FAQs • Ballston, NY • CivicEngage

How do I apply for a business license/permit?

Doing Business As (DBA) licenses are issued by the Saratoga County Clerk's Office.

This office is located at:

40 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020

For more information call 518-885-2213

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Town Clerk

One of the responsibilities of pet ownership is compliance with any applicable laws, which are meant to ensure the health and safety of both the pet and the public. New York State Agriculture & Markets Law requires that the owner of every dog 4 months of age or older must apply for a dog license in the municipality where the dog is harbored. This provides for the identification of dogs, the control and protection of the dog population, and the protection of persons, property, domestic animals and deer from dog attack and damage. Dogs must wear their identification tag on their collar at all times, unless they are participating in a dog show. A link to the law is provided below.

New York State Legislation on Licensing, Identification and Control of Dogs

Aside from the law, here are some practical reasons to license your dog:

If your dog escapes your house or yard and is found wandering the streets, a license tag number helps animal control or a shelter to easily identify your pet and get him/her back to you safely.
Since rabies vaccination is required, the license proves your dog is vaccinated. This may provide peace of mind for people your dog comes into contact with, including staff at a grooming salon or boarding facility.
The license tag is a visual indicator that your dog is rabies-free so if your dog is lost or injured, good Samaritans may be more willing to assist your furry friend
Most dog parks require proof of license. Other locations such as hotels, campgrounds, vacation rentals, etc. may require proof as well.

Visit the Animal Control page for more information.

Town of Ballston Documents and Forms:

Dog Licenses are available at the Town Clerk's office, open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Please provide:

Completed application form (see above or they are available in the office)
Proof of rabies vaccination in the form of the veterinarian's Certificate of Vaccination
Fee of $10 for spayed/neutered dogs or $17 for unspayed/unneutered dogs (payable to Town of Ballston if by check)

Please Note: If you wish to register your dog for Jenkins Dog Park, proof of distemper vaccination is required as well and additional fees may apply.

Please call the Town Clerk's office with any questions at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502.

2. How do I license my dog?

New York State Law requires that all dogs four months of age and older must be licensed in the Town in which they reside.

*** Licenses are valid for one year; you will receive a renewal notice by mail.

To get an initial license for your dog you will need the following three items:

1. Town of Ballston Dog License Application Form

Available at Town Hall OR
The Dog License Application (PDF) can be completed online and printed (the form cannot be submitted online) OR
Call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 if you would like a form mailed or emailed to you

2. Veterinarian proof of rabies vaccination

Rabies vaccination certificate

3. Payment of $10 (neutered/spayed) OR $17 (unneutered/unspayed)

If by check, please make payable to Town of Ballston

Options for submittal:

In person:

Town Hall, located at 323 Charlton Rd, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 - come to the Town Clerk's window Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

By drop-off:

Drop in the locked, gray mailbox at the rear of Town Hall that is labeled "Town Payment."

By mail:

Town of Ballston, P.O. Box 67, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.

Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext.2502 with any questions.

3. How do I renew my dog's license?

Dog licenses are valid for one year. Renewal notices are mailed out during the month prior to the month the license will expire.

The renewal cost is $10 (neutered/spayed) OR $17 (unneutered/unspayed).

If paying by check, please make payable to Town of Ballston.

To renew your dog's license:

1. Check the phone number, email address, etc. on the renewal notice and make corrections as needed

2. If the rabies vaccination is up to date, simply sign the bottom of the renewal notice and submit with payment

3. If the rabies vaccination requires updating:

Please submit veterinarian proof of rabies vaccination with the signed renewal notice and payment

4. If your dog has been neutered/spayed since the last renewal:

Please submit veterinarian proof of neuter/spay with the signed renewal notice and reduced payment of $10 for neutered/spayed dogs

5. If you have moved or no longer shelter the dog:

Please place a check next to the appropriate change, sign the renewal notice and submit to our office; we will make the changes

Options for submittal:

In person:

Town Hall, located at 323 Charlton Rd, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 - come to the Town Clerk's window Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

By drop-off:

Drop in the locked, gray mailbox at the rear of Town Hall that is labeled "Town Payment."

By mail:

Town of Ballston, P.O. Box 67, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.

Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext.2502 with any questions.

4. How do I register for Jenkins Dog Park?

Jenkins Dog Park is located within Jenkins Park, on Jenkins Road in Burnt Hills. The dog park is open daily to MEMBERS ONLY from 8 am to dusk, weather permitting.

