Before you move forward, you need to make sure your company name is available and that everything is legally correct. The easiest way to do this is by using the Connecticut SOS Business Search, a free online tool by the Connecticut Secretary of State (SOS).
This tool helps you look up companies, check if they’re active or closed, and find details like registered agent information and filing dates. Whether you’re starting a new business or checking on an existing one, this tool helps you stay safe and compliant.
What Is the Connecticut SOS Business Search?
The Connecticut SOS Business Search is an online database where you can find information about all businesses registered in the state. It’s managed by the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Business Services Division.
You can use it to find details about:
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LLCs (Limited Liability Companies)
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Corporations
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Limited Partnerships (LPs)
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Nonprofits
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Professional Corporations (PCs or PLLCs)
This tool shows information such as:
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Business name and ID number
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Status (active, inactive, dissolved)
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Registered agent and address
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Date of formation
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Company filings and updates
It’s very helpful for business owners, investors, and anyone who wants to confirm a company’s legal status.
Why the Connecticut SOS Business Search Is Important
Using this business lookup tool can save you from future problems. Here’s why it’s important:
Check If a Company Is Real
You can confirm if a business is officially registered and still active.
Make Sure Your Business Name Is Available
Before you form your own business, check if your desired name is already taken.
Avoid Fraud or Scams
Since the data comes directly from the Connecticut Department of State, you can trust it.
Stay Legally Compliant
By checking your own company’s listing, you’ll know if your business is in good standing with the state.
Learn About Other Companies
You can review competitors, potential partners, or clients before doing business with them.
How to Use the Connecticut SOS Business Search (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a simple way to find what you need:
Step 1: Go to the Official Website
Visit the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Business Records Search page here:
👉 https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS
This is the official place for all Connecticut business records.
Step 2: Choose How You Want to Search
You can look up businesses in three ways:
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By Name: Enter all or part of the company name.
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By Business ID Number: The fastest way if you already know it.
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By Owner or Principal Name: Great if you know who owns the business.
If you get too many results, use the Advanced Search filters to narrow them down.
Step 3: View the Results
You’ll see a list of businesses that match your search.
Each result shows:
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The business name
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Entity type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
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Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved)
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Business ID
Click the company name to open its full record.
Step 4: Read the Details
When you click a business name, you’ll find:
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The formation date
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Registered agent details
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Business address
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Filing history, including annual reports and amendments
This gives you all the official information in one place.
Step 5: Get Official Copies (Optional)
If you need proof or paperwork, you can download:
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Articles of Organization or Incorporation
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Certificate of Legal Existence (like a Certificate of Good Standing)
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Amendment filings
These are helpful for banks, licensing, or legal uses.
Understanding Business Status Labels
Here’s what each business status means:
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Active / Good Standing: The company is active and following all state rules.
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Inactive: The company missed reports or payments.
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Forfeited: It lost legal status due to non-compliance.
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Dissolved: The business officially closed.
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Withdrawn: A foreign company stopped doing business in Connecticut.
How to Check If a Business Name Is Available
Before forming your LLC in Connecticut, you must make sure your desired name is free to use.
Here’s how:
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Go to the SOS Business Search page.
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Type your desired name.
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Try variations to check for close matches.
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If it’s available, you can reserve the name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation form online.
This helps you secure your name while preparing to file official papers.
How to Register a New Business in Connecticut
Once your name is confirmed, you can register your company online through the Connecticut Secretary of State.
Follow these steps:
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File your Articles of Organization (for LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (for corporations).
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Appoint a registered agent in Connecticut.
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Pay the required state fee.
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Apply for an EIN with the IRS.
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Check local licensing and permit requirements.
If you want help, companies like ZenBusiness, Northwest Registered Agent, and Commenda can manage your registration and filings for you.
How to Keep Your Connecticut Business in Good Standing
After registering, you must maintain your company by:
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Filing annual reports each year.
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Updating your registered agent or address when needed.
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Paying annual fees on time.
If you don’t, the Connecticut SOS can mark your business as inactive or even dissolve it.
If you want to switch registered agents, file a change form online through the SOS website. Many business owners use Northwest Registered Agent or Commenda for this purpose.
Protecting Your Business Name and Trademark
Reserving your name in Connecticut doesn’t mean no one else can use it in other states.
To protect your name or logo nationwide, check the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) database and apply for a trademark.
This prevents others from using your brand legally across the country.
Other Useful Business Resources
Besides the Connecticut SOS Business Search, you can also check:
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Local Chambers of Commerce for local companies and memberships
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Industry databases for specific professions
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Professional licensing boards for regulated fields
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Social media and websites for contact verification
If you work across states, you can also check:
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California business entity search
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North Carolina business registry
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Florida business entity search
How to Contact the Connecticut Secretary of State
If you need help with filings or name reservations, contact:
Address: 30 Trinity Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 509-6200
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS
They can answer questions about records, fees, or certified copies.
Final Thoughts
The Connecticut SOS Business Search makes it easy to check, register, and maintain your company in the state.
It helps you avoid fraud, confirm business legitimacy, and stay compliant with local laws.
By using this tool and trusted services like ZenBusiness, Commenda, or Northwest Registered Agent you can handle your business paperwork with confidence and save valuable time.
Whether you’re starting a small business or expanding a larger one, the Connecticut SOS Business Search is your best first step toward success.
FAQs Connecticut SOS Business Search
1. Is the Connecticut SOS Business Search free?
Yes, it’s completely free to use on the state’s website.
2. How often is the business database updated?
The data updates in real time as new filings are processed.
3. Can I find sole proprietorships?
Usually not, unless they filed a trade name (DBA).
4. What does “forfeited” mean?
It means the business lost its legal status for not following state rules.
5. How can I get a Certificate of Legal Existence?
You can download it from the SOS website after your business is active.
