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What does "doing business as" mean?
Trade Names, Sole Proprietorship, or "Doing Business As"
A trade name is a fictitious name under which business is transacted, sometimes referred to as “doing business as” or “d/b/a.” A trade name can be registered by: (1) one individual; (2) a group of individuals or an unregistered group, association, or society; or (3) a business organization registered with the Secretary of the State.
A trade name is not a business organization and provides no liability protection itself. It does not protect that business name from use by someone else. It also does not substitute for a business license or permit. A trade name merely provides public notice that an individual or individuals are conducting business under an assumed name or that a business organization is conducting business under a name that is different than the name under which it is registered with the Secretary of the State.
Where to file
A trade name is filed with the local town clerk where the business is primarily transacted. It should be filed in one town only, even if business is conducted in multiple towns.
Persons should file the application in the same town as the trade name address.
Business organizations formed with the CT Secretary of the State should file the application in either the same town as the trade name address or the same town as the organization's principal place of business.
Business organizations with a principal place of business outside of Connecticut may file in the same town as the trade name address. If the organization has no physical presence in the state, the application may be filed in any town.
Fees to file
When you deliver the trade name application to the town clerk, you must pay a $20 filing fee payable to the town clerk.
Trade name forms
The forms below should be used for a trade name filed on or after October 1, 2026. The forms must be hand signed by the applicant(s) and notarized by the town clerk or another notary.
Trade Name Applications (Persons)
Use this form for applications filed by one or more individuals (persons). The term “persons” is used here to highlight that these are filed by individuals or unregistered groups or assocations, not business entities (artificial persons).
Trade Name Applications (Business Organizations)
Use this form if you are filing a trade name for a business organization registered with the Secretary of the State. Please verify your business name, business ID/ALEI (authoritative legal entity identifier) and active status using our Business Search tool. The name, business ID, and address should match exactly what you see on business.ct.gov. The status of the business organization must be active and current with all annual reporting requirements. If the business organization has another status, contact the Secretary of the State Business Services Division to resolve the business status at bsd@ct.gov.
Trade Name Cancellation (All Filer Types)
Use this form to cancel a trade name that was previously filed.