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.

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.

Fees

The filing fee for this registration is $50.00 as stipulated in the City of Boston Code, Chapter 18, Section 1B, 30-31.

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.

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.

File in Person

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.

Your Business Registration Form can be notarized by one of the Notary Publics at the City Clerk's Office and fee payment may be made by cash, pre-printed business check, money order or by debit card.

File by Mail

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:

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.

Additional Requirements for Daycare Providers

In addition to the standard registration requirements, daycare businesses in the City of Boston are required to provide a copy of a valid state issued daycare provider license in order to register their business.

Resources

Announcements

  • OFFICE HOURS

    Monday - Friday: 8:30AM to 5:00PM


    CASHIER HOURS:

    Monday - Friday: 8:30AM-4:30PM


    *All public business transactions MUST be completed by 4:30PM before cashier closes.

  • New Daycare Business Requirement

    When registering a daycare business in the City of Boston, daycare providers are now required to provide a copy of a valid state issued daycare provider license.

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