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Business Certificates & Common License Applications

Business Certificates

What is a business certificate?

Often referred to as DBA ("doing business as"), a business certificate creates a public record of the name and address of the owner(s) of a business and contains the name and address of the business and the names and residential addresses of all business partners.  Consumers are entitled to this information according to Massachusetts regulations.

Who files one?

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 110 section 5 states that anyone conducting business in the Commonwealth under any title other than the real name of the person conducting the business, whether individually or as a partnership, shall file a business certificate in the clerk's office of every city or town where an office is situated. Under Chapter 110, section 6 a business certificate is not required if a corporation is doing business in its true corporate name, or if a partnership is doing business under any title which includes the true surname of any partner. Certain other associations and partnerships may also be exempt (refer to section 6 for details.)  Businesses who are limited liability corporations (LLC's), S corporations or incorporated through the Commonwealth are not required to file a certificate.  Please consult your legal representative for additional information.  

How do I file one?
Forms are available in the City Clerk's office as well as online.  All persons named on the certificate must either sign the form in person or have their signatures on the form notarized before filing may be accepted. If the business is being conducted from a home, an Occupancy Permit must be obtained from the Building Commissioner before filing the Business Certificate.
 

The business certificate is valid for 4 years from the date of issue and the filing fee is $60.00.

  • If the business address changes, the applicant should file a change of address in the City Clerk’s Office; if a business is discontinued, the applicant should file a discontinuation form; If ownership of the business changes, a new business certificate is required.  Filing a name, ownership or discontinuance change requires a $15.00 fee.

Licenses Required by City Administrative Regulations and filing fees 

Business Certificate
Discontinuance | Name Change

$60.00

$15.00

Valid for 4 years per state statute

Common Victualler$100.00Annual
Gasoline and Fuel Storage Varies by tank capacity/automobiles – see application
Hackney$100.00Per vehicle annually
Livery Service$100.00
$75.00		Per vehicle | new application
Per vehicle annual renewal
Junk Dealer & Second Hand Dealer$125.00Annual
Motor Vehicle Class I and II$100.00Annual
*Raffle$50.00See application

Raffles 

 Although Massachusetts General Laws prohibit most forms of gambling an exception is made under Chapter 271, Section 7A for certain non-profit organizations that wish to raise funds through raffles and bazaars. (The term "bazaar" is used to refer to "casino night" type events.). Organizations meeting the criteria outlined in the law may apply for a permit from the municipality where the raffle drawing or casino night will take place. The permit application fee in Melrose is $50. A permit will be issued upon approval of the application by the Chief of Police and City Clerk and is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance.  It is valid for an unlimited number of raffles, but only 3 bazaars (casino nights) may be held within the duration of the permit. Be advised gross proceeds of raffles | bazaars are subject to a 5% Massachusetts excise tax on wagering. Proceeds must be reported to the Lottery Commission and taxes paid within 10 days after each event. The Lottery Commission will send the appropriate tax reporting forms to the sponsoring organization. Additional forms can be obtained by calling the Lottery Commission at Phone: 781-849-5555.
 

Annual Report - at the end of the permit's validity and before a renewal permit can be issued - an Annual Report must be filed with the Clerk's office. The report must list all income and expenses associated with raffles and bazaars for the duration of the permit, as well as the names and addresses of participants who won prizes valued at $250 or more. The report must be signed by the members of the organization listed on the original permit application, as well as the organization's accountant.

Regulation -Organizations holding raffle/bazaar permits are responsible for adhering to the regulations outlined in Chapter 271, Section 7A. There are additional regulations in 940 CMR 12 for raffles in which the value of prizes exceeds $10,000 or in which the ticket price exceeds $10. Bazaars (casino nights) are also governed by 940 CMR 13.