Business (Doing Business As - DBA) Certificates

Persons conducting a business under any title other than the true name of the person, partnership or corporation, must file a Business Certificate (DBA) in every community where an office of the business is situated. Business certificates are required under MGL Chapter 110 Section 5 as part of the Consumer Protection Laws. This is not a license to do business. A business certificate is required for listing the business name and owner with the Town if the business is a sole proprietor, a partnership or a corporation doing business in a different name as the corporate name. Even a corporation doing business under the corporate name may be requested to file with the Town by an attorney, accountant or a bank.

If the business is an at-home business, business owners are required to sign an acknowledgement located on the back side of the business certificate application certifying that their business complies with zoning ordinances. If you have questions regarding zoning, please call the Building Department at 508-841-8512. 

Certificates may be filed in person (identification required) at the Town Clerk's office. Business Certificate may also be submitted by mail with signatures notarized. There is a $25 filing fee and a fee of $10 is charged to amend or discontinue a DBA. Cash, check, money order or credit card accepted (fee applies to credit card payments). Business Certificates are valid for 4 years.

Filing a DBA does not protect your name. If you wish to register a trademark or service mark with the State of Massachusetts, contact the Corporations Division by phone at 617-727-9640 or in person at:
One Ashburton Place
17th floor
Boston, MA 02108
For further information on trademarks, servicemarks or the incorporation process, see Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporation Division.

General information concerning trademarks may be obtained from The Commissioner of Patents in Washington D.C. by phone at 703-308-4368. Federal information is available by telephone at 800-347-1997.

For more information on additional licensing for your business, see the Town of Shrewsbury Business Guide. If you have further questions on the licensing of a business, contact the State's Citizen Information Service at 617-727-7030 or, 1-800-392-6090, hours: M-F 8:45-5.