cityofboston.gov - Official Web Site of the City of Boston - Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I obtain a copy of a birth, marriage, or death certificate?: Certified copies of birth, death and marriage records are available from the Registry Division, located in room 213, at Boston City Hall. You can request a certified copy of a record by mail or in person. The cost is $12.00 in person or $15.00 by mail and payable by cash, check, or money order. Note: Office is CLOSED on Wednesdays.
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How do I pay a parking ticket?: A parking ticket issued by the City of Boston can be paid online, by mail, or in person at the Office of Parking Clerk located in Room 224 of Boston City Hall. If you choose to pay online, acceptable forms of payment include Visa and MasterCard. By mail, you may pay with a check or money order. The office accepts cash, check, money order, and Visa or MasterCard for tickets paid in person.
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How do I appeal a parking ticket?: If you would like to appeal a parking ticket, you may do so in person at the Office of the Parking Clerk, located in Room 224 of Boston City Hall. You may also choose to appeal a ticket by mail or online. Please make sure to include the nature of the dispute, your name, mailing address, plate registration and ticket number(s).
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What do I need to park a moving van/dumpster on my street?: If you need to park a moving van on the street for any reason, you will need a Street Occupancy permit that is jointly issued by the Public Works and Transportation Departments. You must apply in person at least 48 hours prior to when you need the space.
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How do I report a traffic light that is not working?: To report a traffic light that is not functioning properly, please call the Mayor's 24 Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500 or submit a report online.
Report Traffic Signal Problem

My car was towed. Who do I need to contact to get it back?: The process for recovering a towed vehicle depends on the reason it was towed.
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If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, please contact the following:

Boston Police Tow Line: 617-343-4629
Boston Transportation Department Tow Lot: 617-635-3900
Search Online Database by license plate

When is street cleaning in my neighborhood? Can the City remind me?: The City's neighborhoood street cleaning (daytime) program runs from April 1 through November 30 for all neighborhoods except the North End and South End which runs from March 1 through December 31. You can search schedules by street name or by a combination of neigborhood/day and register for email reminders.
Sign Up for Alerts

How do I get a Boston Meter Card?: You may purchase a Boston Meter Card in person or online. You may purchase one in person at the Office of the Parking Clerk located in Room 224 of Boston City Hall or at Transportation Department Tow Lot located at 200 Frontage Road.
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I have a large item I need to throw away. How do I do this?: The City collects a variety of bulk items. Many items can be picked up with your regular trash; however, televisions, computer monitors, water coolers, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners must be scheduled for pick-up. To schedule a pick-up for one of these items, please contact the Mayor’s 24 Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500 or submit a request online.

The City does not pick up construction debris, plumbing fixtures, or large amounts of liquid waste. If you have any questions about what is acceptable, please review the City's waste regulations.
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Bulk Item Pick Up Request

They missed my waste/recycling. What do I do?: If your waste or recycling was missed on your regularly scheduled trash day, please contact the Mayor’s 24 Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500 or submit a request online. Please make sure the materials are free of construction debris or other prohibited materials.
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Report Missed Pickup

How do I report a trash violation?: Trash violations include trash that is put out well before or after pick up has occurred on a particular street, trash that is put out in improper containers such as boxes or grocery bags, or a trash barrel that is overflowing. If you have any questions about what is and is not a violation, please contact the Mayor’s 24 Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500.

If you would like to report a trash violation for a property in the City, please contact the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500 or submit a request online.
Report Improper Storage of Trash

How do I report a broken streetlight, pothole or cracked sidewalk?: To report a broken streetlight, pothole, or cracked sidewalk, please contact the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at (617) 635-4500. Additionally you may submit a report online. We also encourage you to use our Citizens Connect mobile application to quickly report issues using your iOS or Android device.
Report Broken Streetlight
Report Pothole
Report Cracked Sidewalk
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How can I pay my motor vehicle excise tax?: You can pay or look up Motor Vehicle Excise taxes online. For other questions about excise taxes, please contact the Taxpayer Referral and Assistance Center (TRAC) at 617-635 4287.
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Pay Online
Pay Delinquent Excise Tax Online

How can I pay my real estate/property taxes or find information on a property?: If you would like to find information about a property, you can search the City's Assessing Online database For additional questions about real estate or property taxes, please contact the Taxpayer Referral and Assistance Center (TRAC) at 617-635 4287.
Assessing Online
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Where do I report an issue with housing (no heat/hot water, etc.)?: If you would like to report a building/structural issue for a property in the City, please contact the Mayor’s 24HR Hotline at (617) 635-4500 or submit a request online.
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Report Insufficient Heat
Report No Utilities - Water
Report No Utilities - Gas
Report No Utilities - Electricity

Where do I report a building/structural issue?: If you would like to report a building/structural issue for a property in the City, please contact the Mayor’s 24HR Hotline at (617) 635-4500 or submit a request online.
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Report Unsafe/Dangerous Conditions
Report Work Without Permit

Where do I find my waste/recycling day, fire or police stations, or my voting location?: You can use My Neigborhood to search for information on local services in your area, including trash & recycling scheduling, fire & police stations, and voting locations.
My Neighborhood
Neighborhood Information