Citizens' Guide to State Services:
Licenses & Permits

Ambulance Services / EMT

Office of Emergency Medical Services
Department of Public Health
99 Chauncy Street, 11th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-753-7300
Fax: 617-753-7320
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-emergency-medical-services

The mission of the Office of Emergency Medical Services is to promote a statewide community-based emergency medical services (EMS) system that reduces premature death and disability from acute illness and injury through the coordination of local and regional EMS resources. In addition, this division also inspects and certifies ambulance vehicles, inspects and licenses ambulance services, and will accept and investigate complaints against such services.

Amusement Parks/Carnival Rides

Office of Public Safety and Inspection
Amusement Division
1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-3200
Email: DPSInfo@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-public-safety-and-inspections

Amusement devices such as fixed or portable mechanical device similar to ferris wheels, carousals, challenge courses, climbing walls, euro-bungee devices, inclined railways, inflatables (often referred to as "Bounce Houses") as well as amusement devices as defined by ASTM. Other amusement devices include go karts, concession go karts, and other mechanical devices that are confined to one path of travel.

Asbestos Abatement

Department of Labor Standards
19 Staniford Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-6960
E-mail: DLSfeedback@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-labor-standards

All those involved in professional asbestos abatement must either be certified or licensed by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This Department administers the regulations concerning the removal, containment or encapsulation of asbestos.

Regional Offices and License Walk-In Hours

Haverhill

New Bedford

Springfield

Westborough

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Birth, Death, and Marriage Records

Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
Department of Public Health
150 Mt. Vernon Street, 1st Floor
Dorchester MA 02125-3105
Phone: 617-740-2600
Phone: 617-740-2606 (to order copies of records by credit card)
Fax: 617-825-7755
www.mass.gov/orgs/registry-of-vital-records-and-statistics

Certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates are available at this office. The office also maintains an alphabetical index of divorces in order to direct individuals to the probate court where the divorce was granted. Records from 1926 to the present are filed at this office. Records from 1841-1925 are filed at the Massachusetts Archives. Records prior to 1841 are held by the city and towns where the event took place. The office is closed to the public on Wednesday. Public research hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Option: Birth, marriage, and death certificates are also available from the city or town Clerks' office where the event occurred (or applied from for marriage licenses).

Boats and Recreational Vehicles / ATV's / OHV's Ski-Snowmobiles

Boat and Recreation Vehicle Registration and Titling Bureau
Massachusetts Environmental Police
251 Causeway Street, Suite 101
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-1610
Fax: 617-626-1630
www.mass.gov/orgs/boat-and-recreation-vehicle-registration-and-titling-bureau
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:45 - 4:45

The Boat, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV), and Snowmobile Registration Bureau is responsible for registering motorboats, snowmobiles, and recreation vehicles in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There are five regional offices within the state. If you are registering a boat, off-highway vehicle, or snowmobile for the first time, check with this office for the documentation that you need to bring to the Registration Office. While cash is not accepted, personal checks or money orders are. There is also an online option for registration, please call or visit their website for further information, hours and forms as well as information on the safety programs offered.

Regional Offices

Fall River

Hyannis

Springfield

Worcester

Buses and Bus Operators

Transportation Division
Department of Public Utilities
1 South Station, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: 617-305-3559
Fax: 617-478-2598
E-mail: TransDivision.Complaints@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/topics/commercial-transportation

This division investigates complaints from the public, inspects buses, railway track and equipment, conducts examinations for licensing of bus drivers (including school bus drivers transporting more than eight pupils), and investigates all railway or bus accidents. It has jurisdiction over all intra-state busing.

Buildings

Office of Public Safety and Inspection
1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-3200
Email: DPSInfo@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-public-safety-and-inspections

This section is responsible for the inspection of all existing state-owned buildings, hospitals, rest homes, and clinics; for the plan review/inspection of all new state-owned buildings; for technical assistance on the State Building Code to all local building officials; and for the licensing of motion picture operators.  For home construction, and or repair/remodeling, building permits are required and available from local city or town offices.