Registration is required to use the dog park.

Please Note:

Registration is only available in person at the Town Clerk's office, located in Town Hall at 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Town dog license is required by NYS law for all dogs four months and older*; non-Ballston residents must provide proof of license from the town the dog resides in
Proof of rabies and distemper vaccinations is required
Paper copies of all documentation is required

The Jenkins Dog Park page has full registration information and forms, as well as the dog park rules and regulations.

*Dogs younger than four months old are not allowed in the dog park.

Call the Town Clerk's office with any questions at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502.

5. My dog was licensed at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter at the time of adoption, why do I need to register with the Town?

New York State law requires all dogs to be licensed in the municipality in which they are harbored, even if you received a license from the shelter at the time of adoption.

When you adopt a dog at the Saratoga County animal shelter, the Town receives notification from the shelter and will send you a letter along with an information form, asking you to please complete the form and submit payment so that we can register the dog with the Town.

6. How do I get a Temporary or Permanent Parking Permit for Disabled Persons?

New York State requires that residents obtain a Parking Permit for Disabled Persons (hang tag) from the Town in which they reside.

*** Please note that License Plates for Disabled Persons are only available from the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. ***

*** There is no charge for Parking Permits for Disabled Persons, and New York State allows you to have one or two. ***

You will need the following two items for temporary or permanent permits:

1. A completed New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Application for a Parking Permit or License Plates, for Persons with Severe Disabilities

*** Please make sure the form is complete, and includes signatures by both you and your doctor.

Many doctors have the form in their offices OR
The Application for a Parking Permit for Persons with Severe Disabilities (PDF) can be printed and completed (form cannot be submitted online) OR
You can get a form at Town Hall, located at 323 Charlton Rd, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 OR
Call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 if you would like a form mailed or emailed to you

2. Your Driver's License

Please include a photocopy of your Driver's License if you are submitting your request by drop-off, mail, or email

Options for submittal:

In person:

Town Hall, located at 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 - come to the Town Clerk's window Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

By drop-off:

Drop the completed form with a photocopy of your Driver's License in the gray, locked mailbox at the rear of Town Hall that is labeled "Town Payment."
Please indicate if you would like one or two tags and if you would like to pick them up or have them mailed to you.

By mail:

Mail the completed form with a photocopy of your Driver's License to: Town of Ballston, P.O. Box 67, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.
Please indicate if you would like one or two tags and if you would like to pick them up or have them mailed to you.

By email:

Scan and email the completed form with a photocopy of your Driver's License to: cgumienny@townofballstonny.org
Please indicate if you would like one or two tags and if you would like to pick them up or have them mailed to you.

Please Note:

Temporary Parking Permits for Disabled Persons:

Are valid for the time period indicated on the application form by your doctor. If you require an extension, you will need a new completed application form from your doctor. Please follow the above to obtain new tags.

Permanent Parking Permits for Disabled Persons:

Are valid for five years. Once we have your completed application form on file, you do not need to obtain a new one from your doctor for renewal. You may renew in person, by phone or by email.

Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 with any questions.

7. How do I renew a Temporary or Permanent Parking Permit for Disabled Persons?

Temporary Parking Permits for Disabled Persons are NOT renewable:

You will need a new completed Application for a Perking Permit for Persons with Severe Disabilities (PDF) from your doctor so we can issue new tags to you
Please see the "How do I get a new Temporary or Permanent Parking Permit for Disabled Persons" question for more information

Permanent Parking Permits for Disabled Persons ARE renewable in the Town of Ballston:

If you obtained your last permit(s) at the Town of Ballston AND
You are still a resident of the Town of Ballston

If the above two conditions apply to you, we will have your application form on file so you will not need a new form from your doctor.

Options for renewal of your permanent parking permits:

In person:

Town Hall, located at 323 Charlton Rd, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 - come to the Town Clerk's window Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

By phone:

Call the Town Clerk's Office: 518-490-2800 ext. 2502.
Please indicate if you would like one or two tags and if you would like to pick them up or have them mailed to you

By email:

Email the Town Clerk: cgumienny@townofballstonny.org.
Please indicate if you would like one or two tags and if you would like to pick them up or have them mailed to you

Please call the Town Clerk's office at 518-490-2502 with any questions.

