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1. How do I license my dog?

Licenses begin January 1st of each year.  Applicants must show written proof of spaying/neutering and Rabies inoculation at the time of licensing. After March 15th a $20.00 late fee is assessed; and after April 1st, owners are subject to a $50 fine (assessed by Animal Control Officer) in addition to the license fee and late fee. 

You can obtain a dog license either in person at the Town Clerk’s office, by mail, or online through March 15th only.

License in Person

Applicant must provide written proof of rabies and whether dog is spayed or neutered.  Intact dogs are $20, Neutered/Spayed dogs are $10 each. Payment in cash, check (payable to Town of Kingston) or charge accepted.  All Dog Licenses expire December 31st.

License Online

Apply online and follow the prompts (select "Online Services", then "Town Clerk Payments")

License Mail-in

To license your dog by mail, please complete the dog license form and send it to the Town Clerk with the following:

• A self-addressed, stamped return envelope
• A check made payable to the Town of Kingston

Once processed, the license and tags will be mailed back to you. If you no longer own a dog that was previously licensed, please notify the Town Clerk’s office so that we can update our records.

View Town Clerk Contact Information

2. How do I obtain a birth, marriage or death certificate?

Vital records (birth*, death*, and marriage** certificates):

• in person at the Town Clerk's office, 
• by mail, or 
• online. 
• The fee for each certificate is $10. 
• First, verify with the Town Clerk that the record is in Kingston, Massachusetts.  
  *Birth and Death records are recorded here only if Kingston, MA is the town of occurrence* or residence. 
  *Marriage certificates are recorded in the town where the Marriage License was issued.

To obtain a certificate by mail (allow ample time for mail delivery), please send to the Town Clerk and include the following:

• A self-addressed, stamped return envelope
• A check made payable to the Town of Kingston
• The name of the individual for whom the record is requested (include a maiden name for marriage certificate)
• The date of occurrence
• Mail to:  Town Clerk's Office, Kingston Town House, 26 Evergreen St., Kingston, MA  02364.

To obtain a certificate by requesting it online:

• Select "Online Services", then "Town Clerk Payments". 
• Orders are typically processed within 2 business days.  
• Allow ample time for mail delivery.  
• Credit card and or bank fees may apply.

Any questions?  Contact Town Clerk's Office:  (781)585-0500

3. How do I obtain a marriage license?

According to Massachusetts law, the prospective couple must jointly file intentions to marry and may do so with the city or town clerk in any community in the state. There is a mandatory three-day waiting period before the license can be issued. Once obtained, the marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date the intentions are filed and may be used in any Massachusetts city or town. The license is not valid outside of the state.

Fees for the marriage license vary from town to town. Kingston's fee is $40. To schedule an appointment, additional filing information, and questions may be directed to the Town Clerk's Office at 781-585-0502.

4. Who must file a business certificate?

Any person, whether individually or as a partnership, conducting business under any title other than the complete real name of the owner(s) must file a business certificate. The certificate must be filed with the Town Clerk in every city or town where an office of said business may be situated (Massachusetts General Law Chapter 110, Section 5).

You may file a Business Certificate either in person at the Town Clerk's office or by mail. To file by mail, please complete the certificate form, have your signature notarized and enclose a check made payable to the Town of Kingston in the amount of $40.

5. How do I file a declaration of homestead?

A Declaration of Homestead for Kingston real estate and manufactured homes should be filed online at Plymouth County Registry of Deeds.