In Massachusetts, a “Doing Business As” (DBA) is officially referred to as a “business certificate” or “d/b/a certificate.” Registering a DBA allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal name. This can be beneficial for branding purposes or when expanding into new business areas.
For example, if you have an LLC called “Bay State Enterprises LLC” that you use for your general contracting business, but you want to start a separate home renovation service, you could register a DBA like “Boston Home Makeovers” without forming a new LLC.
Filing for a DBA provides business owners with flexibility in branding without the need to create separate legal entities for each business venture.
Note that while a DBA allows you to do business under a different name, it doesn’t provide the legal protections that come with forming an LLC or corporation.
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Do You Need a Massachusetts DBA for Your Business Entity?
Before proceeding with the steps to get a DBA in Massachusetts, determine if it’s necessary for your business type:
Sole Proprietors: If you’re a sole proprietor operating under a name other than your legal name, you need to register a DBA. For example, if John Smith wants to operate as “Cambridge Auto Repair,” he needs to register this as a DBA.
LLCs and Corporations: If these entities want to do business under a name different from their registered name, they need a DBA. For instance, if “Bay State Enterprises LLC” wants to operate as “Boston Home Makeovers,” they would need to register this DBA.
How to Get a DBA in Massachusetts
Follow these steps to get a DBA in Massachusetts:
- Search the Massachusetts Corporations Division database to ensure your desired name is available.
- Check if your DBA is available as a domain name (optional).
- File your DBA application with your local city or town clerk’s office.
- Pay the filing fee.
Step 1: Do a DBA Search in Massachusetts
Your DBA must be unique and comply with Massachusetts’ business name requirements. To check availability, use the Massachusetts Corporations Division search tool:
https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corpweb/CorpSearch/CorpSearch.aspx
Ensure your chosen name isn’t already in use and meets state requirements.
Step 2: Check if your name is available as a web domain
While not legally required, it’s wise to check if your DBA is available as a domain name for your future website. You can check domain availability at: godaddy.com/domains
Tips for choosing a domain:
- Aim for a .com domain if possible
- Avoid using hyphens between words
- Consider adding relevant keywords (e.g., “massachusetts,” “boston”) if the exact match isn’t available
Step 3: Register your Massachusetts DBA
In Massachusetts, DBAs are registered at the local level. You’ll need to file your DBA with the city or town clerk’s office where your business is located. Each municipality may have slightly different requirements, so it’s best to check with your local clerk’s office for specific instructions.
More info: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cor/corpweb/cordba/dabaidx.htm
Generally, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Your desired DBA name
- Your business’s legal name and address
- A brief description of the nature of your business
- The names and addresses of the business owners
Step 4: Pay the filing fee
The filing fee for registering a DBA in Massachusetts varies by municipality. Fees typically range from $20 to $60. Contact your local city or town clerk’s office for the exact fee amount.
Massachusetts DBA registrations are typically valid for 4 years and must be renewed before expiration to maintain the registration.
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After You Get a DBA For Your Limited Liability Company or Other Entity
Once you’ve secured your DBA, consider these next steps:
• Create a website: Establish an online presence for your business to reach more customers.
• Set up a business bank account: Keep your personal and business finances separate. We recommend Mercury Bank for online banking, but traditional banks are also an option.
• Obtain necessary licenses and permits: Ensure you have all required licenses and permits to operate legally in Massachusetts.
• Consider business insurance: Protect your business with appropriate insurance coverage.
By following these steps, you’ll have successfully registered your DBA in Massachusetts and be well on your way to operating your business under your chosen name.
