Where To Register A Business Name In Connecticut

Step 1: Choose a Business organization Structure

Recommended: We typically recommend forming an LLC for most entrepreneurs because this structure comes with personal nugget protection, has no double taxation, and is pretty easy to maintain.

If you would like to use a service, read our guide on the best LLC formation services.

Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships

By default, sole proprietorships operate every bit the same proper noun as the owner while general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.

To use a dissimilar proper noun to conduct business organization, the concern owner(s) must file for a Connecticut trade proper noun — also commonly referred to every bit a doing business as (DBA) proper noun.

Footstep two: Cheque Name Availability

When registering a business organisation name, it's of import to make sure it'south unique and no one else in your country formed a visitor with it or has control of it online every bit a domain proper name.

Domain Name Search

Nosotros strongly recommend that you besides cheque to see if your business proper name is available equally a spider web domain (URL). Even if you lot don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to purchase the web address to prevent others from acquiring that domain proper noun. If the web domain is available so it's likely the name will as well be available in a business search.

Find a Domain Now

Connecticut Business organization Name Search

Next, search the Connecticut Secretary of State'southward Business Registry Search tool. This is an of import pace in the process considering your filing volition be denied if you try to file for a name already in employ.

Search requirements can vary depending on your business needs. For instance, a unique and available name is required to:

File for formal business structures like LLCs and corporations.
File a DBA name for any business structure.

A state-level proper noun search isn't required for informal business structures similar sole proprietorships or full general partnerships in Connecticut. But, if y'all decide to annals a trade name or DBA name, you'll demand to search the database to meet if your desired proper name is unique and available.

Step 3: Form Your Business With the Country of Connecticut

Once you have selected your business structure and name, y'all will need to file your germination documents with the state, which will register your business with the state of Connecticut.

To annals your Connecticut LLC, you lot'll need to file the Certificate of Organisation with the Connecticut Secretarial assistant of the Land. Yous can apply online or past mail. Read our Form an LLC in Connecticut guide for details.

Or use a professional person service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to form your LLC for you.

To register your Connecticut corporation, yous'll demand to file the Certificate of Incorporation with the Connecticut Secretary of the Land. Read our Form a Connecticut Corporation guide to learn more than.

Boosted Considerations

Protect Your Business Name With a Trademark (Optional)

Once you lot confirm the availability of your business name and secure it, you can cull to apply for a trademark for your concern. This typically costs around $225 to $400 plus any attorney fees as well as a renewal fee every 10 years.

While this cost can be high for a start-up or fledgling business organization, it will give your company brand nationwide protection backed by federal law. That means if others endeavour to do business concern with the same — or a similar — name every bit yours, you'll have legal precedent on your side. For most small businesses, this actually isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.

How to Change the Name of a Connecticut Business

Changing the name of a business concern in Connecticut tin be washed in two ways: past filing for a merchandise name or past submitting an amendment to the legal proper name of an existing business.

The first method, filing for a merchandise name (also known every bit a DBA name), is the easiest way to operate your business using a different proper name without needing to modify its legal proper noun.

A DBA proper noun is the only manner for sole proprietorships and general partnerships to have a unlike business name. It'due south as well the easiest method for LLCs and corporations to follow because it allows them to avert filing an amendment or complicating their business operations while enabling them to operate with make names that don't include the necessary LLC or Inc. suffix required in a legal name.

If you desire to change the legal proper noun of your LLC or corporation, however, filing an amendment to the legal name of an existing concern is your best selection. Hither are links to forms for both options:

Certificate of Amendment for LLCs
Certificate of Amendment for Corporations

Yous must file your Document of Amendment online and pay the $25 filing fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Exercise I need a Connecticut business license?

The state of Connecticut doesn't offer a general business organization license. Instead, you must file for the license applicable for your specific business type.

How much does information technology toll to showtime a business in Connecticut?

Forming an LLC in Connecticut by filing a Certificate of Organization with the Connecticut Secretary of Land costs $120.

How long does it have to go an LLC in Connecticut?

When filing online, forming an LLC in Connecticut can accept equally niggling every bit 2 to three business days. For more information about boosted steps required to establish your business, check out our full Connecticut LLC guide. It will aid you first your LLC efficiently without the worry of missing crucial steps in the formation procedure.

How much does a Connecticut business license cost?

The price of licenses and permits in Connecticut will vary based on your business structure and type. The easiest way to acquire the cost of starting your called concern will be to cheque in with your local government about necessary licenses and permits.