Business License

MGL Chapter 110 sec.5: (roughly translated and not meant as a legal interpretation) Any individual who is going to do business under a name other than his/her own name must file a business certificate in the town or city hall Clerks' office where the business is to be located, often called a DBA certificate: (Doing Business As). This could be a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or a corporation that wishes to register a DBA name. Or, a business may register by incorporating or becoming an LLC or LLP with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

If the owner of the business wishes to register a trademark or service mark, they may file with the Trademarks Section of the Corporations Division of the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. For further information on trademarks, servicemarks or the incorporation process, see Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporation Division.

NOTE: Some businesses require a separate state license as well as the requirement to register the business. Example: a barber must register their business at either the city or town hall, or, by incorporating with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, as well as being licensed by the Board of Registration. If you have further questions on the licensing of a business, contact: Citizen Information Service at 617-727-7030 or, 1-800-392-6090, hours: M-F 8:45-5.

Cigars/Cigarettes

Miscellaneous Tax Unit
Department of Revenue
200 Arlington Street
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: 617-887-5090
www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-revenue

Licenses are issued here for wholesale or retail sellers of cigar/cigarettes which are sold over-the-counter or through vending machines.

Clients' Security Board, Massachusetts

99 High Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02110-2320
Phone: 617-728-8700
E-mail: clientssecurityboard@massbbo.org
www.mass.gov/ClientsSecurityBoard/

The Clients' Security Board consists of seven members of the bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who are appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court to serve as public trustees of the Clients' Security Fund.

A portion of the annual fees paid by each member of the bar is allocated to the Fund. Board members manage and distribute the monies in the Fund to members of the public who have sustained a financial loss caused by the dishonest conduct of a member of the bar acting as an attorney or a fiduciary. Board members receive no financial compensation for their time and efforts in performing their duties as Board members.

Collection Agencies/Finance Companies/Mortgage Brokers and Lenders/Check Cashiers

Massachusetts Division of Banks
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
1000 Washington Street, 10th Floor
Boston, MA 02118-6400
Phone: 617-956-1500
Toll Free: 1-800-495-2265 (within Massachusetts only)
TTY: 617-956-1577
Fax: 617-956-1599
www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-banks

This division licenses and regulates the practices of all collection agencies, small loan companies, mortgage brokers and lenders, auto sales finance companies, and sales finance companies. Effective 7/1/94, all persons engaged in the business of cashing checks, drafts, or money orders for a fee greater than one dollar per check, must be licensed with the division. This does not apply to those engaged in the business prior to that date or to banks. Also, car dealers who will be doing auto sales financing must obtain a license here.

Concrete Technicians/Concrete-Testing Laboratories

State Board of Building Regulations and Standards
Office of Public Safety and Inspection
1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
License Search / Complaints: 617-727-3200, ext. 607
License Application: 508-821-9375
Email: DPSInfo@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-public-safety-and-inspections

This board inspects and licenses concrete-testing laboratories and licenses concrete technicians.

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Construction Supervisors/Building Inspectors

State Board of Building Regulations and Standards
Office of Public Safety and Inspection
1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-3200
Email: DPSInfo@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/construction-supervisor-licensing

Individuals directly supervising persons engaged in construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition involving the structural elements of buildings and structures comprised of less than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space must apply to this office for a construction supervisor's license.

Effective 9/86, the board has been examining applicants and issuing three types of licenses:

1. Unrestricted which allows supervision over any building or structure less than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space
2. Restricted only to supervision over one and two-family dwellings, not larger than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space
3. Restricted only to masonry work on buildings or structures less than 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space

Applications are available from the local building inspector's office as well as the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards. Since 6/1/94 all inspectors of buildings, building commissioners, and local inspectors (referred to as Building Code Enforcement Officials) must be certified with the board.

Dairies/Milk Dealers/Milk Plants

Department of Agricultural Resources
Phone: 617-626-1814
www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-agricultural-resources

This division inspects and registers dairy farms selling milk in Massachusetts. The division also licenses milk plants, wherever located, and pasteurization plants located outside the Commonwealth producing milk for the Massachusetts market. Pasteurization plants within the state are licensed by the local board of health.

