Can I change the name of my LLC in Connecticut?
Absolutely! You can easily change your Connecticut LLC name.
We’ve changed the names of our own LLCs over the years. So we have first-hand experience with filing the paperwork, as well as dealing with the IRS and financial institutions.
The first step is to file a form called the Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State and wait for it to be approved. This is how you officially change your LLC name in Connecticut.
The filing fee for a Certificate of Amendment in Connecticut is $120.
After the state approves your LLC name change, you should then notify the following 3 places:
- the IRS
- state tax department
- your business bank account
And finally, you can update your LLC name in other places like your website and marketing materials.
This page will guide you through the process and include helpful tips along the way.
What are the steps for changing an LLC name in Connecticut?
- Check if your new LLC name is available
- File the Amendment form (and wait for approval)
- Update the IRS
- Update the Connecticut Department of Revenue
- Update financial institutions (credit card companies, banks)
- Update business licenses
- Update other places (branding materials, business accounts, etc.)
How much does it cost to change an LLC name in Connecticut?
It costs $120 to change your LLC name in Connecticut. This is the filing fee for the Certificate of Amendment form.
The fee is the same whether you file the form online or by mail.
How do I change my Connecticut LLC name?
In order to change your LLC name, you must file a Connecticut Certificate of Amendment with the Connecticut Secretary of State. This officially updates your legal entity (your Limited Liability Company) on the state records.
Note: The Connecticut Secretary of State is responsible for LLC formation and administration, including name changes.
We provide step-by-step instructions on how to file the Certificate of Amendment online. (Technically, you can also file by mail. However, it’s slower and the state prefers online filings.)
Can I change my LLC name myself?
You can file the Certificate of Amendment yourself or you can hire a company to do this for you.
Because the Amendment filing in Connecticut can be confusing and time consuming, many people choose to hire a company for help.
Need to save time? We recommend hiring MyCompanyWorks ($99 + state fee) to file your LLC name change.
Step 1: Make sure your new Connecticut LLC name is available
Before filing your amendment form (the Certificate of Amendment), you should check that your new LLC name is available in Connecticut.
This is important because two businesses in the state can’t have the same name, or be too similar. This is called LLC name distinguishability.
If you file an amendment for a name that’s already taken, the state will reject your filing. And if that happens, you’ll need to re-file with a different name.
To avoid that, look up your desired Connecticut LLC name ahead of time using the state’s business entity search.
Check name availability: Our Connecticut LLC Name page has information about how to use the business entity search tool. It also explains details about name rules in Connecticut.
Step 2: File the Connecticut LLC name change form
The Connecticut LLC name change form is called the Certificate of Amendment.
(It’s called this because you’re amending your Connecticut Certificate of Organization.)
How to file a Certificate of Amendment in Connecticut
Other Amendments:
Our instructions only cover how to change your LLC’s business name. If you want to make other amendments (like mailing address or Registered Agent information), you must file the Certificate of Amendment form by mail and attach the amendments. We recommend hiring a service like MyCompanyWorks for help, since this process can be pretty complicated.
First, go to the Connecticut Online Filings website. Then login, or create an account if you don’t have one.
If you filed with this CT.gov account before, your LLC should appear on this page and you can simply select it.
Otherwise, type in the name of your LLC and click Search for a Business. Click your LLC’s name in the search results.
Then scroll down and click Next to continue.
A popup will appear asking you to confirm that you want to file the name change amendment for your LLC. Click the box to confirm, then click Next to continue.
Update business name
Did you previously pay to reserve a business name?
Most people click No. It’s not required to file a name reservation in Connecticut. Most people don’t bother with this extra step.
If you did reserve a name, click Yes and enter the reservation number.
Click Next to continue.
Enter your new business name.
A field will appear for you to enter the desired new LLC name.
Then, add a designator from the list. (“LLC” is the most common).
Click Next to continue.
