The County Clerk's Office has state Census records (1825 to 1925), naturalization records (1814 to 1972), marriage records (1908 to 1935), property deeds and mortgages (1811 to 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's Office where the event occurred. In New York State, vital records were first kept starting in 1881.

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 716-338-1024 or by contacting the New York State Department of Tax and Finance at 800-calltax.

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) available at: http://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/rp5217/index.htm;
and a TP-584 (Transfer Tax Report), available at: http://www.tax.ny.gov/forms/real_prop_tran_cur_forms.htm.

The County Clerk's Office hours are: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

We have listed our recording fees in the County Clerk section of the website titled Fee Schedule.

A standard autopsy does not affect any type of funeral arrangements.

When a case falls under the jurisdiction of the Chautauqua County Coroner, New York State law entitles the Coroner to do an autopsy - family permission/consent is not required. If the family has a concern, it should be made known to the Coroner immediately. The Coroner will note the concern and whenever possible, will work with the family. However, it is ultimately up to the Coroner to do the type of exam they feel necessary in order to determine the cause and manner of death.

Clothing - will be released in most cases to the funeral home.

Property - will be collected and held at the police agency who is investigating the death. In some cases property will be held and will fall under the jurisdiction of the Chautauqua County Treasurer’s Office. 

Autopsy reports are to be released by the Office of the County Clerk with written permission of the Coroner to the following individuals:

• Spouse of the Deceased
• Personal Representative of the Estate of the Deceased
• Next of Kin of the Deceased

Please review the following documents to further determine if you qualify and to request and autopsy report:

The Coroner will only call if trying to obtain/verify information or to return a phone call. The Coroner will not contact families to provide case status or results. It is the family’s responsibility to contact the Coroner when looking for updated information.