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City Clerk's Office Frequently Asked Questions

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Birth, Death, & Marriage Certificates

How may I obtain a certified copy of a Birth, Death, or Marriage Certificate?

You may go in person to Boston City Hall's Registry Division or you may view instructions on how to request by mail.

Note: There are restrictions for requests of birth records.

Business Certificate

How long is a Business Certificate valid?: A business certificate is valid for four (4) years from the date of filing.

What law governs Business Certificates?: A business certificate is governed under and maintained according to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 110.

Why do I need a valid government issued photo ID?: Valid government issue photo ID is required as proof that you are who you say you are.

Why am I not able to use a P.O. Box as my business or residential address?: According to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 110, a physical address which contains a street name and number must be used as the business address.

Why must I pay a fee to change my Business Certificate?: According to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 110, there is no amendment to a business certificate. When business certificate information is changed once filed, it must be resubmitted with the new information and a fee is associated with those changes according to City Ordinance, Ch. 18-1.2.

Going Out of Business Sale

How do I file a "Going Out of Business Sale"?: Any entity that is a holding a "Going Out of Business Sale" or conducting a "Liquidation Sale" in the City of Boston must file an application for the close-out sale with the Office of the City Clerk within three business days before the initial sale date. The application must include an inventory of all present stock being liquidated, a bond in the amount of $1,000.00 dollars and the $30.00 filing fee.

Hawkers/Peddlers/Vendors Permits

How may I obtain a Hawker/Peddler/Vendor Permit?: Hawker/Peddler/Vendor Permit applications and permits are handled by the Massachusetts Division of Standards. They may be obtained by going to the John W. McCormick Bldg., located at 1 Ashburton Place, Room 1115, Boston, MA or by accessing them online.

Import/Export Licenses

Where do I obtain an Import/Export License?: An Import/Export license application may be obtained by calling the Massachusetts Import/Export Center and speaking with a representative at (617) 973-8664 or by downloading the application.

City of Boston Claims

When may I file a claim against the City?

Personal injuries due to incidents on public walkways or property damage due to road defects, etc., Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 84, Section 15 with a 30-Day statute of limitations.
Personal injuries or property damage due to the negligence of the City and its employees, Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 258 with a two (2) year statute of limitations.

Filing a Claim »

What is the procedure for filing a claim?: You are requested to provide as much information as possible to document your claim, including pictures. Claims are filed in the Office of the City Clerk, then referred to the City's Law Department. You should direct any questions regarding the status of a claim after it's been filed to the City's Law Department at (617) 635-4034.

Filing a Claim »

Why must I pay a fee to file a claim?: City Ordinance Ch. 18-1.3 requires the filing fee; however, if the decision is rendered in your favor, your fee becomes part of your settlement.

May I fax my claim?: No. Original signature claims are required to be filed in person and/or mailed to the Office of the City Clerk and must be time stamped due to the Statute of Limitations.

What is a Statute of Limitations?: A Statute of Limitations is the allowed time frame during which you must file a claim against the City.

Why must I file a claim for the refund of towing charges?: If a private towing company towed your vehicle, those funds were paid directly to the company by the City in order to release your vehicle. The only way the City may reimburse those funds is through your filing of a claim.

Constable Appointments

How may I be appointed Constable of the City of Boston?

You must apply in person at the Boston Police Headquarters' Licensing Division, 1 Schroeder Pl., Roxbury, MA, from January 2^nd thru February 15^th of each calendar year. Constables are appointed by the Mayor and are regulated by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41 and City Ordinance, Ch. 2-7.2.

More Information »

Copies of Filed Documents

How may I obtain a certified copy of legislation passed by the City Council?: A certified copy of a City Council document may be obtained by visiting the City Clerk's Office; however, certain information filed or adopted prior to January 1, 2001 is handled by the City's Archives & Records Division. You may speak with Archives staff by calling (617) 635-1195.

Corporation/LLC/Ltd/Incorporation/Non-Profits/Trust Filings

How may I file as a Corporation, LLC, Ltd, Incorporation, Non-Profit, Trust, etc.?: You must file with the Massachusetts Secretary of the State, Division of Corporations at John W. McCormick Bldg., 1 Ashburton Pl., Room 1719, Boston, MA, (617) 727-9640.

Division of Inspectional Services Permits, Violations, Etc.

