Vital Records & Certificates in Salem, MassachusettsRegistry of Vital Records and Statistics

Salem residents frequently need vital records for passport applications when traveling to research family genealogy abroad, college applications for Salem State University students, employment verification in Boston’s financial district, and historical research projects. The city’s rich maritime heritage means many families seek birth and death certificates for genealogical research tracing back to sea captains and merchants from Salem’s golden age of trade.

Salem residents can obtain birth certificates through the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, located at 150 Mt Vernon Street in Dorchester, as well as through the Salem City Clerk’s office at 93 Washington Street for records of births that occurred within the city. Many Salem births occur at Salem Hospital on Highland Avenue or North Shore Medical Center in nearby Beverly. Massachusetts charges $20 for the first copy of a birth certificate and $6 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. The Salem City Clerk can provide certificates for births that occurred in Salem dating back to the 1800s, which is particularly valuable for genealogical research in this historic community. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days for mail requests and same-day service for walk-in visits when records are readily available.

Couples planning weddings in Salem’s historic venues like the Hawthorne Hotel’s Grand Ballroom or outdoor ceremonies at Forest River Park obtain marriage licenses through the Salem City Clerk at 93 Washington Street, just steps from the Salem Common. Massachusetts requires a three-day waiting period after the license is issued before the ceremony can take place, though this can be waived for an additional fee. The license remains valid for 60 days and costs $50. Many couples also choose the elegant Peabody Essex Museum for receptions or intimate ceremonies at one of Salem’s historic bed and breakfasts. Both parties must appear together with proper identification to complete the marriage license application.

Death certificates for Salem residents are available through both the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records in Dorchester and the Salem City Clerk’s office for deaths that occurred within city limits. These documents are essential for probate proceedings, insurance claims, and Social Security benefit applications. Massachusetts charges $20 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy. Local funeral homes along Highland Avenue and in the downtown area typically assist families with initial applications. The Salem City Clerk maintains historical death records that are valuable for genealogical research in this centuries-old community.

Divorce records for Salem residents are maintained by the Essex County Probate and Family Court, located at 45 Congress Street in Salem’s Federal Street Historic District. Certified copies are required for remarriage licenses, name changes, and custody modifications. The court charges varying fees depending on the type of document requested, typically ranging from $10-25 per certified copy. Having the docket number available speeds the retrieval process. The courthouse is within walking distance of the Salem MBTA station and downtown parking areas.

The Salem City Clerk’s office at 93 Washington Street is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with extended hours until 7:00 PM on Thursdays. Street parking is available on Washington Street and Federal Street, though downtown Salem can be busy during tourist season from October through early November. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. For state records, visit the Registry of Vital Records in Dorchester or order online through ma.gov. The Salem office is easily accessible via the MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Line, with the Salem station just a short walk from City Hall.

The Salem City Clerk is at 93 Washington Street in downtown Salem, near the intersection with Federal Street. Take MBTA to Salem station or drive to downtown and park on side streets near Salem Common.