Business Certificates

Requirement to File a Business Certificate

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 110 Section 5 and Chapter 337 of the Acts of 1985 govern Business Certificates which are sometimes referred to as "Doing Business As" certificates.

Unincorporated businesses being conducted in something other than a person’s own name must file for a Business Certificate with the Town Clerk’s Office. Any incorporated business conducting business in a name other than the name of the corporation must also file with the Town Clerk. The business certificate, which is a public record, allows consumers to identify and locate the principal of the business.

Building Inspectors Approval

The Town of Ipswich requires the applicant to obtain zoning approval from the Building Inspector prior to the filing of the business certificate. Once the Building Inspector has issued written approval that the business may be conducted at the location, the applicant may file a business certificate with a copy of the occupancy permit at the Town Clerk’s Office.

Filing Fee

Business certificates cost $35 and are valid for 4 years. At the end of the 4 years, a renewal may be filed as long as there have been no changes to the business.

Application Form

If the Business Certificate is signed by the applicant outside the Town Clerk's Office, please be sure that each principal of the business signs in the presence of a Notary Public.

Business Certificate Form