Certificate of Residence

Please read the following information carefully before downloading an application form at the bottom of this page.

Acceptable Identification Documents

US citizens

• Drivers license
• Official business mail
• W-2 of previous year
• NYS TAP information
• Car registration
• Rent receipt
• Tax bill
• High school transcript
• Bank statement
• Lease agreement
• Prior year income tax return

Non-US citizens

• Passport
• Green Card
• Income Tax Filings
• Filed Applications for Permanent Residency
• MUST provide proof of legal entry to US

All documents must be in applicant’s name and demonstrate requirements listed above.

Example: An applicant may have a New York State Drivers license dated 1991 showing a Schenectady address and a Niagara Mohawk bill dated two months back from today's date showing an Albany County address. This applicant is entitled to a Certificate indicating credit for two months from Albany County.

Where to Go

Notary fees are applicable in some cities and towns.

If your jurisdiction is not listed, please contact the Albany County Division of Finance at (518) 447-7070

There is no fee for a Certificate of Residency

Please note: Notary Services may not be available at the Albany County Division of Finance

Application Form 

If you are unable to download or print one of these forms, please contact us at (518) 447-7070.

You must complete the application form in its entirety and bring it to your local clerk or to the Albany County Division of Finance (Room 117, First Floor, 112 State Street, Albany). You will need to present the completed form with your identification documents. To save yourself an extra trip, please be sure to read the instructions and make sure you have followed them.

The form will open in a new window. When you are done, just close the window and we'll be here waiting for you.

Application and Instructions [PDF*; 5 pages; 147 Kb]

Article 126 of the NYS Education Law [PDF*; 28 pages; 292 Kb]