Public Records Requests

To request certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates, please do so online using a checking account number or credit card by following this link https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/. 

Vital records may also be picked up in person at the Office of the City Clerk, located at 215 Pleasant Street, Room 220 Malden, MA 02148 during normal business hours; no appointment is necessary.

All long form certified vital records are embossed with the Seal of the City of Malden and fulfill legal requirements for government purposes such as Real ID, passports, and I9 forms. 

City Hall does not keep divorce or child custody documents. To receive a certified copy of a divorce absolute, judgement of divorce nisi, or separation agreement you must contact the courthouse in the county where the divorce was heard. More information may be found at this link https://www.mass.gov/how-to/get-a-copy-of-your-divorce-record.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Every record that is made or received by a government entity or employee is presumed to be a public record unless a specific statutory exemption permits or requires it to be withheld in whole or in part. A list of exemptions may be found in Chapter 4, Section 7(26) of the Massachusetts General Laws. 

The City of Malden's "Records Access Officer" is our City Clerk, Carol Ann Desiderio.

Submit Public Records Requests

A public records request is a request to either inspect, copy, or both, public records. There is no requirement that the request be made in person or in writing, or be in any particular form. The person making the request is not required to identify him or herself, or to provide information about the reason for the request or how the records will be used. The request must be clear enough to enable the City to conduct a meaningful search. 

The City may ask questions about the request in order to respond to the request fully and in a timely manner. The State acknowledges that access to information is a fundamental and necessary right of every citizen. Submit a Public Records Request (FOIA) request now.