Public Records Requests

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Every record that is made or received by a government entity or employee is presumed to be a public record unless a specific statutory exemption permits or requires it to be withheld in whole or in part. A list of exemptions may be found in Chapter 4, Section 7(26) of the Massachusetts General Laws. 

The City of Malden's "Records Access Officer" is our City Clerk, Greg Lucey.

Submit Public Records Requests

A public records request is a request to either inspect, copy or both, public records. There is no requirement that the request be made in person or in writing, or be in any particular form. The person making the request is not required to identify himself/herself, or to provide information about the reason for the request or how the records will be used. The request must be clear enough to enable the City to conduct a meaningful search. 

The City may ask questions about the request in order to respond to the request fully and in a timely manner. The State acknowledges that access to information is a fundamental and necessary right of every citizen. Submit a Public Records Request (FOIA) request now.

Requesting a Birth, Death or Marriage Certificate

Requests for birth, death, or marriage certificates are not part of the FOIA process. Certified copies of vital records may be requested online using a checking account number or credit card by following this link https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/. 

Vital records may also be picked up in person at the Office of the City Clerk, located at 215 Pleasant Street, Room 220 Malden, MA 02148.

All long form certified vital records are embossed with the Seal of the City of Malden and fulfill legal requirements for government purposes such as Real ID, passports, and I9 forms.