What are the different types of permits, violations, etc. processed through the Inspectional Services Division, and where may I obtain them?

Occupancy Permits - (617) 961-3223
Food/Health Permits - (617) 635-5326
Housings, Violations, Complaints - (617) 635-5322
Code Enforcement - (617) 635-4896
Building & Construction Permits - (617) 961-3271
Public Health Commission - (617) 534-2363
Park & Recreation Permits - (617) 635-4505

All of the above departmental sections are located at 1010 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA, 02118.

Inspectional Services Division »

Domestic Partnerships

How may I file a Domestic Partnership?: A Domestic Partnership form may be downloaded through the City Clerk's Office. Both parties are required to complete and sign the form. Either party may submit the form in person or mail it to the City Clerk's Office. Domestic Partnerships are governed by City Ordinance Ch. 12-9A.

Special Events

How may I obtain a permit to hold an event in a public park?: You must apply for a permit with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. You may call (617) 635-4505 or view their Special Event Applications.

How may I find out what special event(s) are being held in Boston?: You may call the Arts, Tourism, & Special Events Department and speak with a representative at (617) 635-3911 or by viewing the Arts or City of Boston calendars.

Federal Tax Identification/State Sale Tax Numbers

How may I receive a Federal Tax ID/Employment Identification Number or State Sales Tax Number?: You may apply for a Federal Tax ID/Employment Identification Number by calling 1-800-829-1040 or completing the Federal Form; for a State Sale Tax number, you may call 1-800-392-6089 or complete the State Form.

Filing Complaints about City Services

Where do I go to file a complaint about city services?

You may call complete one of four options through the Mayor's 24-Hour Constituent Service:

Call the Mayor's 24-Hour Constituent Services Hotline at (617)-635-4500,
Complete an online form,
File in person by speaking with one of the representatives of constituent services at Boston City Hall, Mayor's Office, 5th Floor,
Or use the Citizens Connect mobile application to file a report.

Fingerprinting Services

Where may I go to obtain fingerprinting services?

You may obtain fingerprinting services at:

Mills Fingerprinting Services, Inc.
(617) 720-2524
50 Congress St., Suite #B2
Boston, MA 02109
Boston Police Headquarters
(617) 343-4200
1 Schroeder Plaza, Licensing Division
Boston, MA 02120
Federal Bureau of Investigations
(617) 233-6110
1 Center Plaza, Suite #600
Boston, MA 02108

More Information on Fingerprinting »

Livery & Limousine Permits or Jitney License

Where may I obtain a Livery or Limousine permit or a Jitney License?

To operate as a Livery or Limousine service within the City of Boston you must file a Business Certificate with the City Clerk's Office, and apply for your Livery or Limousine plates with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, (617) 531-4500.

However, if you wish to drop off or pick-up at specific stops within the City of Boston, such as the Airport, MassPort areas, Convention Centers, and/or hotels, you must apply in addition for a Jitney license. Applications must be conducted in person at the Office of the City Clerk.

More Information »

Moving Truck or Dumpster Permits

How may I obtain a permit for a Moving Truck or Dumpster?: You may obtain a permit by going in person to the Boston Transportation Department, Boston City Hall, Room #724 to apply for a "No Parking" sign. Then, you may take the "No Parking" sign to the Public Works Department, Boston City Hall, Room #714, to apply for the actual permit. In addition, if you wish to obtain a dumpster permit, you must obtain a letter from the disposal company stating the size of the dumpster being used and intended duration of use.

More Information »

Notary or Apostille Certification

How may I obtain a notarized document and/or apply for an Apostille Certification?: You may apply for notary certification from the City Clerk's Office. To apply for Apostille Certification for a notarized document you must go to the Massachusetts Secretary of the State, Division of Corporations at the John W. McCormick Bldg., 1 Ashburton Plc., Room #1719, Boston, MA, (617) 727-2832.

Is there a fee to have my document notarized?: Yes. The cost to notarize a document is $2.50 per document.

Payment of Marijuana Violations

Where do I go to make a payment for a marijuana violation?: Payments for marijuana violations issued in the City of Boston must be paid at the City Clerk's Office. You must have the original pink copy of the citation.

Physician Registration

Why must I register my medical license?: You are required by Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 112 to do so.

Who is exempt from filing?

