How to obtain a DBA certificate in Massachusetts

How do I get a DBA certificate in MA?
Business certificates can be filed by mail or in-person with the Boston City Clerk’s office. The form needs to be notarized. This can be done in the City Clerk’s office if you bring a picture ID.
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You must apply for a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate if you are beginning a business in Massachusetts and intend to use a name other than your legal name. The state of Massachusetts mandates the need for this document, also referred to as a business certificate.

The procedure for getting a DBA certificate is simple. You must first check to see if the name you want to use is already taken. On the website of the Massachusetts Secretary of State, you can see if the selected business name is still available. You can apply for a DBA certificate at the city or town clerk’s office where your business is located once you have made sure the name is available.

Depending on the city or town you file in, a DBA certificate in Massachusetts can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. The cost is typically in the $50 range, but in certain places it might reach $100. Because the price is not refundable, it is crucial to confirm that the name you select is available before applying for a DBA certificate.

A business certificate serves the goal of notifying the public that you are conducting business under a name other than your legal name. Because it makes sure that the public can recognize the owner of a firm, it is also utilized to aid in the prevention of fraud.

In Massachusetts, you are exempt from submitting a DBA certificate if you are a sole proprietor. However, you will still need to apply for a DBA certificate if you intend to run your business under a name other than your legal name.

In conclusion, you must obtain a DBA certificate if you intend to run a business in Massachusetts under a name other than your legal name. Although the procedure is simple and uncomplicated, it is crucial to confirm that the name you select is available before filing. A DBA certificate is required to notify the public that you are conducting business under a different name, and the fee to obtain one varies based on the city or town you are filing in. If you are a sole owner, you are not needed to register your business; but, if you intend to do so, you must apply for a DBA certificate.

FAQ
How do I obtain a DBA?

In order to receive a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate in Massachusetts, you must submit a form to the Corporations Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The form must be filled out online or by mail and includes fields for the name and address of the company, the kind of business entity, and the owner’s name and address. The DBA certificate will be issued once the form is submitted and the fee is paid. It is crucial to remember that a DBA merely permits a company to conduct business under a different name rather than creating a new legal organization.