Whenever you are conducting business under a name other than your own full name or the corporation's, you must obtain a "doing business as" (dba) certificate from the City Clerk in the City where the business is located. The d/b/a certificate is maintained in a public file and allows consumers to identify and locate the proprietor. You may file the (dba) in person, and/or with your partner if a partnership, in the City Clerks office. You may pick up a business certificate form at the City Clerk's Office or complete the application online. The form must be returned notarized.
In Haverhill, the filing fee for a d/b/a certificate is $60.00. A certified copy is available for an additional $10.00 at the City Clerks Office or $15.00 by mail. The certificate may be filed in person or by mail, if by mail it must be notarized. The certificate expires four years from the date of issue. For further information, call the City Clerk's office.