You can obtain a “doing business as” (DBA) name if you own a small business in Connecticut and want to use a name other than your legal name. Here is a step-by-step tutorial on obtaining a DBA in Connecticut.
Step 1: Select a Name Selecting a name that is not currently in use by another company in the state is the first step in obtaining a DBA in Connecticut. Using the company name search tool, you may look up available names online at the Connecticut Secretary of State.
File a Certificate of Assumed Name in Step 2 Once you’ve decided on a name, you must submit a Certificate of Assumed Name to the Secretary of State of Connecticut. This form can be submitted in person, by mail, or online. You must submit your DBA name of choice, your legal name, and your address along with a $10 filing fee.
Step 3: Publish Your DBA
You must publish your DBA in a local newspaper in the town where your firm is located after submitting your Certificate of Assumed Name. The notice must be published once each week for two consecutive weeks, and following the second publication, the newspaper will provide you with an affidavit of publication.
Renew Your DBA in Step Four DBAs in Connecticut are only valid for five years. If you wish to keep using your DBA, you must renew it before it expires. Your DBA can be renewed in person, via mail, or online. $10 is the renewal charge.
If a small firm wants to operate under a name other than its legal name, a DBA may be a viable choice. Without creating a distinct legal company, it is a simple and reasonably affordable approach to build a brand identity. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that a DBA doesn’t offer your company any liability protection. You must establish a corporation or limited liability business (LLC) if you want liability protection.
A DBA is only a name that a company employs to conduct business and which differs from its legal name. In contrast, an LLC is a distinct legal entity that offers its owners liability protection. You might also decide to utilize a DBA name for branding if you run your firm as an LLC. How Can I Protect My Company Name in Connecticut?
You can file a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office to protect your company name in Connecticut. By doing this, you will be granted the sole right to use your company name in commercial transactions and stop anyone from doing the same without your consent. To guarantee that your trademark registration is successful, it’s a good idea to engage with a trademark attorney as the process of registering a trademark can be difficult and time-consuming.
Each company name (DBA) must be registered in Connecticut for a fee of $10. However, the town or city in which you establish your DBA may have a different registration fee. Additionally, there can be extra charges for completing your application if you decide to register your DBA online.
The acronym DBA stands for “Doing Business As.” A business that conducts business under a name other than its legal name is referred to by this legal term. A DBA is also referred to as a trade name, assumed name, or fictional name. It permits companies to operate under a name other than the owner’s or the officially registered business name.