Springfield Public Records

Springfield public records are kept by the City Clerk, the Assessor's Office, the Police Department, and other city agencies. Springfield is the largest city in western Massachusetts and serves as the county seat of Hampden County. This page explains how to search and request public records in Springfield, which offices hold different types of documents, and how state law applies to your request.

Springfield City Clerk Office

The Springfield City Clerk is the official custodian of the city's public records. The office is in Room 23 at City Hall, 36 Court Street. The Clerk holds vital records going back to 1636, making Springfield one of the oldest municipalities in Massachusetts. Records include birth, marriage, and death certificates, business certificates for DBAs, dog licenses, public meeting minutes, city ordinances, and resolutions. If you need a certified document tied to city government, the Clerk's office is where to start.

The city's main website at springfield-ma.gov has department contact information and links to services. Staff can direct you to the right department if the record you need is held outside the Clerk's office.

The screenshot below shows the Springfield city website, where residents can find links to departments, public notices, and records information.

The Springfield city website provides department directories, public meeting notices, and access to various city services.

How to Request Springfield Public Records

Springfield must respond to public records requests within 10 business days under MGL Chapter 66, Section 10. Email your request to cityclerk@springfieldcityhall.com or submit it in person at City Hall. The City Clerk's office serves as the primary contact for records requests across many departments. For requests tied to a specific department, the Clerk's staff can route your inquiry to the right Records Access Officer.

State law sets a fee structure for public records. The first two hours of staff time are free. After that, the rate is capped at $25 per hour. Paper copies cost $0.05 per page. Electronic records that can be sent by email are typically provided at no extra charge. If a request is denied, you can appeal to the Supervisor of Records at One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, MA 02108.

Most requests for routine city documents, such as meeting minutes, contracts, or permit records, are fulfilled quickly. More complex requests involving large volumes of records or legal review may take the full 10 days.

Note: Include as much detail as possible in your request, such as the date range, document type, and names involved, to speed up the response.

Springfield Vital Records

Springfield vital records date back to 1636. The City Clerk issues certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates. Each certified copy costs $15. You can request records in person during office hours or by mail. Mail requests require a completed form, a copy of your government-issued ID, and a check or money order made out to the City of Springfield. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for returns by mail.

Only certain people can get certified copies. You must be the person named on the record, an immediate family member, a legal guardian, or someone with documented legal need. Genealogy researchers may have access to older records under state guidelines. If the city cannot fulfill your request, the state Registry of Vital Records and Statistics at mass.gov/orgs/registry-of-vital-records-and-statistics may have what you need.

Springfield Property and Assessor Records

The Springfield Assessor's Office is in Room 307 at City Hall, 36 Court Street. The office can be reached at (413) 787-6115. It holds property assessments, tax maps, and ownership records for all Springfield parcels. These records are public and can be accessed in person during business hours. The assessor's database shows current assessed values, tax class, lot details, and prior ownership history.

Deed records and land records are held by the Hampden Registry of Deeds, located at 50 State Street in Springfield. The registry's phone number is (413) 755-1723. You can search deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents online through MassLandRecords.com. The search covers all recorded instruments for Hampden County, which includes Springfield.

Property ownership history, tax lien information, and recorded mortgages are all part of the public land records system and free to view online through the MassLandRecords portal.

Springfield Police Records

The Springfield Police Department is at 130 Pearl Street. The non-emergency line is (413) 787-6300, and the main number is (413) 787-6302. Incident reports and accident reports are available through the Records Division. Submit a written request with details about the incident, including the date, location, and names of the parties involved. Fees may apply for copies of reports.

Court case records for Springfield are searchable online through MassCourts.org. This free system covers Springfield District Court, Hampden Superior Court, and other courts in the area. Search by name or case number. The Secretary of the Commonwealth's office at mass.gov/orgs/secretary-of-the-commonwealth oversees public records compliance statewide and is a resource if you have issues with a denied request.

Note: Court records for active or sensitive cases may have limited public access, but most civil and criminal dockets are viewable through MassCourts.

Hampden County Public Records

Springfield is the county seat of Hampden County. The Hampden Registry of Deeds and Hampden County courts serve the entire county, and their records are part of the broader public records landscape for Springfield residents. Visit the Hampden County page for a full overview of county-level resources.

View Hampden County Public Records

Nearby Qualifying Cities

Chicopee is the closest qualifying city to Springfield, located just north across the city line.