Short answer: Name must contain limited liability company, limited company, or standard abbreviations. Restricted words require state clearance.
We've pulled these figures from the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Massachusetts naming rules
Name must contain limited liability company, limited company, or standard abbreviations. Restricted words require state clearance.
Open the official Massachusetts name search
Reserving a name
Massachusetts lets you reserve a name for $30, which holds it for 60 days.
Doing business under another name
Massachusetts DBAs are filed with: county (city/town level). Fee: $25 to $65.
How Massachusetts compares
Massachusetts's name reservation fee is $30. That's the 13th highest of 50 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $25, so Massachusetts runs $5 above it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $30 | 13 of 50 |
| New Hampshire | $17 | 37 of 50 |
| Rhode Island | $50 | 7 of 50 |
| Connecticut | $60 | 4 of 50 |
| Vermont | $25 | 18 of 50 |
| Maine | $20 | 33 of 50 |
Massachusetts fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Organization | $520 | Base fee is $500 for mail or in-person. Online and fax filings carry an inescapable automatic $20 expedite fee, bringing the total to $520. |
| Name reservation (optional) | $30 | 60 days |
| Amendment | $100 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $25 to $65 | county (city/town level) |
Name search and rules: Massachusetts questions
How do I check if an LLC name is available in Massachusetts?
Use the official Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division business search. A name that's distinguishable from existing records can usually be registered.
What words must a Massachusetts LLC name include?
Name must contain limited liability company, limited company, or standard abbreviations. Restricted words require state clearance.
Can I reserve an LLC name in Massachusetts?
Yes. Reservation costs $30 and holds the name for 60 days.
Do I need a DBA in Massachusetts?
Only if you'll do business under a name other than your exact LLC name. DBAs are filed with: county (city/town level). Fee: $25 to $65.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: ra.self allowed, report.late penalty.