Business Certificates

Per M.G.L. Chapter 110, Section 5 any person conducting business in Massachusetts under any title other than the real name of the person conducting the business, must file a certificate with the office of the Town Clerk stating the full name and residence of each person conducting such business, the place where it is conducted, and the title under which the business is conducted.

  1. What is a Business Certificate, DBA (doing business as)?
  2. Who must file?
  3. Who must sign the Business Certificate?
  4. How long is my Business Certificate valid?
  5. What if I “go out of business”, change my residence; change the location of the business or want to change the name or owner of the business?
  6. Does the filing of a Business Certificate protect me from others using the same name?
  7. What are the fees?
  8. Must I display a copy of my Business Certificate?
  9. What is the penalty if I do not file a certificate or statement?
  10. Where do I get tax information regarding my business?
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Related Documents

  1. Business Certificates Information FAQs (PDF)
  2. DBA Change Form (PDF)
  3. DBA Form (PDF)
  4. Home Occupation Business Form (PDF)