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1. What is a Business Certificate?

A business certificate is a registration of a business that is being conducted within the Town of Chelmsford. It is commonly referred to as a "d/b/a form" or "Doing Business As". Its purpose is primarily for consumer protection and public information purposes. Essentially, the public has a right to know who "is" a particular business, since a customer will not know who "owns" the business simply by the name of that business.

2. Who must file a Business Certificate?

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 110, section 5, states that any person conducting business under any title (business name) other than the real name of person conducting the business must file a Doing Business As certificate with the Town Clerk’s Office. A person is defined as an individual, a partnership or a corporation.
Exemptions to filing are allowed under section 6 if the corporation is doing business in its true corporate name, or if a partnership is doing business under any title, which includes the true surname of any partner. Certain other exemptions exist for trust and limited partnerships.

3. Who must sign the Business Certificate?

If solely one person owns the business only that person need sign. If it is a partnership, both or all of the partners must sign. If it is a corporation, an officer who has signatory authority must sign. All signatures must be made in front of a notary.
An individual must be 18 years of age or older to legally sign a business certificate.

4. How long are the certificates good for?

Business certificates are valid for a period of four (4) years from the date of its original filing. They must be renewed every four (4) years for as long as the business is operating.

5. What if I go out of business, change my residence, change the location of the business or want to change the name of the business?

If you change your residence as listed on the certificate, or change the location of the business within town (but keep the same name) you must file either a statement of change of residence, or a statement of change of location of business.
If you discontinue your business, retire or withdraw from conducting business (i.e. go out of business or move it to another town) you must file a statement of discontinuance.
If you wish to change the name of your business you must file a new certificate for the new business name. You cannot simply change the name of the business because technically you are stopping business in one name and starting business in a new name.
In the case of death of such a person, the executor or administrator of the estate must file a statement.

6. How much does it cost to file a certificate?

The cost to file a business certificate is $40.00. Certified copies are $10.00.

7. Must I display a copy of my Business Certificate?

The law states that copies of your certificate must be available at the address at which the business is conducted, and shall be furnished on request during regular business hours to any person who has purchased goods or services from such business.

8. What is the penalty if I do not file a certificate or statement?

The law states that a fine of not more than three hundred dollars will punish violations for each month during which the violation continues.

9. Where do I get the forms and how do I file?

All forms may be obtained from the Town Clerk's office and are filed at the Town Clerk's office. When filing a Business Certificate, the applicant must complete the relevant portion of the form. 

Business Certificate

10. Does the Business Certificate give me the right to operate my business?

The Town Clerk’s Office issues “Business Certificates” to register certain businesses. This is to register individuals and businesses and does not allow or permit any business rights with respect to the provisions of the Zoning Bylaws or other regulations.
For any proposed use, a determination of the applicability of the Zoning by-laws is to be made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer prior to commencing such use as stated in regulations of the Town of Chelmsford Zoning Bylaws.