Vital Records: Birth, Marriage, Death

NOTICE FOR VITAL RECORDS

There will be a 24-hour waiting period for all vitals as follows:

MARRIAGES – PRIOR TO 1998
DEATHS – PRIOR TO 1994
BIRTHS – PRIOR TO 1980

We appreciate advance calls requesting all vital records. The vital record can then be ready for pick-up the following day.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

WHERE DO I GET A COPY OF MY BIRTH CERTIFICATE?

If you were born in Scituate or your parents were residents of Scituate at the time of your birth, you may obtain your birth certificate at the Town Clerk's Office or at the State Dept. of Vital Statistics:

REGISTRY OF VITAL RECORDS
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
150 MT VERNON ST
DORCHESTER, MA 02125-3105

HOW MUCH DOES A BIRTH CERTIFICATE COST?

In Scituate the cost is $10.00.

HOW DO I GET A COPY OF A BIRTH CERTIFICATE?

You can obtain a copy of your birth certificate in two ways:
By physically entering the Office or by mailing a request to the Clerk's office.

If you request a certificate by mail you must make sure of four things:

  • Your check or money order should be made payable to: Town of Scituate.
  • Enclose the payment along with your written request.
  • State the full name and date of birth of the person you are requesting a certificate for.
  • Send a self-addressed stamped envelope.

IS AN I.D. NECESSARY?

Usually identification is not necessary, however, in certain circumstances it is required, for example, if your parents were not married at the time of your birth.

ARE BIRTH CERTIFICATES PUBLIC RECORDS?

Unless your parents were not married at the time of your birth, birth certificates are available to any member of the public.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE?

Please make an appointment (Monday - Thursday)

You must come in together with your intended spouse to the Town Clerk's Office. This process cannot be done through the mail.

DO YOU NEED TO BE A SCITUATE RESIDENT TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN SCITUATE?

No.

WHAT DO WE NEED TO BRING WITH US?

You must bring an acceptable form of identification.

WHAT IF ONE OR BOTH OF US IS UNDER 18?

You must go to court and obtain a court order (permission) to marry.

HOW LONG AFTER THE APPLICATION WILL THE LICENSE BE ISSUED?

The license will be issued three days later. The license  can be picked up by either applicant at the Clerk's Office.

HOW LONG AFTER ISSUANCE IS THE LICENSE VALID?

The license is valid sixty days from the day the couple came into the office to apply and may be used in any Massachusetts city or town. However, it is not valid outside of the state.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost in Scituate is $20.00.

HOW CAN I GET A COPY OF MY MARRIAGE LICENSE?

Assuming the license was issued by the Scituate Town Clerk's Office, you can physically enter the office or request a copy by mail. Please send a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your request. The cost for a copy is $10.00.

DEATH CERTIFICATES

IS IT ON FILE IN SCITUATE?

The death certificate is on file in Scituate if the death occurred in Scituate or the deceased resided in Scituate and the death occurred within the state.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost in Scituate is $10.00.

HOW CAN I GET A COPY OF A DEATH CERTIFICATE?

Assuming the license was recorded by the Scituate Town Clerk's Office, you can physically enter the office or request a copy by mail. Please send a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your request. The cost for a copy is $10.00.

HOW DO YOU GET A BURIAL PERMIT?

A burial permit can be obtained from:

Scituate Board of Health
Town Hall
600 Chief Justice Cushing Way
Scituate, MA 02066

Telephone 781-545-8725