A resident training with a limited license
An intern with a limited license
A physician conducting research (exclusively)
A physician teaching (exclusively)
A physician practicing at a Federal Facility (Veterans Administration)

More Information »

Why must I pay a filing fee?: The filing fee is set by the Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 112 and by City Ordinance, Ch.18-1.16.

Public Meeting/Hearing Notices

Where may I view upcoming public meeting/hearing notices?: All public meeting notices may be viewed by going to the bulletin board located in Boston City Hall, 1^st floor, or by viewing the calendar.

Raffle/Bazaar/Las Vegas Night

Who may apply for a permit to hold a Raffle/Bazaar/Las Vegas Night in the City of Boston?

Only "Non-Profit" organizations that are registered with the Massachusetts Secretary of State, Division of Corporations for at least two (2) years.

The permit must be applied for within Thirty (30) days prior to the event. There must be (3) members of the organization listed on the application, who shall be responsible for the operation of the event(s) held under the permit.

More Information »

Type of Filings or Services provided by the City Clerk's Office

What type of filings and services are provided by the City Clerk's Office?

Assignment of Wages
Attachment of Bulky Personal Property
Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors
Billing f/Poles and Conduits
Blasting Bond
Business Certificate
City Council Filings
City Ordinance Filings
City Charter (book)
City Contracts
City of Boston Code
Child Support Liens
Closing Out Sales
Declaration of Homestead for a Manufactured Home
Domestic Partnerships
Filing a Claim
Jitney Licenses
Mayoral Receipt
Medical Registration
Mergers of Associations or Trusts into Corporations
Military Discharge
Petition for Poles
Physician Certificate of Registration
Power of Attorney
Public Utility Condense Return
Public Utility Locations granted by Building Commissioner
Public Way Certificate
Racing Licenses
Public Notice/Raffles & Bazaars
Ship or Vessel (including Vehicle) Liens
Notary Public
Notice of Tax Liens (state)
Oaths (city’s elected or appointed officials)
Trusts, Instruments, and Amendments
Uniform Commercial Code Financing Statements
University Accountability Reports
Weigher of Goods
Veteran's Discharge

More information, including fees and requirements, is located with the City Clerk.

Underground Storage Tanks

Where are the underground storage tank records filed?: The records for the underground storage tanks, which are known as "21E Search", are filed with the Boston Fire Department. You may call and speak with a Ms. Frances Marte at (617) 343-3336; however, the Boston Fire Prevention Code is filed in the City Clerk's Office.

Permiting Agencies

What are some of the types of permits and/or licenses issued by the State?

You may obtain various permits and/or licenses from the State Boards of Registration. Permits and Licenses include:

Permits and Licenses	State Board Contact
Barber's	617-727-7367
Collection Agencies (Check Cashier's, Lender's, Broker's, Finance Agencies')	617-956-1500
Cosmetologist's (Aesthetician's, Beautician's, Hairdresser's, Manicurist's)	617-727-9940
Elderly Care	617-727-9368
Electrician's (Master/Journeyman's, Fire Warning, Contractor's)	617-727-9931
Fishing/Hunting/Trapping	617-626-1590
Home Improvement/Construction	617-727-3200
Home Inspector's	617-727-4459
Landscaping	617-727-3072
Massage Therapist's	617-727-9952
Painter's/Rigger's	617-727-3200
Plumber's & Gasfitter's	617-727-9952
Real Estate Broker's/Salespeople	617-727-2373

More Information »

What are some of the types of permits and/or licenses issued by the City?

You may obtain various permits and/or licenses from the City of Boston.

Permits and licenses issued:

Permits and Licenses	City Contact
Alcoholic Beverages (retail, café, restaurant, bar, etc.) More Information »	617-635-4170
Building/Construction Permits More Information »	617-961-3271
Catering/Food Permits	617-635-5326
Dancing School	617-635-4170 617-961-3223
Dog/Kennel License (Animal Control Department) More Information »	617-635-4100
Entertainment (Psychic Readers, Pool Table, TVs, Pinball, etc.)	617-635-4170
Hackney License (Police Department) More Information »	617-343-4500
Inn Holders' License (Inspectional Services Division)	617-961-3223
Lunch/Cart Trucks (Inspectional Services Division)	617-635-5326
Salons (nails, hair, spas, braiding, tanning, etc.)	617-961-3223
Used Car Dealers (Police Department)	617-343-4500

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