Business Certificates: Doing Business As (DBA) Certificates

The purpose of a Business Certificate, also known as a Doing Business As, or DBA, is to disclose business ownership information. Many banks consider it a requirement for opening a business banking account.

Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 110, Section 5 requires that all businesses operating under any title other than the real name of the person conducting the business, whether individually or as a partnership, obtain a Business Certificate.

A Business Certificate is not required if any corporation is doing business under its true corporate name, nor is it required to any partnership doing business under any title which includes the true surname of any partner. For details, refer to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 110, Section 6.

Additional Requirements for Home Based Businesses

If the business is located in your home, you must first acquire a Home Occupation Permit in person from the Office of Planning and Building located at 19 Moore Street The permit is a zoning check per the Belmont Zoning Bylaw 3.4.2 and is valid for four years. The price is currently $30 for a Home Occupation Permit.

Please note that if the residence is leased, a letter of consent is required from the landlord and must be presented to the Office of Planning and Building with the Home Occupation permit application.

View the Office of Planning & Building's Guidelines for Opening a New Business in Belmont.

Procedure & Fee

Applicants should apply in person at the Town Clerk's office with a valid photo ID, and all owners of the business must be present to sign the documents. The forms required are available in the Town Clerk's office and may be filled out during normal business hours. The Business Certificate is valid for four years and costs $50, cash or check made payable to the Town of Belmont.

A Business Certificate does not protect your business name or trademark. For details in regards to incorporation, creating partnerships and LLCs, or protecting your trademark, visit the Secretary of State's website.

Filing by Mail

If you are unable to appear in person at the Town Hall to file for your Business Certificate, you may use these forms to apply by mail:

You must complete and mail BOTH forms and include a check payable to the Town of Belmont for $50. Incomplete applications will not be processed. The forms should be filled out in front of a Notary and sent by mail to:

Town Clerk's Office
Town Hall
455 Concord Avenue
Belmont, MA 02478

Withdrawing a Business Certificate

If you would like to withdraw your Belmont Business Certificate, you may appear at the Town Clerk's office and file a Withdrawal of Business form. The fee to file for withdrawal is $20.

Alternatively, you may use the Business Certificate Withdrawal Notary Form (PDF) to file by mail. You must complete this form in the presence of a Notary and mail the form and payment to the Town Clerk's office.