8. How do we get a marriage license?

Marriage licenses may only be issued in person at Town Hall, 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Appointments are preferred, available Monday - Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Please call 518-490-2800 ext. 2502

Both parties must be present and must bring the following to the appointment:

1. Proof of age (one of the following) - must be a minimum of 18 years old:

An original or certified copy of your birth certificate (must have the seal of the issuing agency, photocopies are not acceptable)
Baptismal Certificate
Naturalization Papers

2. Identification (one of the following):

Driver's License
Passport

3. If previously married please bring all that apply to you:

Copies of all divorce decrees (photocopies are acceptable)
Copies of annulment documents (photocopies are acceptable)
Spouse death certificate (no photocopies)

4. Payment of $40.00

Payable by cash, check, or credit/debit card
An additional service fee of $1.50 will apply to credit/debit card transactions
Active military service members pay a reduced fee

Please Note:

Social security cards are not required but you will each need to know your social security number
The application process takes about 20 minutes
There is a New York State required waiting period of 24 hours after the exact time the license is issued before you may be married
The license is valid for 60 calendar days from the date of issue
Marriage licenses issued by the Town of Ballston are valid anywhere within New York State.

Visit the Information on Getting Married in New York State page on the NY State Department of Health website for much more information on marriage licenses, requirements, name change options, etc.

Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 with any questions.

9. How do I get one-day marriage officiant license?

Appointments are preferred, available Monday - Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Please call 518-490-2800 ex. 2502

The officiant applicant must:

Be a minimum of 18 years old
Provide legal proof of identification, such as a driver's license or passport
Apply at the same location where the couple obtained their marriage license
- The couple to be married must obtain their marriage license before the officiant may apply for an officiant license
- The officiant may apply at the marriage license appointment with the couple if this is more convenient
Pay the $25 fee
- Payable by cash, check, or credit/debit card
- There is an additional $1.50 service fee for credit/debit cards

Please Note:

The officiant does not need to be a resident of the Town of Ballston or of New York State
The license is valid only for the parties to be married as described on the application and shall expire after the marriage ceremony on the exact date requested
Instruction will be provided on how the officiant must complete the officiant section of the marriage license and return it to the Town Clerk's office

10. How do I apply for a business license/permit?

Doing Business As (DBA) licenses are issued by the Saratoga County Clerk's Office.

This office is located at:

40 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020

For more information call 518-885-2213

11. How do I get a Certificate of Residency?

A Certificate of Residency is required by many community colleges for college students or for high school students taking college classes. It proves New York State residency so you can pay the in-state resident tuition rate.

The Town of Ballston can issue Certificates of Residency for Town residents under certain circumstances:

To get a Certificate of Residency at the Town Clerk's office the following conditions must apply:

You are a US citizen
You are a Town resident
You have not moved within the past year (including within the Town of Ballston or Saratoga County)
College classes have not started yet for the semester you are applying for

***If any of these conditions do not apply, the Town Clerk's Office cannot issue a certificate; you must apply through the Saratoga County Treasurer's Office:

40 McMaster Street
Bldg. 1
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
518-884-4724

Visit the Saratoga County Certificate of Residency information page

If the above conditions apply, you will need the following items to apply for a Certificate of Residency:

1. A Certificate of Residency application

MUST BE SIGNED AT THE TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE SO WE CAN NOTARIZE FOR YOU - do not sign beforehand
most high schools have the application
applications available at the Town Clerk's Office
The Certificate of Residence Application (PDF) can be completed online and printed (the form cannot be submitted online)

2. Two proofs of address

Examples of acceptable proofs are listed on the back of the application, or click HERE
Proofs must include the student's name, physical address, and be dated accordingly (please note that P.O. Box addresses are not acceptable)
One proof must be dated within the last 30 days
One proof must be 12-18 months old (must be dated at least one year ago from today)
One proof may be in a parent's name if the student is under 21 years old and you both live at the same address
If you had a Certificate of Residency in the past year, you should be on the Saratoga County certificate renewal list and will only need the 30-day proof, but it must be in the student's name

Options for submittal:

In person only:

Town Hall, located at 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 - come to the Town Clerk's window Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 with any questions.

12. How do I file a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request?

The Freedom of Information Law, commonly known as "FOIL" (Public Officers Law, Article 6, Sections 84-90), is New York State's principal statute regarding public access to government records. For more information about FOIL, please visit the New York State Committee on Open Government.