Detective/Security Agencies

Certification Unit
Department of State Police
485 Maple Street
Danvers, MA 01923
Phone: 978-538-6128
www.mass.gov/service-details/private-investigator-license-requirements-0

This division grants licenses for the operation of private detective or private investigator businesses and security guard agencies. No walk-in service.

Diesel Fuel

Miscellaneous Tax Unit
Department of Revenue
200 Arlington Street
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: 617-887-5040
mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-revenue

Permits for trucks which use diesel fuel are issued by this bureau. Applications for permits may also be obtained from one of ten regional offices. Non-commercial vehicles are exempt from the licensing requirements.

Drivers/Non-Drivers/Liquor Purchase/Commercial Drivers

Registry of Motor Vehicles
Massachusetts Department of Transportation RVM-Division
25 Newport Avenue Extension
Quincy, MA 02171-1749
Phone: 857-368-8000 (if you are in area codes: 617, 339, 781, 857 or out of state)
Toll Free: 1-800-858-3926 (if you are in area codes: 508, 978, 413, 351 or 774)
Ombudsman Office: 857-368-9455
www.massrmv.com

The Registry of Motor Vehicles issues driver's licenses, learner's permits, non-driver identification cards for those over 18, Liquor Purchase Identification cards for those 21 and over as well as the commercial driver's license which is mandated by federal law as of 4/1/92 for drivers of trucks (of certain weight) and buses (for more than 15 people) at this office and at branch offices throughout the state.

Elevators/Elevator Operators/Escalators

Office of Public Safety and Inspection
1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-3200
Email: DPSInfo@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-public-safety-and-inspections

Licenses for elevator operators and for those engaged in the construction/maintenance/repair of elevators and escalators are issued at this office and at regional offices. In addition, the department inspects all elevators, escalators, and moving stairways in the state. For a listing of regional offices, see the Public Safety/Law Enforcement section.

Employment Agencies

Employment Agency Licensing Program
Department of Labor Standards
19 Staniford Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-6970
E-mail: DLSfeedback@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/employment-placement-staffing-agencies-program

This program registers all employment agencies (including modeling agencies and nanny agencies) and licenses those agencies which charge a fee to the job seeker. A listing of all employment agencies is maintained according to city or town.

Engineering-Related Fields

Engineering Division
Office of Public Safety and Inspection
1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-3200
Email: DPSInfo@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-public-safety-and-inspections

This section is responsible for the inspection of boilers, pressure vessels, air tanks, nuclear steam power plants, refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, amusement devices, and fire protection sprinkler systems.

It licenses pipefitters, firemen engineers, refrigeration and oil burner technicians, nuclear power plant engineers and operators, hoisting machinery (forklift, hydraulic, crane) operators, elevators/escalators, amusement device operators (such as bungee jumping), fire protection sprinkler system contractors and sprinkler fitters, and carriage horse operators (horse and buggy).

It examines the applicants and issues certificates of competency for inspectors of boilers, pressure vessels, and amusement devices. Licenses may also be obtained at the regional offices, see the Public Safety/Law Enforcement section.

Explosives/Blasting/Fireworks

Department of Fire Services
State Fire Marshal
State Road, P.O. Box 1052
Stow, MA 01775
Phone: 978-567-3100
Licensing and Permits:978-567-3700
Fax: 978-567-3199
www.mass.gov/service-details/blasting-explosives-and-fireworks

Springfield Office

The subjects listed below require a permit, license or approval from the Department of Fire Services.

Approvals

Licenses

Permits

Exterminators

Pesticide Program
Division of Crop and Pest services
Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-1784
www.mass.gov/service-details/pesticide-license-recertification-and-audit-program

This office controls the use and application of pesticides and also investigates alleged misuse of pesticides. It licenses exterminators and those who use pesticides on the land of another.

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Fishing/Hunting/Trapping

Department of Fish and Game
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: 508-389-6300
E-mail: mass.wildlife@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-fisheries-and-wildlife

Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
Phone: 508-389-6360
www.mass.gov/orgs/masswildlifes-natural-heritage-endangered-species-program

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is responsible for protecting and enhancing the state's inland fish, wildlife and plant resources for the benefit and enjoyment of its citizens.

