How to Get a DBA Name For an LLC in Connecticut – An Easy Guide


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

All Posts by Steve →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Get a DBA Name in Connecticut

Are you looking to establish a business in Connecticut and need to get a DBA (Doing Business As) name for your venture? You’re in the right place! A DBA, also known as a Trade Name, Fictitious Name, or Assumed Name, allows you to conduct business under a name that’s different from your legal business name. This can be advantageous for branding, marketing, and overall business operations.

In Connecticut, if you’re willing to use a different name other than the legal name for your business, you must file the DBA (Doing Business As). The public (specifically your potential customers) knows your business by its registered legal name. Instead of using your formal business name, you may use the trade name or DBA in marketing and sales to reach a wider audience.

Connecticut, popularly known as The Constitution State, has some regulations when it comes to filing your DBA name. However, the regulations can vary depending on the type of business structure you have. In this article, I will share the basic steps to get a DBA Name in Connecticut.

What is DBA Name in Connecticut?

Whenever you form an LLC or any business structure, you must get a name for it. Every company has a legitimate name. For instance, a partnership or sole proprietorship might function under the legal name of the company’s owner or owners. The name specified in the Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Organization may be used by any business entity, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and others.

However, there are situations when you may decide against using your company’s registered legal name in Connecticut. This is due to a variety of factors. For instance, the legal name of your company can be unrelated to it or no longer accurately describe it. Or perhaps you want a new name without altering your documentation for incorporation or registration.

If you intend to run your business in Connecticut under a name other than your personal name or an existing corporate name, you must submit a DBA name with Connecticut state regardless of the type of business entity you have incorporated as (single proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC).

No restrictions exist on how many DBA names you can use to do business. However, each DBA name must be filed with the state where you conduct business. This is necessary because the general public has a legal right to know whether a specific individual or company is operating under a name other than their legal name.

In Connecticut, changing your business name is a risky factor. It can bring positive and negative effects on your business. Hence, before you file and change your legal business name, analyze all the risks and advantages.

–LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to Get a DBA in Connecticut

To get a DBA in Connecticut, you must first check if any other business is already using the name before filing a DBA in Connecticut. You can then submit the Connecticut business name reservation form after it has been confirmed that no other company is already using the chosen name. You can search the Connecticut Government Records Inquiry System and confirm that the name you chose is not already in use. However, getting a DBA is not mandatory in many states. If you open an LLC in Connecticut, you must check with Connecticut Secretary of State whether you need to file DBA or not.

Guideline for choosing a DBA name

You must choose a name to register, which is the crucial step. There are a few straightforward LLC name guidelines to follow (if you’re forming an LLC) while choosing a name in Connecticut.

  • In Connecticut, fictional names cannot be the same or similar to one another. A DBA cannot deceive the public by appearing to be confusingly similar to any other business name.
  • Unless the company has been incorporated as an LLC or corporation, a DBA name cannot contain a corporate indication, such as Corp or LLC, or any other words that imply an entity type. This will stop a lone proprietor from passing for a legitimate corporation.
  • Any banking-related words without a letter from the Connecticut Banking Commissioner’s Office, or any insurance-related words without a letter from the Connecticut Connecticut Insurance Department.
  • Any words that could confuse your corporation with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • A professional designation in the name (i.e., engineering, attorney) without a copy of the license of one officer/member or a letter from the governing agency allowing the use of the name without licensing.
  • Any words that indicate or imply that the corporation is engaged in a business that is not authorized by law to pursue.

How Can You Tell if a DBA Name in Connecticut is available?

Once you have selected a name that complies with the requirements mentioned above, there are a number of methods you can use to find out if the name is open for registration. One simple strategy is to look up other companies in Connecticut with the same name on Google.

It is a simple technique to clear out any already taken names, even though it may not guarantee that the name you want to register is accessible. As it is likely that you will require a website domain that matches your business name, you may also check to see whether the web domain for that name is accessible. For example, you can check Connecticut LLC name search guide to see how you can find the availability of your desired LLC name in Connecticut.

Before you may register your Trade Name in Connecticut, you must have used it for business purposes. Therefore, you must use a Trade Name as soon as possible if you want to register and protect it in Connecticut.

