Trade Name Certificates

If you choose to do business under a different name from the one on your tax returns, you will have to file for a trade name certificate. You file a trade name certificate with the town clerk in the town where you do business, not with the Secretary of the State. This is known as the "doing business as" option. 

Corporations and Limited Liability Companies can also function under trade names, but if they're doing business under the name registered with the Secretary of State, they don't need to file a trade name with the town clerk.

For example, if you are "Green Landscaping LLC" you don’t need to register a trade name if you’re conducting business as "Green Landscaping LLC". But if you wish to do business under a different name, then you will have to file a trade name with the town clerk.

To file a Trade Name Certificate, complete this form and return it to us with the $10 filing fee. If you would like to receive a certified copy of your certificate, the fee is an additional $3.00.

To file a Revocation Of Trade Name Certificate, complete this form and return it to us with the $10 filing fee.

All fees are payable by cash, check (payable to the Milford City Clerk's Office), money order or credit card (there will be an additional $1.50 credit card fee.)

You can submit it to us by mail:

Milford City Clerk's Office, 70 West River Street, Milford, CT 06460

Or visit us in person in our office. We are open 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday

Helpful Contacts:

• Julie Nash, Director Of Economic & Community Development 203-783-3230 or jnash@milfordct.gov
• Joseph Griffith, Director of Permitting & Land Use 203-783-3374   or jgriffith@milfordct.gov (for zoning questions)
• Secretary of the State  - How to create a personalized new business checklist: click here