The City Clerk's Office is open to the public and can issue licenses/permits from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Between 4:30pm–5:00pm, the office is open, but services are limited. On Fridays, all services are by appointment only excepting handicap placard applications, which can be taken at any time. On all other business days, appointments are required for Marriage Licenses. Please call (607) 772-7005 to schedule your appointment or email clerk@cityofbinghamton.gov.

PUBLIC COMMENT AT MOST BUSINESS MEETINGS

Public Comment is permitted at all City Council business meetings in which there is pending legislation to be voted upon, see § 26-5 B(1) and (2) above. Public comment is not permitted at a business meeting where no legislation is to be voted upon, see § 26-5 B(3) [e.g., City Council Organizational meeting, State of the City, and the Mayor's presentation of the annual budget] or at work sessions and committee meetings. Public comment is subject to the following rules:

(a) Speakers must provide their name and any organization they are representing, if any; and state (i) if they live in the City, (ii) work in the City, (ii) live and work in the City, or (iv) do not live or work in the City. Speakers may include a home or work address at the speaker’s discretion.

(b) Speakers will appear in person, unless in person meetings are suspended by New York State. If a person wishes to submit public comment but is unable to attend a meeting in person, they may submit a letter or email to the City Clerk no later than 1 pm on the day of the meeting. The letter or email should provide a name and any organization they are representing, if any; and state (i) if they live in the City, (ii) work in the City, (ii) live and work in the City, or (iv) do not live or work in the City. The letter or email will be distributed to members of Council. The letter will be included in the record. The letter may be read by any member of City Council during the public comment period.

(c) Speakers will have up to five (5) minutes to address City Council regarding pending legislation and issues affecting the City.

(d) Public comment is not a question and answer period. It is an opportunity for the public to address City Council. Members of Council should not interrupt speakers.

(e) Speakers will conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner and they will not defame, intimidate, make personal affronts, make threats of violence, or use profanity.

(f) Speakers will address their remarks to City Council, not to other members of the public nor City staff.

(g) Speakers and attendees will not interfere with, touch, manipulate, or disturb City equipment, including microphones and audio visual equipment, nor will they move tables or barriers.

(h) Speakers and attendees are not permitted to advance beyond the table designated for public comment without the consent of the Presiding Officer.

(i) Attendees will not delay or otherwise interrupt speakers nor will they disrupt the orderly conduct of the meeting. In this regard, members of the public will not shout, engage in unruly behavior, or speaking out when not recognized by the Presiding Officer (the President or President Pro Tem), City Clerk, or Deputy Clerk, defame, intimidate, issue personal affronts, threats of violence, or use profanity.

(j) No electioneering or campaigning is permitted at City Council meetings by speakers, attendees, nor members of City Council.

(k) All members of City Council are expected to preserve the order and decorum of City Council meetings. They will conduct themselves with decorum and advise members of the public to do the same.

(l) These rules will be posted in the City Council meeting room and on the City’s website.

Alarm License Requirements

If you wish to use a fire or police alarm, or a system of alarm devices, you must obtain a license from the City Clerk. A license needs to be obtained each time a device is installed or modified, but does not require renewal. 

License Fees

There is $10 fee for an Alarm License, but fines may be assessed for avoidable alarms. All avoidable alarms are recorded and attached to your license.

• First avoidable alarm each calendar year: Fee Waived
• Second avoidable alarm each calendar year: Fee Waived
• Third avoidable alarm each calendar year: $25
• Fourth avoidable alarm each calendar year: $50

Alarm User Application

FOIL Request, Application for Access to Public Records

Retention and Disposition Schedule for New York Local Government Records (LGS-1)

Online Submission

The issuance of a Banner Permit shall allow for the placement of a banner over and across a public highway. Note that the placement of such banners across public highways shall be completed by the City of Binghamton upon issuance of a permit.

For information on available banner locations, please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more information on Banner Permits, please review Chapter 327 of the Code of the City of Binghamton. 

Banner Permit Application

The issuance of a Block Party Permit shall allow for the closure of one or more City streets in residential districts for the purpose of hosting a social gathering intended to serve the residents of the street(s). Block parties shall be limited to one (1) day in length, and shall not include the provision of City services which would otherwise require an Event Permit.

