A trade name is a Connecticut DBA (doing business as). A Connecticut trade name registration permits a company to operate under a name other than its legal name.
Your personal assets will not be protected if you register a DBA in Connecticut. Forming a formal company structure, such as an LLC or corporation, can provide you with liability protection as well as a business name.
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Register a Trade Name in Connecticut
It is simple to register a Connecticut trade name, commonly known as a DBA.
A DBA is solely used for branding purposes. A DBA does not safeguard your personal assets in the event that your company is sued. As a result, we highly advise that a DBA be utilised exclusively by a formal company structure such as an LLC or corporation to add new brands to an existing firm.
If you operate an informal company (sole proprietorship or partnership), we highly advise you to create an LLC to keep your business and personal assets distinct. The name of the LLC might be chosen to serve as the business’s brand name.
Learn How to File a DBA in Connecticut in Two Easy Steps:
Begin by doing a Connecticut Trade Name Search.
Create a Connecticut DBA.
A DBA is solely used for branding purposes. To keep your company and personal assets distinct, we propose incorporating an LLC.
Step 1: Begin by doing a Connecticut trade name search.
Your Connecticut trade name must be distinct and fit the state’s company name standards.
Before you file, you must check city records to ensure that your exact name is not already in use. In Step 2, we will offer contact information for city offices. You must also examine any state naming regulations.
Your Connecticut business name should NOT contain:
Unless the company is genuinely an LLC, corporation, etc., any business entity suffix, such as LLC, Incorporated, Corp, etc.
Restricted terms (for example, attorney, university) may need extra documentation and the participation of a licenced professional, such as a doctor or lawyer, in your firm.
Words that indicate that the firm was formed for a reason other than its stated purpose.
Certain terms are associated with banks, trusts, and savings.
We suggest that you check to see whether your name is accessible as a web domain (URL). You may not want to launch a company website right now, but you may wish to prevent others from gaining your URL.
Step 2: Create a Connecticut DBA.
Connecticut trade names are registered with the city where your main place of business is.
A DBA does not provide any protection for your personal assets if your company is sued. Visit our How to Form an LLC page and choose your state for additional information on forming a limited liability corporation.
Obtaining a DBA from the City Clerk
The state of Connecticut manages DBA rules, therefore the processes for obtaining a DBA are comparable from city to city.
We will walk you through the process of obtaining a Stamford city trade name. If you need to file in another city, contact the local clerk for details.
These links will take you to the webpages for some of the most populous cities:
Bridgeport Municipal Clerk
City Clerk of Hartford
Full instructions for Stamford City Clerk are provided below.
Visit the Connecticut Town Clerks Association website for a comprehensive list of city contact information.
How to Register a Stamford DBA
Trade names may be registered in person or by mail using the Certificate of Registration of Trade Name form.
Reminder: Before submitting, you must check Stamford’s trade name records to ensure that your name is not currently in use.
Manage Your Stamford, Connecticut DBA
DBA Concerns
For general inquiries concerning Stamford trade names, please call (203) 977-4054.
Renew Your Stamford Business Name
Your Connecticut trade name does not need to be renewed.
Alter Your Stamford DBA
You may make changes to your trade name registration by updating the information on the Certificate of Registration of Trade Name and clicking the box next to “amend.”
Remove Your Stamford DBA
You may cancel your trade name by completing the Certificate of Registration of Trade Name and clicking the “cancel” box.
Following the Submission of Your Connecticut DBA
If registering a DBA is the first step in your company journey, there are a few additional actions you need follow before getting started:
Create a Website for Your Business – Every business need a website. Fortunately, drag-and-drop tools like GoDaddy and Wix make the process fast and simple. To select the best website builder for you, read our Best Website Builder article.
Organize Your Business Finances – You’ll need to keep your corporate money distinct from your personal ones. This is performed via the establishment of a business bank account. If your company has extended lead times or other cash flow issues, you may want to consider a business credit card.
Safeguard Your Business – While an LLC will assist to protect your personal assets in the event of a lawsuit, the assets of your business also need protection. Having the correct company insurance can protect you if the worst occurs. As a starting point, most firms get general liability insurance.