General Licenses

Marriage Licenses and Domestic Partnerships

This office serves as the agent of the New York State Health Department in the processing and certifying of marriage licenses. It is our responsibility to explain state law and review all documents for authenticity and legal status, i.e. divorce papers from a previous marriage, death certificate of a previous spouse, and current identification for those applying. Using a computer program, all information is entered and a license is issued. When the person who performed the ceremony returns the license, it is reviewed for legal compliance. A certificate is issued to the newlyweds, and the license is filed with the state. Each year we provide approximately 200 duplicate licenses to comply with legal requirements (social security, domestic and foreign adoptions, immigration, etc.) Licenses up to 50 years old are maintained in this office. Those older are archived at the Albany County Hall of Records or may be obtained through the Vital Records Division of the New York State Department of Health. Albany was the first city in New York State to offer Domestic Partnerships. Any couple wishing to enter into a legal partnership comes to the office, fills out computer documentation, pays a fee and receives certification. While we have no role in divorces or annulments, the Office of the City Clerk can process paperwork to dissolve a Domestic Partnership.

Taxi Licenses

The City Clerk services as the representative of the Commissioner of Public Safety for processing taxi licenses. Each year, we accept applications and fee from drivers who are renewing their license. Drivers provide us with an application, abstract from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, insurance, fingerprints, and photographs. We then send the application to the Albany Police Department (ID/Traffic Safety) for review and approval. Once approved, applications are returned to this office where the license is issued. Applicants who are denied are notified, as well. Applicants for new licenses are accepted throughout the year. The City Clerk serves on the Mayor’s Taxi Task Force, and works with the Police Department and individual drivers and companies to resolve citizen complaints, and works with various community organizations on taxi-related issues.

Vendor Licenses

Each Spring, we process applications and issue licenses for the annual food and flower vending at Capitol Park for the 31-week season from April to November. Applicants provide us with an application, fee, verification of cart/truck inspection by the Albany County Health Department, all insurance (vehicle, workers compensation), drivers abstract (NYSDMV for trucks), a list of employees, a full vending menu, and an agreement stating they will abide by all rules and regulation. Once a license, is issued vendors are allowed to sell their food or flowers in an assigned location on Washington Avenue or State Street. We have worked with the Capitol Park Merchants to establish rules and regulations, and meet regularly to discuss issues of aesthetics, safety and cleanliness. In cooperation with the Police Department, we monitor the vending season and handle any complaints from the public or other vendors. The Albany County Health Department monitors for health compliance and will cite vendors who are in violation of state or county law.

While not licensed or permitted, we monitor the insurance and proper conduct of farm markets on city property, as well. The City Clerk works closely with Business Improvement Districts on siting farmers markets and establishing additional vending venues.

Special Events Permits

The City permits non-city sponsored events in Washington Park, Lincoln Park, Rensselaer Lake, Corning Preserve, Academy Park, City Hall Rotunda, and other public spaces. These include activities such as neighborhood block parties, use of sidewalks and streets for marches, civil protests and demonstrations, sports-related festivals, outdoor events sponsored by restaurants and other specialty establishments, and fundraising activities for not-for-profit organizations. Some type of Police, Fire and Department of General Services assistance is usually required and may involve overtime and charge backs. The City Clerk accepts applications and fees and disseminates the application to the various departments for approval. The City Clerk also convenes meetings with city departments and organizers to determine if the event is in the best interest of Albany residents, meets safety requirements and has appropriate financial backing. Pending approval by all departments involved, we issue the permit and convey any special guidelines or requirements to the organizers. We also communicate all denials. We work closely with restaurants, Business Improvement Districts, entertainment venues, and individuals to help facilitate events that promote the city, its neighborhoods and economy. All special events must carry an insurance rider listing the City of Albany as an additional insured.

Outdoor Cafe Permits

The City of Albany permits outdoor cafes that offer dining service and create an ambiance on city streets attracting visitors and residents, alike. This office accepts applications from restaurant owners and sends applications to various departments for approval – Development and Planning, City Engineer, Traffic Safety and Fire Department. We work with the Historic Resources Commission to insure that proper design, furniture and façade standards are met, and work through the planning process to make sure safety, aesthetic and health considerations are considered prior to permit approval. We then monitor cafes and receive complaints if problems arise. In cooperation with other city departments, Business Improvement Districts and others, we investigate complaints about cafes and make sure all café operators are licensed and in compliance. When necessary, the Clerk can hold hearings on non-complying cafes and establish additional guidelines or revoke a permit.

(Click here for application)

Bingo and Games of Chance

All charitable organizations that conduct bingos, and games of change (bell jars, and other raffles) must be licensed by the municipality where the game is held, and by the State of New York. We serve as the agent of the New York State Department of Racing and Wagering in providing this service. We receive applications and issue licenses. Most locations have one or more times for bingo each week, with multiple games at each. We accept specified proceeds as mandated by New York State Law and distribute them accordingly. Working with a part-time bingo inspector, the City Clerk’s Office receives and investigates all complaints based on violations of state wagering laws and we cooperate with Racing and Wagering on any investigations initiated by the state. This office completes quarterly reports and annual reports for the state, and serves as the repository for all documents required by the state.

Miscellaneous Licenses

As required by state and local law, the Office of the City Clerk processes licenses for the following: Second Hand /Collateral Loan Dealers, Door-to-Door Salespersons, Auctioneers and Auctions, Pool Halls and all tables, Coin Operated Amusement Devices, and Junk Dealers. We accept applications and fees on a staggered schedule throughout the year, with all licenses renewed on an annual basis. Where appropriate, we send applications to the Police Dept. for a criminal record/background check. We then notify the applicant of approval or denial, and if approved, issue a license. Theaters within city limits are licensed each year, as well, and a per-screen fee is paid. While the NYS Liquor Authority licenses all establishments that serve alcohol, all businesses applying for a liquor license or renewal must notify the city of its intent by filing a letter with the City Clerk. Letters of intent are communicated to the Common Council who can bring community concerns to the attention of the SLA prior to the license or renewal being granted. In addition, we issue all Open Container Permits for the consumption of alcohol on public property, and approve the catering and serving/sale of liquor at outdoor locations related to not-for-profit fundraisers, sporting events and festivals that are not administered or sponsored by the City.

Didn't find what you were looking for? For more permits and license applications visit our forms page.