Before you form a limited liability company (LLC), register a trade name, or start a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Connecticut Business Records Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Connecticut Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Connecticut.
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Grab It NowHow to Check if Your Connecticut LLC Name Is Available
Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps, such as ensuring your business name follows state requirements and performing a domain name and state search. These are the steps you need to take to determine if your business name is available in Connecticut.
1. Follow LLC Naming Rules
Before you perform an LLC name search, you need to make sure your business name follows the state’s business name requirements.
Some key guidelines for Connecticut LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company,” “limited company,” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.,” “LLC,” “L.C.,” or “LC” in uppercase or lowercase letters.
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business in the state. This includes Connecticut reserved names.
Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution.
Connecticut also has the following restrictions for LLC names:
- Your name can’t imply that the LLC is organized for an unlawful purpose.
- Your name can’t contain language stating or implying that the LLC is organized for anything other than its permitted purpose.
For more information, check out Connecticut’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Connecticut, a distinguishable name is one that’s substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in the rejection of your formation filing.
2. Conduct a State LLC Name Search
Selecting a unique name for your Connecticut LLC is crucial for standing out in the business landscape and ensuring your name meets state requirements. You can check your business name availability by searching the Connecticut Business Records Search online database.
3. Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.
The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.
What if my LLC name is already taken? Our free AI-powered LLC name generator will give you thousands of new ideas.
4. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Protect your brand’s integrity with a comprehensive trademark search. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website offers a powerful tool to check for existing trademarks that might conflict with your chosen business name or logo. Don’t assume state-level LLC name availability guarantees trademark clearance. For professional assistance, consult our list of top trademark services for new enterprises.
5. Reserve Your LLC Name
You may reserve your LLC name in Connecticut for up to 120 days before you officially register it with the state. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
You can file a name reservation online or via hard copy with the Connecticut Secretary of State. The filing fee is $60.
6. Form Your Connecticut LLC
To form an LLC in Connecticut, submit a Certificate of Organization to the Secretary of State. This filing marks the official birth of your business entity in the Constitution State. Your Certificate of Organization must include the LLC’s name, principal office address, and registered agent information.
Connecticut also requires you to specify whether the LLC will be managed by its members or managers, helping to clarify your company’s operational structure.
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Start NowConnecticut LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Connecticut?
You can use the Connecticut Business Records Search tool to see if your business name is available.
Should I name my LLC after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use our free AI-powered LLC name generator.
What words can’t be used in a Connecticut LLC name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Additionally, Connecticut LLC names can’t imply the LLC is organized for an unlawful purpose or contain language stating or implying the LLC is organized for anything other than its permitted purpose.
Should I use an LLC name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
What is a brand name?
A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.
Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name Your LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. Connecticut requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., “LLC” or “L.L.C.”) in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in Connecticut?
Connecticut doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Connecticut?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or a trade name in Connecticut.
In Connecticut, LLC trade names are filed with the applicable city or town office.
Learn more about trade names with our Connecticut DBA guide.
Does my LLC need a DBA name?
Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Connecticut DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Connecticut from the drop-down menu.