Frequently Asked Questions about Birth Certificates
Q: Would Haverhill have a specific birth certificate?
A: If a child was born in Haverhill or if the mother lived in Haverhill at the time of the birth, we should have the record.
Q: Who can obtain a copy of a birth certificate?
A: Generally, birth certificates are public records. If the parents of the child were NOT married at the time of the child's birth OR an adoption was involved in the birth, the record is restricted to those named on the record - the child, mother, father, etc. with a valid photo identification.
Q: How can I get a certified copy of a birth certificate?
A:
1. In Person. The cost is $10 per copy (all forms of payment accepted, except American Express). It takes about 5 minutes. We are open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
2. Electronic Request. The cost is $15 per copy (no extra charge if using ACH, processing fee of approve. $2.50 if using a credit card). We process these requests within the next 1-2 business days.
3. By Mail. The cost is $15 per copy, please make a check payable to the "City of Haverhill." Mail your request along with payment to the "City Clerk's Office, 4 Summer St - Room 118, Haverhill, MA 01830." We process these requests within the next 2-3 business days as received.
The City Clerk's Office maintains records of various vital records going back into the 1600's. Please check out our specific pages for information on each topic. If you are interested in genealogy research, please see the attached form.
Q: Where are copies of Birth Certificates kept if not found in Haverhill?
A: Massachusetts Birth Certificates are available in the City/Town where the child was born and in the resident community where the mother was living at the time of the birth. Also, the original of all records are kept at the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics in Dorchester.
For online transactions, please use the following links:
| Birth Certificate (long form, certified) |
$15.00 | Order Here |
| Death Certificate | $15.00 | Order Here |
| Marriage Certificate | $15.00 | Order Here |
| Yard Sale Permit | $5.00 | Order Here |