FAQ's

Below please find a list of the most frequently asked questions of the Chautauqua County Clerk's Office. If you have a question which is not listed, please feel free to e-mail our office with your question, and we will get back to you with an answer. Thanks and have a great day!

What are your recording fees for real estate documents?
We have listed our recording fees in the Fee Schedule section of this website.

How do I add or remove a name from my deed?
To add or delete names from a deed you will need to complete and record a new deed. Forms are available from your attorney or from a legal stationery store. You will also need to complete New York State forms RP-5217 (Real Property Report) and a TP-584 (Transfer Tax Report). The fees to record are listed below.

When do I need a business certificate?
By New York State Law you must have a business certificate filed in the County in which you conduct business if you are operating under a name other than your own. Fees are listed in the Fee Schedule. Sales Tax identification numbers are available from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Application forms are available from this office, by contacting the Small Business Development Center at:
1-800-522-7232 or (716)665-5754 or by contacting the NYS Dept. of Tax and Finance at 1-800-calltax.

What records are available from the County Clerk, in researching my genealogy, "my family tree"?
The County Clerk has state Census records (1825 to 1925), naturalization records (1814 to 1972), marriage records (1908 to 1935), property deeds and mortgages (1811-present), and tax assessment records (1854 to 1934). Birth, marriage and death records, also known as vital records, are available from the Town or City Clerk where the event occurred. In New York State, vital records were first kept starting in 1881.

I need a Tax I.D. number, can you issue that for me?
No, you can only obtain a Sales Tax I.D. number from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. You can obtain an application form from our office to apply for a Sales Tax I.D. Number.

I need a Federal I.D. number, where do I go?
The Federal Government issues Federal I.D. numbers. To obtain an application you can contact the Small Business Development Center at 1-800-522-7232 or 1-716-665-5754.

What are your hours?
County Clerk's office hours are: September to May 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (June to August 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.)

Where do I go to pay my property taxes?
Real Property Tax information is available from the County Finance Department, Real Property Division at (716)753-4221. Their office is located on the first floor of the Gerace Office Building, 3 North Erie Street, Mayville, New York 14757.

Do you process Passports?
Yes. Applications for new and renewal of passports are available at the County Clerk's office in Mayville. Fees are listed in the Fee Schedule. Forms are available at http://travel.state.gov/passport/.

How can I get a copy of a birth, marriage or death certificate?
Birth and death certificates (also known as vital records) are available from the Town, City or Village Clerk where the birth or death took place. Marriage records are available from the Town, City or Village Clerk where application for the marriage license was taken. Also, marriage records for the entire county are available in the County Clerk's office for the time period of 1908 to April of 1935.

I need a copy of my judgment of divorce, can I get that from the County Clerk's office?
Yes, the fee is $4.00 for up to four pages plus $1.00 for each additional page. (most judgments of divorce are less than four pages).

Where can I purchase a marriage license?
You can purchase a marriage license from any Town or City Clerk in New York State.

Can I buy a Hunting and Fishing License from the County Clerk?
Yes, we issue hunting and fishing licenses from our office (also known as conservation licenses). Licenses are available for resident and non-resident applicants.

Where do I get a copy of a deed and what do I need?
All deeds recorded in the County Clerk's office are public information. Copies can be obtained by providing the name of owner and address of the property. Copy fees are in the Fee Schedule.