Business Certificate (City Clerk): how to file the boston business certificate (DBA)
Needed when the business trades under a name other than its legal name. Bring the notarized form, the signed lease and photo ID to City Hall, Room 601 (the clerk notarizes free), or mail them with a check; there is no online filing. An LLC or corporation registers with the Secretary of the Commonwealth first.
- Agency
- City of Boston, City Clerk
- Where it applies
- Boston
- How it's filed
- Filed in person
- Fee
- $65$65, plus $35 if the owner doesn't live in Massachusetts.
- How long it takes
- Issued while you wait in person; 2 to 3 business days by mail.
- Renewal
- Every 4 years from the first registration; the clerk mails a renewal letter.
What to attach
- Signed lease, or a notarized letter from the landlord
- Government photo ID
Official links
Checked against the agency's own page.
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