Registration Process

According to Connecticut law, you may not operate a business under a name other than your real name unless you file a certificate with and are approved by your town clerk's office.

The town clerk's office maintains an alphabetical listing of all registered trade names filed in the City of Norwalk. The proposed trade name of the business must be researched by the town clerk to ensure that it has not been previously issued.

Once the research has been completed, a trade name registration can be issued.

Fees & Registration

The fee to file a trade name is $10 and $3 extra for a certified copy (for your records).

To register for a trade name, all registrants must fill out the trade name registration form, sign it in the presence of a notary public, and file it with the town clerk. Copies are not accepted. All certificates must be notarized before filing with the town clerk.

There are several other governmental entities that also require registration for certain types of businesses.

Exceptions

Trade name registration does not apply to:

• Limited liability companies that have registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State
• Limited partnerships that have registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State
• Partnerships, if the partnership name includes the true surname of at least one of the persons composing said partnership

Certain words related to banks, trusts, and savings are prohibited from use.

Trade Name Online Look Up

Click here for online trade name look up.

For More Information

For more information, please view additional registration guidelines or contact Town Clerk Richard A. McQuaid at (203) 854-7747.