Massachusetts Background Check Resources
Background checks are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Most state laws concerning public records and background checks are very liberal and straightforward. In the State of Massachusetts, public records are readily available to anyone wishing to obtain them through appropriate official state agency channels. Background checks are instrumental in the parties' ability to enter into various legally binding contracts, and as such, are always a good idea. Background checks generally require a written permission prior to performing the inquiry. Occasionally, it is possible to obtain such reports without permission, but the results may lack in-depth details.
If the background check adversely affects the consumer, the party accessing public records must provide a copy of the report and a summary of the consumer's rights under FCRA, and allow the consumer reasonable time to contest the report. Due to the increasing threat of identity theft, some states (i. e. California) may now require the employer to provide a copy of the background check report to the consumer regardless of its content.
Call the telephone numbers listed below (or visit the listed websites) to learn how to access the specific background check information you're seeking. Public information may be accessible online or by phone, mail or in person.
It's always best to call before sending written inquiries in order to obtain exact addressing/ordering information.
MASSACHUSETTS STATE INFORMATION HOT LINE:
(617) 725-4005
MASSACHUSETTSS STATE WEB SITE:
www.state.ma.us
Governor's Office
Attorney General's Office
Legislative Records
State Archives
Criminal History
Criminal History Systems Board
200 Arlington Street
Chelsea MA 02150
(617) 660-4600
(617) 660-4613
www.state.ma.us/chsb
Department of Correction
Driving Records
Registry of Motor Vehicles
1135 Tremont St
Boston MA 02120
(617) 351-9213
(617) 351-9219 (fax)
www.state.ma.us/rmv
Vehicle Ownership Information
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Customer Assistance
1135 Tremont Street
Boston MA 02120
(617) 351-9458
(617) 351-9524 (fax)
www.state.ma.us/rmv
Vital Statistics
(birth, death, marriage)
[divorce records available only at county level]
Registry of Vital Records
470 Atlantic Ave
Boston MA 02210-2224
(617) 740-2600
(617) 825-7755 (fax)
www.state.ma.us/dph/bhsre/rvr/vrcopies.htm
Business/Corporate Records
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Corporation Division
One Ashburton Pl.
Boston MA 02108
(617) 727-2850
(617) 742-4538 (fa
www.state.ma.us/sec/cor/coridx.htm
Workers Compensation
Department of Industrial Accidents
600 Washington St.
Boston MA 02111
(617) 727-4900 x301
(617) 727-4440
www.mass.gov/dia
UCCs and Tax Liens
Secretary of the Commonwealth
UCC Division
One Ashburton Pl
Boston MA 02108
(617) 727-2860
It's always best to call before sending written inquiries in order to obtain exact addressing/ordering information.
Note: Government agencies are continually updating and expanding online access to their records; consequently, this page is continually updated and expanded. Check back for the latest information!
City-County Cross Index
Barnstable County
3195 Main St., Rm 6A
Barnstable, MA 02630-3195
(508) 375-6684
Berkshire County
44 Bank Row
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 499-7487
Bristol County
11 Court St.
P.O. Box 567
Taunton, MA 02780
(508) 823-6588
Dukes County
P.O. Box 237
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-4668
Essex County
36 Federal St.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 687-7463
Franklin County
P.O. Box 1495
Greenfield, MA 01302-1495
(413) 774-5535
Hampden County
50 Stable St.
Springfield, MA 01102-0559
(413) 735-6016
Hampshire County
33 King St.
Northampton, MA 01060-3298
(413) 584-5810
Middlesex County
40 Thorndike St.
E. Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 494-4010
Nantucket County
16 Broad St.
Nantucket, MA 02554
(508) 228-2559
Norfolk County
649 High St.
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 326-1600
Plymouth County
P.O. Box 3640
Plymouth, MA 02361
(508) 583-8250
Suffolk County
Office of the Clerk
Boston, MA 02101-1706
(617) 788-7677
Worcester County
City Hall, Room 206
455 Main St
Worchester, MA 01608
(508) 770-1899