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1. Who must file?

• Any person, whether individually or as a partnership, conducting business under any title other than the complete real name of the owner(s).
• Any corporation doing business in a name other than its corporate name. The certificate must be completed and filed by a corporate officer.

2. Where does one file?

File with the City Clerk, either in person or by mail, in every Town or City where an office of said business may be situated. Filing a business certificate at the city level does not protect your name as a corporate filing or a trademark registration does, it merely allows consumers and or creditors to identify the names of the actual owners of a business. This filing is required by state law. 

A business certificate does not give you permission to operate your business either, it only registers the name.

The doing business as certificate must be submitted with the following items:

• Worker’s Compensation form (if you have no employees, you may check off the appropriate box)

It is your responsibility to obtain all appropriate permits and/or licenses for your business from the building department, licensing authority and board of health.

Business Certificates Filing and Renewals cost $40 and are good for four years.

3. What about a change?

Upon discontinuing, retiring or withdrawing from such business, or in the case of a change of residence of such person or of the location where the business is conducted, a form must be filed with the office of the City Clerk.

4. Does a Business Certificate expire?

A business certificate is in full force and effect for four years from the date of issue. A new filing must be made every four years as long as the business is being conducted.

Sign before the city clerk or a notary public

Mail or deliver with a check payable to the City of Amesbury to:

City Clerks Office
62 Friend Street
Amesbury, MA 01913