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The first step to forming an LLC in Connecticut is to search your desired LLC name and make sure it’s available for use.
You can browse existing business names in Connecticut using the link below.
Connecticut LLC Name Requirements
Before searching your LLC name in Connecticut, there are a few requirements you need to know:
1. The abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.” must be used at the end of your name. The abbreviation “LLC” is the most common.
2. Because an LLC is not a Corporation, your desired Connecticut LLC name cannot use the word “Corporation”, “Incorporated,” or their abbreviations (“Corp.”, “Inc.”).
3. Your desired Connecticut LLC name must be distinguishable. This means it must be different and unique from all other businesses registered in Connecticut.
Differences in designators (the identifiers at the end of a business name) and differences in grammar do not create distinguishability.
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For example:
- LLC, L.L.C, Inc., Corp.
- singular, plural, and possessive
- A, An, The
- and, or, &
- hyphens, slashes, periods, commas
- three vs. 3
The following examples are NOT distinguishable:
- Smith Investments, LLC vs. Smith Investments, Inc.
- Apple Farm, LLC vs. Apple Farms, LLC
- Print Shop, LLC vs. The Print Shop, LLC
- Night & Day, LLC vs. Night and Day, LLC
- Peter Paul & Mary Studios, LLC vs. Peter-Paul-Mary Studios, Inc
- Three Teachers Consulting, LLC vs. 3 Teachers Consulting, LLC
Searching the Connecticut Business Inquiry
To make sure your LLC name is distinguishable and available for use, you’ll need to search it in the Connecticut Business Entity Database.
1. Go to the Business Records Search.
2. Enter your desired Connecticut LLC name in the “Search by Name” box.
3. Look at the search results.
- If “No records were found” appears, that means your desired LLC name is available for use.
- If the results show names that are not too similar to yours (meaning yours is distinguishable), then your desired LLC name is available for use.
- If your desired LLC name appears in the list exactly as you want it, your desired LLC name is not available for use. You’ll need to think of a new name or use some creativity and come up with a unique variation.
- If the results show a name that is deceptively similar to your desired LLC name, your desired LLC name is not available for use. You’ll need to think of a new name or use some creativity and come up with a unique variation.
Tip: If you’re not 100% sure that your desired LLC name is distinguishable, just file your paperwork with Connecticut anyway. If your name is not available, the state will send back your filing and let you know that the name needs to be changed.
And check out TRUIC’s business name generator if you need help coming up with an LLC name.
Connecticut Secretary of State Contact Info
If you have any questions, you can contact the Connecticut Secretary of State at 860-509-6002 (8am – 4:30pm).
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC’s name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State.
We have step-by-step instructions on how to change an LLC name in Connecticut.
References
Connecticut Secretary of State: New Business Checklist
Connecticut LLC Act: Section 243k (permitted name)
CTNext: New Business Resources
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.
CONNECTICUT LLC GUIDE
Follow the lessons below to form your Connecticut LLC.
Hello, I have had a sales & use tax id# for some years . My business is growing and i now am getting a llc. Do i HAVE to use the exact same name or can i shorten it up a bit? Will it matter?
Hello, if you’re creating an LLC, its name doesn’t have to be similar to a name of a prior DBA (for your Sole Proprietorship). You can name your new LLC whatever you want. There may be a way to “transfer” your sales & use Tax ID Number, but you’d need to contact the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services about that (we’re not sure… and typically that’s not the case). Usually, an LLC (after it’s approved) would get an EIN Number from the IRS and then get its own sales & use Tax ID Number. Hope that helps.