BUSINESS LICENSE GUIDE

Massachusetts Business Licenses & Permits

This guide explains Business License requirements in Massachusetts, including eligibility, documents, application steps, testing, fees and renewal.

MassachusettsBusiness License
State Business ResourceMassachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development
EligibilityMassachusetts does not have one universal business license. Depending on the business, owners may need Secretary of the Commonwealth registration, a city or town business certificate (DBA), MassTaxConnect registration, and industry-specific licenses or permits.
License & Permit CostsThere is no single statewide business-license fee. Secretary of the Commonwealth filings, local business certificates, tax registrations and professional or industry licenses have separate fees.
License ValidityThere is no universal validity period. The term is determined by the particular state, local or professional credential.

Last verified: 23/09/2026

WHAT THIS PAGE COVERS

Massachusetts at a glance

This guide explains Business License requirements in Massachusetts, including eligibility, documents, application steps, testing, fees and renewal.

How Business Licensing Works

<p>Businesses should determine whether they must file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, obtain a local business certificate, register with MassTaxConnect and obtain professional or industry permits.</p>

Costs, timing and validity

Eligibility / age

Massachusetts does not have one universal business license. Depending on the business, owners may need Secretary of the Commonwealth registration, a city or town business certificate (DBA), MassTaxConnect registration, and industry-specific licenses or permits.

Initial cost

There is no single statewide business-license fee. Secretary of the Commonwealth filings, local business certificates, tax registrations and professional or industry licenses have separate fees.

Renewal cost

Renewal depends on the registration or license. Business entities have periodic state filings, while local certificates and professional licenses have their own renewal requirements.

Validity

There is no universal validity period. The term is determined by the particular state, local or professional credential.

Documents and information to prepare

Use the official checklist linked on this page as the final authority. The items below describe the information this state commonly expects for this credential.

Requirements vary by structure and activity. Common information includes business name, ownership/entity information, address, EIN when required, tax information and activity-specific supporting documents.

How to apply

01

Choose the business structure, complete required Secretary of the Commonwealth filings, obtain a local business certificate when operating under a name other than the legal name, get an EIN when required, register for taxes through MassTaxConnect and obtain required licenses.

Licensing & Compliance Checks

<p>General business and tax registration does not require an examination. Professional and regulated activities can require exams, education, experience, inspections or other qualifications.</p>

Renewal and ongoing requirements

<p>Renew local, professional and industry licenses on the issuing authority’s schedule and complete required entity and tax filings. Update registrations when business information changes.</p>

Processing time

Processing varies by filing. MassTaxConnect supports online registration, while local and professional licenses can require separate agency review.

Important: This page is an independent informational resource. Requirements, fees and procedures can change. Verify the current rules with the relevant official authority before applying.