In order to receive the Security Deposit back, please complete the asterisk marked spots on the claim for payment, mail it in with your application, and a stamped, self addressed envelope. Thank you.

For more information on Block Party Permits, please review Chapter 327 of the Code of the City of Binghamton.

Must be submitted 35 days prior to the event, otherwise $15 per day late fees will be added. NO EXCEPTIONS. 

Block Party Permit Application

Block Party Appendix A, Petition for Approval

Security Deposit Claim for Payment

Bowling Alley License Application

A person or any charitable organization intending to solicit funds or pledges for funds within the City of Binghamton by means of a door-to-door drive, or direct person-to-person fundraising solicitation for the benefit of a charitable or religious organization must obtain a Charitable Solicitor Permit from the Office of the City Clerk. Applications must be submitted two (2) days before soliciting begins.

For more information on Charitable Solicitor Licenses, please review Chapter 307 of the Code of the City of Binghamton. 

Charitable Solicitor License Application

This application is to obtain water service at community greenspaces that are on City-owned lots, or lots owned by a non-profit. The Applicant must demonstrate that the community garden has an open, transparent process in place to allow all residents to fairly and equitably apply for a plot.

Community Greenspace Water Service Request Application

According to New York State regulations, New York State residents with one or more severe disabilities which impair mobility may be eligible for a disability parking permit or license plate. Disability parking permits may be obtained from the municipality in which you reside. Disability license plates may be obtained by contacting the Broome County Department of Motor Vehicles.

Residents of the City of Binghamton are the only individuals who may obtain a disability parking permit from the City of Binghamton. Applicants must complete their portion of the application and bring the document to their medical provider for approval before submitting the application to the City Clerk's Office. Applicants must also provide a valid form of personal identification listing their current address. If the address does not match their current residency, applicants must bring an official piece of mail with their name and current address as supplemental documentation.

Please note that permits are issued to the applicant, not to a vehicle. Thus, only one permit is issued per applicant. These permits are free of charge.

Applicants are permitted to have a representative bring in a properly filled out original application accompanied by the applicant's personal identification (or a copy of front and back thereof).

If an applicant currently has a placard in their possession, we request that it be brought in, as well.

NYS Handicapped Parking Tag Application

License Requirements

All dogs in New York State must be licensed at four (4) months of age and must be renewed on an annual basis. Each licensed dog is issued a metal identification tag which must be attached to the dog collar.

To license a dog, the owner must download, complete, and submit a Dog License Application to the City Clerk's Office in person. Applications are also available to be picked up in the office during regular business hours. Applicants must also provide the following information:

• Rabies vaccination certificate from a veterinarian
• Personal photo identification
• Spay/neuter certificate from a veterinarian (if applicable)
• If the dog has previously been licensed in another municipality, all related documents must be provided.

Please note that you must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to license a dog in your name. You cannot license a dog in someone else's name.

Renewing a Dog License

The City Clerk’s Office will mail a notice of renewal to each licensed dog owner. You may renew a dog license by mail or in person. All renewals must be accompanied by the appropriate license fees, as outlined above. If your dog has received a rabies vaccination since the previous license was issued, please send a copy of the certificate. If your dog has been altered (spayed/neutered) since the previous license was issued, please send a copy of the certificate of verification from your veterinarian.

Transferring Dog Ownership

When dog ownership is transferred from one person to another, the original owner will need to provide a statement in writing authorizing this transfer. The new owner will need to obtain a dog license in his or her name, even if the dog is currently licensed. If you would like to transfer the ownership of a dog from another person to yourself, a signed statement regarding the transfer must be provided.

A Note on Rabies Vaccinations

Please note that in order to issue a dog license, the person applying for a dog license must be the same person listed as the dog owner on the rabies certificate. All dogs in the State of New York must be vaccinated against rabies. This vaccine may be obtained from a licensed veterinarian. For a schedule of rabies clinics offered in Broome County, please visit the Broome County Health Department.

A Note on Spaying/Neutering Your Dog

Information about getting your dog spayed or neutered may be obtained from your veterinarian.

