How to file a DBA in Connecticut?

When you form a new business, one of the foremost areas to focus on is your company’s identity as well as public or brand recognition. The most effective tool or element for representing your company to potential customers is the business name. You can use a simple or straightforward name or apply for a Connecticut DBA online. A DBA is ‘ doing business as’ a name and is also known as a trade name or even a fictitious name. This name not only enables basic identification but can significantly impact branding as well. We have hence created this guide to answer a fundamental question, which is how to look up a DBA in Connecticut. It will provide you with insights into what a DBA is, filing requirements, managing, renewing, and canceling a DBA.

Doing Business As or DBA in Connecticut

Connecticut is home to 365,824 small businesses, including all forms of entities, ranging from sole proprietorships to LLCs, partnerships, and even mid-sized corporations. If you are planning to start a new company in this state, then choosing the right entity structure is important. Once you have finalized a structure, the next step is to choose a relevant or strong business name. Now, you can opt for standard company names or abstract names like Zensar or Innovative Technologies. You can also choose to use the owner’s legal name, like James Firth & Associates LLP. If you don’t want to use the owner’s name, then filing a DBA in Connecticut is the best option. You are probably asking yourself – How do I look up a DBA in Connecticut and the answer lies in the processes involved. The immediate step, however, is to identify the various conditions under which you can use a trade name or fictitious name in this state.

What is DBA in Connecticut?

If you are a first-time business owner, then there is a high probability that you may get confused between a traditional business name and a DBA. A DBA in Connecticut is known as a trade name or even an assumed name. This name is considered to be different from that of an owner’s name. Some businesses use an owner’s name, but if you don’t want to use your name, then this is a good option. You can easily file a trade name in Connecticut. A trade name or “Doing Business As” name allows any company to operate under this name without the need for creating a new legal entity. Hence, businesses planning to expand often file a Connecticut DBA online application. Let’s look at an example to understand a DBA name.

Example: If you own a business in Web Design and Development and its legal name is your own name (e.g., Chris Harris Digital). Now, you want to open a different business specializing in search engine marketing (SEM). At this point, you can merge this service offering as a part of your existing company’s portfolio. In case you want to start a new branch and want to establish a separate company, then you will not be able to use your own legal name. This is where filing a DBA in Connecticut is recommended. So the DBA name can be Harris Digital or Harris B2B Marketing Agency. This will ensure your customers know what you are offering. This trade name or a DBA will not change the business structure.

When do you need a DBA?

A company name should always be well thought out. This is because it is the very first thing that investors, probable customers, vendors, and even potential employees will notice, and it will also shape their initial impression. This impression will play a key role in influencing their overall perception of your brand. Hence, you should conduct a Connecticut trade name search and identify a name that is distinctive, memorable, and appropriate in accordance with the state DBA laws. A trade name in the state of Connecticut is governed by the 2024 Connecticut General Statutes Title 35 – Trade Regulations, Trademarks and Collective and Certification Marks. There are several reasons for choosing a DBA or a trade name, and some of the top reasons are:

Do not want to use a legal name – Every business, irrespective of its structure, has a “legal name” and this is also known as a “true name”. The legal name of a partnership or sole proprietorship will be the name of the business owner or owners. Similarly, the legal name of an LLC or a corporation will be the one listed in its registration document. Now, if you don’t want to use your legal name or true name, then you will need to file a trade name in Connecticut. This name will be considered as your “Doing Business As” name (DBA).
Entering a new line of business – If you are planning to expand your existing business or want to enter a new line of business, then a DBA name can be quite helpful. A trade name in Connecticut can be used by a corporation or an LLC for promoting new products or services that are not well represented by the existing business name. Sometimes, a company opts for a fictitious name because it is entering into a new market. You can conduct a Connecticut trade name search to zero in on the most appropriate name for your new product or services.

Example: Jacob Wild wants to set up a limited liability company (LLC) with his own name, which is Jacob Wild Software LLC. He now plans to diversify into offering enterprise-level artificial intelligence solutions. He can file a trade name in Connecticut specific to this new service and name it “Wild AI Solutions.”

Filing DBA in Connecticut for LLC and Corporation

A DBA (doing business as) is known as a trade name in Connecticut and is used by a wide variety of entity structures. If you want to start a limited-liability company or a corporation and don’t want to use your legal name, then filing a DBA in Connecticut is recommended. There is a specific process for filing your trade name. You will need to conduct a Connecticut trade name search, also known as a name availability search. The process as well as the fee may be different from that of reserving a traditional LLC name or corporate name.

