All Connecticut business entity information, including entity name, type, number, and formation date, is available through the Connecticut Secretary of State business search portal. This online database provides immediate access to the details you need for onboarding, compliance, or business transactions.

Here, we'll walk you through exactly how to search the Connecticut database, where to find each piece of information, and what format each data point takes in Connecticut's system.

Summary table: Finding your Connecticut entity information

How to search for Connecticut business entities

Access the Connecticut business entity search to look up any registered business by name, entity number, or registered agent.

The search returns results immediately with all entity details visible on the results page. Navigate to the Connecticut Business Records Search portal and enter your business name in the search field. 

While Connecticut's system supports partial matches (searching "Tech" will return "Hartford Tech Solutions LLC"), using your complete legal name as registered ensures you get precise results.

Click your entity name in the results to view complete details, including your ALEI number and formation date. The system covers both domestic (Connecticut-formed) and foreign (out-of-state but registered in Connecticut) entities, displaying comprehensive information for LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and nonprofits.

What you'll see in search results

• Legal entity name (exact spelling and punctuation)

• Entity type (LLC, Corporation, LP, LLP, Not-for-profit Corporation, etc.)

• ALEI (Administrative Legal Entity Identifier) number

• Formation/file date

• Current status (Active, Dissolved, Forfeited, Withdrawn)

• Principal and registered agent information

How to find your entity number in Connecticut

Your Connecticut entity number, officially called your "ALEI" (Administrative Legal Entity Identifier), is assigned in various formats depending on your formation date and was issued by the Connecticut Secretary of State when your entity was formed.

Where to locate your Connecticut ALEI number

1. Connecticut business search (fastest method)

• Located: Prominently displayed in search results and on the entity details page

• Labeled as: "Business ALEI" or "ALEI"

• Format: Usually a numeric sequence (123456)

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• Usually at the top of the document

• May be labeled as "File Number," "Document Number," or "ALEI"

• Stamped or assigned by the Connecticut Secretary of State

3. Annual reports and state correspondence

• Appears on all official Connecticut Secretary of State documents

• Used as your account identifier for ongoing compliance

• Required for all future filings and amendments

Connecticut entity number format

Connecticut business entity numbers are typically six-digit numbers assigned without prefixes. The state distinguishes entity types by required name suffixes, such as 'LLC' or 'Inc.', rather than prefixes or different number formats.

How to find your entity type in Connecticut

Connecticut recognizes multiple business entity types, which are listed consistently—though not always identically—in business search results and formation documents.

Where to find your Connecticut entity type

1. Connecticut business search (most accessible)

• Displayed: Prominently in search results under "Entity Type"

• Listed as: "LLC," "Corporation," "Limited Partnership," etc.

• Also shows domestic vs. foreign status

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• At the top of your formation document

• May state "Certificate of Organization of [Entity Type]" or similar

• Uses formal legal language matching state requirements

3. Annual reports

• Listed in the entity information section

• Cannot be changed without a formal amendment

• Required for ongoing compliance tracking

How to find your formation date in Connecticut

Your formation date (when the Connecticut Secretary of State officially filed and approved your business entity) appears in Connecticut business search results and is recorded in the official filing documents.

Where your Connecticut formation date appears

1. Connecticut business search (easiest access)

• Listed as: "Date Formed" or "Start Date"

• Location: Displayed in search results and detailed entity page

• Shows the official filing date with the state

2. Certificate of Formation/Organization/Incorporation

• Top of the document

• May say "Filed on [date]" or show filing stamp

• Sometimes includes Connecticut Secretary of State seal with date

3. Annual report confirmations

• May reference the original filing date for informational purposes

• Annual report due dates are currently set by a fixed annual period (January 1 to March 31) for LLCs, while other entity types may use the anniversary month

• Critical for ongoing compliance tracking

Formation date vs. effective date

Connecticut's formation and effective dates are typically the same; it doesn't commonly allow delayed effective dates for business entities. The date shown in the business search portal represents when the Connecticut Secretary of State processed and approved your formation documents.

Onboard your entity to Discern in minutes

With your Connecticut entity details, onboarding to Discern takes minutes. We automate Connecticut's annual report requirements alongside your other state obligations, tracking deadlines and managing registered agent services so nothing falls through the cracks.

Ready to automate your ongoing compliance? Book a demo to see how we streamline ongoing compliance.