Find Connecticut Business Records
This guide helps you use the official Connecticut Business Lookup to search LLCs, corporations, partnerships, statutory trusts, trade names, trademarks, UCC records, certificates, copies, annual reports, and business filing paths.
Use it before you file an annual report, order a certificate, verify a vendor, check a business name, update a registered agent, or respond to a dissolution/revocation notice.
Fast answer: Use the official Connecticut Business Lookup on Business.CT.gov to search business records on file with the State of Connecticut. The same Business.CT.gov menu also links to Trade Name, Trademark, and UCC Lien searches.
Best practical workflow: search the business name broadly → open the matching record → confirm legal name, status, business type and filing history → save the record details → use annual report, certificate, copy, name-change or agent-update services only after confirming the correct entity.
Important difference: a Connecticut business entity record is not the same as a local trade name, professional license, tax account, permit, or fraud investigation record. Use the correct agency when your question goes beyond Secretary of the State filings.
I Want To… Pick the Correct Connecticut Page
Connecticut has separate tools for business records, trade names, trademarks, UCC liens, annual reports, copies, certificates, and business detail updates. Start with your real task.
Search an LLC or corporation
Use Connecticut Business Lookup when you know the legal name, partial name, or want to view business records on file.
Search business recordsFile annual report
Use your Business.CT.gov account and choose File Annual Report from the dashboard after confirming the correct business.
Annual report helpGet certificate
Use Certificate of Legal Existence when a bank, lender, vendor, state agency, or transaction asks for official proof.
Certificate helpGet copies
Check filing history first. Many PDFs may be available through business search; certified copies require the official request process.
Copy helpSearch trade name
Trade names are not the same as business entity names. Search trade names separately when a business operates under another name.
Search trade namesSearch trademark
Use trademark search when you need Connecticut trade or service mark records, not entity formation records.
Search trademarksSearch UCC lien
Use UCC search for financing statements and lien records. Do not confuse UCC records with entity status.
Search UCC liensFix filing issue
Use the Business.CT.gov help desk for annual report, forms/fees, apostille, trademark, notary, UCC, and SOTS business service help.
Get helpConnecticut Search Helper Before You Click
Tap the situation closest to your task. This points you to the correct official Connecticut search or filing path.
Choose your situation
How to Search Connecticut Business Records by Name
The official Connecticut Business Lookup is the best first step for LLC and corporation lookup. Use the screenshot only as a visual reference, then use the live official page for current results.
Open the official Connecticut Business Lookup
Start with the official Business.CT.gov search path. It is linked from the Business Search menu as Search Business Records / Connecticut Business Lookup.
Open official lookup
Image description: this user-help visual reference shows the Connecticut Business Lookup or Business Records Search screen where users can search business records on file with the State of Connecticut. It is not a claim that this website is the official Connecticut government website.
Search with the strongest words first
Use the unique part of the name. Try without LLC, Inc, Corporation, Company, punctuation, apostrophes, and The if the exact name does not appear.
Open close matches
Do not stop at the first result. Compare legal name, business type, status, principal address, agent details, and filing history.
Check filing history
The filing history is useful for annual reports, amendments, address updates, agent changes, dissolutions, revocations, certificates, and copies.
Look for recent notices
If you received a Notice of Intent to Dissolve/Revoke or a Certificate of Dissolution/Revocation, Business.CT.gov says the letter will be located under the most recent filing history.
Use the correct follow-up service
After confirming the record, choose annual report, certificate, copies, agent update, business address change, business name change, or help ticket based on your actual need.
Save proof before paying
Save the business name, status, filing date, record page, and filing history. If you need official proof, use Certificate of Legal Existence or certified copies.
How to Read a Connecticut Business Record Without Wrong Assumptions
A business record can answer many questions, but it is not proof of everything. Use these fields carefully.
Legal name
Use exact legal name for filing, certificates, bank documents, and official transactions. Trade names may be separate.
Business type
LLC, stock corporation, non-stock corporation, LLP, LP, statutory trust, and foreign entities can have different fees and filings.
Status
Status helps you understand whether the entity appears active, dissolved, revoked, or administratively affected.
