massachusetts public records search tips and comparison

Getting oriented

Finding public information in the Commonwealth can be straightforward once you know which office holds the record. Massachusetts follows the Public Records Law, so most non-exempt documents are available by request, whether you are researching a property, vetting a contractor, or checking court activity.

Popular options compared

Start with official portals when accuracy matters, then use aggregators for speed. Each path has tradeoffs in cost, depth, and turnaround time.

• Secretary of the Commonwealth: Public Records Division guidance and agency directories; great for knowing who to ask.
• Municipal portals: City and town clerks for licenses, meeting minutes, and local permits; coverage varies by town.
• MassCourts eAccess: Basic docket lookups for many Trial Court cases; limited document images.
• Registry of Deeds: Property indexes, plans, and recorded instruments; typically free to search, fees to download.
• State Archives: Historical records and older agency files; slower but comprehensive.
• Third‑party sites: Fast people/property lookups; convenience fees and mixed data quality.

For records not posted online, submit a written request to the custodian. If denied or delayed, you may appeal to the Supervisor of Public Records. Always note fees, redactions, and retention limits.