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1. How may I obtain a copy of a birth, marriage or a death certificate?

1)  In person at the City Clerk’s Office, 17 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA.

 2)  By mailing a completed certificate of application, with a check or money order for $10.00 per certified copy requested, and a stamped, self-addressed, business-sized envelope to the City Clerk’s Office, 17 Springfield Street, Chicopee, M 01013. 

 3)  Online via our Online Bill Pay Center. There is a small fee to pay directly from your checking account. Please note that a convenience fee will be charged for credit card payments.

Public Records Disclosure: Except for vital records that are restricted by law, vital records are a public record in Massachusetts. 

applications

2. What is the procedure for obtaining a Marriage License?

To obtain a marriage license in Chicopee, both parties must come into the City Clerk’s Office to apply. Due to time requirements involved applications for marriage intentions are accepted up to 4:00 PM. There is a three day waiting period and a twenty-five dollar filing fee. The three day waiting period includes weekends and holidays. You may apply for a marriage license in any city or town in Massachusetts, however, the marriage record will only be on file in the city or town where the license was obtained. Once the marriage license is returned to our office, and recorded, certified copies may be obtained at a cost of $10.00 each. Blood tests are no longer required. Both parties must be not less than 18 years of age. Per the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, proof of identification shall be presented with any of the following documents; (1) an original or certified copy of a record of birth; (2) an original or certified copy of a baptismal record; (3) a passport; (4) a life insurance policy; (5) an employment certificate; (6) a school record; (7) an immigration record; (8) a naturalization record; or (9) a court record. The clerk or registrar shall not accept documentary evidence of a lower grade unless the clerk or registrar is satisfied that evidence of a higher grade is not readily procurable. All documents are signed under the Pains and Penalties of Perjury. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the City Clerk’s Office. 

 

3. How do I register my new puppy/dog?

In Massachusetts, you need is a rabies certificate to register your puppy/dog. Once you receive this certificate from your veterinarian, you have 30 days from the date of vaccination, to come into the office and license your dog. If your new dog isn’t spayed or neutered the license fee is $5.00 if under 1 year of age. Once your puppy/dog is spayed or neutered the license fee is $5.00, with the spaying/neutering certificate, if not spayed or neutered the fee is $25.00. It is important to license your dog for a few reasons; * After April 30th, if not licensed, late fees begin to accumulate. * Without a license your dog could end up in the pound! * It’s the Law. If we are not in receipt of a rabies vaccination for your animal it is a violation of MGL Chapter 140, Section 137 registration and licenses. This means a complaint can be filed against those not in compliance in Chicopee District Court. * If your dog is lost, a license can help get your pooch home! To license your new puppy/dog through the mail, please use this

application.

4. What is a business certificate and how do I file a business certificate?

In order to regulate trade, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 110, Section 5 requires any person conducting a business, whether individually or as a partnership, under any title other than the real name of the person conducting the business to file a business certificate with the City Clerk. These certificates are often referred to as a “doing business as” certificate. For example, if you are Jane Smith, selling books as a sole proprietor, a partnership, or a corporation, and you are using Books Galore as a business name, you are required to have a business certificate on file with the City Clerk, unless the business is incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In order to file a business certificate with the City of Chicopee, you first must check with the Building Department to see if your location needs a certificate of occupancy or if the certificate of occupancy needs to be updated. The number you can reach them at is 413-594-1440.
Business certificates are valid for four years from the date of issuance, and there is a filing fee of $25.00. The business certificate should be posted in the place of business and be furnished upon request by any person who has purchased goods or services from such business.
You must modify your existing certificate of any business changes or file a Discontinuance form with the City Clerk if your business ceases to operate, please contact the City Clerk’s Office for the procedure.

5. How may I receive a Federal Tax ID?

You may apply for a Federal Tax ID by contacting the US Federal Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-1040 or by visiting their website.

6. How may I obtain a State Sales Tax Number?

You may also apply online; for a State Sales Tax number by contacting the MA State Department of Revenue at 1-800-392-6089 or by visiting their
wesbite.

7. Do I need a Tag Sale/Yard Sale Permit in Chicopee?

No, however the City of Chicopee has an ordinance pertaining to the regulation of Tag Sales.

This ordinance is available on our website or a paper copy is available in the City Clerk’s Office; if you would like to review Chapter 244 Tag Sales/Yard Sales ordinance online please click
here.

8. Can I buy my fishing and hunting license at the City Clerk’s Office?

Hunting and Fishing licenses are now sold directly from the Division of Marine Fisheries. You may call the Division of Marine Fisheries help desk at 1-888-773-8450 with questions or you can purchase them on their website by clicking here.