Services for Topsfield Residents

Licenses and Permits

Marriage Licenses

To apply for a marriage license, both applicants must come to the Town Clerk's office together. Both must be at least eighteen years of age or obtain a court waiver from the district court. Completed medical certificates (premarital blood tests) must be filed either at the time of application or prior to picking up the license. There is a mandatory three day waiting period from the application date and the date the license is issued and can only be waived with a court order. Marriage licenses are valid for sixty days and can be used to marry in any Massachusetts city or town. More information is available on the Mass.gov website's page: How to Obtain a Marriage License in Massachusetts.

Business Certificates

First, obtain a letter of clearance from the Building Department. (Please note that the Building Inspectors' hours are from 8am to 11am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.) A letter of clearance is $25. Next, complete the Business Certificate Application (a copy is available here in .pdf form.) The letter of clearance, the Certificate application and a $60 filing fee should then be submitted to the Town Clerk's office. The Certificate is valid for four years.

Dog Licenses

Dogs over six months old must be registered annually. Dog licenses must be obtained by January 31 of each year or within 30 days of the dog becoming kept within Topsfield, whichever comes first. Dog licenses are $10, if applied for in person, or $12, if applied for by mail. A .pdf copy of the Dog License application is available here. Late fees will be charged, if applicable. More information is available on the License application. Also, see the FAQ page for further information on Topsfield's Canine Control law.

Building Permits

Applications for building, electrical, plumbing and gas permits are available during all Town Hall hours. Blank applications are available in a file outside the Inspectional Services door on the second floor of Town Hall. Projects vary greatly, and consequently so does the application approval process. Some projects are reviewed by other town departments, boards or commissions prior to a permit being issued. Please call the office at 978-887-1522 if you have questions regarding the requirements of your project. Administrative office hours are: Monday ‚ Wednesday 7:00am to 12:00am and Thursday 7:00am to 11:00am.

 

For other licenses and permits, please see the Town Clerk.  For signs, please see Inspectional Services.  For Special Permit signs and Vendor Permits, please see the Selectmen's Office.