How do I get a business certificate?

Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 110, Section 5 states "Any person conducting business in the Commonwealth under any title other than the real name of the person conducting business, whether individually or as a partnership, shall file in the Office of the Clerk of every city or town where an office of such person or partnership may be be situated...". There are two exceptions to this statute: 1) If you are incorporated. (Please provide this office with a copy of the Articles of Corporation for your business for our records). However, if you are incorporated but doing business under a different name, you are still required to file a Business Certificate; 2) If you are operating a business under your own full name (e.g. John Doe Construction). Please complete both copies of the Business Certificate and the Business Certificate checklist and return it to this office. If you require notary services, we currently are staffed with two notaries, and will notarize your copy at no charge. Business certificates are $40.00 and are valid for four years. Business Certificate Information