Massachusetts has no statewide DBA filing. Anyone doing business under a name other than their real or registered name files a business certificate with the clerk of every city or town where the business has an office (c. 110, § 5). The certificate is signed under oath, lasts four years, and fees are set locally. An LLC or corporation using its exact registered name is exempt (§ 6).
M.G.L. c. 110, § 5M.G.L. c. 110, § 6Massachusetts General Laws chapters 156C, 156D, 180 and 110 and the Corporations Division Filing Fees page reviewed November 11, 2026. Confirm current fees with the Secretary of the Commonwealth before filing.
Heads up: we are an independent company that prepares and submits Massachusetts filings for owners. We are not the Secretary of the Commonwealth or its Corporations Division, and we do not give legal advice. Every state charge passes through at the exact amount billed, shown separately from our service fee.
- Filed with the Massachusetts Corporations Division
- We track your Massachusetts annual report
- Cited to M.G.L. chapters 156C and 156D
- Talk to a filer: (386) 465-3937
The forks in the road.
Where to file
With the clerk of every city or town where the business has an office (c. 110, § 5).
M.G.L. c. 110, § 5Who is exempt
A corporation using its true corporate name, and an LLC or LLP doing business under its true registered name (c. 110, § 6).
M.G.L. c. 110, § 6Signature
Signed under oath by each person named, in front of the clerk or a person authorized to take oaths, such as a notary.
M.G.L. c. 110, § 5What to have ready
- Pick the trade name
- List every city or town where you have an office
- Collect each owner's full name and residence
- Arrange a notary or clerk appointment
- Check the local fee and payment method
- Put the four-year renewal on your calendar
Massachusetts DBA: How a Business Certificate Works With Your City or Town Clerk
Massachusetts DBA: How a Business Certificate Works With Your City or Town Clerk
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Why Massachusetts does trade names locally
Chapter 110, § 5 predates statewide databases and puts trade names in the hands of city and town clerks. The upside is speed: in most cities you can file at the clerk's counter. The downside is that a business with offices in three towns files three certificates, pays three fees and tracks three renewals. Clerks keep an index of certificates in force, which is how the public looks up who owns a brand.
Source: malegislature.gov
Local fees in the largest cities
Boston: $65, plus $35 for a non-resident owner, renewed every four years. Worcester: $50 at City Hall Room 206. Springfield: $50 at City Hall Room 123. Cambridge: $50 at 795 Massachusetts Avenue. Lowell: $100 including one certified copy, with a workers' compensation affidavit. Each city page on this site lists the clerk's address and phone.
Source: www.boston.gov
Signing under oath
Each person named on the certificate signs under oath in front of the clerk, someone the clerk designates, or a person authorized to take oaths such as a notary. The clerk may ask for identification. We prepare the form, then tell you whether your clerk accepts notarized forms by mail or wants you at the counter.
Source: malegislature.gov
LLCs and corporations using a brand
If your LLC is Harbor Lane Holdings LLC and the sign says Harbor Lane Bakery, you need a business certificate for Harbor Lane Bakery in each town with an office. Using only Harbor Lane Holdings LLC does not require one (c. 110, § 6).
Source: malegislature.gov
Massachusetts law and Corporations Division rules behind this.
| Topic | Massachusetts rule | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Where to file | With the clerk of every city or town where the business has an office (c. 110, § 5). | M.G.L. c. 110, § 5 |
| Who is exempt | A corporation using its true corporate name, and an LLC or LLP doing business under its true registered name (c. 110, § 6). | M.G.L. c. 110, § 6 |
| Signature | Signed under oath by each person named, in front of the clerk or a person authorized to take oaths, such as a notary. | M.G.L. c. 110, § 5 |
| Term | In force for four years from issue; renew every four years or it lapses. | M.G.L. c. 110, § 5 |
| Fine | Up to $300 for each month the business operates in violation. | M.G.L. c. 110, § 5 |
Related Massachusetts reading.
Heads up: we are an independent company that prepares and submits Massachusetts filings for owners. We are not the Secretary of the Commonwealth or its Corporations Division, and we do not give legal advice. Every state charge passes through at the exact amount billed, shown separately from our service fee.
What Massachusetts owners ask us
Each city or town sets its fee. Boston charges $65, Worcester, Springfield and Cambridge $50, and Lowell $100 including one certified copy.
City of BostonYes. A change of location or residence, or closing the business, is filed with the clerk as a sworn statement.
M.G.L. c. 110, § 5Copies must be available at the business address and provided on request to anyone who bought goods or services from the business.
M.G.L. c. 110, § 5Yes. Corp USA prepares and submits your Massachusetts filing with the Corporations Division for you. The state fee is passed through at cost and our service fee is shown separately at checkout, so you never have to work through the state's filing system yourself.
Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division