Search Connecticut LLC & Corporation Records
The Connecticut Secretary of the State Business Records Search covers domestic entities formed in Connecticut and foreign entities registered to do business in the state.
You can search using a business name, Connecticut Business ID / ALEI, or filing number. The result can show the entity’s business ID, principal, agent, formation date, entity type, address information and filing history.
Best starting point: search by business name. If you already know the Connecticut Business ID / ALEI, use that exact identifier instead.
Need a person or agent search? Connecticut’s advanced business-record search supports searches by business name, city, principal and agent.
Need a filed document? open the business, select its filing history, and check whether a free PDF or HTML copy is already available before paying for a copy request.
How to Search Connecticut Business Records
Connecticut’s current registry is on the Business.CT.gov service platform. You do not need to create a filing account just to perform a public business-record lookup.
- Open the official Business Records Search.
- Enter a business name, Business ID / ALEI, or filing number.
- If searching by name, start with the strongest distinctive words rather than a long exact phrase.
- Open the likely business from the results.
- Compare the legal name, Business ID, entity type, principal, agent, date formed and address.
- Open Filing History if you need annual reports, amendments or document images.
Connecticut Search Fields Explained
| Search method | Use it when | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name | You know all or part of the LLC, corporation or other legal entity name. | Start with distinctive words and broaden before assuming no record exists. |
| Business ALEI / Business ID | You already have Connecticut’s exact entity identifier. | This is the best route to one specific entity. |
| Filing Number | You have a Connecticut filing reference from a document or prior record. | Enter the number exactly as shown. |
| Principal | You know a manager, member, officer or other principal but not the exact business name. | Use the advanced-search feature and compare addresses and entity type. |
| Agent | A registered agent is your strongest clue. | One professional agent may represent many unrelated businesses. |
| City | The business name is common but you know its Connecticut location. | Treat the address as a matching clue, not proof of a public storefront. |
What a Connecticut Business Record Can Tell You
Entity identity
- Legal business name
- Business ID / ALEI
- Business entity type
- Date formed
- Domestic or foreign registration record
People and locations
- Principal information
- Registered agent
- Street address
- City, state and ZIP code
- Filing-history records
For regulated work, use Connecticut’s separate eLicense lookup to verify the applicable licence, permit or credential.
Use Filing History Before Paying for Copies
Connecticut makes many electronically filed business documents available online for free.
- Search the business.
- Select the business name under the search results.
- On Business Information, choose View Filing History.
- Select VIEW PDF or VIEW HTML beside an available filing.
Annual reports shown in the business record can also be downloaded using the View as PDF option where available.
Connecticut Annual Reports: Search the Due Date Before Filing
Connecticut requires annual reports from stock and non-stock corporations, LLCs, LLPs and limited partnerships.
The fastest way to check whether a report is due is to search the business. Connecticut says the Business Inquiry screen shows the last report filed and the next annual-report due date.
| Entity type | Current annual-report fee | Useful timing detail |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic LLC | $80 | The current LLC filing page states January 1 through March 31 each year. |
| Domestic stock corporation | $150 | Use Business Inquiry to confirm the exact next report due date for the corporation. |
| Domestic non-stock corporation | $50 | Check the current entity record and Business.CT.gov reminder information. |
| Domestic LLP | $80 | Filed online through Business.CT.gov. |
| Foreign LLC | $80 | The current foreign LLC page lists January 1 through March 31. |
| Foreign stock corporation | $435 | Check the Business Inquiry record for the entity-specific due date. |
Open Connecticut annual-report guidance.
- Log into or create a Business.CT.gov account.
- Select File annual report in the dashboard.
- Enter the company name or ALEI / Business ID.
- Review the entity information and required annual-report fields.
- Complete payment and keep the filing confirmation.
Certificate of Legal Existence: Connecticut’s Good-Standing Document
Connecticut calls its good-standing-style document a Certificate of Legal Existence. It confirms that the entity is registered with the Secretary of the State and is up to date with filing obligations.