Among its many programs are the acquisition and management of more than 100 thousand acres of wildlife lands, research and regulatory authority over the use of the state’s renewable fish and wildlife resources, inventory, mapping and restoration of rare species and habitats, environmental review under the state Endangered Species and Wetlands Protection Act, propagation and stocking of more than 600 thousand trout annually, hunter education, information and outreach services and wildlife-oriented curriculums schools.

MassWildlife’s five regional offices provide technical assistance to the public regarding wildlife questions and problems, outdoor recreation, and regional wildlife lands. The division is responsible for the issuance of rules and regulations pertaining to fishing, hunting, and sporting, and also issues state licenses and permits for these activities at its wildlife district offices. These licenses are also available at most local city or town halls, and many sporting goods stores.

The division also issues special permits for research, salvage, exhibits, propagation, rehabilitation, problem animal control permits and taxidermy.

Regional Offices

Ayer

East Street

Buzzards Bay

Dalton

West Boylston

Guns/Firearms

Firearms Records Bureau
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: 617-660-4782
www.mass.gov/firearms-services

Local police departments have the authority to issue gun permits. Such permits include licenses to carry (L.T.C.) and firearm identification cards (F.I.D.).

A Class A license to carry allows an individual to purchase, possess and carry large-capacity handguns, rifles, shotguns and feeding devices. It is the only permit that authorizes a holder to carry a concealed and loaded firearm.

Massachusetts gun laws require that all firearms, rifles, and shotguns be stored in a secured, locked container or equipped with a tamper resistant mechanical lock or other safety devices properly engaged as to render the weapon inoperable by unlawful users. Moreover, every firearm and large capacity weapon sold in the Commonwealth must be equipped with a safety device (trigger lock) designed to prevent its discharge by an unauthorized user.

New residents have 60 days to obtain proper licenses. Non-residents may obtain temporary licenses to carry through the Firearms Record Bureau in order to possess and transport firearms through the Commonwealth.

All non-residents must comply with all Massachusetts laws regarding transportation and storage while in the Commonwealth. No one may possess, transport or store any type of gun in a building or on the grounds of any school without prior authorization by the board in charge of the school.

Hawkers/Peddlers/Transient Vendors/Auctioneers/Auto Body/Glass Repair Shops

Division of Standards
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
1 Ashburton Place, Room 1115
Boston, MA 02108-1601
Phone: 617-727-3480
E-mail: standards.mail@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-standards

Applications for a hawker/peddler license can be obtained at this office.

The application must be signed by the chief of police of the city or town in which the applicant resides. The application is then returned to the Division of Standards, where the license is issued.

Transient vendors need both a state license from the Division of Standards and a license from each city or town where the vendor plans to sell goods.

The division also grants licenses to auctioneers while cities and towns grant permits for the conduct of auctions. It also registers motor vehicle repair shops (auto body shops, auto glass shops).

Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Professionals

Board of Registration of Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Professionals
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
1 Winter Street, 3rd floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-556-1091
www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-hazardous-waste-site-cleanup-professionals

This board determines whether applicants meet the criteria to obtain a license as a Licensed Site Professional (commonly referred to as LSPs).

Chapter 21A:19-19J of the Massachusetts General Laws required the establishment of this board and licensure of LSPs, who issue Waste Site Cleanup Activity Opinions. These opinions, filed with the Department of Environmental Protection, describe whether contamination is present at a particular site, the work needed for site cleanup, and whether that work has been completed.

Other professionals in the field of waste site cleanup may continue to provide their services without a license, particularly when assessing properties which may or may not become chosen as sites targeted for cleanup by the state. However, when the Department of Environmental Protection requires a Waste Site Cleanup Activity Opinion, it must be provided by an LSP.

Home Improvement Contractors

Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
501 Boylston Street, Suite 5100
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-973-8787
Toll Free: 1-888-283-3757
www.mass.gov/register-as-or-renew-your-existing-home-improvement-contractor-registration

Home improvement contractors are licensed and renewed through this office.

