Massachusetts Business License: Who Needs One & How to Apply (2025)

What Is a Business License in Massachusetts?

A business license is a permit issued by a local, state, or federal body in order to allow businesses to perform a specific business activity and/or operate legitimately.

So, if there isn’t a “general business license” in Massachusetts, what exactly is there?

Well, Massachusetts — like the vast majority of states — imposes different requirements depending on where you’re located and what you actually do.

For example:

• A restaurant in Boston will need a Common Victualler License from the Boston Licensing Board and health permits from the Boston Public Health Commission, plus a Sales and Use Tax Registration from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
  
• A barbershop in Worcester will need professional cosmetology licenses from the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure, a business certificate from the Worcester City Clerk, and must check with the Worcester Division of Code Enforcement for any local zoning requirements.
  
• An HVAC contractor in Springfield will need a Construction Supervisor License from the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards and a business registration from the Springfield City Clerk’s Office.
  
• A home-based accounting business in Cambridge will need professional licensing if offering CPA services, and should verify home occupation permit requirements with the Cambridge Community Development Department for zoning compliance.

Do I Need a Massachusetts Business License? 

Well, the answer to this will ultimately depend on your business’s situation. You can have a look at our table below in order to get a general idea:

Massachusetts Business Licensing at a Glance

Jurisdiction	Business Licenses	Who Needs It & Where to Apply
Local	Health Permits, Zoning Permits, Occupancy Certificates, Industry-Specific Permits, etc.	Varies by location. Contact your local municipality to determine local requirements.
State	Sales and Use Tax Registration Certificate	Businesses selling tangible personal property, digital property, or certain taxable services. Apply through MassTaxConnect with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
	Professional Licenses	Required for regulated professions (e.g., healthcare, contractors, real estate, etc.) Apply through the Division of Occupational Licensure under the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
	Industry-Specific State Licenses	Businesses in regulated industries (e.g., food establishments, liquor, childcare, environmental permits). Check with relevant state agencies and the Massachusetts Business Licenses & Permits hub.
Federal	Industry-Specific Licenses	Businesses involved in federally regulated activities such as agriculture, aviation, firearms, alcohol, broadcasting, or wildlife. Apply through the relevant federal agency (e.g., USDA, FAA, ATF, FCC, FWS)

*While this table is meant to give you a general idea, it’s by no means exhaustive. For all your licensing needs, we suggest either going with a professional licensing service or consulting with a business attorney.

How to Get a Business License in Massachusetts

The process of obtaining a business license in Massachusetts will depend on the permit in question, but generally involves completing the following steps:

1. Form a Business Structure & Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

We recommend formalizing your business before acquiring a business license in order to avoid potentially having to repeat this process again later down the line. 

This also gives other benefits depending on the business model, such as:

• Personal liability protection
• Improved legitimacy 
• Larger access to loans and corporate finance

We generally recommend almost all small business owners to form a limited liability company (LLC). This offers personal liability protection, is extremely affordable, and offers a ton of flexibility when it comes to how it can be taxed and managed. 

Note: You should obtain an EIN after forming your LLC. See our How to Get an EIN overview for more information. 

2. Apply for the Right Business License in Massachusetts

This step will depend on the business license in question.

Massachusetts Local Business Licenses

Many Massachusetts cities and counties require local business licenses or permits to be obtained. This can be in addition to the common state-wide licenses talked about above.

Here are some common local permits you may need:

• Industry Permits: This includes health permits required for restaurants, food trucks, and businesses handling food products. These are typically issued by local health departments or boards of health (e.g., if your business is based in Cambridge, you would obtain food service permits from the Cambridge Public Health Department).
• Zoning Permits: You may need this to ensure that your business’s location is zoned appropriately and complies with local laws (e.g., if you were based in Worcester, you would check with the Worcester Division of Code Enforcement for zoning compliance).
• Fire Department Permits: These can be necessary for businesses with public access, including occupancy permits for commercial buildings. Fire safety inspections are typically required for most commercial occupancies (e.g., if your business is in Springfield, you would work with the Springfield Fire Department).
• Certificate of Occupancy: Required for most businesses before they can legally occupy a building or space. This verifies that the structure meets building codes and is safe for the intended use (e.g., if your business is in Lowell, you would apply through the Lowell Building Department).
• Home-Based Business Permits: Required for businesses operating out of a residence. Home occupation permits ensure compliance with local zoning laws and may have restrictions on the type and scale of business activities (e.g., if operating a home business in Newton, you would check requirements with the Newton Planning and Development Department).

To find your local city or town’s official contact information and licensing requirements, you can visit the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Corporations Division website or contact your municipal clerk’s office directly for local permit information.

Massachusetts State Business Licenses

Below we’ve included the most common business licenses that are required on a state level. 

