File a DBA in Connecticut

Filing a DBA, also called a fictitious business name, is how you can do business under a different business name. Find out how to start the filing process in Connecticut.

What's your DBA name?

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file a dba in connecticut

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Updated on: June 30, 2025
Read time: 3 min

What is a DBA?

When a person or company wants to do business under a name other than their legal name, they usually need to register the secondary name. This secondary name is called a trade name, and the process is called filing to do business as (DBA). For example, if “Joe’s Auto Body LLC” wants to do business as “Sunset Car Repair” the owners need to file a DBA to register that secondary name (a trade name).

When you need a DBA

In Connecticut, sole proprietors operating under a name different from their personal name are not required to register a DBA with the state of Connecticut. For example, if John Doe runs a tax accounting firm, he is legally operating as John Doe, but could do business in Connecticut as “John’s Lightning Fast Taxes.”

On the other hand, corporations, LLCs, LLPs, or other partnerships that choose to use a name other than the owners' names will need to register a DBA with the Secretary of State. For example, if John Doe formed “John Doe’s Tax Firm, LLC,” he’d need to register a different name.

DBA name search

The first step to registering a trade name is to see if the desired name is already in use in Connecticut. If it is, you can’t register it because no two companies can have the same, or in some cases even similar, names. A company that operates with an unapproved name could open itself up to legal liability.

A name search can be conducted on the state of Connecticut's Trade Names web page. When selecting a name, filers should avoid using names like "corporation," "inc," or "LLC," as these names are not available for registration in Connecticut. Furthermore, deceptive names should not be registered, as they may also be rejected.

Connecticut DBA forms

An applicant for a Connecticut DBA should file an Application for Reservation of Name. Filers should bear in mind that there are different forms for different types of entities, and should be mindful in selecting the appropriate form to avoid rejection by the licensing authority.

There are multiple forms that a filer will need to select from in determining the manner of registering for the business' DBA. These forms have many similarities, but filers should not assume they are identical and should be careful in reviewing the instructions as well as the requesting information to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations surrounding DBA registration. See Connecticut's Secretary of State website for more information.

Connecticut DBA filing and registration

While each form may be slightly different they do share certain similarities. For example, all of the forms require the personal information of the owners including names and addresses, and the forms will also require the selection of a DBA designation and a signature of the form from an authorized person.

Tax considerations

Registering a trade name doesn’t affect your company’s tax status.

If you’re ready, LegalZoom can help you get a DBA online, and offers other business services such as trademarking your business name or logo, forming an LLC, and helping you stay up to date on legal requirements.

What's your DBA name?Register my DBA
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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

24 days ago
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10/10 customer service

Both Kathy and Princess made the process of filing my DBA incredibly easy and were able to walk me through the process the entire time. Both were incredibly kind and helpful and I'm so grateful to the LegalZoom team for being there to support me through any troubles I have with my small business!

Kate
63 days ago
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Very helpful everyone I spoke with was…

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and pointed me in the right direction. My dba was filed swiftly and I was informed about the progress the entire time. Very happy with the results.

karl anderson
72 days ago
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KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service

KIERVE was very knowledgeable and provided the information I requested with additional things to assist me with creating a new DBA. I appreciated how patient they were and ensured everything had processed to the next step before we signed off the chat. Excellent customer service!

Tenika Ashley
116 days ago
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Customer Service exceeded my expectations.

After an initial dilemma with my DBA filing in California, a LegalZoom account executive took the reigns and made everything right by going above and beyond my expectations. Thank you LegalZoom!

Clinton Goodrich
201 days ago
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Very helpful

I called in looking for help with my DBA and was able to complete setting it up effortlessly and got help with a few more items I didn’t even know I needed.

Kevin McCarthy
205 days ago
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Joe was extraordinary

Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!

Juan Ferrer
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,759+ reviewson

Showing our favorite reviews

Contents

Updated on: June 30, 2025
Read time: 3 min



What's your DBA name?Register my DBA
Twitter logoFacebook logoLinkedIn logoReddit logo

This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

24 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

10/10 customer service

Both Kathy and Princess made the process of filing my DBA incredibly easy and were able to walk me through the process the entire time. Both were incredibly kind and helpful and I'm so grateful to the LegalZoom team for being there to support me through any troubles I have with my small business!

Kate
63 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was…

Very helpful everyone I spoke with was very knowledgeable and pointed me in the right direction. My dba was filed swiftly and I was informed about the progress the entire time. Very happy with the results.

karl anderson
72 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

KIERVE has Excellent Customer Service

KIERVE was very knowledgeable and provided the information I requested with additional things to assist me with creating a new DBA. I appreciated how patient they were and ensured everything had processed to the next step before we signed off the chat. Excellent customer service!

Tenika Ashley
116 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Customer Service exceeded my expectations.

After an initial dilemma with my DBA filing in California, a LegalZoom account executive took the reigns and made everything right by going above and beyond my expectations. Thank you LegalZoom!

Clinton Goodrich
201 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Very helpful

I called in looking for help with my DBA and was able to complete setting it up effortlessly and got help with a few more items I didn’t even know I needed.

Kevin McCarthy
205 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Joe was extraordinary

Joe was extraordinary! I called to add a DBA to my existing LLC, and he got straight to the point with exactly what I needed. He went above and beyond by taking the time to answer my questions thoroughly and even checked my account. He pointed out a couple of things for me to review, and if that wasn’t enough, he even sent me a screenshot so I knew exactly what he was referring to. Wow—what an asset to your company! Loyal customer here!

Juan Ferrer
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,759+ reviewson

Showing our favorite reviews