Business Certificates

Business Certificates

Visit our Permit Portal for the Business Certificate application and information. 

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Business Certificates

How do I obtain a business certificate?

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 Clerk's office (Room 118). You may also complete the application online on our permits portal. (recommended)

Your certificate will need to be notarized by a notary in the office - if a business representative is unable to come in-person, they will need to sign the form remotely and find a different notary public to notarize their signature before returning the form to our office.

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.

A completed business certification form and a note from the Building Inspector that you are in the proper zone to run the business. Apply for a zoning verification for business certificate here

No, the tax identification number comes from the Department of Revenue at the state level. You must apply to the State for the number.

The applicant should come in to the City Clerk's office and file a change of address form.  The cost is $20.00.

If it is a complete change of ownership, a business certificate amendment must be filed with:

  • Both parties present
  • a fee of $20.00
  • If the certificate has expired, you must pay $60.00 for the change in owner and a new business certificate

If one of the parties remains the same, the former owner must file a withdrawal form with:

  • a fee of $20.00
  • If the certificate has expired, you must pay $60.00 for the change in owner and a new business certificate