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Forming an LLC requires a different business name, which must be unique and adheres to the guidelines. The great thing is Kentucky’s Secretary of State page includes a name availability checker. Check out LLC Name Search to learn more.
Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about starting a Kentucky LLC or forming an LLC in general, you can check out How to Start an LLC.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
How to Name an LLC in Kentucky
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a Kentucky LLC name search. To learn more, check out LLC Naming Guidelines or read Foreign LLC Application for Registration if you’re planning to register a foreign LLC.
- Check Name Availability
Search the Business Entity Records in Kentucky’s Official Secretary of State page to check if your chosen business name is available. You may also try typing your trademark, business, or domain name on any search engine to generate businesses with similar names and to ensure your trademark is unique and meets the state’s requirements.
Check out How to File a DBA to learn more about registering a DBA or trademark. For social media pages, use Social Searcher to avoid using similar page names. - Check Domain Availability
If your business name is still available, you must register for a domain name using Namecheap, Google Workspace, or other domain name sites. So customers can easily find your business over the Internet. Use the Kinsta app to manage your domains efficiently.
- File Name Reservation
A Name Reservation Certificate is required along with a Certificate of Formation. You can reserve a name online, by mail, or in person with a $15 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Kentucky. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Division of Business Filings, P.O. Box 718, Frankfort, KY 40602.
Guidelines to Follow in Naming LLC
- Use a business name with the abbreviation “LLC” or the phrase “Limited Liability Company.”
- Your decided business name must not coincide with any existing government entity. Otherwise, you might have to face legal lawsuits when filing your LLC.
- Use the LLC name availability checker to ensure your business name is unique.
- Get a license first if you plan on using restricted words to avoid any complications.
Note that you must put adequate effort into naming your LLC because this name will be with your business for a long time. Making your LLC name unique is vital as it would prevent people from confusing your business with others, not to mention it would be easier for them to recall your business, products, or services.
F.A.Qs
A trade name (doing business as (DBA) name) is the official name under which a proprietor or company chooses to do business.
Having a domain isn’t necessary, but it is recommended. If you have a domain name, customers will find you more accessible through online means with your online website.
For domestic LLC, you can simply brainstorm for another name if the one you pick is no longer available. For foreign LLC, you must think up a “fictitious name,” which you’ll use only in the state.
How Do I Reserve an LLC Name in Kentucky
To reserve an LLC name in Kentucky you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Kansas Secretary of State by mail or online by paying a filing fee of $15.
The process of reserving an LLC name in Kentucky is relatively straightforward, but it is an important step to take to ensure that your desired name is available for use when you are ready to officially register your business. By reserving your LLC name, you are essentially putting that name on hold while you prepare the necessary documents to form your company.
There are a few key steps to follow when reserving an LLC name in Kentucky. The first step is to conduct a name search to ensure that your desired name is not already in use by another business in the state. You can do this by searching the Kentucky Secretary of State’s online business entity database. If your desired name is already in use, you will need to come up with a different name for your LLC.
Once you have confirmed that your desired name is available, you can proceed with filing the Name Reservation Application form with the Kentucky Secretary of State. This form can be submitted online or by mail, along with the required filing fee. The form will ask for information such as your desired LLC name, the name and address of the person reserving the name, and the effective date of the reservation.
When filing the Name Reservation Application, it is important to include all required information and pay close attention to any specific instructions or guidelines provided by the Kentucky Secretary of State. Failing to complete the form properly or provide the necessary information could result in delays in reserving your LLC name.
Once your Name Reservation Application has been submitted and processed, you will receive a certificate confirming that your desired LLC name has been reserved for a period of 120 days. During this time, you can take the necessary steps to officially register your business as an LLC with the state of Kentucky using the reserved name.
Reserving an LLC name in Kentucky is a simple yet important step in the process of starting a business. By taking the time to reserve your desired name, you can ensure that it will be available when you are ready to officially register your company. So, if you are in the process of starting a new business in Kentucky, be sure to follow these steps to reserve your LLC name and set your company on the path to success.
In Conclusion
LLC names are important as it is the main identity of your business. While naming your LLC make sure to choose the one that suits the nature of your business. Follow the naming guidelines before you start filing your LLC name