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TRADE NAMES (DBA)
What is a DBA (Trade Name)?
A Trade Name, also called a DBA ("Doing Business As"), is a business name used by a person or company that is different from the owner's legal name.
For example:
- If John Smith operates a landscaping business called Smith Property Services, a trade name must be filed.
- If Jane Doe owns a bakery called Sweet Valley Bakery, a trade name must be filed.
The filing lets the public know who is operating a business under a particular name.
WHO NEEDS TO FILE A TRADE NAME?
You must file a trade name with the Town Clerk in the town where the business is located if:
- You are operating a business under a name other than your personal name, or
- Your LLC or corporation is using a different name than its registered business name
Examples of businesses that commonly file trade names
• Contractors
• Landscapers
• Cleaning businesses
• Retail shops
• Restaurants
• Home-based businesses
If your business name is exactly the same as your personal legal name, a trade name filing is generally not required.
FILING A TRADE NAME
To register a trade name in North Canaan:
- Complete a Trade Name Certificate application
- The form must be signed by the business owner(s)
- Signatures must be notarized
- File the form with the North Canaan Town Clerk’s Office
- The clerk will enter the application into the new online Tradename Registration System
Filing Fee: $20
Payment Accepted: Cash or Check
Once recorded, a Trade Name Certificate will be issued for your records.
TRADE NAME TERMS & EXPIRATION
The State of Connecticut has launched a new statewide Trade Name Registry system, which applies to trade names filed beginning in 2025.
Trade Names Filed January 1, 2025 or Later
- Entered into the new statewide online registry
- Valid for 5 years
- Must be renewed before expiration
Trade Names Filed Before January 1, 2025
- Remain part of the local Town Clerk records
- May not appear in the online registry yet
- Will expire December 31, 2029
TRADE NAME RENEWALS
Trade names filed under the new system must be renewed every five (5) years.
Additional information regarding the renewal process will be available closer to the expiration date.
Trade Name Changes or Cancellations
If you need to:
• Cancel a trade name
• Change ownership
• Change the business name
Important Information:
Filing a Trade Name Does Not Reserve the Name
Registering a trade name simply records who is conducting business under that name in the town.
It does not grant exclusive rights to the name.
Banks May Require a Certified Copy
Banks often request a certified copy of the trade name certificate when opening a business bank account.
State Business Registration May Also Be Required
Some businesses may also need to register with the Connecticut Secretary of the State depending on the type of business entity.
Trade names filed *before 2025 may not appear in the online system yet.
COPIES OF TRADENAME CERTICATES
Certified copies are available through the Town Clerk’s Office.
Certified Copy Fee: $3
Contact the Town Clerk’s Office for assistance if needed
North Canaan Town Clerk
100 Pease Street
North Canaan, CT 06018
Phone: 860-824-7313 ext. 1
Form:
