Massachusetts became the sixth state to join the Union on February 6, 1788. With a population of approximately 6.5 million residents, it ranks as the 13th most populous state. Covering 10,555 square miles, Massachusetts is the 14th largest state by land area.
The state is divided into five counties and more than 300 cities and towns, each governed at the local level. Government agencies operate across these jurisdictions to provide essential public services, including document recording, licensing, law enforcement, public safety, and emergency response.
Massachusetts law guarantees public access to state and local government records and meetings. Through the state’s Public Records Law, any person—regardless of residency or purpose—can request information held by government agencies. This ensures transparency while preventing delays or unreasonable fees that would otherwise hinder access.
Agencies are required to respond promptly and provide a clear path for individuals to obtain documents. Whether your request is for personal, professional, or legal reasons, the law supports a process that is accessible, affordable, and open to all.
Criminal history checks are a critical component of public records in Massachusetts. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) manages the CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check system, which provides access to statewide criminal data.
CORI reports may include:
Felony and misdemeanor convictions
Pending cases
Incarceration details
The official website provides easy-to-follow forms and instructions for conducting personal or third-party background checks. Additional tools include:
County offender registries for instant access to sex offender lists
Most Wanted lists from local sheriff departments or the Department of Public Safety
Inmate search tools for locating individuals in the Massachusetts Department of Correction system
You can also request court records, including civil and criminal case files and divorce filings, from the Massachusetts Trial Court system. People searches may reveal current and former addresses, aiding in cross-state or expanded investigations.
Massachusetts offers several avenues for locating public records related to assets and ownership, including:
Property records: Access online through each county registry of deeds. These sites provide property ownership details, document images, and options to order certified copies.
Business ownerships: Search for corporations, LLCs, and other entities using the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Division. This resource also includes:
Free UCC filings
Trademark registrations
Rejected filings and business name availability
For deeper financial investigations, order bankruptcy records to review declared assets, liabilities, creditors, and filings involving individuals or businesses.
Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). Requests can be made online using official forms, and certified copies are available for legal or personal use.
Whether you're conducting a simple document lookup or an in-depth background investigation, starting with the most reliable and up-to-date sources is key. PublicRecordCenter offers a curated directory of Massachusetts government websites and private services, including:
Direct links to agency pages
Step-by-step instructions for submitting requests
Free downloadable forms
Clear descriptions of available records and services
By using this comprehensive resource, you can navigate the process more efficiently, reduce search time, and ensure access to accurate, official information from across Massachusetts.
