Business Name Search in Connecticut

Before registering your business in Connecticut, you’ll need to confirm that your desired name is available. The Connecticut Business Search tool makes it easy to check if a name is already taken or too similar to another business. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use the tool and secure a unique name for your company.

Before you can register an LLC in Connecticut, you’ll need to make sure your desired name is available. The Connecticut Business Search tool lets you check if a name is already taken or too similar to an existing business, helping you avoid delays or rejections when forming your LLC. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use the tool and secure the perfect name for your company.

Why do you need to do a business entity search when starting a Connecticut LLC?

Performing a business entity search is a critical early step in creating a Connecticut LLC. The process helps prospective business owners distinguish their organization from others. It’s not unusual for a wide range of business names to be in use. The state and business owners have a vested interest in distinguishing one enterprise from another.

The State of Connecticut tasks professionals with verifying the availability of names on the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Business Records Search page. First-time entrepreneurs may quickly discover some of their favorite options already exist. That’s why it’s important to compose a list of business names and follow Connecticut’s naming guidelines.

Connecticut business entity naming guidelines

Connecticut does not necessarily provide a comprehensive list of established naming guidelines or prohibitions. The New England state requires a business entity name to be available and free of trademark infringement. These are examples of what Connecticut might disqualify.

• Purposefully using words that misidentify a business. For example, calling a company a “credit union” or “bank” when it is not licensed for this purpose.
• Using words or abbreviations such as “LLC” or “Corp” when the organization is not registered as one with the state.
• Using the name of a town, city, county, or other municipality when the operation is not located within the established geographical limits. For example, calling a business Hartford Shipping and Receiving, when its physical location is in New Haven, CT.

Conducting a business name search in Connecticut

It’s essential to prepare a list of potential business entity names before starting your search. Much to the surprise of many first-time entrepreneurs, many of the memorable and popular monikers are being used. Between actual entity names and DBAs, you may need to run several searches to secure a name that customers remember, and that can be effectively branded and marketed. You can also type in your preferred options on the Business Records Search engine, or during the active Connecticut LLC filing process.

The Business Records option runs possible names through an existing database. It allows users to run an advanced search based on name, address, principal, and agent, among other options. Simply type in the name you desire and hit Enter. If another business has the name, it will be listed. Once you find a unique name that furthers your interests, move on to the Connecticut filing process option and follow these steps.

• Go to Register Your Business
• Click on Register Your Business tab
• Choose Domestic or Foreign
• Choose Legal Structure
• Choose to Reserve a Business name or not
• Type in Name and Confirm Connecticut LLC or other type

You will also be tasked with answering a series of related questions and providing information about the organization. One of the key items will be including a registered agent, simply an “agent” on the Connecticut platform.

Connecticut charges a $60 fee when filing an Application for Reservation of Name form. You can reserve a business name for up to 120 days, and the reservation can be renewed at an additional cost.

The state generally allows local municipalities to handle Doing Business As (DBA) names, sometimes referred to as Trade Names in Connecticut. Although the fictitious name process differs between communities, these are steps you’ll need to follow.

• Use the Connecticut Town Clerks Association database to identify the appropriate Town Clerk.
• Print out and complete a Certificate of Registration of Trade Name form.
• Send in the Form by USPS or drop it off in person.
• These steps are taken after you have formed a business entity with the Connecticut Secretary of State.

What can you do once you have a name?

Once you have acquired a business name in Connecticut, you can prepare to launch the operation. These are things startup organizations typically do with name in hand.

• Consider Trademarking the Name
• Register a Logically Similar Domain Name
• Create a Logo and Website
• Appoint a Registered Agent
• Decide on a Trade Name, aka DBA or Fictitious Name
• Create Branding and Marketing Materials

Conclusion

The Connecticut economy thrives on small business opportunities, and entrepreneurs employ nearly half the workforce. If you are considering launching an LLC in Connecticut, reserving a name is a vital first step.

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