Register the Connecticut DBA Name

Once you have established that the name is available for registration, you must finish the file using the forms your county has provided. You must register your DBA name in the county where you intend to conduct business. In most Connecticut counties, the following fundamental information is needed-

  • Name of the company, its phone number, city, state, and street address
  • The organization type under which the business is incorporated
  • List the partners’ names and addresses (if applicable)
  • Describe the items, services, or business that will be delivered under the Fictitious Name in the registration form
  • Use of the Fictitious Name in the marketplace
  • Both the classification type and number
  • Make a mark (pick Trade Name)
  • Date and state of the first use of the trade name
  • When the Trade Name first appeared in Connecticut
  • Application’s name, title, signature, and date Email address

Submitting the Connecticut DBA Name Application

To file the Connecticut DBA Name, you must apply to the Connecticut Secretary of State. In Connecticut, you can file the DBA name in one method, by mail. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Connecticut is $10.

  • Online filing: There is no online filing available
  • Offline filing: For filing by mail, you must download the form, and send it to the Business Service Division, Connecticut Secretary of the State, P.O. Box 150470, Hartford, CT 06115

Using the Connecticut Trade Name

Three “specimens” demonstrating the Trade Name used must be submitted to Connecticut Secretary of State. The following are some instances of acceptable specimens:

  • Business cards
  • Booklets,
  • Flyers,
  • Labels, and
  • Stickers

How to Renew a Trade Name in Connecticut

You can renew your DBA name after a stipulated time. In most states, the renewal of the DBA name follows the same process as filing a fresh DBA name. You need to get the DBA renewal form, fill it up with the correct information, and submit it to the state online or offline. The renew time for DBA name filing is Indefinite in Connecticut.

How to Change a Trade Name

You can change your Trade Name (DBA or Fictitious Name) by applying to the Connecticut SOS. The process is similar. You can search for the name you want to have after changing the old Trade Name. If the name is available, make sure it follows other guidelines. You can reserve your DBA name for Indefinite; after then, you can change or renew your DBA if needed through the Connecticut SOS.

FAQs

What is a DBA Name?
DBA stands for “Doing Business As” and is a name under which a business is conducted, operating and owned by a person or entity.
What is required to file a DBA Name in Connecticut?
To file a DBA Name in Connecticut, you must submit a Business Registration Application (Form REG-1) to the Department of Revenue Services. This application must be accompanied by a $20 filing fee.
How long does it take to file a DBA Name in Connecticut?
The processing time for filing a DBA Name in Connecticut usually takes two to three weeks.
Where do I file my DBA Name in Connecticut?
You must file your DBA Name at the Department of Revenue Services in Hartford, CT.
Is a DBA Name the same as a trade name?
Yes, a DBA Name is the same as a trade name.
Is a DBA Name the same as a fictitious name?
Yes, a DBA Name is the same as a fictitious name.
Does a DBA Name in Connecticut need to be renewed?
No, a DBA Name does not need to be renewed in Connecticut.
What other names can I use for my business in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, you can also use assumed name, trade name, or fictitious name for your business.
Who is responsible for filing a DBA Name in Connecticut?
The owner of the business is responsible for filing a DBA Name in Connecticut.
What happens if I fail to register my DBA Name in Connecticut?
If you fail to register your DBA Name in Connecticut, you may be subject to a penalty of up to $200.
Is a DBA Name required to open a business bank account in Connecticut?
Yes, a DBA Name is required to open a business bank account in Connecticut.
Is a DBA Name required to apply for a business license in Connecticut?
Yes, a DBA Name is required to apply for a business license in Connecticut.
Is a DBA Name required to obtain a business tax ID in Connecticut?
Yes, a DBA Name is required to obtain a business tax ID in Connecticut.
What are the legal requirements for a DBA Name in Connecticut?
The legal requirements for a DBA Name in Connecticut include registering the name with the Department of Revenue Services, filing an application with the Connecticut Secretary of State, and publishing a notice of the name in a local newspaper.
What documents do I need to file a DBA Name in Connecticut?
To file a DBA Name in Connecticut, you need to submit a Business Registration Application (Form REG-1) to the Department of Revenue Services.
Do I need to publish a notice of the DBA Name in a local newspaper in Connecticut?
Yes, you must publish a notice of the DBA Name in a local newspaper in Connecticut.
Is a DBA Name required to file taxes in Connecticut?
Yes, a DBA Name is required to file taxes in Connecticut.
Is a DBA Name required to collect sales tax in Connecticut?
Yes, a DBA Name is required to collect sales tax in Connecticut.
Do I need to register my DBA Name in multiple counties in Connecticut?
No, you do not need to register your DBA Name in multiple counties in Connecticut.
Do I need to submit a separate application for each DBA Name in Connecticut?
Yes, you must submit a separate application for each DBA Name in Connecticut.
Can I file a DBA Name in Connecticut online?
Yes, you can file a DBA Name in Connecticut online through the Department of Revenue Services website.
How much does it cost to file a DBA Name in Connecticut?
It costs $20 to file a DBA Name in Connecticut.
Do I need to file a DBA Name in Connecticut if I’m self-employed?
Yes, you must file a DBA Name in Connecticut if you are self-employed.
Do I need to file a DBA Name in Connecticut if I’m a sole proprietor?
Yes, you must file a DBA Name in Connecticut if you are a sole proprietor.
What other information do I need to provide when filing a DBA Name in Connecticut?
When filing a DBA Name in Connecticut, you need to provide information such as the ownership of the business, the address of the business, and the purpose of the business.
Is a DBA Name required to apply for loans in Connecticut?
Yes, a DBA Name is required to apply for loans in Connecticut.
Is a DBA Name required to open a business credit card in Connecticut?
Yes, a DBA Name is required to open a business credit card in Connecticut.
Do I need to register my DBA Name with the Connecticut Secretary of State?
Yes, you must register your DBA Name with the Connecticut Secretary of State.
Is a DBA Name required to open a business checking account in Connecticut?
Yes, a DBA Name is required to open a business checking account in Connecticut.
Do I need to register my DBA Name with the local government in Connecticut?
No, you do not need to register your DBA Name with the local government in Connecticut.
Is a DBA Name required to file payroll taxes in Connecticut?
Yes, a DBA Name is required to file payroll taxes in Connecticut.

