CT SOS Business Search – How to Search for a Business in Connecticut

Whether you’re starting a new company, conducting market research, or simply verifying a business’s legitimacy, the CT SOS Business Search is a valuable online tool. Managed by the Connecticut Secretary of the State (SOS), this database allows anyone to search for registered businesses operating in Connecticut.

In this article, we’ll explain what the CT SOS Business Search is, how to use it effectively, what kind of information it provides, and answer some frequently asked questions.

What Is the CT SOS Business Search?

The Connecticut Secretary of the State Business Search is a public online directory that provides access to official records of all entities registered to conduct business in the state. This includes corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and even nonprofits.

The database is hosted on the CT.gov website and is free to use.

Why Use the CT SOS Business Search?

Here are a few common reasons people use this search tool:

• To verify a company’s legal status
• To check if a business name is available
• To access filing history and ownership info
• To find the business address and registered agent
• To research potential partners or competitors

It’s useful for entrepreneurs, investors, legal professionals, and everyday consumers.

How to Access the CT SOS Business Search

You can find the tool on the official Connecticut Secretary of the State website:

Once on the site, you’ll have several search options.

How to Search for a Business

The portal allows you to search using the following filters:

1. Business Name
   Enter the full or partial name of a company. The system will display all relevant matches.
2. Business ID or Filing Number
   Each registered business has a unique ID—enter it if you have it.
3. Principal Name
   Search using the name of a business owner or manager.
4. Business Type
   You can narrow down results by filtering corporations, LLCs, nonprofits, etc.
5. Status
   Choose from “Active”, “Inactive”, or “Cancelled” businesses.

Information You’ll Find in a CT SOS Search

Once you locate a business, you’ll be able to view key details, including:

• Legal business name
• Business ID number
• Status (active/inactive)
• Type of entity (LLC, Corp, etc.)
• Date of registration
• Principal office address
• Registered agent and contact info
• Annual report filings
• Certificate of Legal Existence (available for download)

This information is especially helpful for anyone doing due diligence or checking a company’s standing with the state.

Other Services Offered Through the Portal

In addition to business lookups, the CT SOS system lets users:

• File annual reports
• Register new businesses
• Amend existing filings
• Request certificates of legal existence
• View the business formation guide

All tasks are available online and designed to be user-friendly for both individuals and businesses.

Benefits of the CT SOS Business Search

• ✅ Free to use
• ✅ Accurate and up-to-date
• ✅ Searchable by multiple parameters
• ✅ Great for legal and business purposes
• ✅ Saves time versus contacting offices

FAQs – CT SOS Business Search

Q1: Is the CT SOS Business Search free?
Yes, it’s completely free to access and use. However, some documents (e.g., certified copies or certificates of legal existence) may come with a fee.

Q2: Can I reserve a business name through this platform?
Yes. Once you confirm a name is available, you can file a Name Reservation Request online for a small fee.

Q3: How do I know if a business is in good standing?
Check the status field. If it says “Active” and the business has filed recent annual reports, it’s typically in good standing.

Q4: What is a Registered Agent?
A Registered Agent is a person or company designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the business. Their name and address are listed in the search.

Q5: Can I use this to start my own business in CT?
Yes! After confirming your desired business name is available, you can file for an LLC or corporation right from the same portal.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re researching a company, forming a new LLC, or simply checking on the status of your own business, the CT SOS Business Search is a must-use tool. It brings transparency to Connecticut’s business landscape and simplifies the registration and reporting process for everyone..