Review & edit
Check for any mistakes or typos in the Business Name section.
Effective date and time
This is automatically set to the date you’re filing the Amendment. Most people leave it set that way. This means your name change will be effective as soon as it’s approved by the Secretary of State.
Alternatively, you can date your filing up to 90 days in the future. You can also set an effective time, if you want.
Acknowledgment
Check the box to agree to the terms for online filing.
Choose principal authorizing the filing of the document
Either select or add a principal to sign the document.
If you already added yourself as a Manager or Member of the LLC, you can select your name from the dropdown menu.
If not, click Add Authorizer Manually. Then enter your name and title (for help, check out LLC Officer Titles).
Filer’s Signature
This field will automatically be completed with your CT.gov account information.
Click Continue to Payment.
Payment
Click the box to agree to the payment terms.
Select whether to pay by Credit Card or ACH. Then click Continue to Payment.
Enter your credit card information and submit your filing fee to the state.
Wait for approval from the Secretary of State
After submitting your Certificate of Amendment to the state, please wait for approval.
Approval times vary, but on average, it takes 2-3 business days for an LLC name change to be approved in Connecticut.
When you file online, you’ll receive your name change approval by email.
Reminder: Changing your LLC name with the Secretary of State still leaves your old LLC name in place everywhere else. Essentially, you’ve only changed your LLC name with one part of the state government, and you need to update it everywhere else.
Step 3: Change your Connecticut LLC name with the IRS
After your new LLC name is approved, the next step is to update your Connecticut business name with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This updates the name connected to your LLC’s EIN number.
We have step-by-step instructions here:
How to change LLC name with IRS
Step 4: Update your LLC’s Account with the Department of Revenue
After your new LLC name is approved, you need to update your business’s account with the state’s tax department (the Department of Revenue Services).
Note: In most states, it’s called the Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation.
In Connecticut, every business must register with the Department of Revenue Services. So you’ll need to update your business registration with your new LLC name.
Typically, you can update your LLC name in one of three ways:
- online
- by mail
- by phone
But it differs from state to state, so we recommend you call the Department of Revenue. You can ask about the process to update your business name.
Step 5: Update financial institutions with your new LLC name
Besides updating your Connecticut LLC name with the IRS and Department of Revenue business tax department, you’ll also want to contact the following places and let them know about the name change.
Financial institutions:
- LLC business bank account
- business checks
- business debit card
- business credit cards
- Paypal or other online banking solutions
- business loans or lines of credit
- brokerage accounts
- bookkeeping software, like Quickbooks
Pro Tip: You don’t have to rush to update these the same day or even the same week. Your existing checks and credit cards will still work, but it’s important to eventually get everything updated to your new LLC name.
Step 6: Update or Get a New Business License
If you have a state business license or a local business permit, you’ll need to change the name on that license.
Sometimes that means applying for a new license and canceling the old one. Or sometimes you can just change the name on your existing license.
Connecticut doesn’t have a general state business license requirement. But your LLC might have an industry- or occupation-specific license.
If that’s the case, contact your state licensing agency or licensing board for information on how to update the state business license: CT License and Permit Center.
And contact your local government (like a city clerk or county clerk) for the process to update any local business permits. You can find your town or city clerk on the CT.gov Cities and Towns list.
Step 7: Update marketing materials and other places with your new LLC name
Tip: We recommend making a spreadsheet to keep track of everything. Enter the place you are changing your LLC name, their contact information, and maybe a notes section. Here’s an LLC name change checklist that you can use: Google Docs | Excel
Below are some examples of places to update with your new LLC name.
Branding and online presence:
- online stores (like eBay, Shopify, Amazon)
- website, domain registrar, hosting company
- letterhead, logos, invoices, contracts, and important documents
- social media accounts
Professional services:
- Registered Agent Service (if you hired one)
- accountant
- attorney
Other government agencies:
- local tax office (ex: city, county, township)
- business licenses and permits
- sales tax permit
- utility companies
- Department of Labor (if you have employees)
Stay calm: Don’t stress out thinking you have to change your LLC name everywhere right away. That’s not the case. Take your time and do the important ones first. Give yourself a few days or a few weeks to get them all done. Technically, your old business name will still work for quite some time.
