Public Records

Register to Vote

The deadline to register to vote in any election or regular town meeting is twenty (20) days prior to the date of the election or meeting. The deadline to register to vote in a special town meeting is ten (10) days prior to the special town meeting. You may register to vote in Everett if:

• you are a citizen of the United States; and
• you will be at least 18 years of age on or before the next election; and
• you are a resident of Massachusetts; and
• you are not currently incarcerated by reason of a felony conviction.

Dog Licenses

State law requires that every dog owner get a license for their dog each year. If your dog is 6 months or older, they must also be rabies vaccinated. In order to obtain a dog license you will need proof of current vaccinations. Failure to get your dog licensed, may result in fines.

Learn more about getting your dog licensed and apply for a license below.

Birth Certificates

You can get a copy of a birth certificate for anyone who was born at a hospital or home in Everett, or whose parents listed Everett as their residence at the time of the birth.

Please be aware that Massachusetts General Law only permits certain people to get a copy of a restricted birth certificate. If a record is restricted, only those people listed on the record can get a certified copy.

Learn more about birth certificates and apply for a copy below.

Marriage Licenses

You need to have a marriage license to get married in the State of Massachusetts. You can apply for a license from any city or town in the state — it doesn’t have to be from the town where you live or where your ceremony will be.

Before your wedding you’ll need to:

• fill out a notice of intention of marriage form
• pick up your marriage license
• give your license to the person conducting the ceremony

Learn more about what you need to do to get married before and after the ceremony, and apply online for your license below.

Death Certificates

We have death certificates for anyone who died in Everett, or who listed Everett as their home from 1870 to the present day. Only certified copies of records are issued regardless of intended use.

Please note that certain records are restricted from public access. Identification may be required for processing some orders. We do not maintain any indexes or records online and records are only available on site at the Clerk’s Office.

You may learn more accessing death certificates and apply for one below.

Building Permits

The building permit process is based on whether you’re making changes to a structure or to a building’s occupancy. Permitting for minor changes can be done online or in person. Major changes usually can only be started online, and you need to complete them in person. New construction projects require that you submit an application and then visit City Hall in person for an intake and building and zoning reviews.

When is a Minor Changes Permit required?

A Minor Changes Permit is required when making simple cosmetic updates to an existing structure. Alterations are considered minor when the existing building will not change its use, egress, have its living space increased, or fire protection changed.

When is a Major Changes Permit required?

A Minor Changes Permit is required when making simple cosmetic updates to an existing structure. Alterations are considered minor when the existing building will not change its use, egress, have its living space increased, or fire protection changed.

New Construction Permit

A Major Changes Permit is required for new buildings or additions, structural repairs or changes, changes to occupancy and use, and when increasing a buildings capacity.

Ordinances & Charter