Boston Public Records Search
Use this map to start Boston record searches across the City Clerk, property assessing, permits, and county-recorded documents, then request certified copies when online images aren’t provided.
On this page:
Start Here
- Start with the City Clerk for meeting files, licenses, and vital records requests.
- Search property by address or owner in the assessor database before pulling deeds.
- Check county registry indexes for deeds, mortgages, and liens affecting Boston property.
- Use permit lookup to review building, electrical, and occupancy records by address.
- Request certified copies when an index shows on file but no image.
Record Routing
- Vital records → City Clerk / Vital Records Office
- Council agendas, minutes, ordinances → City Clerk
- Recorded deeds and mortgages → County Registry of Deeds
- Property assessments and tax parcel data → Assessing Department
- Building permits and inspections → Building/Inspectional Services
Search Inputs
- Person or business name (license or filing)
- Record or certificate number (if cited by the clerk)
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel ID
- Book and page or instrument number (deeds)
Boston Source Map
| Source / Office | Best For | Search Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Clerk | Vital records requests, business certificates (DBAs), council files, licenses | Online index or request; in-person/mail for certified copies | Boston’s clerk is the gateway for city-held records and official copies. |
| Assessing Department | Property ownership, assessed value, parcel identifiers, historical assessments | Address/owner/parcel search; request property record card if needed | Confirm parcel details before retrieving county-recorded documents. |
| County Registry of Deeds | Deeds, mortgages, liens, plans for Boston parcels | Name/address/parcel index; book and page or instrument lookup; order copies if images unavailable | Real property documents for Boston are recorded at the county level. |
| Building/Inspectional Services | Permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, violations | Permit/address lookup; request file review or copies for closed files | City-managed permitting affects compliance and property history. |
| Procurement/Contracts | Awarded contracts, bids, vendor records | Bid and contract lists; vendor name search; request underlying contract files | City spending and vendor data are public and often searchable. |
| Planning/Zoning Board | Zoning decisions, variances, site plans | Case/address search; meeting records; request decisions or plan sets | Land use records impact Boston parcels beyond deed filings. |
Boston FAQs
How do I request a certified birth, death, or marriage record in Boston?
Submit a request through the City Clerk or Vital Records office; certified copies are issued by the office and are not provided via open-data downloads.
Are Boston property deeds available online?
Use the county registry’s index to locate book and page or an instrument number; some images are online, otherwise order a copy from the registry.
Where can I find Boston business certificates (DBAs)?
Search or request records from the City Clerk, which maintains local business certificate filings separate from state-level corporate records.
What if an online search shows a record exists but no document image?
Use the index details to place a copy or certification request with the holding office; images are not posted for some records.