Do a Connecticut Trade Name Search

In order to file a trade name in Connecticut, you will need to first identify a name. This will be followed by conducting a trade name search. If you are thinking about how to look up a DBA in Connecticut, then there is a process for the same. There are certain aspects in this process that you will need to consider. They are:

You will need to follow the naming rules and guidelines of the state. Trade name guidelines and laws are governed by the 2024 Connecticut General Statutes, Title 35 – Trade Regulations, Trademarks and Collective and Certification Marks.
You need to check the prohibitions and exceptions towards using fictitious business names in this state pursuant to CT Gen Stat § 35-1. (2024). According to the law, it is prohibited to use words like “bank”, “banking”, “banker”, or “trust”, among others.
Once you have chosen a trade name, you need to conduct a search using the city clerk’s records in the jurisdiction or the city where you plan on doing your business.
You can also conduct a search for trademarks or federally registered names using the trademark database, also known as Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS).

Register your Connecticut DBA

Once you have chosen a trade name for your LLC or corporation, you have to conduct a Connecticut trade name search. If the chosen name is available, then you can file a DBA online. The registration of your corporation or LLC trade name is important as it will help notify the general public of this state regarding the existence of your company or that your company is conducting business in this state under the said assumed name. The process for filing a DBA in Connecticut may be different for domestic and foreign entities.

In order to conduct business under a DBA, you will be required to complete and file a Trade Name Registration form. Since you will need to apply for a Trade Name Certificate with the city or county where you are operating, the form and process may be different. Let’s look at an example.

Example – If you are planning to operate from Bridgeport, CT, then you will need to conduct a trade name search with the Office of the Town Clerk of Bridgeport. If your chosen DBA is not already in use, then you can file a Connecticut DBA online application. It is known as a “Trade Name Certificate,” and the filing fee is $20. If you start a business in the City of Stamford, then you will have access to its online searchable database of Registered Trade Names. If the name is available, then you can file a trade name in Connecticut application with the town clerk. The fee is $20 for filing a DBA and an additional $3 for each certified copy.

Alternatively, we can help you to apply for a Connecticut DBA online. We at IncParadise have a team of experts with knowledge of the process as well as local laws. We will guide you through each and every process, thus helping you to save time and ensure your DBA or trade name application is accepted with ease.

Register your Connecticut DBA Today

Managing Connecticut DBA

Once you apply for a Connecticut DBA online or offline, it will clear the way for your company to transact in this state using the said trade name or DBA. Each state has its own laws and regulations pertaining to a trade name or DBA. These laws are also applicable to the renewal, changing, or cancellation of a trade name in a specific jurisdiction or state. Let’s look at the various processes applicable to managing a Connecticut DBA online application.

How to renew a Connecticut DBA?

Filing a DBA in Connecticut means it will be valid for a period of 5 years from the date it is filed. So, if you have filed your trade name prior to January 1, 2025, then it will expire on December 31, 2029. According to CT Gen Stat § 35-1b. (2024), your trade name certificate has to be renewed six months prior to the expiration date. If the expiration date is December 31, 2029, then you will need to file the Connecticut DBA online application in July 2029. You will need to file it with the office of the town clerk, and the renewal fee will be in accordance with section 7- 34a of the general statutes.

How to change a Connecticut DBA?

Once you apply for a Connecticut DBA online, it will be registered for a period of 5 years. Now, within 1 year, if you want to change the existing DBA, is it possible? Yes, it is possible, although the laws for filing an amendment may vary from one jurisdiction to another. The standard procedure is to withdraw the existing trade name and then file a new Trade Name Certificate with the office of the city or town clerk. This process requires you to conduct a Connecticut trade name search for any change in the original name.

The Public Act 24-111 states that any information contained in the original application for a DBA or a trade name certificate can be amended at any time prior to the expiration of the said trade name certificate. The fee and process of this amendment will be in accordance with section 7-34a of the general statutes.

How to cancel a Connecticut DBA?

If you are asking yourself the question, how do I look up a DBA in Connecticut for cancellation then the answer lies with the office of the city clerk or town clerk. You will be required to file a “Trade Name Cancellation” application or form with the Town or City Clerk pursuant to C.G.S. § 7-34. The filing fee is $20.00, and this form may require notarization.

Need Any Assistance in Filing a Connecticut DBA?

The process to apply for a Connecticut DBA online requires you to provide precise information while ensuring full compliance with the Connecticut General Statutes Title 7. Municipalities § 7-34b and federal trademark laws. You can file a Connecticut DBA online application after a trade name search reveals the availability of your chosen name. This process may be intricate and confusing. This is where IncParadise can provide guidance. We have expertise in state business regulations and can help you file a Connecticut DBA effortlessly.

We can also provide additional services that will ensure your other business requirements are fulfilled, like getting a tax ID, S corporation status, and dissolutions, among others.