Connecticut Business Name Search: How to Check and Reserve a Name

Before you file your LLC or corporation with Connecticut, you need a name that's legally available and distinguishable from existing registered businesses. This guide walks you through searching the Connecticut business entity database, understanding naming requirements, and reserving your name to hold it while you complete formation.

What You'll Need

To search and reserve a Connecticut business name, gather these resources before you start:

• Internet access and a web browser
• The Connecticut Secretary of the State Business Services Division website
• Your proposed business name (with multiple options if your first choice might be taken)
• A credit card or bank account if you plan to reserve the name (fee: $60)
• About 15 to 30 minutes for research and searching

The search itself is free through the Connecticut Secretary of the State. You only pay if you decide to formally reserve the name.

Step-by-Step: How to Search for a Connecticut Business Name

Step 1: Visit the Connecticut Business Records Search

Go to the official Connecticut Secretary of the State business search portal. This free database shows all business entities currently registered, reserved, or dissolved in Connecticut. You can search by company name, LLC name, corporation name, registered agent, or file number.

Step 2: Understand Connecticut Name Requirements Before Searching

Connecticut has specific rules about what you can name your business. Knowing these rules before you search saves time and prevents wasted attempts on unavailable names.

For Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): Your name must include the words "Limited Liability Company" or an abbreviation such as "LLC" or "L.L.C." Your name must also be distinguishable from all other names already registered or reserved with the Connecticut Secretary of the State. Avoid names that are confusingly similar to existing businesses, even if they are not identical.

For Corporations: Corporate names must include the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," or an abbreviation like "Corp." or "Inc." The same distinguishability requirement applies.

Restricted words: If your name suggests a regulated activity like banking, insurance, credit unions, or trust services, Connecticut requires proof of authorization from the appropriate state agency before you can register. Do not use these words unless you have that authorization.

Step 3: Run Your Name Search

Enter your proposed business name into the search box. The database will show you whether the exact name exists, any similar names, and the status of any matching records (active, reserved, dissolved, or inactive). A dissolved or inactive business name may eventually become available, but you cannot use it while it is still on file.

Run searches on several variations of your name:

• Your full name with "LLC" at the end
• Your name with "Limited Liability Company"
• Slightly different versions (synonyms, abbreviations, or spelling variants)
• Common misspellings someone might search

This helps you understand the competitive landscape and avoid near-conflicts that could trigger objections from the Connecticut Secretary of the State when you file.

Step 4: Check the Status of Similar Names

If you find a name that is similar to yours, click on the record to see its status. A name that is "active" or "reserved" is off limits. A name that is "dissolved" or "inactive" may be available after a waiting period, but do not rely on it for your new business. Always choose a name that is available right now.

Step 5: Verify Your Choice Is Truly Available

Once you find a name that shows no results or only results for unrelated businesses, you have found an available name. Write it down exactly as you plan to file it with the state. Capitalization and punctuation must match what you will put on your formation documents.

Step-by-Step: How to Reserve a Business Name in Connecticut

A name search tells you what is available today, but availability can change. Reserving your name holds it for 120 days while you prepare your LLC or corporation formation documents.

Step 1: Log Into or Create a Business.CT.gov Account

Go to Business.CT.gov, the Connecticut Secretary of the State's online filing portal. If you do not already have an account, create one by providing your email address and setting a password. You will need this account to file any business formation documents with Connecticut.

Step 2: Select the Name Reservation Form

Once logged in, navigate to the forms section and select the appropriate name reservation form for your business type:

• For LLCs: "Application for Reservation of Limited Liability Company Name"
• For Corporations: "Application for Reservation of Domestic Business Corporation Name"
• For other entities: select the corresponding form for your business structure

Step 3: Complete the Reservation Form

Fill in the form with the exact name you want to reserve. The name must be spelled and punctuated exactly as you plan to use it on your formation documents. You will also provide:

• Your name and contact information (address, email, phone)
• Whether you are an individual or an authorized representative filing on behalf of a business
• Your intended business address in Connecticut (if known)

Double-check all spelling and formatting before submitting. The Connecticut Secretary of the State will reject forms with errors, and you will have to resubmit and pay again.

Step 4: Pay the $60 Reservation Fee

The name reservation fee is $60. Business.CT.gov accepts credit cards and ACH bank transfers. You will see the payment screen after submitting your form. The fee is non-refundable, even if Connecticut denies your reservation or you change your mind.

Step 5: Receive Your Reservation Confirmation

After you pay, you will receive a confirmation email with your reservation number. This number proves that Connecticut has held your name for 120 days from the date of approval. Save this confirmation. You will need the reservation number when you file your official formation documents (Certificate of Organization for an LLC, or Certificate of Incorporation for a corporation).