Massachusetts Sales and Use Tax Registration Certificate

You can apply for a Massachusetts Sales and Use Tax Registration Certificate online.

Apply Online With MassTaxConnect

Apply Online

Fee: $0

Massachusetts Professional Licenses

If you’re interested in a professional license, you’ll need to head over to the relevant state commission, as this is not handled on a local level. We’ve provided the licensing boards of a few of the most common professions below to get you started:

• Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons: Regulates real estate agents, brokers, and salespersons. Handles examination, licensing, and regulatory activities for real estate professionals in Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts Department of Public Safety: Licenses and regulates various contractors including electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, hoisting engineers, and elevator technicians. Also oversees building inspectors and other construction-related professions.
• Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy: Establishes educational and professional standards for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) providing financial services in Massachusetts. Handles CPA examination, licensing, and continuing education requirements.
• Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners: Coordinates bar admission applications, administers the bar examination, and investigates character and fitness of persons seeking to practice law in Massachusetts state courts.
• Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine: Licenses physicians, physician assistants, and other medical professionals. Responsible for medical licensing, examinations, and regulatory oversight.
• Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing: Regulates the practice of nursing and issues licenses to qualified registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses.
• Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation: Oversees home improvement contractors, auto damage appraisers, and various other consumer-related professions requiring state licensing.

For more information on how to go about getting licensed, you can have a look at StateRequirement’s in-depth licensing guides. 

Industry-Specific State Licenses

Some Massachusetts businesses require additional licenses based on the specific industry they operate in.

Here are some common examples of industry-specific state licenses in Massachusetts:

• Alcoholic Beverage License: Required for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages. Regulated by the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). Massachusetts offers various license types including off-premises licenses for package stores, on-premises licenses for restaurants and bars, and specialty licenses for breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
• Food Service Establishment Permit: Required for restaurants, food trucks, and businesses that prepare, serve, or sell food to the public. Regulated by local boards of health under Massachusetts Department of Public Health oversight. Includes requirements for certified food protection managers and regular health inspections.
• Motor Vehicle Dealer License: Required for businesses selling, displaying, or offering motor vehicles for sale. Regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Motor Vehicles. Different license types are available for new car dealers, used car dealers, and specialty vehicle dealers.
• Child Care License: Required for child care centers, family child care homes, and providers caring for children. Regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Includes background checks, health and safety requirements, and staff training standards.
• Cannabis Business License: Required for businesses cultivating, processing, dispensing, or transporting cannabis products. Regulated by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. Massachusetts offers various license types for medical and adult-use cannabis operations including cultivation, manufacturing, retail, and delivery licenses.
• Food Processing License: Required for businesses that process, manufacture, or package food products for wholesale or retail sale. Regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Food Protection Program. Includes requirements for HACCP plans and facility inspections.
  

Massachusetts Environmental Permits

If your business’s industry will mean that it could negatively impact the environment, there’s a good chance you’ll need some sort of license or permit from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).

Examples of industries regulated here include:

• Underground Storage Tank Registration
• Air Quality Permits
• Surface Water Discharge Permits (NPDES)
• Stormwater Permits
• Hazardous Waste Generator Registration
• Aboveground Storage Tank Registration
• Wetlands and Waterways Permits
• Water Withdrawal Permits
• Groundwater Discharge Permits
• Solid Waste Facility Permits
• Waste Oil and PCB Management
• Asbestos Notification

Federal Business Licenses for Massachusetts LLCs

If your business is in a federally regulated industry (which is uncommon), it’ll need to acquire the appropriate business license from the right body before starting to operate. 

A full list of industries regulated at a federal level can be found below:

• Agriculture: Overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Alcoholic Beverages: Overseen by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and the Local Alcohol Beverage Control Board
• Aviation: Overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration.
• Firearms, Ammunitions, and Explosives: Overseen by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
• Fish and Wildlife: Overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Commercial Fishing: Overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service.
• Maritime Transportation: Overseen by the Federal Maritime Commission.
• Mining and Drilling: Overseen by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
• Radio and Television Broadcasting: Overseen by the Federal Communications Commission.
• Transportation and Logistics: Overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation

Massachusetts Business License Renewal

Depending on your business license, you may need to renew it periodically — usually within one or two years. 

A Massachusetts Sales and Use Tax Registration Certificate does not need to be renewed.

Several of the local permits will need to be renewed annually; this includes health department permits, signage permits, and fire department permits, which generally all need to be renewed annually.

Having said that, this will depend on both your location and the license in question.

Massachusetts Business License FAQs

Quick Links

• Massachusetts Business Licenses and Permits
• Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure
• MassTaxConnect
• Massachusetts Sales and Use Tax Guide
• Massachusetts City and Town Government Directory