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DBA filing · Massachusetts

How to File a DBA in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, a DBA is filed with your city or town clerk. Register with the City or Town Clerk — Business Certificate for Varies.

Check my business nameSee how to file

A DBA — short for “doing business as,” also called a fictitious business name, assumed name, or trade name — lets you legally operate under a name that isn't your own legal name or your company's exact registered name. In Massachusetts, a DBA is filed with your city or town clerk.

Here's exactly where and how to register your DBA in Massachusetts — and what it costs — so your filing is accepted the first time.

How to file a DBA in Massachusetts

  1. Confirm your name is available. Run a quick pre-check on our name-search tool, then verify it against the official Massachusetts records so you don't pay to file a name that's taken.
  2. Complete the Massachusetts filing. Register with the City or Town Clerk — Business Certificate. The filing fee is Varies.
  3. Handle any extra steps. “Business certificate” (DBA) filed with the city/town clerk where you're located.
  4. Keep it active. Your registration lasts 4 yrs before it needs renewing — we'll remind you before it lapses.
Where it's filed: Town / city — City or Town Clerk — Business Certificate.

Two ways to file in Massachusetts

DBAform is a resource either way — do it yourself with the official link, or let us handle it.

Do it yourself — free

Use the official Massachusetts link and the details on this page to file it yourself at no charge.

Open the official Massachusetts filing page →

Done for you — via LegalZoom

Prefer to hand it off? File through LegalZoom, our recommended service (plus the Varies state fee).

File through LegalZoom →

Rather have it done for you?

Don't want to navigate the City or Town Clerk — Business Certificate yourself? File through LegalZoom, our recommended filing service — they prepare the paperwork and submit it to the correct office (from $99 plus the Varies state fee). DBAform may earn a commission if you use our link, at no extra cost to you.

File through LegalZoom →Read the FAQ

Massachusetts DBA — frequently asked questions

Where do I file a DBA in Massachusetts? +

In Massachusetts, a DBA is filed with the City or Town Clerk — Business Certificate. This is handled by your city or town clerk.

How much does a DBA cost in Massachusetts? +

Massachusetts's government filing fee is Varies. You can file it yourself and pay only that fee, or file through LegalZoom (from $99 plus the state fee).

Does a DBA in Massachusetts expire or need to be renewed? +

A Massachusetts DBA must be renewed every 4 years.

Does Massachusetts require newspaper publication for a DBA? +

No. Massachusetts does not require you to publish a notice of your DBA in a newspaper.

Do I have to file a DBA in Massachusetts? +

If you operate under any name other than your own legal name (as a sole proprietor) or your business's exact registered name (as an LLC or corporation), Massachusetts requires you to register it. If you use only your legal name, you generally don't need one.

Is a DBA the same as an LLC in Massachusetts? +

No. A DBA is only a registered trade name -- it doesn't create a legal entity or protect your personal assets. An LLC does both. Many owners form an LLC and then file a DBA under it.

Other states

Filing in more than one state, or not sure this is the right one? Browse every jurisdiction or jump to a popular state:

DBA in CaliforniaDBA in TexasDBA in FloridaDBA in New YorkDBA in IllinoisDBA in GeorgiaAll 50 states →

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