Overview

The issuance of an Event Permit may allow for the exclusive and reserved use of a designated area or portion of City property, including streets, parks or other public property, excluding carousels and pools, for concerts, festivals, weddings, processions, races, parades, protests, marches, block parties, fundraisers, sales, camping and/or other social gatherings. This section includes, but is not limited to, those activities which would allow the following:

• The closure of one or more street for the purpose of limiting vehicular traffic;
• The placement of platforms, stages, tents, tables, chairs and/or grandstands upon City property;
• The operation of cooking apparatuses on City property;
• The sale of food, beverages, goods and/or other merchandise on City property;
• The consumption of alcohol on City property; and
• Access to City electricity and/or water service. (You must contact DPW to set up service)

For more information on Event Permits, please review Chapter 327 of the Code of the City of Binghamton. 

Use of City Parks

If you wish to reserve a space at a City park for your event, please contact the Department of Parks & Recreation or Clerk's Office before submitting an Event Permit application to confirm availability. 

Disclaimer

Submission of an Event Permit application does not guarantee approval of the event, the proposed location or any other details contained within the Event Permit application.

Any event with participants (including event staff/volunteers) of 5,000 or more, please visit the NYS Department of Health website to view the Part 18 permit: 

https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/part18.htm

Must be submitted 30 days prior to the event, otherwise $15 per day late fees will be added. NO EXCEPTIONS. All Event Permits must be submitted in person or via mail. No Emailed Event Permit Applications will be accepted.

Event Permit Application

Event Permit Application (Fillable)

Appendix A, Maps of Races & Parades

Appendix B, City Sponsorship

Appendix D, Mural Request for Event Permit

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Waiver Release Murals on Streets

Please call (607) 772-7005 to schedule your appointment, or email clerk@cityofbinghamton.gov.

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. A marriage license allows the couple to be married anywhere in New York State.

To obtain a marriage license in the City of Binghamton, the couple must apply in person and comply with the following:

• In New York State, there is a 24-hour waiting period after obtaining a Marriage License. An applicant's license is valid for 60 days following this waiting period. The ceremony must take place somewhere within New York State. We typically recommend scheduling your appointment about one (1) month prior to your ceremony.
• For parties with previous marriages, we require proof of how the marriage ended. If divorce, we require certified divorce decrees (typically kept at the County Clerk's Office where it was filed). If the marriage ended due to death of a spouse, we require a certified death certificate.
• Both parties must be present and able to complete the marriage application in person at the Clerk's Office. We limit the appointment to just the couple applying, no third parties excepting a certified translator as necessary.
• Both parties must have Birth Certificates (original or certified copy—must contain a raised seal).
• Both parties must have valid photo ID (Driver's IDs, Passports, and Sheriff's IDs are considered acceptable).
• All documents must be in English and certified and/or original. Both parties must speak, write, and understand English, otherwise a certified translator is required to attend your application appointment. For assistance in obtaining a certified translation of any document, or in obtaining a translator, please contact the American Civic Association.
• The fee for a marriage license is $40, payable by cash, money order, or local bank check made out to the City of Binghamton.

For more information on obtaining a marriage license in New York State, please visit the New York State Department of Health website.

The Binghamton City Clerk's Office reserves the right to refuse any couple who seeks to obtain a marriage license from our office.

Please note that the City Clerk's Office only maintains records of marriage licenses issued within the City of Binghamton. If a document is not found within our records, you may wish to contact the clerks in surrounding municipalities.

Marriage Transcripts

Requests for information pertaining to marriages which occurred within the past fifty (50) years may be made by either party to the marriage or by the designated powers of attorney.

Marriage transcripts can be obtained in person or by mail. To obtain a transcript, you must provide the following:

• Application to Town/City Clerk for Copy of Marriage Record (DOH-301). This application constitutes a written request for a transcript. All applications must include the couples' names (including any maiden names), dates of birth, and the date of marriage, along with a description of the purpose for which the record is required.
• Valid photo identification (or a copy of front and back thereof)
• Marriage Transcript Fee: The standard fee for a marriage transcript is $10, payable by cash, money order or local bank check made out to the City of Binghamton.

For more information on Marriage Transcripts, please visit the New York State Department of Health's website.

Genealogy Records

Requests for information pertaining to marriages which occurred fifty (50) or more years ago may be obtained by anyone, provided that the marriage license has been on file for at least fifty (50) years, and both spouses are known to be deceased.

