The City Clerk Office serves as a document and information resource to the Council, all City departments, and the citizens of our city. The City Clerk is elected by members of City Council every three years and is responsible for the due, proper and faithful performance of all operational matters of City Council.

As the official keeper of municipal records, the Clerk oversees various certificates and licenses, such as birth, death, or marriage. Businesses may register newly formed sole proprietorships and partnerships and renew previously granted licenses.  Also, dog licenses are obtained here.

In Holyoke, the position of City Clerk has three additional duties; Clerk of the Council,  Elections, and the Registrar of Voters.

As Clerk to the City Council, the clerk keeps  records and recordings of all City Council meetings, prepares the agenda, and records all votes and roll call as well as performs special duties.

1. The City Council meets every first and third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm.
2. The agendas for City Council Meetings may be obtained on-line or through the City Clerk's Office on the Friday before the meeting.
3. The minutes of the City Council meetings may be obtained on-line or through the City Clerk's Office 10 days after the meeting in order for the Mayor to sign the orders.
4. Records of Legislation are kept in the City Clerk's Office.

City Ordinance Filings

Any questions about the City Code or to request copies of City Ordinances may be directed to the City Clerk's Office. 

The City of Holyoke Ordinances are also available for online viewing at Municode.

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The City Clerk is responsible for providing licensing for:

Marriage

All persons who wish to be married in Massachusetts must have a marriage license issued within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The couple must apply in person at City Hall. There is a (3) three day waiting period to receive your license.

Dog

Licensing helps prevent against rabies outbreaks by requiring a certificate of vaccination for all dogs. Licensing your pet increases the chance that you will be reunited with your pet in the unfortunate event he or she is lost.

Download the Dog License App

Junk

Licensing is required to be filed for anyone for the purchase, sale or barter of junk, old metals, or second-hand articles.

Download the Junk Dealer’s License Application

Secondhand Goods

Should your business be as a holder/seller/dealer of precious and second-hand articles, a valid license must be on-site. Application must be made through the Town Clerk’s office

Download the Secondhand License Application

Exhibition

Licensing is required for theatrical exhibitions, public shows, public amusements and exhibitions of every description, to be held upon weekdays only. Sunday events require a special license from the DPW.

Download Exhibition License Application

Resources and links:

Office of Campaign and Political Finance
 http://www.mass.gov/ocpf/ 

Blank forms for your reports are available for download
 http://www.mass.gov/ocpf/forms.htm 

For answers to frequently asked questions, see How Do I…?  
http://www.mass.gov/ocpf/

Campaign Finance Reports with $1,000 or more in activity – reporting period ending January 20, 2013.

Can’t find your birth certificate? 

Or do you need a copy of your marriage license or a death record? The City Clerk’s Office is the place to go.

The City Clerk records and preserves original birth, marriage and death records for the City of Holyoke, providing the basis for the Commonwealth’s Central Vital Registration System. 

If you need to request a birth, marriage or death record, please submit a request in writing to the office, do not request this via email.  The address is City Clerk, 536 Dwight St., Holyoke, MA  01040.

Instructions for requests:

The fee for birth, marriage and death records is $7.00. Submit a letter with your name (including birth name), date of birth and photocopy of your driver’s license or state issued id and the certificate will be mailed to you.

Downloadable documents and forms:

• Exhibition License Application
• Pool and Billiard Tables License Application
• Livery Services License Application
• Application to Conduct an Auction
• Pawnbroker License Application
• Raffles and Bazaars Application
• Secondhand License Application
• Junk Dealer’s License Application
• Business Certificate
• Business Registration

Holyoke City Council approves the following Special Permits

Genealogy is the number one hobby in America. Birth, death, and marriage certificates are often the first step in researching the family tree. For many American families who have ancestors who once lived in, or passed through, Holyoke, the Archives is a mandatory stop on the research trail.

City Hall welcomes family members and relatives to research their archives!

Please feel free to stop in  Tuesday – Thursday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.

The City Clerk also serves as the Registrar of Voters. please visit their page for information about special dates, absentee information, and more.

Reminder: April 30th is the Special State Primary