Performing a Connecticut LLC search is one of the first steps to forming this type of business in the state. This process confirms that the name you want to use for your enterprise is available, which will help you avoid issues with infringement as you set up your LLC.

Connecticut LLC Search: An Overview

You should perform a Connecticut LLC search when you're picking a name for your business and periodically after you've officially registered to ensure no one is infringing on your intellectual property. You can perform a quick LLC name search for free on the Connecticut Secretary of State website.

Your search will return more information about businesses with exact and similar names that are registered with the Secretary of State. This includes information about the following business types:

  • Corporations
  • General partnerships
  • Limited partnerships
  • Limited liability companies
  • Limited liability partnerships
  • Other business entities

You can search through the database using either a business's name, ID number, or filing number.

Search by Name

Follow these steps to search for business entities that are registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State by name:

  1. Go to the Search a Business page.
  2. Type your search query into the “Search by Name” box.
  3. Click the “Search” button.

After hitting search, the database will return all similar and identical matches to your query. You'll see each business's name, address, filing number, and status.

Search by Business ID or Filing Number

You can also search for a business using its ID or filing number. From the Search a Business page, type in the business ID or filing number of the company in the appropriate box.

Your search will return information about the business's address, name, status, and ID. Simply click on an entry to view these details and additional info.

Choosing a Name for Your LLC

Understanding the state's LLC name requirements can help you avoid infringement and can help you create a legally distinguishable name if you find any similar results. These are some of the state's naming requirements:

  • You have to end your LLC name with “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
  • Your LLC can't use words like “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” or “Bank.” Only entities that meet certain requirements can use these words, and they must register as a different type of business.
  • Your LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from all others registered in the state.

What Counts as Unique and Distinguishable?

Your name must be totally different from any others registers in the state. You can't register your business if only the designator at the end of the name is different. Differences in grammar and spelling also don't count as unique and distinguishable. Changing the punctuation used in a name (i.e., adding a hyphen or slash), changing words from singular to plural, and spelling out numbers instead of using numerals also doesn't create distinguishability.

Other LLC Name and Search Tips

After performing a search, you'll see a list of results or get a “no records found” message. This means that you can use the LLC name and submit an official application with the Secretary of State.

You may also see some similar or exact results. Similar names are allowed as long as yours is distinguishable. If there's potential for confusion between your name and a name that's already registered, you'll have to come up with a creative variation or pick a totally new name. You can't use a name if you find an exact match in your search results.

Note that there is no penalty for filing an application if you're not certain that your name is distinguishable. The filing office will simply reject the application and let you know that you need to reapply. However, this process can be time-consuming. It's better to be thorough with your name search and move forward with a name that you've confirmed is unique and available to use in Connecticut.

Reserve an LLC Name in Connecticut

You can reserve an LLC name for future use by downloading the Application for Reservation of Name, filling it out, and sending it to the Connecticut Secretary of State. This gives you the right to officially register the name at some point over the next 120 days. No one else may register an exact or similar entity if it infringes on your reserved name. Note that there is a $60 fee to file this application.

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