The arbitration program resolves disputes between homeowners and registered home improvement contractors. It also administers the Guaranty Fund, a fund of last resort for homeowners with an unpaid arbitration award or court judgment. Homeowners can apply to receive up to $10,000 from this fund, and in some cases, double damages. Contractors must register with the Home Improvement Registration Program.

Insurance Agents/Adjusters/Advisers/Brokers

Division of Insurance
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
1000 Washington Street, Suite 810
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-521-7794
Toll Free: 1-877-563-4467 (within Massachusetts only)
www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-insurance

This division licenses and regulates insurance agents, brokers, advisers for all types of insurance as well as public fire loss adjusters.

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Lawyers

Board of Bar Examiners
Edward W. Brooke Courthouse
24 New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-482-4466
Fax: 617-542-5943
E-mail: info@bbe.state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-board-of-bar-examiners

The Board of Bar Examiners administers examination for admittance to the Massachusetts Bar.

Complaints against Lawyers

The Board of Bar Overseers was established by the Supreme Judicial Court in 1974 as an independent administrative body to investigate and evaluate complaintsagainst lawyers.

Although the Board is an official body subject to the supervision of the Supreme Judicial Court, no public funds are spent to support it. The Board's expenses come solely from the annual registration fees paid by lawyers.

Lead Paint

Licensing Division
Department of Labor Standards
19 Staniford Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-6960
E-mail: DLSfeedback@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/deleading-and-lead-safety

This program is responsible for licensing those professions involved in deleading and asbestos removal. The office must be notified of all asbestos and deleading projects before work may begin. Under certain conditions, homeowners may perform low-risk abatement themselves. Call the division for specific information.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP)

Bureau of Environmental Health
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-624-5757
Toll Free: 1-800-532-9571 (within Massachusetts only)
www.mass.gov/orgs/childhood-lead-poisoning-prevention-program

The Department of Public Health licenses lead inspectors. CLPPP maintains a geographically indexed register of licensed inspectors. Deleaders, supervisors, and/or contractors must be licensed by the Licensing Division of the the Department of Occupational Safety listed above. Certain low-risk removal of lead paint may be performed by homeowners. Contact the Department of Public Health, above, for more information.

Local Licenses

Below are listed a variety of local licenses mandated by state law but issued at the local level, by either the mayor, city council, or board of selectmen; by the city or town clerk; the licensing board; the chief of police; or the board of health. This is a partial list and there are additional references to local licenses in other sections of this Guide.

To lookup the telephone numbers to your city or town hall, click here. Additionally, you may contact: Citizen Information Service with licensing questions Monday through Friday from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm except on state recognized holidays.

Alcoholic Beverages (Retail Sale of)
Antique Dealers (Junk Dealers)
Amusement Devices (Pinball, Video, Arcades - Local License first, Div. of Standards for Equipment)
Automobile Dealers (New, Used, and Junkyards)
Bazaars and Raffles (Local first, then, additionally, Lottery Commission for Raffles)
Billiard Tables (Local License first, then Div. of Standards for Coin-Operated Machinery)
Boarding and Lodging Houses
Bowling Alleys
Building Permit (Home construction/repair/remodeling)
Cats
Caterers
Coffee and Tea Houses
Coin Dealers
Dancing Schools
Dogs
Entertainment (Local first, then Office of Public Safety and Inspection)
Food Prepared at Home
Fortune Tellers
Hackney and Jitney (Taxicabs and Limousines)
Hotels and Motels
Ice Cream Trucks
Innkeepers
Jitney and Hackney (Limousines and Taxicabs)
Junk Dealers
Kennels
Lunch Carts/Trucks
Marriage License
Milk Sellers
Mobile Home Parks
Parking Lots
Pet License
Pawnbrokers
Picnic Groves
Pinball Machines
Pools
Public Entertainment
Raffles and Bazaars (Local License first, then, additionally, Lottery Commission for Raffles
Recreational Camps
Restaurants
Sand and Gravel Pits
Shooting Galleries
Steam, Pools and other Baths
Sunday License (Entertainment, local first, then Office of Public Safety and Inspection) Swimming Pools (public)
Tanning Salons
Taxicab Companies
Used Car Dealers
Video Games (Local first, then Division of Standards for Coin-Operated Machinery)

Marriage License Application Information

You may apply for a marriage license from any Massachusetts city or town hall. The license does not have to be from the community in which you live or where the event takes place so long as the marriage is performed in Massachusetts.

