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1. What do I need to obtain a copy of my birth certificate, a death certificate, or a marriage certificate?

The Bristol Town Clerk’s office issues certified copies of births certificates if the birth occurred in Bristol or when the mother was a resident of Bristol at the time of the birth. Bristol can also issue certified copies of any birth certificate in the State of Connecticut that occurred after April 1, 2001. For additional information on how to obtain a copy of a birth certificate, please access the Town Clerk at (860) 584-6200.

The Bristol Town Clerk’s office issues certified copies of death certificates if the death occurred in Bristol or when the individual was a resident of Bristol at the time of the death. For additional information on how to obtain a copy of a death certificate, please access the Town Clerk at (860) 584-6200.

The Bristol Town Clerk’s office issues certified copies of marriage certificates if the marriage occurred in Bristol or when the bride and groom were residents of Bristol at the time of the marriage. For additional information on how to obtain a copy of a marriage certificate, please access the Town Clerk at (860) 584-6200.

2. How do I apply for a marriage license?

In Connecticut you must apply for a marriage license in the town where you are getting married. For additional information on the requirements, restrictions and how to apply for a marriage license in Bristol, please access the Town Clerk at (860) 584-6200.

3. What is the conveyance tax rate and land recording fees in Bristol?

The Bristol municipal conveyance tax is one half percent (0.005%). The residential conveyance tax rate for the State of Connecticut is three quarters percent (0.0075%). The fee to record most documents on the land records is $60 for the first page and $5 for each additional page or if it is a MERS document $159. Property transfers reportable to the State require a $2 surcharge. For additional land recording fees, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at (860) 584-6200 ext. 0.

4. What do I need to open a business or file a trade name in Bristol?

If you are conducting business in Connecticut under any designation, name or style, corporate or otherwise, or an assumed name other than your real name, you must file a trade name certificate in the town where the business is being transacted. For additional information on how to file a trade name certificate in Bristol, please access the Town Clerk at (860) 584-6200.

There may be additional State of Connecticut business licensing and registration required for a new business. For information on state licensing and requirements contact Smart Start at (800) 392-2122 or by accessing the Connecticut Licensing Information Center.

5. Where can I get a document notarized?

The Bristol Town Clerk’s office can notarize documents. The office does not notarize certain documents, such as wills or certify any documents issued by another government agency.
The fee to perform the notary service is $5 per document. The office accepts cash or check only. Debit or credit cards are not accepted at this time.

The person signing the document must provide a minimum of two current forms of identification containing their signature, at least one of which contains their photograph, such as a driver’s license. Social security cards and birth certificates do not qualify as identification.

Please contact the Bristol Town Clerk’s at (860) 584-6200 ext. 0 if you have any questions.

6. How can I obtain an absentee ballot?

If you are a registered voter in Bristol you can obtain an absentee ballot through the Town Clerk’s Office. You can call us at (860) 584-6200 ext. 0 or visit our office to obtain an application. View additional important information on the restrictions for absentee ballots.

7. What do I need to apply for a dog license?

Dog licenses are required by state law and issued annually in the month of June by the Town Clerk’s Office. All dogs six months of age or older must be licensed and vaccinated for rabies. Dog License Fees and Requirements

8. What do I need to sell food, goods, or merchandise in Bristol?

If you are selling food or carrying goods or merchandise for sale in Bristol you must obtain a peddler’s license from the Police Department. Detailed information regarding the requirements, exemptions, and insurance requirements for a peddler’s license can be accessed on the Police Department's page.

Town Clerk's Office

9. Where can I obtain information on an ordinance or local law?

The Bristol Code of Ordinances is available electronically on the City website. On the main page, there is a search function which allows you to research any topic. You will find new amendments to the Code of Ordinances which have not been published in hard copy listed individually by section number and title. Bristol Code of Ordinances

10. How can I obtain a copy of my property deed or legal description?

You can obtain a copy of your property deed or the legal description at the Town Clerk’s Office (111 North Main Street). The cost is $1 per page. The land record indexes in the Town Clerk’s Office are maintained by the owner’s last name.

11. How can I change my name on my property deed or tax bill?

To change the owner’s name on a property, you should consult an attorney. Most likely, the attorney will prepare a certificate, deed or other legal document or the Probate Court will issue a document to distribute or transfer the property. The legal document prepared by the attorney or court will need to be recorded in the Town Clerk’s Office along with the appropriate recording fee. Once the document is recorded by the Town Clerk’s Office, the Assessor’s Office will update their records and reflect that change on future tax bills.

State law does not allow the office to provide legal advice or to assist in preparing documents concerning real estate or land records.

12. How do I file a foreclosure registration?

You must file a foreclosure registration with the Town Clerk’s Office. The form and instructions can be accessed at the Town Clerk’s Office, 111 North Main Street. The fee to file the registration is $60 and payable by cash or check only.

13. When are the City Council meetings held?

The regular City Council meeting is held the second Tuesday of each month, except when that date is a holiday or election. Special City Council meetings are scheduled as necessary with at least 24 hours notice to the public, excluding weekends and holidays. Please reference the city calendar for dates and times of all city board meetings. City Calendar

14. How can I check for a lien on my property?

You can view the property indexes by owner’s last name on the Town Clerk’s website. Only the indexes are available on the website. To access the images and documents you must visit the Town Clerk’s Office. If a credit report or title search has uncovered a lien, please be certain to obtain the exact date and volume and page from the credit agency or title search before beginning your research. Land Record Index

15. How can I change information on my Social Security card, obtain a copy of my divorce papers, or apply for a passport?

The closest Social Security office is located at:
233 Main St.
New Britain, CT 06051
1-866-858-6086

Divorce decrees or court orders are available at the Court Clerk’s Office at the court where you were divorced. Please refer to the State of Connecticut Judicial website (link) on how and where to obtain a copy of your divorce decree or order.

You can apply for a passport through the U.S. Department of State or the Bristol Post Office. You may need a certified copy of your birth certificate to apply for the passport. For more information on the procedures and requirements for obtaining a passport access the U.S. Department of State website.