Business Certificates

Conducting Business in Watertown

The purpose of a Business Certificate, also known as a Doing Business As, or DBA, is to disclose business ownership information. Many banks consider it a requirement for opening a business banking account. The Business Certificate is valid for four (4) years.

Massachusetts General Laws, Ch.110 § 5 require that all businesses operating under any title other than the real name of the person conducting the business, whether individually or as partnership, obtain a Business Certificate.

A Business Certificate is not required if any corporation is doing business under its true corporate name, nor is it required to any partnership doing business under any title which includes the true surname of any partner. For details, refer to Massachusetts General Laws, Ch.110 § 6.

Procedure 

Business Certificate applications for the City of Watertown are available online through OpenGov. Please use the link below to apply: Online Portal; 

Please note: 

  • If your business is registered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as an LLC and you are operating under the exact legal name of the LLC, a Business Certificate is not required. 
  • If you are operating under a name different from the legal name of the LLC, you must obtain a Business Certificate. 
  • LLC applicants who choose to file for a Business Certificate must upload a copy of their Articles of Organization. 
  • Sole Proprietors must upload all required supporting documentation as indicated in the application. 
  • All business owners are required to upload a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID to verify their identity. 
  • All required fields must be completed before the application can be submitted for review. 

Once submitted, applications will be reviewed by the following departments: 

City Clerk's Office
Zoning Department 
Inspectional Services Department 

Fee

The fee for a Business Certificate is $50.00. Payment will be requested after the application has been approved by all applicable departments. Payments may be made online using the EPay Portal which will be provided once the approval has been completed. You may also pay by Check, Credit or Debit in person or by mailing a check payable to City of Watertown to: 

City of Watertown
Attn: City Clerk's Office 
149 Main Street 
Watertown, MA 02472 

Questions? 

Please contact the City Clerk's Office at 617-715-8686 or cityclerk@watertown-ma.gov for assistance. 

A Business Certificate does not protect your business name or trademark. For details in regards to incorporation, creating partnerships and LLCs, or protecting your trademark, visit the Secretary of State's website.