Massachusetts § 17A - Marriage records; state registrar; originals; certified copies
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 17A — Marriage records; state registrar; originals; certified copies, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17A. Marriage records; state registrar; originals; certified copies
Section 17A. Effective January 1, 2000, the clerk of each city and town shall, on or before the tenth day of the second month following every month in which marriages are solemnized, transmit to the state registrar upon forms furnished by him, the original record of such marriages and all documentary evidence. Certified copies of the marriages shall be retained by said clerk. If no marriages were filed for the month of the report, a report of such fact shall be transmitted to the state registrar. Prior to January 1, 2000, the clerk shall maintain all original documents and transmit to the state registrar a certified copy of each record of marriage. The clerk of each city and town shall annually, not later than April 15, report to the state registrar on forms furnished by him the number of intentions filed in the clerk's office, and the number of intentions on which licenses were not issued, or, if issued, not returned to the clerk.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 17A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 17A cover?
Section 17A ("Marriage records; state registrar; originals; certified copies") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 17A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 17A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 17A apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.