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Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need a business license?

How can I find the County Code?

Do I need to file a business personal property tax return?

My neighbor's yard looks like a garbage pit with abandoned vehicles, trash and animal waste. Where can I call to report this?

Where do I go to get a passport?

Problems/concerns with septic or sewer system?

Certified copy of a marriage license?

Certified copy of a birth record or death certificate?

How do I find out who owns a piece of property?

How do I get copies of recorded documents?

How do I get a copy of my divorce or other court records?

How do I do a legal name change?

How do I change my name if I just got married?

How do I change my name if I just got a divorce?

How do I register to vote?

Do I need a business license?
For the most part, Clackamas County does not require businesses to have county-issued business licenses if they are operating in unincorporated areas of the county. There are exceptions, however. Home occupations, motor vehicle dealers or rebuilders and wrecker/salvage operators have licensing requirements. Information about these can be obtained at 503-353-4400. You can also get information from the County website www.clackamas.us/business/homebased.htm. Secondhand dealers are also required to have licenses. Information can be obtained by contacting Lori Vicars of the Sheriff’s Office at 503-655-8821. While the County may not require a business license, many cities and the State of Oregon often do. For State business information, call 503-986-2200. top

My neighbor's yard looks like a garbage pit with abandoned vehicles, trash and animal waste. Where can I call to report this?
Code Enforcement handles complaints about possible violations of County Code. Citizens can call 503-742-4400 for assistance. top

Where do I go to get a passport?
Passport Application Processing and Passport Photo Services are offered to the public through the Records Management department. Passport services are offered between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Clackamas County Records Center, 270 Beavercreek Rd., Suite 200, Oregon City. The phone number is 503-655-8323 top

Problems/concerns with septic or sewer system?
Call Water Environment Services at 503-742-4567. top

Certified copy of a marriage license?
These may be obtained in the county where you purchased your license (certified copy request form) or the State of Oregon Vital Records located in Portland, their phone number is 971-673-1190, website www.healthoregon.org. top

Certified copy of a birth record or death certificate?
The first 6 months after the birth occurred contact the County Health Department 503 655-8384. After 6 months contact the State of Oregon Vital Records 971-673-1190 top

How do I find out who owns a piece of property?
Call the County Tax Assessor at 503 655-8671 give them the address and they will give you the owners name of record, if you want a copy of the most current deed transaction for that piece of property ask the Assessor for the deed reference number. You can obtain a copy of the recorded deed at the Recording Department, 2051 Kaen Road, Oregon City or call 503 655-8551. top

How do I get copies of recorded documents?
Clackamas County Recording Department, (above information) all of the Recording information is by name of the party and year of the transaction. Research library is available to the public. top

How do I get a copy of my divorce or other court records?
Go to the Clackamas County Circuit Court, 807 Main Street, Oregon City or call 503 655-8447. top

How do I do a legal name change?
Same as above. top

How do I change my name if I just got married?
Get a certified copy from the county where you obtained your marriage license and take it to the places that you want to change your name, such as Social Security and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV.) top

How do I change my name if I just got a divorce?
Get a certified copy of your divorce decree from the county that your divorce was final take it to the places that you want to change your name, such as Social Security and Department of Motor Vehicles. top

How do I register to vote?
You may locate voter registration forms at the following locations: post offices, public libraries, city halls, schools, the DMV and at Clackamas County Elections. You can download and print a form in PDF format from the Secretary of State's Oregon Votes website.

You can also call the Clackamas County Elections Division at 503-655-8510 and request that they mail you the registration form. top