Birth Records on Nantucket Island

Nantucket County birth records are maintained by the Nantucket Town Clerk, which is the same government as the county itself. If you need a certified birth certificate for a birth that took place on Nantucket Island, the Town Clerk at 16 Broad Street is where you go. This page covers how to reach that office, what to bring, how the state fits into the picture, and where to find older records if you are doing genealogy research.

Nantucket County Birth Records Explained

Nantucket is one of the most unusual counties in Massachusetts. The county and the town share the same government. There is no separate county administration here. That means the Nantucket Town Clerk serves both as the local town clerk and as the county's records keeper for vital events including births. If you were born on Nantucket and need an official record, there is exactly one local office to contact.

Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 46, Section 2A, births must be registered with the clerk of the city or town where the birth took place. Nantucket is both a town and a county, so the same rule points you to the same office. The clerk files the record locally and reports to the state Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, which keeps a separate copy at the state level.

Nantucket is one of two island counties in Massachusetts, along with Dukes County to the west. Getting to the island in person requires a ferry or flight. Call the clerk's office before you plan a visit so you know current hours and whether you need an appointment.

Nantucket Town Clerk Contact Info

The Nantucket Town Clerk is located at 16 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA 02554. The main phone number is (508) 228-7200. This is the only local office that issues certified birth certificates for births that occurred on the island. There is no second office, no county clerk separate from this, and no other local government body handling these records.

When you call or visit, ask specifically about birth certificate requests. The clerk's office handles a range of municipal functions, so being clear about what you need will save time. Ask about current fees, acceptable forms of ID, whether mail requests are accepted, and how long processing typically takes. Fees for certified copies across Massachusetts towns usually run between $10 and $15 per copy, though Nantucket sets its own schedule.

If you are mailing your request, include a copy of your photo ID, a check or money order payable to the town, and a clear written request stating the full name of the person on the record and the approximate date and year of birth. Call ahead to confirm the mailing address and current fee before you send anything.

Using the Massachusetts State Registry

The Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS) in Boston maintains a statewide copy of birth records filed in Massachusetts, including those from Nantucket. The RVRS can issue certified copies for births going back to 1926. If you cannot reach the local town clerk or want a backup option, the RVRS is a reliable alternative. Their phone number is 617-740-2600.

The Massachusetts ordering guide at mass.gov lays out each method available for requesting a certified birth certificate, whether you want to go in person, by mail, or online. That page also explains who qualifies to make a request and what identification you need to provide.

The screenshot below shows the Massachusetts ordering guide, which covers Nantucket County birth records along with all other Massachusetts towns.

Review the Massachusetts vital records fee schedule before you order through the state so you know what to expect. Fees differ slightly depending on whether you order from the local clerk or from the RVRS.

VitalChek Online Ordering

If you prefer to order online, VitalChek is an authorized service that processes birth certificate requests on behalf of the Massachusetts RVRS. You can reach VitalChek by phone at (866) 300-8535 or order directly through their website. Orders placed through VitalChek go to the state registry and typically arrive within a few weeks, though expedited shipping is usually available for an extra fee.

The screenshot below is from VitalChek's ordering portal, which is one of the ways Nantucket County residents can request a certified birth certificate without visiting the island or the state office in person.

VitalChek is most useful when time matters or when traveling to the island or Boston is not practical. The RVRS handles the actual records and issues the certificate, so the document you receive is just as official as one ordered directly from the state.

Note: VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the state fee, so check the fee schedule before you order to understand the full cost.

Who Can Request Nantucket Birth Records

Massachusetts law restricts who can access recent birth records. Under MGL Chapter 46, Section 2B, birth records for people under 70 years old can only be requested by the person named on the record, a parent or legal guardian, or someone with a clear legal need. Records for individuals over 70, or those who have been deceased for more than 50 years, are generally treated as public records.

When you contact the Nantucket Town Clerk, expect to show a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID all work. If you are requesting a record for a family member, bring something that shows the relationship, such as your own birth certificate listing the parent's name. The rules are set by state law, so the clerk does not have discretion to waive them.

Adopted individuals have separate rights under Massachusetts law to access their original birth records. Contact the RVRS or the town clerk for current guidance on that process, as procedures can be updated over time.

Historical Nantucket Birth Records

Nantucket was settled in the 1600s, and its records go back a long way. For genealogy researchers looking into older births, the Massachusetts State Archives holds vital records for many Massachusetts towns going back to the colonial period. Nantucket is well represented in these collections. Many records have been digitized and indexed, which makes it possible to search without visiting in person.

The New England Historic Genealogical Society, known as NEHGS and found at americanancestors.org, is another strong resource. Their collection includes Massachusetts vital records and some records specific to island communities. A subscription gives you access to their full database. For free searches, FamilySearch has indexed many Massachusetts birth records and is a good place to start if you do not know exactly when or where a birth occurred.

Note: Genealogy databases are useful for research but do not produce certified copies, which are required for legal purposes like passport applications or name changes.

What to Expect When You Apply

The process for getting a Nantucket County birth certificate is straightforward once you know where to go. Contact the town clerk first. If the clerk cannot help, try the RVRS. If you need historical records from before 1926, the State Archives is your best option.

For in-person requests, bring a photo ID and payment. Most Massachusetts town clerks take cash, checks, or money orders. Some offices now accept credit cards, but that varies. Call the Nantucket Town Clerk at (508) 228-7200 before your visit to confirm what payment types they accept and what their current hours are. Island offices sometimes have seasonal hours that differ from their standard schedule.

Mail requests take longer than in-person visits, usually two to four weeks depending on the office's workload. If you are under time pressure, ordering through VitalChek with expedited delivery is usually faster. Either way, give yourself more time than you think you need, especially if the record is needed for an upcoming legal appointment or travel date.

Nearby Counties

For Massachusetts mainland birth records, contact clerks in these neighboring counties.