Businesses in Massachusetts may be required to obtain one or more licenses or permits. Licensing obligations will vary based on industry, business activity, and location. Businesses may also need to register with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth and Department of Revenue (via MassTaxConnect).
Contact CT Corporation for a free consultation.
Businesses operating in Massachusetts may need to meet licensing requirements at the federal, state, and local levels. Certain occupations and industries require licensing and/or certification from state licensing boards. At the local level, businesses may be required to obtain additional licenses and permits, as well as register for a business certificate with the city or town clerk. The certificate filing is commonly called a “DBA” (doing business as), which is not to be confused with a license to conduct business. To learn more about the specific registration and licensing requirements in Massachusetts, click on the Massachusetts industry or county tabs for more information or to order the proper forms.
For more information, please contact CT Corporation for a consultation with a business licensing specialist.
CT Corporation manages the lifecycle of all your business licenses and provides ongoing support for your core business license program.
CT Corporation quickly and accurately assembles a business license package with all the licensing applications and instructions your business may need.
License Type:
Massachusetts Appraisal Management Company License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Appraisers
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
No fee *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require an Architectural Firm License. However, if your business is providing architecture services in Massachusetts, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Massachusetts Medical Marijuana / Registered Marijuana Dispensary (RMD) Certificate of Registration
License Issued By:
Cannabis Control Comission
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1500 Application of Intent fee, $30,000 Managment and Operations Profile fee *
Other Requirements:
This application requires submission of business plans, a diagram of the facility, and a financial account summary of the applicant. Annual renewals.
Notes:
Applicants must present letter(s) of local support or non-opposition with their application. To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application; a $1,500 Application of Intent fee*; $30,000 Managment and Operations Profile fee*; extensive supporting documentation including business plans, a diagram of the facility, and a financial account summary of the applicant; and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Retail Cannabis / Marijuana Establishment License
License Issued By:
Cannabis Control Comission
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$300 application fee, $5000 license fee *
Other Requirements:
This application requires submission of business plans, a diagram of the facility, and certification of legal origin of startup funds. Annual renewals.
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $300 application fee*, $5,000 license fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Charitable Solicitation Registration
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General - Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Reports
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial reports.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Collection Agency License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Division of Banks
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1300 *, $15 credit report fee *, $36.26 for prints *, surety bond
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $1,300 fee plus miscellaneous other fees*, a surety bond, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require a Commercial Painter License at the state level. However, if your business is providing commercial painting services in Massachusetts, you may be required to obtain Commercial Painter License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Massachusetts Compounding Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$525 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $525 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Cosmetology License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$136 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $136 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require a Debt Management License. However, if your business is providing debt management services in Massachusetts, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require a Durable Medical Equipment License. However, if your business is selling durable medical equipment in Massachusetts, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Massachusetts Electrical Contractor Business License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$221 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $221 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Employment Agency License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Office of Labor and Workforce Development
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$300 to $550 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $300 to $550 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Energy Broker License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require an Engineering Firm License. However, if your business is providing engineering services in Massachusetts, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Massachusetts Fertilizer License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Fertilizer Control Official
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$250 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $250 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require Fertilizer Product Registration. However, if your business is selling fertilizer products in Massachusetts, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require Franchise Registration. However, if your business is operating a franchise in Massachusetts, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Massachusetts General Contractor Business License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$150 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $150 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require a Home Health Agency License. However, if your business is providing home health care services in Massachusetts, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$150 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $150 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require an HVAC Contractor License at the state level. However, if your business is providing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services in Massachusetts, you may be required to obtain HVAC License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Massachusetts Insurance Agency License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Division of Insurance
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $75 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require a Mail-Order Pharmacy License. However, if your business is mailing, shipping, or delivering prescriptions in Massachusetts, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require a Manufactured Home Dealer License. However, if your business is selling manufactured homes in Massachusetts, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require a Manufactured Home Installer License. However, if your business is installing manufactured homes in Massachusetts, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Massachusetts Money Transmitter License
License Issued By:
Division of Banks of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$2000 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $2,000 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Money Transmitter License
License Issued By:
Division of Banks of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$2000 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $2,000 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Mortgage Broker License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Division of Banks
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1000 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $1,000 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Mortgage Lender License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Division of Banks
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1000 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $1,000 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require a Pawnbroker License at the state level. However, if your business is operating a pawnshop in Massachusetts, you may be required to obtain Pawnbroker License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Massachusetts Payday Lender License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Division of Banks
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1400 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $1,400 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Pesticide Product Registration
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$300 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $300 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Pet Shop License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Plumbing Contractor Business License
License Issued By:
Board of Examiner of Plumbers and Gas Fitters
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$225 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $225 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Private Investigation Agency License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of State Police Certification Unit
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$550 *
Other Requirements:
Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $550 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and periodic renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Private Investigation Agency License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of State Police Certification Unit
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$550 *
Other Requirements:
Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $550 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and periodic renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Private Security License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of State Police
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$550 *
Other Requirements:
Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $550 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and periodic renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Professional Engineer License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$82 to $162 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $82 to $162 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Residential Painter License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$150 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $150 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Roofing Contractor License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of Public Safety
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$150 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $150 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Sales Tax ID
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require a Secondhand Dealer License at the state level. However, if your business is dealing in secondhand goods in Massachusetts, you may be required to obtain Secondhand Dealer License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Massachusetts Solar Contractor License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$276 *
Other Requirements:
Triennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $276 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and triennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require a Staff Leasing Agency License. However, if your business is providing professional employer services in Massachusetts, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Massachusetts Talent Agency License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$300 to $550 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $300 to $550 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Massachusetts (MA) does not require a Tattoo Parlor License at the state level. However, if your business is operating a tattoo parlor in Massachusetts, you may be required to obtain Tattoo Parlor License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Massachusetts Telemarketing License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1100 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $1,100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Title Agency License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Division of Insurance
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $75 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Tobacco Retail License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$50 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $50 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Tobacco Wholesale License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$250 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $250 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Unemployment Tax ID
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of Employment Assistance
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Wholesale Drug Distributor License
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$900 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, a $900 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Massachusetts Withholding Tax ID
License Issued By:
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Massachusetts requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
Massachusetts counties do not issue Basic Business Licenses. However, your business may be required to obtain a Basic Business License at the state or local level or comply with other licensing laws, based on your business activity and location. Let CT Corporation determine all of the licenses and registrations that you may need, and guide you through the process of obtaining them!
Note: The above refers only to basic business licenses, which are required for any type of business operating within the county. For information regarding industry specific licenses issued by Massachusetts, contact us today!
Let us take care of the paperwork for you! We will prepare and file your application, and we will follow up with the State until you have received your Massachusetts state license. As licensing experts, we will streamline the entire licensing process, making it as painless as possible.
For more information, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
