Frequently Asked Questions

If you are starting a business and are a single proprietorship, partnership or corporation doing business under a name other than your own, you must file a business certificate with the Town Clerk in order to register your name.  The only case in which you do not have to file a "dba" is when you are doing business in your own complete name, such as John Smith Company, or your own incorporated name.

Filing a business certificate at the town 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.  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 cost $40.00 and are good for four (4) years.  The Town Clerk's office is located on the first floor of Town Hall, 1 JFK Memorial Drive, Braintree, MA  

File with the Town Clerk, either in person or by mail, in every city or town where an office of said business may be situated.

Upon discontinuing, retiring or withdrawing from such business or in the case of a change or residence of such person or of the location where the business is conducted, a form must be filed with the office of the Town Clerk. A change of business name requires a new business certificate and the discontinuance of the old business name. A Business Certificate Amendment Form (PDF) can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office during normal business hours.

A business certificate is in full force and effect for four (4) years from the date of issue. A new filing must be made every four years as long as the business is being conducted.

No. However, you must provide a copy upon request.

Business Certificate Application Form (PDF) is only required for any business when first applying for a business certificate. Multiple departments are required to sign off on the application before processing it at the Clerk's Office.

Business Certificate - Renewals/Notarized Form (PDF) is used for all business certificates renewals and when all owners are unable to sign the certificate in the presences of the Town Clerks Office, in which case all owners must have their signatures notarized. Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope, check or money order payable to the Town of Braintree along with the notarized business certificate. A registered copy of the Business Certificate will be returned to you.