Connecticut LLC Name Search & Lookup (Guide)

Choosing the right name for your Connecticut LLC is a key step in starting your business.

A Connecticut LLC name search helps you confirm that your desired name is available and meets state requirements. This process ensures you don’t run into legal issues, setting your business up for smooth sailing from the start.

This blog explores how you can easily conduct this LLC name search & lookup and what you should consider when selecting your LLC name.

Should You Conduct a Connecticut Entity Search or an LLC Lookup?

When starting an LLC in Connecticut, you might wonder whether to perform an entity search or an LLC lookup. Both processes serve important purposes.

Why Conduct a Connecticut Entity Search?

• Verify Business Names: Ensure your desired LLC name is unique and available, as Connecticut does not permit duplicate or overly similar names.
• Check Status: Determine whether an existing business is active, dissolved, or inactive. This is particularly useful when considering partnerships, mergers, or business acquisitions.
• Review Business Information: Access essential details such as the registration date, business address, and principal office location. This information is invaluable for market research or competitive analysis.

Reasons for an LLC Lookup

• Confirm LLC Existence: Verify that a particular LLC is officially registered in Connecticut, ensuring legitimacy in business dealings.
• Examine Compliance: Check if the LLC has filed required documents, such as annual reports, and remains in good standing with the state.
• Identify Ownership: Discover key information like the registered agent, managing members, or organizers. This is useful when assessing potential business partners or legal responsibilities.

Connecticut LLC Name Search (step-by-step)

Here are detailed steps to guide you through the process of searching for an LLC name in Connecticut.

Step 1: Visit the Connecticut Business Services website

Begin by navigating to the Connecticut Business Services online portal at business.ct.gov.

Step 2: Navigate to “Search Business Records”

Once on the Connecticut Business Services website, click the Services menu, navigate to Business Search, and choose “Search Business Records.”

This tool searches registered business names in Connecticut, allowing you to check the availability of your chosen LLC name.

Step 3: Enter the desired LLC name in the search field

In the Business Records Search tool, you will see a search field. Here, type the name you want to check.

Click on Advanced Search to filter your search by the following:

• Business Name
• Business Address
• Business ALEI
• Filing Number
• Principal Name
• Agent Name
• Business City

After entering the name and selecting the correct search option, look for the Search button. Click this button to initiate the search.

Step 4: Review the search results for name availability

Once the search is complete, review the results carefully. If you get a “0 results found,” your desired LLC name may be available.

If you see a list of business names that match your query, check if the desired name is taken. The results will include other businesses with similar names.

Clicking on the bold black business name takes you to a detailed profile page that contains the following:

• Business Status
• Business Address
• Annual Report Due
• NAICS Code
• Business ALEI
• Date Formed
• Mailing Address
• Principal Details
• Registered Agent Details
• Filing History
• Name History

Crucial LLC Naming Guidelines and Requirements in Connecticut

There are important guidelines to follow when choosing a name for your LLC in Connecticut.

1. Unique Name

Your LLC name must be distinguishable from existing business names registered in Connecticut. This helps prevent customer confusion and legal disputes.

To check availability, use the Connecticut Business Registry Search. Avoid names that are phonetically similar or differ only by punctuation or minor wording.

2. Inclusion of “LLC”

Your LLC name must include one of the following designations: “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” This ensures clarity about the business structure for clients and regulators.

3. Restricted Words

Certain words require prior approval because they suggest regulated or specialized activities.

For example, financial terms like “Bank,” “Credit Union,” or “Trust” need approval from banking regulators. Insurance-related terms such as “Insurance” or “Assurance” require authorization from the Connecticut Insurance Department.

Educational or medical terms like “University,” “College,” “Clinic,” or “Hospital” often need validation from relevant state boards. These restrictions exist to ensure compliance with industry-specific legal and licensing requirements.

4. Prohibited Words

Words like “FBI,” “Treasury,” “State Department,” and “CIA” are prohibited because they suggest an affiliation with government agencies.

Using such terms can mislead the public into believing your LLC is part of a government entity, which is not allowed.

5. No Implicit Purpose

Your LLC name must align with the purpose declared in your Certificate of Organization. Avoid names that suggest activities your LLC will not perform, as this could lead to legal or regulatory issues.

What Words are not allowed in my Connecticut LLC name?

When naming your Connecticut LLC, be careful of certain words that are not allowed or may need permission.

Prohibited Words

These words cannot be used in your LLC name because they suggest an affiliation with government agencies. Such terms can mislead the public and are strictly banned.

• FBI: This term implies a connection to federal law enforcement. Using this in your business name could mislead individuals into thinking your LLC is a government-regulated security or intelligence agency.
• State Department: Suggests affiliation with a governmental body overseeing international or state-level operations. This could mislead the public into believing your LLC is an official government office.
• Treasury: This term aligns with financial oversight institutions such as the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Using it may falsely imply that your LLC is involved in managing public funds or enforcing financial regulations.
• CIA: Including this in your name could confuse the public into believing your business operates within the intelligence sector.
• Federal: Implies a national government connection, suggesting that your LLC is a federally operated or endorsed entity. This could lead to assumptions about government authority or oversight.
• Municipal: This term is often associated with local government entities or services. Using it might suggest your LLC is tied to city or town administration, which can cause misunderstandings about the business’s scope or authority.
• Bureau: Commonly associated with official regulatory or administrative agencies (e.g., Census Bureau). Including this term can give the impression that your LLC operates as an official government office or regulatory body.

