About

The City Clerk’s office is the official record keeper for the Schenectady City Council.

You can now use your MasterCard or Visa for payment in the City Clerk's office. Valid for in-person payments only.

Services

Marriage Licenses

A couple who intends to be married in New York State must apply in person for a marriage license to any town or city clerk in the state. The application for a license must be signed by both applicants in the presence of the town or city clerk. A representative cannot apply for the license on behalf of the applicant. This applies even if the representative has been given a Power of Attorney.
Notarized marriage license affidavits signed by the applicants cannot be substituted for their personal appearance.

• Persons must be 18 years old without parental consent.
• License fee is $40. Cash or money orders only, no personal checks accepted.
• Birth certificate and picture identification required.
• All previous divorce papers or death certificate of previous spouse are necessary.
• Licenses are good for 60 days. There is a 24-hour waiting period after the license is issued before the marriage can take place.

Birth Certificate Copies

• Person must be 18 years old. Only the individual themselves or their parents are entitled to a copy of the birth certificate. You must show photo identification to receive a copy of a birth certificate. If applying by mail, you must include a photocopy of your driver's license or two other forms of identification.
• Copy fee is $10. Cash or money order only, no personal checks accepted.
• Person must have been born in Ellis Hospital, St. Clare’s Hospital or directly in the City of Schenectady.
• Births after April 1942, if at Bellevue Hospital, are at the Niskayuna Town Hall.

Death Certificate Copies

• Can be obtained by legal spouse, parent, child, sibling over 18 years old or attorney of the deceased. You must show photo identification to receive a copy of a death certificate.
• Copy fee is $10. Cash or money order only, no personal checks accepted.
• Death must have occurred in Ellis Hospital, St. Clare’s Hospital or directly in the City of Schenectady.

Genealogy

• Search fee is $22 whether record is found or not. Cash or money order only, no personal checks accepted.
• Death records are kept on file at least 50 years.
• Marriage and birth records are kept on file at least 75 years. All individuals involved must be deceased.

Dog Licenses/Conservation Licenses

• Fees vary, call 518-382-5089.

Handicapped Parking Permits

• Must bring certificate or prescription from physician stating disability.
• Permanent permits are good for 5 years. Temporary permits are good for 6 months.

Please note that Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests are now handled by the Law Department, not the City Clerk's Office.

Documents, Licenses & Forms

New Marriage Licenses cannot be processed in the mail.

 All documents download in PDF Format.

When sending in a form by mail, be sure to include a photocopy of your driver's license or two other forms of identification. You must also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Failure to do so will result in a delay in processing your request until the necessary requirements are met.
Requests can be mailed to:
Schenectady City Clerk
Birth/Death/Marriage Certificate
105 Jay Street
Schenectady, NY 12305