Your annual reports must be current to qualify.
| Certificate type | Current fee | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| Corporation — Express | $50 | Online certificate option. |
| Corporation — Short form | $80 | Reflects all name changes. |
| Corporation — Long form | $120 | Domestic only; cannot be expedited. |
| LLC — Express | $50 | Online certificate option. |
| LLC — Short form | $50 | Reflects all name changes. |
| LLC — Long form | $100 | Domestic only; cannot be expedited. |
Open Certificate of Legal Existence forms and fees.
- Search the entity and confirm the legal name and ALEI.
- Check whether annual reports are current.
- Ask the bank, lender or other recipient which certificate form it requires.
- Log into Business.CT.gov and order the appropriate certificate.
Previously requested certificates can be viewed in your Business.CT.gov account, and Connecticut provides an online certificate-verification service at no charge.
Free PDFs vs Paid Connecticut Business Copies
Do not automatically pay for a document copy. Many electronically filed records can be opened for free from Filing History.
| Copy option | Current cost | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Online PDF / HTML in filing history | Free | Research and ordinary reference when an electronic image is available. |
| Plain copy requested from SOTS | $40 per document | When the record is not available as a free online image or an official requested copy is needed. |
| Certified copy | $55 per document | Banks, transactions or legal processes requiring Secretary of the State certification. |
| Expedited copy request | Add $50 per requested copy | Eligible urgent online copy requests. |
Checking a Connecticut Business Name Before Filing
Business Records Search is useful for screening a proposed legal entity name. Connecticut’s business-start guidance tells new businesses to check whether the desired name is already in use before registration.
- Search the complete proposed name.
- Search the strongest unique words separately.
- Try the name without LLC, Inc., Corp., punctuation or “The.”
- Review close active businesses, not just exact matches.
- Use the formal name-reservation process if you need to reserve the name before formation.
The current Connecticut fee for an Application for Reservation of Name is $60 across common entity types.
Connecticut Trade Names / DBA: A Different Search System
Connecticut trade names are not the same as Secretary of the State legal entity names. A trade name is a public operating name—often called a DBA—and does not create a separate LLC or corporation.
Under Connecticut’s newer statewide trade-name rules, the application is filed with the local town clerk where the trade name is used. The current filing fee is $20.
- Check the developing Connecticut trade-name registry where available.
- Check the town clerk for the town where the business primarily operates.
- For a business organization, also verify the underlying entity on Business.CT.gov.
- Do not assume the DBA itself provides liability protection or exclusive naming rights.
Who Can Be a Connecticut Registered Agent?
Connecticut allows an individual resident age 18 or older to serve as agent. A registered business entity with a Connecticut address can also serve as agent. You may serve as your own agent if you are a Connecticut resident.
Foreign entities may use the Secretary of the State as registered agent in circumstances permitted by Connecticut law.
What “Forfeited” Means in Connecticut Business Records
Connecticut uses forfeited for a business that has been administratively dissolved.
One common cause is failure to file required annual reports. Connecticut also warns that a forfeited entity can lose rights connected with its business name and cannot obtain a Certificate of Legal Existence while filing obligations remain unresolved.
- Open the entity’s filing history.
- Check whether annual reports are missing.
- Confirm agent, business email and NAICS information.
- Review the official reinstatement process.
- File the required reinstatement and annual-report information for the entity type.
Connecticut says all businesses can seek reinstatement after administrative dissolution. LLCs and limited partnerships may also reinstate after a voluntary dissolution under the state’s stated rules.
Open Connecticut reinstatement guidance.
