Business licenses, permits and regulations

Businesses, professions, and specific business activities are regulated by the Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation, state agencies, and local governments. Regulations and licensing requirements established by state law are sometimes administered at the local level. The federal government also regulates businesses and certain professions.

Information in this section covers requirements specific to corporations, small businesses, nonprofit organizations and other business entities.

Find information on the Massachusetts building code here, along with other Massachusetts construction, electrical, plumbing, gas, and fire codes and regulations. Municipalities appoint certified officials to enforce these codes, grant licenses and permits to construct or work on buildings (other than buildings that are federally owned), and inspect buildings after work has been completed for compliance.

Massachusetts based care providers must follow high standards of excellence. Make sure that your license is up to date.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issues three kinds of Educator Licenses: Academic (PreK - 12) licenses for teachers, administrators, specialist teachers, and professional support personnel are generally required for employment; Vocational Technical Education licenses for teachers, administrators, and cooperative education coordinators are generally required for employment in state-approved vocational technical education programs; Adult Basic Education (ABE) licenses are voluntary -- by statute, this license is not required but employers have the option of using it as part of their hiring criteria.

Massachusetts has many environmental regulations that may govern construction of a new facility or alteration of an existing one. Here you'll find information on environmental permits, statutes, regulations, licenses, and more. Also find information on the regulation of toxic materials, radioactive materials, and pollutants.

This website section covers retail regulations, including crowd management, pricing, weights and measures, motor fuels and oil, alcoholic beverages, auctioneers, aesthetician services, recreation, sports and amusements, racing, and more.

If your company operates vehicles, they, the fuel they use, or the cargo they carry may require special markings, permits and/or registrations, especially if they will travel across state borders. Also, fuels used may be subject to tax, and the drivers of these vehicles may be subject to special licensing requirements.