How Do I Look Up an LLC in CT: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to look up an LLC in CT using the Secretary of State’s business search tool, find registration info, and verify company details easily. 6 min read updated on October 14, 2025
Key Takeaways
- You can look up an LLC in Connecticut using the Secretary of the State’s Business Records Search tool.
- Searches can be performed by business name, business ID, or filing number to find details like registration status, address, and agent information.
- The database helps verify business legitimacy, check name availability, and access official filings.
- The search is free and includes all registered entities, including LLCs, corporations, and partnerships.
- You can reserve a name for 120 days or register a new LLC online through the Secretary of the State’s CONCORD system.
LLC Lookup CT
LLC lookup CT refers to Connecticut’s Limited Liability Company business search. In Connecticut, the filings for a new LLC go through the Secretary of State’s Business Entity database.
Why Perform a Connecticut LLC Lookup?
Conducting a Connecticut LLC lookup helps business owners, investors, and consumers verify the legitimacy of a company. Whether you are planning to start your own business or researching competitors, the Connecticut Secretary of the State (SOTS) Business Records Search tool provides valuable information about all registered business entities.
You can use the search to:
- Confirm whether a business is properly registered and in good standing.
- Check the status (active, dissolved, or revoked) of an LLC.
- View the company’s registered agent and principal office address.
- Review official filings like annual reports, name changes, and formation documents.
- Ensure that your desired business name is available and unique before registration.
Using this online resource is essential for compliance, due diligence, and name availability checks when forming or managing a Connecticut LLC.
Limited Liability Company Name Search in Connecticut
When you start a business, the first step is to come up with a name. If you are forming an LLC, then there are ways to ensure that the name you select is available for use.
Connecticut, like every other state, has certain requirements for the name you select for use. It must be distinguishable from other registered businesses in the state. In addition, it should be available for use. To ensure these two things about the name, go to the Connecticut Business Entity database.
When you reach the appropriate page, put your desired name in the search bar.
Enter the LLC name that you desire followed by an asterisk to see all the names that may be similar.
For example, if your desired name is “A&B Widgets LLC”, then just enter “A&B” in the search bar. Leave all of the other boxes blank. There are options about how many records may be returned by the search. Select the number of records you’d like to be returned from the search. It's recommended that you select 100.
If the phrase that comes up is “no records found,” then your desired name is available for your LLC.
Also, if the results that come up are not significantly similar to your desired name, then you may use your desired LLC name. Alternatively, if the name you’ve selected comes up, then you must select another name for your LLC. It can be a different spelling or a unique variation.
The new name must distinguishable from other names on the list. If you aren’t sure about the name meeting the “distinguishable” threshold, then simply leave it to the State of Connecticut. File for a LLC under your desired name and they will sort out whether the name works or not.
Don’t forget to secure a domain name. Even if you have no intention of doing business on the internet, you don’t want someone else owning your business name’s address.
Step-by-Step: How Do I Look Up an LLC in CT
If you’re wondering how do I look up an LLC in CT, the process is simple and can be done entirely online through the Secretary of the State’s website.
Here’s how to perform an LLC search:
- Visit the Business Records Search page on the Connecticut Secretary of the State website.
- Select the search type: You can search by Business Name, Business ID, or Filing Number.
- Enter the search term: Type the full or partial business name. Using an asterisk () after your keyword helps view similar matches (e.g., typing “Bright” shows all LLCs beginning with that word).
- View the search results: The results display the business name, status, address, and filing number.
- Click the business name to access the detailed record, including formation date, registered agent, annual report filings, and certificate downloads.
- Check the entity’s standing: Confirm that it’s listed as “Active” and has filed recent annual reports to verify its good standing.
The database updates regularly, ensuring you see the most current registration details for any Connecticut LLC.
Business Entity Search in Connecticut
All business entities registered in Connecticut are available to search on Connecticut’s Secretary of State’s website. Enter the name for which you are searching into the search bar, then click search.
A list of entities will appear showing the status, filing number, address, and business name.
Click on the name of the business to find out more details and the registered agent summary.
You may also search using only the business filing number or business ID by filling the number into the second field on the search page. The results will include the business name, address, filing number, and the status (in other words, is it active or not).
Connecticut Business Records Details and Results
When you perform a Connecticut business entity search, the results page provides a summary of the company’s registration data. Key information you can access includes:
- Business Name (as registered with the SOTS)
- Business ID Number
- Filing History (e.g., formation certificate, amendments, annual reports)
- Business Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved, or Withdrawn)
- Principal Office Address
- Registered Agent Name and Address
- Business Type (e.g., Domestic LLC, Foreign LLC, Corporation, Partnership)
- Date of Formation or Registration
You can also download certified documents or certificates of good standing directly from the Secretary of the State’s portal for official or legal use.
For business owners forming a new LLC, reviewing these existing records helps avoid duplicate names and ensures compliance with Connecticut naming rules.
Forming a Connecticut LLC
There are steps to forming a limited liability company in Connecticut, which are similar to the steps in many other states.
1. Name the Business
Your name must end with a form of “Limited Liability Company;” it can be the full phrase or an abbreviated form like L.L.C., LLC, or Ltd. Co. There must be no indication that the LLC is a corporation. The name has to be significantly different than any other Connecticut registered business.
You are able to reserve a name for 120 days. There is an application on the Connecticut Secretary of State website. There is a fee required.
2. Articles of Organization
Articles filed with the State of Connecticut must include the LLC’s:
- Business Name and Address
- Type of Business
- Registered Agent Name and Address (and signature)
- Management Structure
- Name and Address of One Manager or Member
- Registered Agent
A registered agent in Connecticut must be legally able to conduct business in Connecticut. This agent accepts legal papers on behalf of the LLC.
3. Operating Agreement
This is not required in Connecticut, but it is recommended for every LLC. It lays out the operating structure of the business and sorts out all issues before they become a problem.
4. Pay State and Federal Taxes
5. File Annual Reports
Additional Steps After Verifying Your LLC Name
Once you’ve confirmed your LLC name is available, you can proceed with formation through the Connecticut CONCORD online filing system.
Key steps include:
- Reserve Your Business Name (Optional): File an Application for Reservation of Name with the Secretary of the State to hold your name for 120 days.
- File a Certificate of Organization: Include your LLC’s name, business address, registered agent information, and management structure.
- Create an Operating Agreement: While not legally required, this document outlines ownership and management roles.
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS: Needed for taxes and opening a business bank account.
- Register for State Taxes: If applicable, register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS).
- File Annual Reports: Each year, you must file an annual report by March 31 to maintain active status.
These steps ensure your business remains compliant with Connecticut law while providing public transparency through the SOTS database.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How do I look up an LLC in CT for free?
You can use the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s Business Records Search tool at no cost to find any registered LLC or corporation. -
What information do I need to search for an LLC in Connecticut?
You can search using a business name, business ID, or filing number. Entering part of the name with an asterisk helps locate similar listings. -
How can I find a Connecticut LLC’s registered agent?
When you open a business record, the Registered Agent Summary lists the agent’s name and contact address. -
What does it mean if an LLC’s status is inactive or dissolved?
It indicates that the LLC is no longer in good standing—usually for missing annual reports or failing to meet other state requirements. -
Can I download official Connecticut LLC documents online?
Yes. The Secretary of the State’s website allows you to download filings such as certificates of organization, annual reports, and certificates of good standing.
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