Business Registration Information and Forms

The Office of the City Clerk is charged with ensuring that businesses throughout Boston apply for and obtain a business certificate. The filing fee for this registration is $50.00 as stipulated in the City of Boston Code, Chapter 18, Section 1B, 30-31.

Failure to register a business is punishable by a fine of not more than $300.00 each month that a business is not registered.

The "doing business as" (d/b/a) certificate is renewable every four (4) years from the date of registration with the Office of the City Clerk. Please list the name and address of your business, as well as the name and address of each individual who has an interest in the business. Post office boxes are NOT acceptable as a business address.

The owner's signature must be notarized and your business check or money order must be included payable to the City of Boston prior to mailing the form to our office. Also, please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and we will return a certified copy of the business certificate to you. No personal checks will be accepted.

An additional fee of $25.00 is applicable ONLY to non-residents conducting business in Massachusetts under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 227, Section 5A.

Business Certificates are processed at the City Clerk's Office, Room 601 between the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

You may also submit your registration form by mail along with your business check or money order payable to the City of Boston. Our mailing address is as follows:

• New or Renewal Business Certificate
  
  
• Business Certificate Change of Location Form
  
  
• Withdrawal of Business Certificate

Office of the City Clerk
Boston City Hall - Room 601
One City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
ATTN: Business Certificates

Please also enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope and we will return your official copy to you. Thank you for your cooperation.

CONTACT: Suzanne Stanton at 617-635-2691. Top