• Both parties must apply in person and at the same time to any Massachusetts city or town Clerk's office. Some city and town Clerks require a birth certificate, not a copy of one. Calling ahead is recommended. To contact a city/town Clerk's office click here.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age; the Clerk may request a birth certificate. A court waiver would permit underage marriage.
• There is a mandatory three-day waiting period before the license may be issued, while Saturdays and holidays are usually included in the three days, the day of application is often not, be sure to check with the Clerk. A court waiver can dispute the waiting period. The license, once issued, is valid for 60 days.
• As of January 2, 2005, medical certificates are no longer required.
• If you wish to have an out-of-state clergyperson solemnize your wedding in Massachusetts they need to acquire, fill out, and return a form called Certificate of Authorization. Application for an out-of-state clergyperson can be downloaded through the Commissions section of this website: www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/commissions/commissions.htm. Applications should not be sent more than six (6) weeks in advance, yet prior to the wedding. (Within two weeks is preferred.)
  • Division of Public Records, Commissions Section
    1 Ashburton Place, Room 1719
    Boston, MA 02108
    Phone: 617-727-2836
    Hours: M-F 8:45-5:00, Closed most holidays.
• If you wish to have an out of state Justice of the Peace, a layperson (family member or friend) solemnize your wedding they must obtain a special one-day appointment from the Governors' office which takes about 6 weeks, contact:
  • Office of the Governor State House, Room 280
    Boston, MA 02133
    Phone: 617-725-4055
    www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-governor (search for One Day Marriage License)

Marriage License questions may be directed to:

Citizen Information Service
Secretary of the Commonwealth
One Ashburton Place, Room 1611
Boston, MA 02108-1512
Phone: 617-727-7030
Toll Free: 1-800-392-6090 (within Massachusetts only)
TTY: 617-878-3889
E-mail: cis@sec.state.ma.us
www.sec.state.ma.us/cis

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Motion Picture Operators

Building Inspection Section
Department of Public Safety
1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-3200
Email: DPSInfo@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-public-safety-and-inspections

This section licenses motion picture operators handling apparatus which uses 35 millimeter safety film or larger.

Motor Vehicle Damage Appraisers Licensing Board

Division of Insurance
1000 Washington Street, Suite 810
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-521-7448
www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-insurance

The board, consisting of five members, four of whom are appointed by the governor and one by the commissioner of insurance, issues licenses for appraisers of motor vehicle damage.

Notaries Public/Justices of the Peace

Governor's Council
State House, Room 184
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-725-4016
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-governor

Applications for notary public can be obtained on-line, or by sending a written request and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Applications for justice of the peace must be requested in writing after determining a vacancy exists from the Commissions Section. In both cases, applicants are approved by the Governor's Council and individuals are sworn in by the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commissions Section.

Nurse Aides Registry Program

Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification
Department of Public Health
99 Chauncy Street, 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-753-8144
www.mass.gov/nurse-aide-registry-program

The division oversees and administers testing, training, and registration of nurse aides in long-term care facilities under federal statutes.

Outdoor Advertising

Outdoor Advertising Board
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
10 Park Plaza, Room 6141
Boston, MA 02116-3973
Phone: 617-368-8700
E-mail: OOAInformation@dot.state.ma.us
www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway

The board issues permits for all off-premise billboard signs and other outdoor advertising devices. It also licenses those who engage in the business of outdoor advertising by means of signs subject to the board's regulations. In addition, this board orders the removal of all signs needing permits and not having them.

Painters' License

Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
501 Boylston Street, Suite 5100
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-973-8700
Toll Free: 1-888-283-3757
www.mass.gov/register-as-or-renew-your-existing-home-improvement-contractor-registration

Painters are licensed through the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation for exterior painting jobs that earn $1000.00 or more. As a result of a 1994 Supreme Court ruling, states can no longer require licenses for riggers.