Registered agent
A registered agent receives and forwards legal and official correspondence on behalf of a business.
Filing history
Use filing history to find reports, amendments, copies, notices, name changes, agent changes, and dissolution/revocation clues.
Address data
Address information may be mailing, principal, business, agent, or filing-related. It is not always a customer-facing location.
Trade Names, Trademarks and UCC Records Do Not Mix Them Up
Many users search the wrong database. Connecticut separates entity records, trade names, trademarks, and UCC lien records.
Trade names
Use trade name search when a business uses a public operating name different from the legal business or owner name.
Search trade namesTrademarks
Use trademark search for Connecticut trade or service mark records. This does not replace federal trademark or entity search.
Search trademarksUCC liens
Use UCC search for financing statements, lien-related records, and secured transaction research.
Search UCC liensConnecticut Annual Reports Filing and Compliance Help
Connecticut annual reports are filed online. Business.CT.gov says you need to create or log into a Business.CT.gov account to file.
Who files
Corporations, LLCs, LLPs, and LPs are among the company types listed as required to file annual reports.
How to start
Log into or create your Business.CT.gov account, then choose File Annual Report from your dashboard.
Annual report instructionsNon-filing risk
Business.CT.gov says failure to file can result in administrative dissolution. Check filing history before ignoring a notice.
Certificates and Business Record Copies After You Find the Entity
Use certificates and copies only after confirming the exact business record. A certificate or certified copy is usually needed for banks, transactions, financing, vendors, or legal paperwork.
Certificate of Legal Existence
Business.CT.gov says it verifies a business is registered and up-to-date with filing obligations.
Certificate forms and feesPlain copies
Many records are available as free PDFs through business records search, UCC search, or trademark search if digital filings exist.
Copy instructionsCertified copies
A certified copy includes a certification page from the Secretary. It may be required by banks or business transactions.
Certified copy helpConnecticut Business Entity Fees Common Costs Users Ask About
Business search itself is a public lookup task. Filings, certificates, copies, annual reports, changes, and expedited services can have separate fees.
| Service or filing | Listed fee | Best for | Action / Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Business Lookup | Free lookup | Searching business records on file with Connecticut. | Search records |
| Domestic LLC Certificate of Organization | $120 | Forming a Connecticut domestic LLC. | Confirm filing type before paying. |
| Domestic LLC Annual Report | $80 | Annual online report for a Connecticut LLC. | Filed online annually. |
| Domestic Stock Corporation Certificate of Incorporation | $250 | Forming a Connecticut stock corporation. | Includes minimum franchise tax for up to specified shares. |
| Domestic Stock Corporation Annual Report | $150 | Annual online report for a stock corporation. | File through Business.CT.gov. |
| Domestic Non-stock Corporation Annual Report | $50 | Annual report for non-stock corporations. | File online. |
| Plain Copy | $40 per document when requested | Official copy request when free online PDF is not enough or unavailable. | Check filing history first. |
| Certified Copy | $55 per document | Certified record copy for banks or transactions. | Use only when certification is required. |
| Express Certificate of Existence for Corporations | $50 | Quick official existence proof for a corporation. | Certificate options vary by entity type. |
| Expedited Service | $50 per transaction | Faster processing where available. | Not available for every certificate or filing. |
Common Connecticut Business Search Problems and Fast Fixes
If you cannot find the record, change the search approach before assuming the business does not exist.
No results found
Remove LLC, Inc, Corporation, punctuation, apostrophes, and The. Search the strongest unique words only.
Too many results
Add one more unique word, compare legal name and filing history, then use status and agent details to identify the right entity.
Trade name confusion
If the public name does not match entity search, try Trade Name Search because the business may operate under a different name.
Certificate confusion
Certificate of Legal Existence is not the same as a plain search result. Use it when official proof is required.
Agent issue
Registered agent information can cause filing problems. Update or confirm agent details before filing annual reports if the system flags it.
Third-party filing letters
Be careful with companies offering to file your annual report for a fee. Use official Business.CT.gov pages whenever possible.
