Business Certificates

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Doing Business As

Chelmsford 6.jpg

Any person conducting business under any title (business name) other than the real name of person conducting the business is required by law to file a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate with the Office of the Town Clerk.


The owner listed must have his or her signature notarized or sign in person in the Town Clerk's Office before filing the certificate. This is a two-sided form which must then be approved by the building inspector before it can be filed with the town clerk.


Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 110, section 5



  1. What is a Business Certificate?
  2. Who must file a Business Certificate?
  3. Who must sign the Business Certificate?
  4. How long are the certificates good for?
  5. What if I go out of business, change my residence, change the location of the business or want to change the name of the business?
  6. How much does it cost to file a certificate?
  7. Must I display a copy of my Business Certificate?
  8. What is the penalty if I do not file a certificate or statement?
  9. Where do I get the forms and how do I file?
  10. Does the Business Certificate give me the right to operate my business?
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