitment number, and sometimes the state agency number (SID).

Requests for inmate records can be submitted in person, via mail, or through online databases. For in-person and mail requests, the MADOC headquarters is located at:

Massachusetts Traffic Records

Massachusetts public traffic records provide detailed information about a driver's history of accidents, traffic tickets, and license suspensions within the state's jurisdiction.

These records offer insights into a motorist's driving behavior. They also contain personal information about the driver.

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), a division of the Department of Transportation (MassDOT), is responsible for maintaining these records.

Traffic records are accessible to the public. However, the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) places certain restrictions on the release of specific personal information, such as:

• A driver's photograph
• Social Security number
• Driver's license number
• Contact information
• Medical or disability details

The state offers an online portal for drivers where individuals can process and submit requests on their driving or traffic records.

License Plate Lookup in Massachusetts

A Massachusetts license plate lookup allows individuals to obtain information about a vehicle and its registered owner. This information can be useful for legal matters, such as investigating traffic violations, or for personal reasons.

However, Massachusetts doesn't have an online tool for this information. Requesters must submit a written request to the RMV and cite valid reasons for obtaining these details.

Third-party websites offer license plate lookup services for those seeking information for personal reasons. While convenient, the accuracy of the information from third-party sites may vary, so it's essential to cross-reference with official sources when necessary.

What Information is Exempt from the Public Records Act in Massachusetts?

Under Massachusetts law, certain types of information are exempt from public inspection. These exemptions are designed to protect sensitive information and ensure the integrity of government operations. The following categories of records are not public in Massachusetts and are exempt from disclosure:

• Records containing information or work products that are protected by the attorney-client privilege
• Documents prepared by law enforcement or investigatory bodies
• Protected medical, health, and hospital records or any information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
• Financial or trade secret information
• Names and addresses of individuals who apply for a firearm license
• Records containing personal identifying information
• Personal documents prepared by a government employee that are not maintained as part of the official government records
• Blueprints, plans, and schematic drawings that could compromise the security and safety of persons and public spaces
• Government bidding documents
• Licensing test information

Other Public Records in Massachusetts

The following is a list of other public records available for inspection in Massachusetts.

• Voter information: This information is available to specific members of the public as designated by the state secretary.
• Sex offender information: The state has an online tool to search and request this information. Despite its accessibility to the public, the details obtained are solely for defense and not for harassment or discrimination.
• Business records: Individuals can search business entities through the state secretary portal. They may need a business/entity name or an employer identification number (EIN) to effect an online search.
• Environmental reports: Public safety is a priority of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). With this goal, DEP publishes online environmental data on air quality, waste issues, and other relevant matters.
• Attorney General's Office (AGO) Records: The AGO repository contains closed litigations and investigations in civil and criminal cases. The retention of these files varies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the concise answers to common questions about accessing and understanding public records in Massachusetts:

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