Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced last week the launching of a web application that would allow Boston residents to order their birth certificates directly from the Registry Department, following the success of the online launch of death certificates in March of 2018. This web application is part of the ongoing efforts to make Boston’s services easily accessible to all, and is part of a joint effort with the Massachusetts State Representative Michael Moran (D-Suffolk), filing legislation to make it easier for residents to access their birth certificates.
“In Boston, we’re committed to using technology to make our residents’ lives simpler, and public documents more accessible. Birth certificates are needed by many of our residents, and this new system will allow greater transparency and convenience, allowing residents easier access to their vital records.”
—Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.
Previously, the process of ordering birth certificates online was only available through a third-party service contracted by the state to find vital records, but the average cost per request was typically more than $40, not including shipping and processing fees. In addition, orders could take more than a few weeks to process. Both mail and in-person options will continue to be available through the Registry Department.
“Making critical documents like birth certificates more accessible to every person born in Boston is vital to ensuring equity and improving a resident’s ability to obtain a driver’s license, secure housing, and get a job,” said Representative Michael Moran. “This announcement of progress by the Mayor is a great step forward and I am eager to build on it with our legislation to remove even more barriers to accessing these critical documents that some of our most vulnerable residents face.”
—State Representative Michael Moran (D-Suffolk)
Since the launch of the death certificates application, the City has seen online fulfillment overtake in-mail and in-person, and requests are often processed same day. According to the Boston Mayor’s office, 42% of death certificates processed were ordered online on February 2019, and Boston anticipates similar efficiencies gained for constituents and City staff processing the birth requests. Birth certificates cost $14 per copy, including shipping.
“The Registry Department is thrilled to provide this new online, affordable option for Boston birth requests. With the success of our online death request option last year and the increased demand for birth certificates for the REAL IDs, our customers will find the birth option quick and efficient,”
—Patty McMahon, City Registrar.