Connecticut Business Fees Search Users Commonly Need
| Service | Current fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Business Records Search | Free public lookup | Search before paying for certificates or copies. |
| Domestic LLC formation | $120 | Certificate of Organization filing. |
| Domestic LLC annual report | $80 | Current page lists January 1–March 31. |
| Domestic stock corporation formation | $250 | Certificate of Incorporation. |
| Domestic stock corporation annual report | $150 | File online through Business.CT.gov. |
| Domestic non-stock corporation annual report | $50 | File online. |
| Name reservation | $60 | Search the name first. |
| Plain requested copy | $40 per document | Check for a free Filing History PDF first. |
| Certified copy | $55 per document | Use only when certification is required. |
| Trade-name filing | $20 | Filed with the appropriate Connecticut town clerk. |
Common Connecticut Business Search Problems
| Problem | Likely reason | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| No search result | Name wording is too exact or the business uses another public name. | Remove entity suffixes and punctuation; search the distinctive name words. |
| Only a person’s name is known | Basic entity-name search is the wrong path. | Use advanced Principal search. |
| Only the agent is known | You need advanced search. | Search by Agent and compare every returned entity. |
| Need an old filing image | Older records may not be digitized online. | Check Filing History first; use the paid copy-request process if the document is unavailable. |
| Annual report filing says agent information is incomplete | The business agent may not be properly linked to the entity’s ALEI. | Edit the Agent under Key Contacts, search for the registered business agent, and link the correct business record. |
| Entity shows forfeited | The business has been administratively dissolved. | Review missing reports and reinstatement requirements before filing new formation documents. |
| DBA is missing from entity search | Trade names use a separate Connecticut town-clerk / statewide-registry system. | Check trade-name records and the relevant town clerk. |
Connecticut Business Services Contact Information
Business Services Division
Phone: 860-509-6002
Email: bsd@ct.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Public counter
Secretary of the State
State Office Building
165 Capitol Avenue
Suite 1000
Hartford, CT 06106
The last walk-in request is accepted at 3:45 p.m.
Secretary of the State
Attention: Business Services Division
P.O. Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470
Open the official Connecticut Secretary of the State contact page.
Official Connecticut Business Resources
Official search by business name, Business ID / ALEI, filing number and advanced criteria.
Annual reports, filings, account management, UCC services and business updates.
Current online annual-report guidance and filing access.
Certificate types, entity-specific fees and online verification.
Free online PDFs, plain-copy requests and certified-copy requests.
Domestic, foreign, certificate, copy and business-maintenance fees.
Current DBA rules, $20 town-clerk filing fee and statewide-registry transition details.
What to do after administrative dissolution or other eligible dissolution situations.
Verify professional and occupational licences separately from Secretary of the State entity records.
Connecticut Business Entity Search FAQ
1. Is the Connecticut business entity search free?
Yes. Connecticut’s Business Records Search is a public lookup. Fees apply to filings, certificates and requested copies, not the basic entity search.
2. Where do I search for a Connecticut LLC or corporation?
Use the official Business.CT.gov Business Records Search at service.ct.gov/business/s/onlinebusinesssearch. You can search by business name, Business ID / ALEI or filing number.
3. What is a Connecticut ALEI?
ALEI means Authoritative Legal Entity Identifier. It is Connecticut’s Business ID for the entity record and is not a federal EIN, FEIN or state tax account number.
4. Can I search Connecticut businesses by principal or registered agent?
Yes. Connecticut’s advanced business-record search supports searches by principal and agent, along with business name and city.
5. When is a Connecticut LLC annual report due and how much does it cost?
The current domestic LLC filing page states that annual reports are filed from January 1 through March 31 each year. The current fee is $80.
6. How much is a Connecticut corporation annual report?
The current domestic stock corporation annual-report fee is $150. Check the entity’s Business Inquiry record for its exact next annual-report due date.
7. What does “forfeited” mean on a Connecticut business record?
Connecticut uses forfeited for an entity that has been administratively dissolved. Missing annual reports are one possible cause. Review filing history and reinstatement requirements before forming a replacement business.
8. What is a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?
It is Connecticut’s good-standing-style document showing that the entity is registered and up to date with Secretary of the State filing obligations. Certificate type and fee vary by entity and requested format.
9. Where are Connecticut trade names or DBAs filed?
Trade names are filed with the local town clerk where the business is primarily transacted. The current filing fee is $20. Because Connecticut is transitioning older local records into a statewide system, some historical trade names may still require a town-clerk search.
10. Can I download Connecticut business filings for free?
Often, yes. Open the business record, choose View Filing History and look for a PDF or HTML copy. If the record is unavailable online or you need certification, Connecticut charges $40 for a requested plain copy and $55 for a certified copy.