Good Evening, Everyone, Elsa has asked me to clarify the BMD fees, which seem to be causing some confusion. All of the records, even though they are maintained at the locations of occurrance, are under the authority of New York State. The state has mandated certain fees to be charged for researching requests. The different clerks are now obligated to collect what the state demands. If one applies, in person, for documents, the fees, which I posted before, are in effect. Sometimes, if one applies, by mail and includes a lesser amount than mandated, the clerk's office will not follow up on a dollar or two especially if the amount is in a postal money order or certified check. The last time I applied for a certificate was last month, when we went to the North Country (Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Franklin, etc. Counties). The assistant clerk grinned and waved a NYS Form #DOH-1565 (4/93) at me and told me that I would have to fill it out. According to Mrs. Burrows at the Town Hall here in Wilson, all offices, unless the request is by letter, must use the NYS form and collect the mandated fee. If you have sent less than required in a letter request, you have been fortunate. I just hope that there aren't too many because I would hate to think that Albany might decide to increase the costs. Please check the Mailing List Archive for August 20, 2000 Subject: NY State Legal Certificates. Have fun! Ellen Colangelo Wilson, NY