Business Certificates

Obtaining a Business Certificate 

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 110 Section 5 states that anyone doing business under a name other than their own is required to file a Business Certificate with the town the business is located within.

Before applying for a Business Certificate in Plymouth, please complete an online Business Zoning Application or visit the Inspectional Services Department in-person. For your protection, the zoning enforcement officer will sign off on your request to ensure your business is an allowed use under the zoning bylaws. 

Once the Zoning is approved, visit the Town Clerk's office with a copy of your zoning permit/receipt to apply for the Business Certificate. The fee for a new business certificate is $40 (payable in cash, credit card or check) and the certificate is valid for four (4) years.

The Town Clerk's office mails renewal letters to business owners about a month before their certificate is set to expire as a courtesy. Renewals are $40 for another 4 years.

If applying by mail, download and complete a blank Business Certificate (PDF). The certificate must be notarized and a check for $40 made out to "Town of Plymouth" and a copy of your zoning permit/receipt must also be included alongside your certificate.

Renewing a Business Certificate

If your business certificate is due for renewal and there are NO changes to the business (ex. changes of name, ownership or relocation), you may submit for renewal online.  However, if there have been changes to the business, a new Business Zoning Application is required. The fee for renewal is $40 and is valid for four (4) years.

Amending a Business Certificate

A Business Zoning Application is needed to ensure records are up to date.  Once approval is received, the Town Clerk's office will update the certificate.  The fee for amendment is $10.  

Discontinuing a Business Certificate

A signature from the business owner is needed to discontinue a business certificate. The fee for discontinuance is $5. Once the discontinuance is filed, please visit or contact the Assessors' Office to close out your personal property account.

If discontinuing by mail, download and complete a Business Discontinuance Form (PDF). The form must be notarized and a check for $5 made out to "Town of Plymouth" must also be included.

Fee Schedule

  • New Business Certificate or Renewal: $40
  • Amendment of a Business Certificate: $10
  • Discontinuance (Cancellation) of a Business Certificate: $5