Public Records In Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, public records are managed and provided by various government agencies at the state, county, and local levels. Some of the key government agencies that provide public records in Massachusetts include:

1. Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth: Maintains records related to business entities, including corporate filings, trademarks, and trade names.

2. Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics: Provides access to vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce records.

3. Massachusetts Courts System: Provides access to court records, including civil, criminal, probate, and family court documents. Each county has its Clerk of Courts where these records are typically maintained.

4. Massachusetts Department of Correction: Provides access to records related to incarcerated individuals, including inmate records and prison information.

5. Massachusetts State Archives: Houses historical records, manuscripts, and other materials relevant to the history of Massachusetts and its residents.

6. Local City or Town Clerk's Offices: Each city or town in Massachusetts typically has a Clerk's Office that maintains various records, including property deeds, land records, marriage licenses, and other local records.

7. Massachusetts Department of Transportation: Manages records related to vehicle registrations, driver's licenses, and driving records.

8. Massachusetts Department of Education: Offers access to educational records, including information on schools, districts, and educational statistics.

It's important to note that while many public records are available for free or at a minimal cost, some agencies may charge fees for accessing certain records or conducting searches. Additionally, the process for requesting and accessing public records may vary depending on the agency and the type of record requested.