Please beware of scammers posing as the Planning Board, Zoning Board, or Building Department! There is currently a scam that is soliciting paying from individuals…
READ MORE
Departments
Town Clerk
Kim Daley, Notary Public
Deputy Town Clerk: Pamela Peltzman
Contact Information
(845) 657-8118 menu option 4
PO Box 96
West Shokan, NY 12494
Monday – Friday 8 am – 3 pm (or by appointment)
The Town Clerk's office handles a wide range of services for Olive residents. We issue licenses and permits, including marriage licenses, dog licenses, and sporting licenses, collect property taxes for the Town and County, coordinate and fulfill FOIL requests, and provide free notary services. As the Town's local registrar, we maintain vital records and issue certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates. We also keep the official record of Town government, including meeting minutes and resolutions. Beyond these core duties, we publish a monthly newsletter, maintain an active Facebook presence, and video record Town Board meetings so residents can stay engaged on their own schedule.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Pay and View Your Property Tax Bills. Tax bills are available for the past five years.
**We Accept Cash, Check, Money Orders, Credit and Debit Cards**
New York State requires all dogs four months and older to be licensed. Licensing helps control the spread of rabies, and gives your dog the best chance of making it home if lost. The fee is $6 for spayed or neutered dogs and $13 for unaltered dogs — the difference funds a state program supporting animal shelters across New York.
Handicapped Parking Permits opens in a new window
Accessible parking permits are issued through the Town Clerk's office. Both the applicant and their physician must complete the permit application form, which can be submitted in person or by mail. Please bring your NYS Driver License or Non-Driver ID when applying in person. Permits are issued on a temporary basis (six months) or permanent basis (five years) based on the physician's recommendation.
Sporting Licenses opens in a new window
New York State hunting and fishing licenses are available for purchase directly at the Town Clerk's office. As a DEC issuing agent, the Clerk’s office can also provide information about local fishing and hunting access. You can find full information about sporting licenses and regulations at the New York State DEC website.
New York City/Ashokan Reservoir Access Permits
Blue Hole Access & State Park Camping Reservations
Marriage Licenses
Congratulations! Marriage licenses are issued by the Town Clerk's office for $40. Call or email us to schedule an appointment; both partners need to be present. Bring a photo ID (driver's license or passport) for each person. Birth certificates aren't required but are helpful for completing the application accurately. Once issued, there is a 24-hour waiting period before your ceremony can take place. Your license is valid for 60 days, so plan your ceremony accordingly. We're happy to answer any questions along the way, this is one of our favorite parts of the job!
One Day Marriage Officiant License
Want a friend or family member to officiate your wedding? A One-Day Marriage Officiant License makes that possible under NYS Domestic Relations Law §11-d. The fee is $25 and the officiant applies through the same Town Clerk's office that issued the couple's marriage license. The application must be submitted after the marriage license is obtained.
Copies of Vital Records & Genealogy
The Town Clerk's office maintains copies of birth, death, and marriage records for events occurring in the Town of Olive from 1881 to the present.
Who may obtain records: Birth certificates may be issued to the person named in the document (if 18 or older) or to a parent named in the document. Death certificates may be issued to immediate family members. Marriage certificates may be issued to either person named in the document.
How to apply: Requests may be made by either calling the Clerk’s office at 845-657-8118 x4, emailing to [email protected], or in person at 45 Watson Hollow Rd West Shokan, NY 12494. A valid photo ID is required. The fee is $10 per certified copy for all records, including genealogy research copies.
Genealogy research: Current NYS DOH rules for genealogy are as follows: Birth certificates are available for genealogy if on file for at least 75 years and the person is known to be deceased. Death certificates are available if on file for at least 50 years. Marriage certificates are available if on file for at least 50 years and both spouses are known to be deceased. These time periods are waived for direct-line descendants, meaning children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, who must provide proof of their relationship.
A Note on NYS Vital Records: Researchers should be aware that the NYS Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Records has had a significant backlog of genealogy requests since 2020, with wait times of eight months or longer. There is also pending legislation (2026) that could substantially change the rules governing access to vital records, including potentially extending embargo periods and eliminating some existing access provisions. If you know the Town of Olive is where the event was recorded, requesting records directly from our office is faster and more straightforward than going through the state. We're happy to help. For updates on the proposed legislative changes, visit the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society
Copy of Birth Record Form opens in a new window
Copy of Death Record Form opens in a new window
Copy of Marriage Record Form opens in a new window
Genealogical Services and Application Form opens in a new window