How to Register a Business Name in Massachusetts

State of Massachusetts

It is important to register your business in Massachusetts and if your business name is different than the name on your birth certificate you need to register your business name in Massachusetts. Registering your business name in Massachusetts will also help your business by getting you listed in business directories, so make sure all of your contact information is accurate.

Things You'll Need

• Filing Fee
• Checking account

Instructions

1. Acquire the registration form for registering your business name by calling the Massachusetts Secretary of State office at 1-617-727-2850.

2. Fill out the form completely and make the payment to the Massachusetts Secretary of State office. The filing fee is $50. You can send a check or money order with the form.

3. Renew your business name registration every ten years by calling the Massachusetts Secretary of State office at 1-617-727-2850. They will send you a re-registration or renewal form to fill out.

4. File online if you would rather not wait for the form in the mail. See Resources below for filing a business name registration online.

5. Register first with mass.gov, the website that allows you to file for a business name registration online. You will need to send your bank information (routing and checking number) in order to pay the filing fee online.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the Massachusetts Secretary of State office if any of your contact information changes.

• Do not send cash in the mail.

• All information you fill out must be accurate.

Resources

• Massachusetts Secretary of States Office
• Mass. web file for business