How To Get a DBA in Connecticut in Two Steps
By Catherine Hodder, Esq. | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D. | Last reviewed September 18, 2024
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A DBA (doing business as) or trade name is another name you can use for your business instead of your legal name. However, there are specific rules to follow if you want to register a trade name for your Connecticut business. This article shows you how to get a Connecticut DBA for your business entity.
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What Is a DBA in Connecticut?
A DBA, referred to as a “trade name” in Connecticut, allows a business to operate under another name than its legal company name. A DBA may also be known as an “assumed name” or “fictitious business name.” Sole proprietorships, partnerships, and even business entities may want to register for a DBA name for their existing business.
Do I Need a DBA in Connecticut?
There are a few reasons business owners go through the DBA registration process. If you are a sole proprietor, you may not want to use your own name for your business. For example, Cheryl Smith is a social media consultant and a sole proprietor but wants to advertise something other than Cheryl Smith. Instead, she could initiate a DBA filing for “Hartford Social Media Consulting.” This name helps create a brand to attract customers.
Additionally, if you have a registered business name but want to add new business products or services, you can add a DBA instead of creating a new legal entity for each. For example, if Cheryl Smith wanted to design websites, her current DBA name for her small business may not reflect that new service. She could register for a new DBA, “Hartford Website Design.”
Choose a Trade Name
The first step is to find a unique trade name that is not being used by another business in Connecticut. You should conduct a name availability search at the state level, on the internet, and with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- State: To do a name search, go to the Connecticut Secretary of State’s business name database. That will let you know if any businesses are using the name for a business entity.
- Internet: Enter the name in a search engine to see if anyone else is using the name or registered the name as a domain. You can also search for domain registrations on ICANN.
- USPTO: Check the USPTO’s trademark database to determine if a trademark protects that name.
If your name is already in use in the state, on the internet, or is a registered trademark, choose another name for your trade name.
Complete and File Trade Name Certificate
Once you have chosen an available trade name, you need to complete a Trade Name Certificate. You file trade name registrations in the town clerk’s office where you operate your business. Contact the town clerk’s office to get the Trade Name Form, the filing fees, and instructions on where to file.
For example, if you are filing in Avon, Connecticut, you go to Avon’s town clerk’s office and get the Certificate of Adoption of Trade Name form. Other town clerks will have their own registration forms.
Generally, these forms will ask the following about your business:
The legal business name
The desired trade name for your business
The business address
Business owner’s name and contact information
Depending on the town clerk, you may need to sign it in front of a clerk or have your signature notarized. Contact your town clerk to see if you can file online, by mail, or in person. The filing fee is $10 to apply for a trade name.
After Filing for a DBA
Once you confirm that the town clerk accepted your trade name, add it to your business licenses, business bank accounts, and insurance policies.
There is no requirement to renew your trade name in Connecticut. Additionally, unlike some states, there is no publication requirement for advertising your trade name in a local newspaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help Filing Your DBA?
A local business attorney can advise you regarding trade name filings in Connecticut.
Or you can let our trusted partner LegalZoom handle your name search and DBA application filing for $99 plus filing fees.
Disclaimer: The information presented here does not constitute legal advice or representation. It is general and educational in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments, and may not apply to your unique facts and circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified business attorney if you have legal questions.
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FindLaw's trusted partner, LegalZoom, provides a straightforward process to register your DBA. Join the millions who launched their businesses with LegalZoom.
DBA registration starts at $99 + filing fees.