Pet Shops/Riding Schools, Instructors and Stables/Cattle Dealers, and Guard Dog Businesses

Division of Animal Health
Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114-2151
Phone: 617-626-1795
www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-agricultural-resources

This department licenses riding instructors, equine dealers, and cattle dealers and transporters. It also licenses individuals engaged in the guard dog business. It inspects and licenses pet shops, riding schools, and stables (horse and buggy operators. It does not license kennels as they are licensed by the local board of health.

Security Alarm Systems for Homes and Businesses

Office of Public Safety and Inspection
Office of Public Safety and Inspection 1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-3200
Email: DPSInfo@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-public-safety-and-inspections

Now called the S-License this section licenses persons, firms, or corporations in the business of installing and maintaining (but not in the business of monitoring or providing surveillance of) security alarm systems. The technicians themselves must first be licensed by the Board of Electricians as Limited Power Supply Technicians.

Shellfishing/Marine Finfishing/Lobstering

Division of Marine Fisheries
Department of Fish and Game
251 Causeway Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114-2152
Phone: 617 626-1520
Fax: 617-626-1509
E-mail: marine.fish@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-marine-fisheries

The programs of this division include biological investigations and inventories of the state's marine resources, investigations into the causes and effects of fish kills and pollution, assessment of the impact of coastal alteration and power plant siting and generation, and the provision of basic information and guidelines for the effective management and development of marine resources and marine recreational fisheries in the Commonwealth.

The division also has many biologists to aid recreational fishermen. Its Commercial Fisheries Bureau's activities encompass extensive services to commercial fishermen, processors, and dealers; technical assistance to those involved in shellfish propagation management and harvest; and the administration of state aid funds to municipalities for local shellfish management and enforcement programs.

It issues licenses for lobstering, commercial shellfishing, and commercial finfishing; also, anyone engaged in the wholesale or retail trade of raw fish, shellfish, lobsters, and raw bait must obtain a dealer permit from the division. Non-commercial (family) lobster and crab permits are issued by the division.

All licenses are issued at the Boston office and may be purchased by mail. Shellfish permits are required by each local jurisdiction.

Regional Offices

Gloucester

New Bedford

Newburyport

Martha's Vineyard Field Station

• Recreational Fisheries Information and Special Studies
  57 Shirley Street
  Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
  
• Lobster Studies and Information
  P.O. Box 9
  Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
  Phone: 508-693-0060
  
• Recreational Fisheries Information
  P.O. Box 68
  Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
  Phone: 508-693-4372
  (No permits at this location)

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Stockbrokers/Financial Planners/Investment Advisors

Securities Division
Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
1 Ashburton Place, Room 1719
Boston, MA 02108-1215
Phone: 617-727-3548
Toll Free: 1-800-269-5428 (within Massachusetts only)
Fax: 617-248-0177
E-mail: securities@sec.state.ma.us
www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/securities/securities.htm
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:45 - 5:00

This division licenses and regulates stockbrokers and their agents.

Ticket Agencies/Agents

Office of Public Safety and Inspection
1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-3200
Email: DPSInfo@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-public-safety-and-inspections

This department licenses theatrical booking agents, personal agents, managers, and agencies that resell tickets.

Vending Machines for Edible Products and Over-the-Counter Drugs

Food Protection Program
Bureau of Environmental Health
Department of Public Health
305 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130-3598
Phone: 617-983-6712
Fax: 617-983-6770
www.mass.gov/food-protection-program

This department licenses locations of vending machines which dispense food and beverages and over-the-counter drugs.

Warehousemen (Public)

Office of Public Safety and Inspection
1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-3200
Email: DPSInfo@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-public-safety-and-inspections

Licenses for owners of public warehouses are issued by this division.

Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators

Board of Certification of Wastewater Treatment Facility Operators
Department of Environmental Protection
1 Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108
www.mass.gov//orgs/massachusetts-department-of-environmental-protection

Applications and information regarding the examination for certification of wastewater treatment facility operators may be obtained from this board.