Portland, CT · Middlesex County
Trade Name Application for Natural Persons
This application lets individuals register a trade name they use to conduct business under a name different from their real name with the town clerk where the business is principally transacted.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Use this form when an individual conducts business under a name different from their real name. It records the trade name, business purpose, address and contact details, and information and signatures for the associated natural persons; choose whether the filing is an original or amendment. File it with the town clerk where the business is principally transacted. The form lists a $20 fee payable to the town clerk and notes that the certificate does not prevent others from using the name.
Who needs it
An individual conducting business under a name different from their real name files this certificate with the town clerk where the business is principally transacted.
Why it needs a notary
The acknowledgment block is for natural persons: each associated person whose signature is included must personally appear before the notary and acknowledge signing the form.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Application
Get the Trade Name Application for Natural Persons from the Town of Portland.
- 2
Complete the Form
Enter the trade name, business purpose, contact information, associated natural persons, and whether the filing is an original or amendment.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Arrange an online notary appointment for the natural persons who need to acknowledge their signatures.
- 4
Sign on Video
Each signer must personally appear before the notary and acknowledge signing the application.
- 5
Submit to the Town
File the completed application with the town clerk where the business is principally transacted and pay the listed fee.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Portland. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I file this trade name application in Portland?
- Complete the form, have each associated natural person sign before a notary, and file it with the town clerk where the business is principally transacted. The form lists a $20 fee payable to the town clerk.
- Do I need to sign this form in front of a notary?
- The form includes an acknowledgment for natural persons. Each person whose signature is included must personally appear before the notary and acknowledge signing.
- Can I use an online notary for this form?
- Connecticut authorizes remote online notarization for its own notaries under Public Act 23-28, effective October 1, 2023. Connecticut law also recognizes qualifying notarial acts performed outside the state. Confirm with the town clerk if unsure.
- Does this certificate protect my trade name from others using it?
- No. The form states that a trade name certificate does not protect the business name from use by someone else.