Northampton, MA · Hampshire County
Business Certificate
Northampton’s Business Certificate records a business name, location, type, and responsible person; business owners file it with the City Clerk when starting a filing or renewing an existing certificate.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Northampton’s Business Certificate is for filing or renewing a business name and identifying its location, type, and the person or people conducting it. The form requires the signer to swear that the information is true. A certificate lasts four years and must be renewed every four years while the business continues; if the business ceases before then, the form instructs the filer to contact the City Clerk and file a withdrawal certificate.
Who needs it
A person conducting business under a business title in Northampton needs this form to file a new certificate or renew one that is due.
Why it needs a notary
The form has a jurat stating that the named person personally appeared and swore the statement is true; that person signs before the notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Certificate
Get the Business Certificate from the City of Northampton.
- 2
Fill In the Form
Enter the business title, location, type, and the requested details for the responsible person or people.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a remote appointment with a commissioned online notary to take the oath.
- 4
Take the Oath on Video
Appear by video and sign as directed so the notary can complete the jurat.
- 5
Submit to the City
Send the completed certificate to the Northampton City Clerk.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Northampton. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I complete the Northampton Business Certificate?
- Fill in the business and owner details, then book a commissioned online notary. Sign and take the oath during your video appointment, and submit the completed certificate to the Northampton City Clerk.
- Do I need to take an oath before signing?
- Yes. The form says the named person personally appeared and made oath that the statement is true. Sign before the notary so the jurat can be completed.
- Can I use an online notary for this form?
- Massachusetts permanently authorized remote online notarization for its own notaries effective January 1, 2024. A commissioned online notary can take the oath by video; confirm with the city or town clerk if unsure.
- When does the business certificate need renewal?
- The form says a certificate is effective for four years from its issue date and must be renewed every four years while the business is conducted.
Other forms in Northampton
Business Certificate in other Hampshire County cities
Each city publishes its own version of this form. Pick the city where you’re filing.