Town of Ballston FOIL request information:

All FOIL requests must be filed with the Town Clerk's Office
If not filed in person, we will acknowledge receipt of your request within 5 days of receiving it
We will fulfill your request within 20 days, and will contact you once the information is available
You may come to Town Hall to view the information, have copies emailed to you (size permitting), and/or receive photocopies (size permitting; fees apply, see below)
Please note that we do not have online public access to building department records, including building permits; you will need to file a FOIL request

To file a FOIL request you will need the following two items:

1. A completed Freedom of Information Law Request Form (be as specific as possible about the information you are requesting)

Available at Town Hall OR
The Freedom of Information Law Request Form (PDF) may be completed online and printed (the form cannot be submitted online) OR
Call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 if you would like a form mailed or emailed to you

2. Your Driver's License

If submitting by drop-off, mail, or email, please include a photocopy of your Driver's License

Options for submittal:

In person:

Town Hall, located at 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 - come to the Town Clerk's window Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4 pm

By drop-off:

Drop the completed form with a photocopy of your Driver's License in the gray, locked mailbox at the rear of Town Hall that is labeled "Town Payment."

By mail:

Mail the completed form with a photocopy of your Driver's License to: Town of Ballston, P.O. Box 67, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.

By email:

Scan and email the completed form with a photocopy of your Driver's License to: cgumienny@townofballstonny.org

Fee schedule:

Viewing the information at Town Hall is free.

Having copies of the information emailed to you is free.

Photocopy fees (per page):

8.5" x 11" = $.25
22" x 34" = $2.50
2' X 3' = $3.00
3' x 4' = $6.00
Please note fees are subject to change at any time

Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext.2502 with any questions.

13. How do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate?

Certified transcripts (copies) of marriage certificates may only be issued by the agency that issued the original marriage license, or by the New York State Office of Vital Records.

If you are not sure if your original marriage license was issued by the Town of Ballston, call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 for assistance.

If your original marriage license was issued by the Town of Ballston, you will need the following three items to get a certified transcript of your marriage certificate:

1. A completed Vital Records Request Form

Available at Town Hall OR
The Vital Records Request Form (PDF) can be completed online and printed (the form cannot be submitted online) OR
Call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 if you would like a form mailed or emailed to you

2. Your Driver's License

Please include a photocopy of your Driver's License if you are submitting your request by drop-off, mail, or email

3. Payment of $10.00 per transcript

If by check, please make payable to Town of Ballston
If submitting by drop-off, mail, or email, payment must be received before the transcript request can be processed

Options for submittal:

In person:

Town Hall, located at 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 - come to the Town Clerk's window Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4 pm

By drop-off:

Drop the completed form, a photocopy of your Driver's License, and payment in the gray, locked mailbox at the rear of Town Hall that is labeled "Town Payment."

By mail:

Mail the completed form, a photocopy of your Driver's License, and payment to: Town of Ballston, P.O. Box 67, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.

By email:

Scan and email the completed form with a photocopy of your Driver's License to: cgumienny@townofballstonny.org. (You will need to make arrangements for payment before the transcript request can be processed.)

If your original marriage license was not issued by the Town of Ballston and you're not sure where it was issued:

Call the New York State Office of Vital Records at 855-322-1022
Visit the New York State Vital Records website

Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 with any questions.

14. How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate?

To find out if your birth certificate is filed with the Town of Ballston, call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502.

If your original birth certificate was filed with the Town of Ballston you will need the following three items to get a certified transcript (copy):

1. A completed Vital Records Request Form

Available at Town Hall OR
The Vital Records Request Form (PDF) can be completed online and printed (the form cannot be submitted online). OR
Call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 if you would like a form mailed or emailed to you

2. Your Driver's License

Please include a photocopy of your Driver's License if you are submitting your request by drop-off, mail, or email

3. Payment of $10.00 per transcript

If by check, please make payable to Town of Ballston
If submitting by drop-off, mail, or email, payment must be received before the transcript request can be processed

Options for submittal:

In person:

Town Hall, located at 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 - come to the Town clerk's window Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4 pm

By drop-off:

Drop the completed form, a photocopy of your Driver's License, and payment in the gray, locked mailbox at the rear of Town Hall that is labeled "Town Payment."

By mail:

Mail the completed form, a photocopy of your Driver's License, and payment to: Town of Ballston, P.O. Box 67, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.

By email:

Scan and email the completed form with a photocopy of your Driver's License to: cgumienny@townofballstonny.org. (You will need to make arrangements for payment before the transcript request can be processed.)