Connecticut Business Help Support Ticket, Mailing Address and Map
Business.CT.gov recommends the help desk directory and SOTS support ticket system for questions about annual reports, business filings, forms and fees, apostille, trademark, UCC filing, and related services.
Best help path
Use the CT State business help desk directory and create a support ticket for SOTS business service help.
Open Get HelpBusiness Services mailing address
Business Services Division
P.O. Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470
Map reference
Use the map only as a Hartford state office area reference. For filing delivery, always follow the address and instructions on the official filing page.
Official Connecticut Business Entity Resources Use These After Reading
These official Connecticut pages are included only where they help the user take action. Use Business.CT.gov and service.ct.gov instead of random lookup or filing sites.
Search Business Records
Main official lookup for Connecticut business records on file.
Open business lookupBusiness Services hub
Use for annual reports, online filings, business details, and account access.
Open services hubForms and Fees
Find domestic, foreign, certificate, copy, UCC, trademark, and business filing fees.
Open forms and feesFile Annual Report
Learn how to file Connecticut annual reports online through Business.CT.gov.
Annual report helpCertificate of Legal Existence
Use for official proof that a business is registered and current with filing obligations.
Certificate helpCopies of Business Records
Get plain or certified copies; check free PDFs in filing history first.
Copy helpRegistered Agent
Understand the official point of contact between a business and the state.
Agent helpUpdate Business Details
Use for business name, address, NAICS, agent, email, and account updates.
Update detailsGet Help
Use the official help desk directory and ticket system for SOTS business service questions.
Open help deskConnecticut Business Entity Search FAQ
Is the Connecticut business entity search free?
Yes. Connecticut Business Lookup is a public search tool for business records on file. Fees apply when you file reports, order certificates, request copies, file UCC records, or submit other business filings.
Where do I search for a Connecticut LLC or corporation?
Use the official Business.CT.gov Search Business Records / Connecticut Business Lookup page. Start with the legal name or the strongest unique words in the business name.
Is Connecticut Business Lookup the same as trade name search?
No. Connecticut Business Lookup searches business records on file. Trade names are searched separately because a business can operate under a different name from its legal entity name.
How do I file a Connecticut annual report?
Log into or create your Business.CT.gov account, then choose File Annual Report in your dashboard. The first step asks for company name or Authoritative Legal Entity Identifier.
Which Connecticut businesses file annual reports?
Business.CT.gov lists corporations, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, and limited partnerships among the businesses required to file annual reports.
How much is a Connecticut LLC annual report?
The official domestic annual report fee page lists the Limited Liability Company annual report fee as $80 when filed online.
What is a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence?
It verifies that a business is registered and up-to-date with filing obligations. Banks, lenders, vendors, agencies, or business transactions may ask for it.
Can I get Connecticut business record copies online?
Yes. Many records are available as PDFs through business records search, UCC search, or trademark search. If no digital copy is listed or certification is required, use the official copy request process.
What is a registered agent in Connecticut?
A registered agent is the person or third party that receives and forwards legal and official correspondence on behalf of a business and serves as the official contact point between the business and the state.
Does a Connecticut business record prove a business is licensed or trustworthy?
No. A business entity record mainly shows filing information. For licenses, taxes, permits, insurance, professional credentials, or fraud concerns, check the correct Connecticut agency or qualified professional.
How do I get help with Connecticut business filings?
Use the Business.CT.gov Get Help page and the SOTS support ticket system for help with annual reports, business filings, forms and fees, apostille, trademark, notary, and UCC filing questions.
Final Practical Advice
For most users, the safest Connecticut business entity search workflow is: open the official Connecticut Business Lookup, search broad first, open the exact record, review status and filing history, then use the correct official follow-up path for annual reports, certificates, copies, trade names, trademarks, UCC liens, or support tickets.
Best path: Business Lookup → exact record → filing history → status and agent check → certificate/copy/report only when required.
Editorial verification note: official Business.CT.gov, service.ct.gov and Connecticut Secretary of the State business resources checked on July 10, 2026. This guide is informational and does not provide legal, tax, licensing, fraud-investigation, or business formation advice.