Step 6: File Your Formation Documents Within 120 Days

Your name reservation lasts 120 days. Within this window, you must file your actual LLC or corporation formation documents. If you do not file within 120 days, your reservation expires and the name becomes available to other businesses again. You cannot extend a reservation once it expires, so do not wait until the last minute.

Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not Including the Required Legal Designation

Connecticut law requires that LLC names include "Limited Liability Company" or an abbreviation (LLC, L.L.C.). Forgetting this word will cause the Connecticut Secretary of the State to reject your name during formation. Search for your name WITH the abbreviation, not just the business name alone.

Mistake 2: Choosing a Name Too Similar to an Existing Business

"Distinguishable" does not mean completely different. Connecticut law prohibits names that are confusingly similar to existing registered names, even if they are not word-for-word identical. For example, "Blue Sky Consulting LLC" and "Blue Sky Consulting Group LLC" might be ruled too similar. If your search finds a business with a nearly identical name, assume it is unavailable and choose a different name.

Mistake 3: Waiting Too Long to File After Reserving

Your 120-day reservation window goes quickly, especially if you are also researching registered agents, forming an operating agreement, or applying for licenses. Mark your 120-day deadline on a calendar and file at least 1 to 2 weeks before it expires, so you have time to fix any filing errors or issues.

Mistake 4: Not Checking for Trademark Conflicts

Availability in the Connecticut Secretary of the State database does not mean the name is legally safe to use. A federal trademark holder or another business in a different state could challenge your use of the name later. Before you finalize your choice, do a quick search on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website (www.uspto.gov) to make sure your name does not conflict with a registered trademark. This search is free and takes 10 minutes.

Mistake 5: Using a Post Office Box for Your Registered Agent Address

Connecticut requires that you appoint and continuously maintain a registered agent. The agent's business address must be a usual place of business in Connecticut that is customarily open during normal business hours. A post office box does not qualify. If you do not have a physical Connecticut business location, consider hiring a professional registered agent service or use the home address of a co-owner who lives in Connecticut.

Tip 1: Brainstorm Multiple Name Options

Have a second, third, and fourth choice name ready before you start searching. If your first choice is taken, you can quickly move to your backup instead of starting over. This approach also helps you find a name that truly resonates with your brand.

Tip 2: Keep Your Search Notes

Write down which names you searched, the dates you searched them, and whether they were available. This creates a paper trail that can help if there is ever a dispute about who chose the name first or when you began your formation process.

Tip 3: Combine Searching and Reservation

You do not have to wait weeks between searching and reserving. Once you confirm a name is available through the free search, you can reserve it the same day. The sooner you reserve, the sooner your 120-day window begins, and the sooner you can move toward filing your formation documents.

Expected Results

After searching, you should know:

• Whether your proposed name is available in the Connecticut business database
• What similar names exist and whether they could cause a conflict
• The exact spelling and formatting Connecticut requires for your name

After reserving, you will receive:

• A confirmation email with your reservation number
• The date your reservation expires (120 days from approval)
• The authority to proceed with filing your LLC or corporation formation documents

Connecticut's online system typically approves name reservations within 1 to 2 business days, though expedited review is available for an additional $50 fee (24-hour turnaround, available only for online filings through Business.CT.gov).

Next Steps After Reserving Your Name

Once your name is reserved, you have 120 days to file your official formation documents. Here is what comes next:

• File your LLC formation documents (Certificate of Organization) or corporation documents (Certificate of Incorporation). For LLCs, the filing fee is $120. For corporations, the filing fee is $250.
• Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, even if you are a sole proprietor. This is free and takes 15 minutes online at www.irs.gov.
• Obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services if you will be selling taxable goods or services. The registration fee is $100. Visit portal.ct.gov/drs to apply.
• Register for any industry-specific licenses your business needs (health permits, contractor licenses, professional certifications, etc.). Use the Business.CT.gov New Business Checklist to identify requirements for your industry.
• Hire a registered agent if you have not already. Your registered agent is required before you file formation documents.

You do not need to complete all of these steps before filing your formation documents, but you should begin the process within your 120-day window so everything is ready when you launch.

Important Disclaimer

This article is informational and educational only. It is not legal or tax advice. Connecticut business formation law is complex, and name registration rules can change. Before you rely on the information in this article to make business decisions, consult with a qualified Connecticut business attorney and a CPA or tax professional. An attorney can review your name choice, help you file formation documents correctly, and advise you on registered agent requirements and operating agreements. A tax professional can explain Connecticut franchise tax rules and sales tax obligations specific to your business type.

For official guidance, visit the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services Division or call their office during business hours.