If your original birth certificate was not issued by the Town of Ballston and you're not sure where it was issued:

Call the New York State Office of Vital Records at 855-322-1022
Visit the New York State Vital Records website

Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 with any questions.

15. How do I get a certified copy of a death certificate?

Certified transcripts (copies) of death certificates are only available from the agency that issued the original death certificate.

The following people are eligible to get a copy of a death certificate (from the New York State Office of Vital Records ):

The spouse, parent, child or sibling of the deceased
Other people who have a:
- documented lawful right or claim
- documented medical need
- New York State Court Order

If you are not the spouse, parent, child or sibling of the deceased you must document a lawful right or claim. For example, you may need a death certificate to claim a benefit. You would need an official letter from the agency saying you need the death record to process the claim.

If you are eligible, you will need the following four items to get a certified transcript (copy) of a death certificate:

1. A completed Vital Records Request Form

Available at Town Hall OR
The Vital Records Request Form (PDF) can be completed online and printed (the form cannot be submitted online) OR
Call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 if you would like a form mailed or emailed to you

2. Driver's License

Please include a photocopy of your Driver's License if you are submitting your request by drop-off, mail, or email

3. Payment of $10.00 per transcript

If by check, please make payable to Town of Ballston
If submitting by drop-off, mail, or email, payment must be received before the transcript request can be processed

4. Documentation as required

Proof of relationship to the deceased may be required, especially if surnames do not match
Documentation of lawful right or claim, medical need, etc. for those who are not the spouse, parent, child or sibling of the deceased

Options for submittal:

In person:

Town Hall, located at 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 - come to the Town Clerk's window Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4 pm

By drop-off:

Drop the completed form, a photocopy of your Driver's License, payment, and documentation if required in the gray, locked mailbox at the rear of Town Hall that is labeled "Town Payment."

By mail:

Mail the completed form, a photocopy of your Driver's License, payment, and documentation if required to: Town of Ballston, P.O. Box 67, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.

By email:

Scan and email the completed form, a photocopy of your Driver's License, and documentation if required to: cgumienny@townofballstonny.org. (You will need to make arrangements for payment before the transcript request can be processed.)

Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 with any questions.

16. How do I get copies of genealogical birth, death, or marriage records?

To find out if the Town of Ballston has the genealogical birth, death, or marriage records you are looking for, call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502.

To get uncertified transcripts (copies) of genealogical records you will need the following three items:

1. A completed Genealogical Records Request Form

Available at Town Hall OR
The Genealogical Records Request Form (PDF) can be completed online and printed (the form cannot be submitted online) OR
Call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 if you would like a form mailed or emailed to you

2. Your Driver's License

Please include a photocopy of your Driver's License if you are submitting your request by drop-off, mail, or email

3. Payment of $11.00 per transcript

If by check, please make payable to Town of Ballston
If submitting by drop-off, mail, or email, payment must be received before the transcript request can be processed

Options for submittal:

In person:

Town Hall, located at 323 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 - come to the Town Clerk's window Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4 pm

By drop-off:

Drop the completed form, a photocopy of your Driver's License, and payment in the gray, locked mailbox at the rear of Town Hall that is labeled "Town Payment."

By mail:

Mail the completed form, a photocopy of your Driver's License, and payment to: Town of Ballston, P.O. Box 67, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.

By email:

Scan and email the completed form with a photocopy of your Driver's License to: cgumienny@townofballstonny.org. (You will need to make arrangements for payment before the transcript request can be processed.)

Please Note:

If the Town of Ballston does not have the records you are looking for, the New York State Office of Vital Records may have them.

Call the New York State Office of Vital Records at 855-322-1022
Visit the New York State Vital Records website

17. How do I rent the Community Room?

Visit the Community Room rental page for information and policies.

Please contact the Town Clerk's Office with any questions at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502.

18. How do I rent the Ballston Lake Fire Department Memorial Park (Fireman's Grove)?

Visit the Ballston Lake Fire Department Memorial Park rental page for information and policies.

*** Please note that rental covers only use of the pavilion; the park will remain open for public use.

Please call the Town Clerk's Office with any questions at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502.

19. How do I rent the Jenkins Park pavilion?

Visit the Jenkins Park Pavilion rental page for information and policies.

*** Please note that rental covers only use of the pavilion; the park will remain open for public use.

Please call the Town Clerk's Office with any questions at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502.

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