OVERVIEW The Town Clerk serves as the Town Registrar of Vital Records and Statistics. The Clerk accepts for filing and maintains the records of all births, marriages and deaths that occur in Reading and death certificates of those residents of Reading whose death occurred elsewhere in Massachusetts.
The Clerk is authorized to issue certified copies of all vital records in custody, as well as to execute adoption and amendment depositions regarding records originating in the Town, in accordance with State Law and compliance with the Department of Vital Records and Statistics procedures.
BIRTHS Birth records of those children whose parents resided in Reading at the time of the child’s birth, as well as those children who were physically born in the Town, will be on file with this office.
MARRIAGES Marriage records of couples who filed their marriage intentions in Reading will be on file in this office. It has been the experience of this office that many couples wish to have a certified copy of their marriage certificate to keep with their other important personal documents, as well as to have on hand to show as proof of the marriage when needed. Many couples require one or more certified copies for insurance purposes, health insurance policies, Social Security benefits, pension benefits, Veteran’s benefits, as well as for documentation for a name change with the Registry of Motor Vehicles, Social Security, credit accounts, bank accounts, etc.
DEATHS Death certificates are maintained in this office for those persons who physically died in Reading, or for those persons who died elsewhere in Massachusetts and whose legal residence at the time of their death is listed on their death certificate as Reading.
CERTIFIED COPIES Certified copies of all the above vital records can be obtained from this office. There is a minimal turn-around time once the request and payment have been received. Telephone and e-mail requests will not be accepted as payment is required in advance.
RECORD SEARCH If you are not sure if the record that you are seeking is in Reading, we can search our files to determine if it is recorded here before you proceed with a request. If you have the correct information, as listed below, we should be able to research the information relatively quickly. However, if you are unable to provide the exact date of an occurrence or correct spelling of name, there will be a search fee of $10.00 in addition to the cost for the certified copy should the record be found. Requests and payment may be made in person or in writing. Payment must be made by check only when the request is made in writing. It is strongly encouraged
to issue separate checks when a search fee is involved. If the record is not filed here, the search fee will be deposited, but the check for the certified copy will be returned.
REQUEST for CERTIFIED COPIES To obtain a certified copy of a record by mail, please provide a check made payable to the “Town of Reading” in the amount of $10.00 for each copy requested, together with a self-addressed, stamped envelope and send your request to:
Town Clerk’s Office Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867
The following information is required for each record:
BIRTH CERTIFICATE |
• Child’s Name |
• Date of Birth |
• Name of Mother |
• Name of Father |
|
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE |
• Name of Party A |
• Name of Party B |
• Date of Marriage |
• Place of Marriage |
|
DEATH CERTIFICATE |
• Name of Deceased |
• Date of Death |
• Place of Death |
|
|
