City of Cambridge

Apply for a Business Certificate

City Clerk's Office

A business certificate must be filed for any person, partnership, or corporation conducting business in Cambridge under a name other than their own. The form must be signed in person, at the City Clerk's office.

Tips and FAQs

What is needed to file as a Business?

A completed business certification form* including the FID/social security number form (attached) and one type of picture identification.
*These forms can also be found at the City Clerk's Office.

Will I get a tax I.D. number when I file a business certificate?

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

What if the businesses address changes?

The applicant should come in to the City Clerk's office and file a change of address form. The cost is $10.

What if the ownership of the business changes?

If it is a complete change of ownership, a new business certificate must be filed, for a fee of $50.

If it is a partial change of ownership, one of the parties remains the same, the former owner must file a withdrawal form. The fee is $5 and if a certified copy is needed, it will cost an additional $10.

Last Updated: 2/23/2017 | Provide feedback on this page