Update your Connecticut LLC Operating Agreement
It’s a good idea to update the name on your LLC’s Operating Agreement. Don’t worry, this is a simple process. You can either:
- You can make a new version of the Operating Agreement you already have. Update the document with your new LLC name, and have the LLC Member(s) sign.
- Or, you can use our free template on Connecticut LLC Operating Agreement to create a new Operating Agreement with the new LLC name.
Tip: This is a good opportunity to review the other sections in your Operating Agreement and make any needed updates there, too. Have the LLC Member(s) sign, and distribute copies like you did with your initial LLC Operating Agreement.
Change LLC Name in Connecticut FAQs
How much does an LLC name change cost in Connecticut?
An LLC name change in Connecticut costs $120.
This is the filing fee for the Certificate of Amendment, the official form used to change your Connecticut LLC name.
If you’d like to learn about all the Connecticut LLC costs, please see Connecticut LLC Costs.
Can I file my Connecticut LLC name change by mail?
Yes, you can file the Certificate of Amendment by mail to change your Connecticut LLC name.
Download and complete the Certificate of Amendment form and mail to the Secretary of State.
How many times can I change my Connecticut LLC name?
You can change the name of your Connecticut LLC as many times as you want. The state doesn’t care, as long as you pay the filing fee.
You’re allowed to change the name of your Limited Liability Company for any reason. The Amendment form doesn’t ask you why you want to change the name. No Connecticut law limits when you can file an Amendment to change the name of a company.
Who can change the Connecticut LLC name?
Generally speaking, the LLC Members (owners) can change the LLC’s name.
So, as long as all the LLC Members agree, you can go ahead and file the Amendment.
Technically, the LLC Members should vote to agree on the new name. However, a vote can be something informal, like an email or phone call.
Do I need a new EIN if I change the name of my Connecticut LLC?
No, you don’t need a new EIN number.
Getting a new EIN Number will actually cause confusion at the IRS, and that can create issues for your business.
So don’t get a new EIN number for your LLC.
Instead, you will simply change your Connecticut LLC name with the IRS (see above for instructions).
Do I need a lawyer to change the Connecticut LLC legal name?
No, you don’t need to hire a lawyer. You can file the Certificate of Amendment yourself or you can hire a company to do it for you.
If you want to hire a company, we recommend MyCompanyWorks.
Need to save time? We recommend hiring MyCompanyWorks ($99 + state fee) to file your LLC name change.
How do I change my LLC name in another state?
You can change an LLC name in any state. Click the link below to learn how to change your LLC’s name in that state.
Alabama LLC Name Change
Alaska LLC Name Change
Arizona LLC Name Change
Arkansas LLC Name Change
California LLC Name Change
Colorado LLC Name Change
Connecticut LLC Name Change
Delaware LLC Name Change
DC LLC Name Change
Florida LLC Name Change
Georgia LLC Name Change
Hawaii LLC Name Change
Idaho LLC Name Change
Illinois LLC Name Change
Indiana LLC Name Change
Iowa LLC Name Change
Kansas LLC Name Change
Kentucky LLC Name Change
Louisiana LLC Name Change
Maine LLC Name Change
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Massachusetts LLC Name Change
Michigan LLC Name Change
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Montana LLC Name Change
Nebraska LLC Name Change
Nevada LLC Name Change
New Hampshire LLC Name Change
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Rhode Island LLC Name Change
South Carolina LLC Name Change
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Tennessee LLC Name Change
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West Virginia LLC Name Change
Wisconsin LLC Name Change
Wyoming LLC Name Change
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.