Dukes County

Dukes County, Massachusetts, is a unique island county comprising Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands, located off the southern coast of Cape Cod. Established in 1683 and named after the Duke of York (later King James II), it is one of the smallest counties in Massachusetts by land area, covering approximately 104 square miles of land and over 260 square miles when including water. Dukes County seat is Edgartown, one of six towns on Martha's Vineyard: Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury (Vineyard Haven), West Tisbury, Chilmark, and Aquinnah (formerly Gay Head). According to recent census estimates, Dukes County has a year-round population of approximately 17,000-20,000 residents, which swells dramatically during summer months to over 100,000 with seasonal visitors and second-homeowners. Major landmarks include the Gay Head Cliffs (Aquinnah Cliffs), a National Natural Landmark with striking multicolored clay formations; the historic Edgartown Lighthouse; the Victorian-era gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs' Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association; and the picturesque harbors throughout the island. Dukes County Registry of Deeds, maintains land records for Dukes County. Dukes County Clerk's Office operates from the Superior Courthouse at 81 Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539. Dukes County assessor functions are handled by individual town assessors in each municipality. What makes Dukes County truly unique is its island geography, accessible only by ferry or air, its role as a historic whaling center, its prominence as a presidential vacation destination, and its blend of working maritime communities, conservation land (nearly half the island is permanently protected), and summer resort culture.

Dukes County Massachusetts Court Address: PO Box 888, Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-4303
Fax: (508) 627-4304
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Arrest records in Dukes County are considered public records under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, 66, § 10, and can be requested from the arresting agency or the District Court.
• Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
• Mugshots and booking photos may be available through public records requests to the Sheriff's Office or individual police departments, though fees may apply for copies.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Massachusetts allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and inquiries about this process can be directed to the jail administration.

• Some records require in-person requests at the clerk's office.
• Copy fees are typically $1.00 per page for standard documents.
• Certified copies cost an additional $2.50.
• Criminal record checks (CORI reports) are available through specific request procedures under 6, § 172.

• Images of documents can be viewed and printed at no charge, though certified copies must be obtained in person or by mail for a fee.
• Recording fees vary by document type; as of recent fee schedules, a standard deed costs $135 to record (includes state excise tax and local fees).

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Birth and death certificates cost $10 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy of the same record requested simultaneously.
• Marriage intentions must be filed with the town clerk at least three days before the ceremony, and marriage licenses cost approximately $30.
• State vital records can be requested online through VitalChek.com (with additional processing fees) or by mail with a completed application, valid ID copy, proper fee, and relationship documentation.
• Processing time for mail requests is typically 2-4 weeks; online expedited service can deliver within 5-10 business days.
• Divorce records are maintained by Dukes County Probate and Family Court at 81 Main Street, Edgartown, and require a separate request process.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Certificate fees are approximately $50 and must be renewed.
• The Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce (508) 693-0085, mvy.com) provides business directory services, networking, and economic information for island businesses.