Key Takeaways

  • A CT Corporation Search allows you to confirm business name availability, review existing entity details, and access public corporate filings in Connecticut.
  • The Connecticut Business Registry (CONCORD) is the official platform for conducting searches by name, Business ID, or filing number.
  • You can use a CT Corporation Search to verify a company’s status, registered agent, and address—useful for due diligence, service of process, or corporate compliance.
  • Entities served through the CT Corporation System (registered agent for many Connecticut companies) must follow state-specific delivery and documentation procedures.
  • Business owners can reserve or register names, form corporations or LLCs, and update filings directly with the Connecticut Secretary of the State (SOTS) online or by mail.

Connecticut LLC Name Search

A Connecticut Corporation Search ensures that your preferred LLC named is available before forming your business in Connecticut.

Connecticut LLC Name Requirements

When deciding on a name for your LLC, you must abide by these certain requirements in Connecticut:

  • An abbreviation for Limited Liability Company must be at the end (“LLC” or “L.L.C.”)
  • An LLC is not a corporation, so you cannot use the words “corporation,” “incorporated,” “corp.,” or “inc.” anywhere in the name
  • Your LLC name must be unique to distinguish it from other businesses
  • Designators at the end of the business, such as LLC or L.L.C., do not distinguish a name
  • You cannot use punctuation or grammar differences to distinguish your business name

For instance, these examples are too similar:

  • Smith Products, LLC vs Smith Products, Corp.
  • Plum Farms, LLC vs Plum Farm, LLC
  • The Print Shop, LLC vs Print Shop, LLC

Searching the Connecticut Business Inquiry (Concord)

To ensure your preferred business name is distinguishable from all others in Connecticut, you must search the Connecticut Business Entity Database.

Once on the website, enter your preferred business name in the “Search by Name” field. You should enter the entire name as well as the first one or two words followed by an asterisk (*) to maximize your search results. After hitting the search button, you might see a “No records found” result, which means your LLC name is available. 

If there are businesses listed, check to see if they are too similar to yours. If the name you want appears exactly as you've entered it, then it is not available for use. You will need to use some creativity to come up with a distinguished name.

If you're not 100 percent sure whether the name you want is available, file the paperwork anyway. The state of Connecticut will send your filing back if it needs to be changed. As for domain names, your website address doesn't need to match your LLC exactly, so you should purchase your domain name as soon as possible. Once you've secured your Connecticut LLC name, you can then choose your business' Registered Agent.

Using the CT Business Registry for Corporate Searches

The Connecticut Business Registry (CONCORD) is the state’s official database for all registered entities, including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and foreign businesses authorized to operate in Connecticut. You can conduct a CT corporation search on the site to access information such as:

  • Business name and status (active, inactive, or dissolved)
  • Date of formation or registration
  • Principal office and mailing addresses
  • Registered agent name and address
  • Filing history and public records (including amendments and annual reports)

For the most accurate results, enter the exact business name or the first few words followed by an asterisk (*). You can also filter results by business type or status. Search results link directly to a company’s public record page, where you can download official documents or certificates of legal existence.

Search by Business ID

If you know a specific business ID and wish to perform a Connecticut corporation search, simply enter the ID into the correct field. Searching by business ID will bring up a company's address, status, and other information. Simply click the name to view details.

Search by Filing Number

You can also search for a business by filing number. Enter the number into the “Filing Number” field and hit “Search.” If you've entered the number properly, you can then click on the business name to get more information.

How to Verify Business Information Through the CT Corporation System

If a business uses the CT Corporation System as its registered agent, you can verify its registration and service details through the CT Business Registry. The CT Corporation System acts as an official agent for service of process in Connecticut, meaning it receives legal or government documents on behalf of registered entities.

To confirm that a business is registered under the CT Corporation System:

  1. Conduct a CT corporation search by entity name or Business ID.
  2. Open the business profile to view the registered agent listing.
  3. Look for “CT Corporation System” as the agent of record.

This is especially useful if you need to serve legal documents or confirm an entity’s representation for compliance or litigation purposes.

