Birth, Marriage, Death Certificate Requests

The Town Clerk's Office issues certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates, complete with a raised seal. These records can be requested in person, online, or through the mail. 

Birth certificates can be issued by the community in which the birth occurred and the community the parents were living in at the time of the birth. 

Death certificates can be issued by the community in which the death occurred and community the decedent last resided in.

Marriage certificates can only be issued by the community that the marriage intentions were filed in (this can be different from the community the ceremony took place in). Prior to 1980, marriage intentions were required to be filed in the couple's residence community. Post 1980, marriage intentions for a Massachusetts ceremony can be filed in any community in Massachusetts. It is most likely that a couple filed their intentions in their residence community or the community they were working in. 

In-Person Requests


Records can be requested over the phone to be picked up and paid for in person, or can be requested in person at the Town Clerk's Office. Calling ahead is not required, but can help speed up the process.

In person requests can only be paid for with cash or check. The Town Clerk's Office cannot accept debit or credit card payments. 

Online Requests


If you would like to request and pay online, visit the UNIPAY website. Search for "Town of Bedford - Clerk", and select your purchase. After submitting your request, you can checkout as a guest to complete the payment. Our online orders are processed overnight, and all requests will be fulfilled and mailed out by the next business day. 

 * PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM WE HAVE THE RECORD BEFORE PAYING ONLINE.  ONLINE PAYMENT REFUNDS MAY NOT BE ISSUED IF WE DO NOT HAVE THE RECORD. *

Mail-In Requests


To apply by mail, please send in a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your vital records request form.