Potentially Restricted Words

Some words require additional approvals because they imply regulated activities or professional services.

• Financial Terms (Bank, Trust, Credit Union, Savings): Words related to banking or financial services often need approval from appropriate state agencies to ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Insurance-Related Terms (Insurance, Reinsurance, Underwriters): Terms suggesting insurance activities may require authorization from the Connecticut Insurance Department to avoid misrepresentation.
• Medical and Health-Related Terms (Doctor, Hospital, Pharmacy): Words linked to healthcare services require approval from relevant medical boards to confirm that the business meets regulatory standards.
• Educational Terms (University, College, Academy): They imply specialized services and may need verification from the state’s educational authorities.
• Professional Terms (Attorney, Engineer, CPA): Names suggesting regulated professional services require proof of licensure or authorization.

How do I File a Connecticut LLC Name Reservation? (In steps)

If you want to reserve a business name before officially forming your LLC in Connecticut, follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Name Availability

Before reserving a name, ensure it is unique and complies with Connecticut’s naming requirements. Use the Connecticut Business Registry Search to verify that your desired name is not already in use or is too similar to existing businesses.

The name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” and avoid restricted or prohibited terms.

Step 2: Complete the Name Reservation Application

Fill out the official Application for Reservation of Name (Form LLR) on the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s website.

Provide your desired LLC name, the name and address of the applicant, and confirmation that the name adheres to state naming laws.

Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee

Submit the application along with the required fee of $60. You can pay via check, money order, or electronically if submitting online. Ensure checks are payable to the “Secretary of the State.”

Step 4: Submit Your Application

You can file your completed application online via the Connecticut Business One Stop portal.

You can mail to the Business Services Division, Connecticut Secretary of the State, P.O. Box 150470, Hartford, CT 06115-0470, or in person at the Business Services Division office (165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000, Hartford, CT 06106) during business hours.

Step 5: Await Confirmation

Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive confirmation that the name is reserved for your exclusive use. The name will be reserved for 120 days, giving you ample time to prepare and file your LLC formation documents.

Other Business Entities and Naming Considerations

When forming a business in Connecticut, consider various aspects of naming beyond just your LLC. This includes filing for a DBA, checking for trade names and trademarks, and ensuring your desired domain name is available.

Filing for Doing Business As (DBA) in Connecticut

A Doing Business As (DBA) name allows you to operate under a name different from your LLC’s legal name.

To file for a DBA in Connecticut, you must submit a Trade Name Registration form to the town clerk in the town where your business is located.

Steps to File for a DBA:

• Visit your local town clerk’s office.
• Complete the Trade Name Registration form.
• Pay the required fee, which varies by town.

Once your DBA is filed, it is essential to maintain accurate records. Keeping your DBA updated helps avoid legal issues and ensures compliance with local regulations.

Trade Names and Trademark Search

Before finalizing your business name or DBA, conduct a trademark search. This helps to ensure you are not infringing on other businesses’ rights. A trademark protects brand names, logos, and slogans.

You can conduct a trademark search by checking the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database and the state’s trademark databases.

You must use similar terms and variations to see if any existing trademarks might conflict with your chosen name. If your name is similar to an existing trademark, consider modifying it to avoid legal issues.

Check Domain Name Availability

In today’s digital age, securing an online presence is crucial. Checking domain name availability helps ensure your business’s online identity matches your business name.

Here are the steps to check domain name availability:

• Use a domain registrar website.
• Enter your desired business name.
• Assess available extensions (e.g., .com, .net).

If your desired domain name is taken, consider variations or alternative extensions. Having a domain that aligns with your business name builds brand recognition and fosters trust with customers.

Final Thoughts – Is it Worth it to Search and Reserve My Business in Connecticut?

Conducting a business name search in Connecticut is essential in the LLC formation process. Ensuring your desired name is unique and compliant with state regulations prevents potential legal disputes and customer confusion.

A thorough LLC name search helps identify if restricted or prohibited terms could affect your application, saving time and resources during the filing process.

Reserving your business name, while not mandatory, can be beneficial in specific situations. If you are not ready to file your LLC formation documents immediately, reserving the name ensures no one else claims it while you finalize your plans.

However, if you’re prepared to file your LLC formation documents, you can skip this step and register the name directly, saving time and the $60 reservation fee.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important LLC naming guidelines in Connecticut?

Your LLC name must include the words “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” The name cannot be similar to other registered entities and should not include restricted words like “bank” or “insurance” without proper approval.

Do I need a name reservation in Connecticut?

You do not need to reserve an LLC name before filing. However, if you want to ensure the name is held for you, you can file a name reservation with the Secretary of State for a $60 fee.

How much does it cost to reserve your LLC name in Connecticut?

Reserving an LLC name in Connecticut costs $60. This reservation holds the name for 120 days, during which you can file your LLC formation documents.

How do I search for and get a Trademark for my business in Connecticut?

You can search for trademarks through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. To register a trademark, you must file an application with the USPTO, detailing your business name and its use.

Does my Connecticut LLC need a DBA?

If you want to operate your LLC under a name different from its registered name, you must file for a Doing Business As (DBA) name. This helps you establish a brand identity while keeping the legal protections of your LLC.