FAQs • Bethlehem, NY • CivicEngage

How do I get an absentee ballot for voting if I cannot get to my polling location?: The application form can be picked up at either the town clerk’s office, on the table outside our office in the hallway or online on the Albany County web site. The form is to be completed and mailed to Albany County Board of Elections at the address specified on the form.

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Town Clerk

1. Are the leash and scooper laws Town of Bethlehem laws or state-wide?: The leash and scooper laws are local laws under the Town of Bethlehem and are in the Code of the Town of Bethlehem.

2. Are there any fees for marriage licenses? How long is the license valid? Can divorce decrees be photocopies?: The fee for a marriage license is $40. The license is valid for 60 days following a 24-hour waiting period. Divorce decrees must be an original or certified copy.

3. Can I get a fishing or hunting license at your office?: Yes, we issue New York State Department of Environmental Conservation licenses for fishing and hunting. One must bring a driver’s license or previous hunting license or hunter training certificate for hunting license.

4. Do you have a notary public on staff? What information must I provide to get a document notarized? Are there any fees involved?: Staff in the town clerk's office are notary publics. A person must bring proof of identification (driver's license, passport, or other forms of identification) to get a document notarized. There are fees for this service.

5. Does a dog have to be licensed in order to use the dog park? Must the dog's owner be a resident of the town to use the dog park?: Yes, the dog must have a current license. The dog park is available to Town of Bethlehem residents only.

6. How do I get a handicap parking permit?: You and your healthcare provider can complete the application form MV-664.1. If the doctor gives a prescription slip with diagnosis, the form can be filled out at our office for issuance of permit.

You also can have your healthcare provider complete a statement on their letterhead. The statement must describe the disabling condition and verify that the disability qualifies according to the law. Bring the form or statement to our office.

If you have a New York driver's license, you will also need to present the license when obtaining the permit at the office.

7. How do I register to vote?: A mail-in form can be picked up at either the town clerk’s office, on the table outside our office in the hallway or online on the Albany County web site. The form is to be completed and mailed to Albany County Board of Elections at the address specified on the form.

8. How do I get an absentee ballot for voting if I cannot get to my polling location?: The application form can be picked up at either the town clerk’s office, on the table outside our office in the hallway or online on the Albany County web site. The form is to be completed and mailed to Albany County Board of Elections at the address specified on the form.

9. How do I go about getting access to town records?: A FOIL request can be submitted to the town clerk for access to town records. Historical record information is available on the town clerk's and historian's webpages of this site. You can also email.

10. How often must a dog be licensed? What are the dog licensing fees?: The license is a yearly fee. You will receive a notification in the mail for renewals. See the fees associated with obtaining a dog license.

11. How old does a dog have to be to be licensed?: A dog must be licensed beginning at four months of age according to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Every dog, regardless of age, owned or harbored in New York State for longer than 30 days, must be licensed in the town, city, or village where the dog is being harbored.

12. I own a pet snake. Is there anything special I have to report?: Exotic pets must be registered with the town clerk by April 1 of each year. See the Reporting Wild Animals for information regarding this regulation.

13. What do I need to get a marriage license?: You will need two forms of identification, a driver’s license or picture ID and certified or original birth document. You will also need any divorce decrees for any previous marriages.

14. What election district am I in?: You may use the utility "Find My Polling Place" on the Albany County Board of Elections website or call their offices at 518-487-5060 for the most current information.

15. What information do I need to license my dog?: The appropriate fee, spay/neuter certificate (if applicable), proof of rabies vaccination signed by a licensed veterinarian and, if applicable, proof of exemption status.

16. What is needed to get a certificate of residency? Who needs them and why?: The person wishing to obtain a certificate of residency must provide proof of residency one year in New York State and six months in Albany County. The proof can be a New York driver’s license issued more than one year ago, car registration issued more than one year ago, high school transcript, bank statement, or other proof. One form should be a picture identification.