Business Certificates

In accordance with MGL 110:5, any person conducting a business under a name other than their own name is required to file a Business Certificate with this office to register the business at the address where such business is to be conducted (“doing business as” or “d/b/a” certificate).   

Prior to obtaining the certificate, a determination must be made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer as to whether the type of business is permitted at the proposed location.   In some cases, a special permit may be required through the Zoning Board of Appeals before the certificate can be issued from this office.  This is usually required for any Home Occupation, based on the North Reading Zoning By-Laws.  Please contact the Zoning Enforcement Office at 978-357-5240 for information on the current cost for this process.

After a determination by the Zoning Enforcement Officer (and approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals, if required), all persons who will be listed as principals of the business must appear together in person to file the certificate, or the certificate may be completed elsewhere in the presence of a Notary Public who must witness the signature of all parties.  

The d/b/a is maintained in this office and allows the public to identify and locate the owner(s).  In North Reading, the cost for the certificate is $40; it is valid for four years from the date of issue and renewable every four years at the same cost.  Most financial institutions require a copy of the Business Certificate prior to opening a business banking account or securing a business loan.

A certificate of discontinuance, withdrawal or amendment must be filed with this office if any of the following occur prior to the expiration of the certificate:

  • The business is discontinued or moves out of the Town
  • The business location changes within the Town (compliance with Zoning required)
  • One or more persons registered on the certificate withdraws from the business
  • The residence of any named person on the certificate changes
  • Any named person on the certificate is deceased

The cost to file the amendment/discontinuance certificate is $20; in the case of an amendment, the original filing date will still be maintained for the purpose of continued renewals.

Complete text of MGL 110:5 on filing a Business Certificate 

If a business is registered through the Secretary of State's Office as a corporation, local registration is optional, however many financial institutions still require local registration before opening a business account.  For information about the process of incorporating a business, contact the Corporations Division at 617-727-9640, navigate through the Corporations Division website for general information, or complete a request form here.

Complete text of MGL 110:6 regarding registration as a Corporation

For information regarding the protection of a business name (trademark, service mark, trade name) registration with the Secretary of State's Office is required through the Corporations website.

Complete text of MGL 110H regarding registration and protection of Trademarks