Genealogy records can be obtained in person or by mail. To obtain a record, you must provide the following:

• General Information & Application For Genealogical Services (DOH-4384). This application constitutes a written request for a genealogy record. All applications must include the couples' names (including any maiden names), dates of birth, and the date of marriage, along with a description of the purpose for which the record is required.
• Current photo identification (or a copy of front and back thereof)
• Genealogy Record Fee: The standard fee for a genealogy record is $22, payable by cash, money order, or local bank check made out to the City of Binghamton. This fee includes a three-year search of the index and either a copy of the record or a no-record report. This fee is non-refundable.

For the full fee schedule, including the cost of a genealogy record search spanning more than three years, and for more information on Genealogy Records in general, please visit the New York State Department of Health's webpage on Genealogy Records & Resources.

Application to Town-City Clerk for Copy of Marriage Record, DOH-301_0

General Information & Application for Genealogical Services, DOH-4384

The New York State Liquor Authority is responsible for all licenses issued for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Applicants are required to mail a certified letter to the Clerk of the municipality in which the business will take place stating the nature of the business.

For more information, please visit the New York State Liquor Authority website.

The City of Binghamton has several regulations pertaining to noise, as outlined in our Code of Ordinances. A permit authorizing an exemption from some of these regulations may be issued to applicants who demonstrate that compliance with the noise regulations would constitute an unreasonable hardship on the applicant, the community or on other persons. 

For more information on Noise Permits, please review Chapter 292 of the Code of the City of Binghamton. 

There is a $30 fee for Noise Permits and a $5 fee for each additional day.

Noise Permit Application

To purchase City-owned property, the applicant must formally submit an Offer to Purchase to the Office of the Mayor. The Mayor's Office forwards all Offers to the following departments:

• Office of Building Construction & Code Enforcement. This Office compiles information pertaining to code violations which may have occurred at the property in question, or at any properties which the applicant may own in the City of Binghamton. 
• Office of the Assessor. The City Assessor reviews the proposed purchase price, and determines whether the offer is in line with the value of the property, given the proposed use. 
• Department of Planning, Housing and Community Development. This department reviews the proposed use of the property in question, and determines if it is consistent with zoning regulations and if the sale would favorably impact the character and development of the neighborhood. 

Such recommendations are forwarded to the Board of Estimate and Apportionment for review. The Board makes the initial determination of approval or denial. If the Offer is approved, all sales of City-owned property must then be formally approved by the Council of the City of Binghamton through the adoption of legislation. After such legislation is adopted, the deed transfer may commence. 

Offer to Purchase Property

Offer to Donate Property

In order to conduct outdoor fireworks or indoor pyrotechnic displays within the City of Binghamton, you must obtain a permit from the City Clerk. 

For more information on Outdoor Fireworks & Indoor Pyrotechnics Permits, please review Chapter 235 of the Code of the City of Binghamton. 

Outdoor Fireworks & Indoor Pyrotechnics Application

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Chapter 275 of the City Code

Outdoor Storage of Unlicensed Vehicle Application

Pawnbrokers, also known as "Collateral Loan Brokers" may operate in the City of Binghamton provided that they obtain a license from the City Clerk's Office. 

For more information on Pawnbroker Permits, please review Chapter 275 of the Code of the City of Binghamton. 

Pawnbroker Permit Application

A peddler is generally defined as a person who may either move from place to place with the intent to sell general merchandise, or who solicits orders and makes deliveries to purchasers. All peddlers must obtain a Peddler License from the City Clerk's Office. 

For more information about Peddler Licenses, please review Chapter 275 of the Code of the City of Binghamton.

Peddler License Application

The Code of the City of Binghamton currently allows for six individual Stationary Pushcart Vendors to operate within the City of Binghamton at designated locations. For information on which locations are available, please contact the City Clerk's Office. 

For more information on Stationary Pushcart Vendor Permits, please review Chapter 307 of the Code of the City of Binghamton. 

Pushcart Permit Application

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The issuance of a Wedding Ceremony Permit may allow for the reserved use of a designated area or portion of City property for a Wedding Ceremony only.

Wedding Ceremony Permit