How to File a DBA in Connecticut

An important step in forming a new business occurs when choosing a business name or names. Many companies use a name or names for marketing to the public that differs from their legal name. In fact, many companies use different names depending on their location or sell their goods and services to more than one market segment.

Regardless of the type of company you operate (a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation), if your business uses a name different from its legal name in Connecticut, you must file a Trade Name Application with your city, town, or borough clerk. Completing each step correctly to avoid future difficulties or legal challenges.

Also, new Connecticut laws mean that the processes for filing for a DBA changed as of January 1, 2025, to make the process more consistent statewide. Importantly, all trade name certificates issued before January 1, 2025, will expire on December 31, 2029, so you must reapply and renew your existing trade name before then. Moving forward, all trade names expire five years after the date they are filed, so you must reapply for your DBA every five years.

What is a DBA (“Doing Business As”)

A DBA (often called a “trade name,” “assumed name,” or “fictitious name”) allows a business to operate under a name differing from its legal business name. Practically, having a DBA allows a company to open a bank account, market itself, issue invoices, and perform many other business activities under the DBA name, yet keeps its legal business name for different purposes.

Connecticut applies essentially the same DBA process regardless of the business type. Individuals and business entities seeking to use a DBA must register with their town clerk. The only difference is that individuals or several individuals file the Trade Name Application (Natural Persons) form, while business entities registered with the state file the Trade Name Application (Business Organizations) form. Both forms serve the same business but differ in some of the information requested of applicants.

Benefits of a DBA

There are multiple reasons for obtaining a DBA if you operate a business using a name other than the business’s legal name. First, banks generally require proof of your legal right to use a business name to open a bank account using the DBA name. Second, using DBA rather than your birth name or a complex legal business name often appears more professional or friendly. Likewise, suppliers and customers may not think well of your business if you use your personal name and checks to conduct business.

Third, using a DBA can be helpful for marketing purposes. Business legal names can be complex or have specialized jargon. “Billingham and Dortmund LLC” does not slip off the tongue like “Jiffy Burgers.” Also, many expand into new lines of business, and their original legal name, or first DBA, may not accurately reflect the new product. So, Billingham and Dortmund LLC might register a new DBA, “Vegetarian Delight,” when they develop a meatless restaurant.

Companies commonly include location names in their DBAs for branding purposes. Car dealerships often include location names, such as Mercedes-Benz of Anytown.

An important benefit of using DBAs is the ability to operate under multiple business names without changing your business structure. You can get a new DBA without changing your corporation, LLC, or partnership. Similarly, you can also obtain and use multiple DBAs when operating as a sole proprietorship or a partnership.

Disadvantages of a DBA

While obtaining a DBA is straightforward and inexpensive, you must obtain a separate DBA for each new business name used, so you must complete the application process fee for each DBA. There may be times when using multiple DBAs can confuse customers and suppliers or complicate marketing efforts, but the advantages outweigh the few limitations.

Perhaps most important, you need to recognize that a DBA is merely a business alias, not a separate business entity. A DBA does not offer the liability protection received from forming an LLC in Connecticut. If your business needs liability protection, you should create the appropriate business entity, which is unrelated to your DBA.

Consequences for Operating with a DBA without Registration

Connecticut state law allows for those using a business name without a DBA to be fined up to $500, face up to one year in prison, or both. Also, operating a business under a name other than the legal business name can lead to potential trademark infringements and prevent your access to a bank account under that name. Moreover, using an improper name can confuse customers and suppliers, particularly if you use a name already in use by another business.

Tax considerations

Obtaining a DBA also does not have any tax implications. Your tax situation depends on the nature of your business entity, but that is unrelated to your DBA.

Filing for a DBA in Connecticut

Businesses needing a DBA must file for it with their local town, city, or borough clerk, all of which use the same statewide forms. You should file in the primary town, city, or borough where you transact your business. We recommend contacting the appropriate clerk in advance to confirm that you file in the correct location.

Name requirements

The first step in filing for a DBA is to select the name you want to use for your business and ensure that you choose a business name allowed by the state.

Connecticut restricts DBA names in several ways:

• Already In Use: You cannot use a trade name used by a business that is already by a business registered by the state, that is trademarked, or confusingly similar.
• Entity Designators: Your DBA name cannot contain business entity terms such as LLC, LLP, or Corporation if your entity is of a different form.
• Restricted Words: Your DBA name cannot include terms that suggest the business is a government unit, such as FBI or State Department, or the name of any Connecticut government unit. You also cannot use terms approved by state licensing boards, such as Engineer or Trust.

Begin with Connecticut Business Record Search

Conduct a Connecticut business entity search using the CT Business Records Search tool to determine whether the name or a similar one is taken. Registering a unique name helps you avoid trademark disputes and other legal challenges, plus it avoids potential confusion due to overlapping name use.

Note that trade names were kept with each clerk in the past, so the Connecticut Business Records Search will not include all registered trade names until January 1, 2030, though it will continue covering more and more registered names until that date.

Steps to register your Connecticut DBA

The DBA registration process is straightforward, but checking your desired name and gathering the necessary information in advance is recommended.

Step 1: Prepare your information

Confirm that you have the necessary information to complete the registration form. Download the Trade Name Application (Natural Persons) or Trade Name Application (Business Organizations) in advance and confirm you have all the correct information related, including your legal business name, desired DBA, business address, owner names and contact information, and the type of business.

Step 2: File the registration form

Your DBA/Trade Name Application must be signed or notarized by your local clerk, so you are required to file the form in person.

Step 3: Pay the filing fee

After submitting the form, you’ll pay a $10 filing fee (the cost may vary slightly, including a possible credit card processing charge). After your Trade Name Application is accepted, your DBA will expire five years from that date and needs to be renewed. However, if your business ends or you stop using the DBA name, you should file a Trade Name Cancellation form to terminate the DBA.

Step 4: Acquire a business license

The State of Connecticut requires general business licenses. Certain professions and industries are subject to specific licensing requirements that require additional licensing. Some municipalities may require a business license as well, so check with your clerk and industry bodies for more information.

Filing online versus by mail

Connecticut does not allow DBAs to be filed by mail. DBAs must be filed with your local clerk, who must sign or notarize the application.

Conclusion

Connecticut requires that you file for and obtain a DBA when operating a business using a name other than your legal business name. There are other benefits to acquiring a DBA, and only a few minor disadvantages. Filing for a DBA is an inexpensive and straightforward process that you can your local clerk’s office. If you operate your business under a trade name, there are few reasons not to obtain a DBA, and you gain numerous benefits from acquiring one. Obtaining a DBA is almost always good business.

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