Trade Name Certificates "Doing Business As"

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What is a Trade Name?

A trade name (often called “Doing Business As” or “DBA”) is the name under which a person or business does business that is different from their legal name.

Example:


  • Legal name: Jane Smith


  • Trade name: Jane’s Book Nook


Connecticut law requires that trade names be registered with the Town Clerk in the town where the business is conducted.


Who Must File a Trade Name Certificate?

You must file a Trade Name Certificate in North Canaan if:


  • You are an individual, partnership, or LLC doing business in North Canaan, and


  • The business name is different from your own legal name or the exact registered business name.



You typically do not need to file a trade name if:


  • You are doing business only under your own full legal name, or


  • You are a corporation or LLC doing business only under the exact name registered with the Secretary of the State.



If you are unsure whether you need to file, contact the Town Clerk’s Office.


Where Do I File?

Trade Name Certificates are filed with the:


Town Clerk’s Office
Town of North Canaan
100 Pease Street #7
North Canaan, CT 06018
Phone: (860) 824-7313 Option 1


Form & Fee

Form:
Fee:
  • $20.00 to file a Trade Name Certificate


  • Copies & Certified Copies 
    • $1.00 per page
    • $2.00 certification fee

Filing Requirements

When filing a Trade Name Certificate:


  • The form must be completed in full, including:

  • Trade name


  • Physical business address in North Canaan



  • Name(s) and home address(es) of the owner(s)



  • The form must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public or Town Clerk


  • Identification may be required



If filing by mail, signatures must be notarized before submission.


Changes, Closure, or Transfer

Please notify the Town Clerk’s Office if:


  • The business is closed,


  • Ownership changes, or


  • The trade name is no longer in use.



Trade Name Dissolution/Withdrawal Form: Trade Name Cancellation.pdf 


Public Record

Trade Name Certificates are public records.
Anyone may search or obtain copies during regular office hours. Standard copy and/or certification fees apply.


How to File – Step by Step

  1. Obtain the Trade Name Certificate form

     
    • Download from this page, or



    • Pick up at the Town Clerk’s Office


Complete all sections

  1. Be sure the trade name and business location are accurate



  2. Sign in front of a Notary Public or the Town Clerk

    • Do not sign in advance if you plan to sign at the Clerk’s counter



  3. Submit the form and fee

     
    • In person at the Town Clerk’s Office



    • Or by mail with a notarized signature and check


Request copies if needed

  1. Copies/certified copies available upon request


Helpful Notes
  • Filing a Trade Name Certificate does not protect the name from being used elsewhere and is not the same as a trademark.


  • Trade name filing is separate from any required state or local business licensing, tax registration, or zoning approvals.
  • For complete info, visit the Secretary of State's Website: https://portal.ct.gov/sots/business-services/tradename