How to Create a Corporation in Connecticut

To establish a corporation in Connecticut, you must fill out an Articles of Incorporation form for the appropriate type of business. Fees for the type of business you file will vary:

  • Domestic non-profit - $50
  • Domestic profit -  $100
  • Foreign - $385
  • Religious - $50

You must attach your filing fee to the form, which you should mail to the Connecticut Secretary of State's office at:

Commercial Recording DivisionConnecticut Secretary of StatePO Box 150470Hartford, CT 06115-0470

What You Can Find in a CT Corporation Search Record

Each record in the CT Business Registry provides a snapshot of the corporation’s legal and operational standing. Information you can obtain includes:

  • Incorporation date and type (domestic or foreign)
  • Principal office address and mailing address
  • Stock details (if applicable)
  • Annual report filings and due dates
  • Name history, including previous or merged entities
  • Registered agent and agent change filings

Having this information helps ensure transparency when entering contracts, verifying a vendor’s legitimacy, or preparing to form a new business. The CT corporation search is also an essential step before submitting formation or reservation paperwork.

How to Reserve a Corporation Name in Connecticut

You may not be ready to start your business, but you already have a name in mind and wish to reserve it. If this is the case, complete the Application for Reservation of Name form from the Secretary of State's website. Attach a check for $60 and mail it to the same office listed above.

Common Issues When Conducting a CT Corporation Search

Some searches return multiple results that may appear similar. Connecticut requires business names to be “distinguishable upon the record”, meaning even small similarities may lead to rejection.

Common issues include:

  • Minor punctuation or spacing differences (e.g., “ABC-Group” vs. “ABC Group”)
  • Use of restricted terms like “bank,” “insurance,” or “trust” without proper authorization
  • Failure to include required designators such as “Inc.” or “LLC”
  • Typographical variations that don’t create distinction under state rules

If your preferred name is unavailable, try rearranging words or adding unique descriptors. Once approved, you can reserve the name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Form and paying the required fee.

How to Make an LLC in Connecticut

To establish an LLC in Connecticut, download the Articles of Organization form from the Secretary of State's website. Include a $120 filing fee made payable to the Connecticut Secretary of State, and mail it to the Commercial Recording Division.

How to Reserve an LLC Name

To reserve your preferred LLC name, download the Connecticut Name Reservation Form and mail it to the Secretary of State's office. Be sure to include the $60 filing fee.

Connecticut Secretary of State Contact Information

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the Connecticut Secretary of State via the following contact information.

Phone: 860-509-6002 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Email: [email protected]

How to Serve a Corporation Through the CT Corporation System

When a Connecticut corporation designates CT Corporation System as its registered agent, all legal documents—including subpoenas, summonses, and notices—must be served at its designated address. The process typically includes:

  1. Identifying the entity through the CT corporation search to confirm CT Corporation System is the registered agent.
  2. Delivering legal documents to CT Corporation System’s office, ensuring compliance with state rules on service of process.
  3. Obtaining proof of service (affidavit or return receipt) to confirm completion of delivery.

Serving through the CT Corporation System ensures legal notices reach the intended entity promptly, avoiding delays or defaults in court proceedings. If unsure about the proper procedure, professional process servers can manage service delivery and documentation for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the purpose of the CT corporation search?
    It helps verify the existence, status, and compliance of any registered Connecticut business, ensuring the entity name is available and valid for use or contracting.
  2. Can I use the CT corporation search to find a company’s registered agent?
    Yes. Each listing includes the registered agent’s name and address, which is critical for legal or administrative correspondence.
  3. How often is the Connecticut Business Registry updated?
    The database is updated in real time as businesses file new documents or make changes with the Secretary of the State.
  4. What should I do if the business name I want is already taken?
    You’ll need to modify your name until it’s distinguishable from existing entities. Once approved, you can reserve the name for 120 days.
  5. Can I get copies of official filings from a CT corporation search?
    Yes. You can download PDFs of public filings, such as certificates of existence, annual reports, and formation documents, directly from the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s website.

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