Also Read

Why Connecticut DBA Filing is So Important

One of the primary reasons why Connecticut DBA filing is so crucial is that it helps businesses establish their brand identity. In today’s competitive market, having a unique and memorable business name is vital for attracting customers and standing out from competitors. By obtaining a DBA, businesses can choose a name that resonates with their target audience and effectively conveys their value proposition. This can go a long way in creating brand recognition and enhancing customer loyalty.

Moreover, Connecticut DBA filing can also help businesses maintain legal compliance. When operating under a different name than their legal entity, businesses are required to register their DBA with the state. This ensures that the public has access to accurate information about the entity behind the trade name, helping to prevent fraud and confusion. Failure to register a DBA can result in legal penalties and damage the business’s reputation, so it is essential for businesses to comply with state regulations regarding DBA filing.

Another compelling reason why Connecticut DBA filing is essential is that it enables businesses to open separate bank accounts and enter into contracts using their trade name. This is particularly beneficial for sole proprietors and partnerships that want to operate under a different name without having to formally establish a new business entity. By obtaining a DBA, businesses can conduct transactions and manage their finances more efficiently, increasing their credibility in the eyes of customers, suppliers, and financial institutions.

In addition to these practical benefits, Connecticut DBA filing also offers businesses the opportunity to build trust and credibility with their target audience. A well-chosen trade name can create a sense of professionalism and legitimacy, reassuring customers that the business is reputable and trustworthy. This can be especially important for small businesses and startups looking to establish themselves in a competitive market.

Overall, Connecticut DBA filing plays a crucial role in helping businesses establish their brand identity, maintain legal compliance, and build trust with customers. By investing time and resources into obtaining a DBA, businesses can reap the numerous benefits that come with operating under a unique and memorable trade name. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding business owner, it is essential to understand the importance of Connecticut DBA filing and take the necessary steps to protect and promote your brand.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Connecticut is the best way to update your business name. Unlike the registered legal business name, you can have as many as DBA names. You can use your new assumed name as soon as the state has processed your filing, and getting one is a rather simple process. Whether you have an LLC or any other business structure, filing a DBA name is helpful for your business upgradation anytime.

Leave a Comment