Business Certificate (aka DBA)

A business certificate is the registration of a business that is being conducted and is located within the Town of Wayland.  It is commonly referred to as a "DBA" or "Doing Business As" certificate.  Its purpose is primarily for consumer protection and public information.

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 110, Section 5 states that "any person conducting  business under any title or business name other than the real name of the person conducting the business must file a certificate.  A person is defined as an individual, a partnership, or a corporation".

Exemptions to filing are allowed under Section 6 if the 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 exemptions exist for trusts and limited partnerships.

Forms for filing are available as attachments below for downloading or you can complete one at the Town Clerk's Office.  The Business Certificate application includes the name and residence of each person conducting the business, and the location where the business is conducted.  The named individuals must either appear in person at the Town Clerk's Office in order to execute the document or have their signatures on the form notarized by a notary public.  The filing fee is $40.00 and the certificate is valid for four years from date of execution.

If the business is discontinued, moved to another location, ect., a "Statement of Discontinuance, Change of Residence Form" from the Town Clerk's Office must be completed and filed with the Town Clerk if one of the following occurs before the expiration:

Business is discontinued: (Please see attachment below for downloading)

• One or more of the persons named on the certificate is withdrawn or retired from the business or partnership;
• One or more of the persons named on the certificate dies;
• Change of residence of one of the named persons on the certificate;
• Change of location where the business is conducted.