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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 Kansas’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 Kansas 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 Kansas
Time needed: 5 minutes
There are guidelines to follow in doing a Kansas 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 Kansas’ 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 $30 filing fee (plus tax for online).
File your Certificate of Formation and Name Reservation online on the Secretary of State Online Services page of Kansas. You may also download the pdf file of the Name reservation form and submit it with the processing fee to the Kansas Office of the Secretary of State, Memorial Hall, 1st Floor, 120 S.W. 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612.
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.
How To Do a Kansas LLC Online Name Search
Before you establish your LLC in Kansas, you must know if the proposed name of your LLC is unique and available to use. You can check and file the LLC name online. Here’s how to do that.
Access the Business Entities Search Tool of the State of Kansas
The State of Kansas offers a Business Entity Search Station to guide you in deciding an appropriate name for your business LLC. This search tool assists you in deciding whether the proposed business name is available for use in Kansas or not. In addition, keep a list of backup names ready, so you can finalize a suitable name in a few attempts.
Name Availability
In the following section, click on the option of “name availability (check to see if a business name is available)”. The link navigates to the “Kansas Business Filing Center” page. Next, scroll down and select the option of “Name Availability”.
Enter the name
The Kansas Name Availability Status page will open up. Enter the proposed name of your business in the following section: “Enter Business Name”. The page also links to the Naming Guidelines and restrictions page by the Secretary of State of Kansas.
Perform the Search
Search the availability of the chosen name on the website. If the proposed business name is already in use, the page will display the relevant details of the business using the same name. Conduct thorough research of the name by adhering to the name search guidelines before filing it with the Authorities to avoid any future rejection or delays.
If you are planning on taking your business online by setting up a website, you should also check if a domain name similar to your chosen business name is available for your business.
Next, if you also wish to use a Trademark for the distinct identity of your business, you can run a search on the Trademark Database of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to check if the chosen name is already in use by some other business entity.
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 Kansas
To reserve an LLC name in Kansas you need to submit a name reservation request form to the Kansas Secretary of State by mail for $35 or online by paying a filing fee of $30.
In Kansas, the process of reserving an LLC name is fairly straightforward. The first step is to choose a name that complies with the state’s naming requirements. The name of your LLC must be distinguishable from the names of existing businesses in the state and it must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC.”
Once you have selected a name that meets these criteria, you can proceed to reserve it with the Kansas Secretary of State. This can be done online or by mail, with a reservation fee typically required. By reserving your LLC name, you can hold onto it for up to 120 days, giving you time to complete the necessary paperwork to officially register your business.
It is worth noting that reserving a name does not provide you with exclusive rights to it. In Kansas, LLC names are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that someone else could still register a similar name while your reservation is in effect. To avoid this, it is important to move quickly to register your LLC once you have secured the name.
Reserving a name for your LLC can also help you establish a stronger online presence. By securing your desired name, you can reserve domain names and social media handles that match, making it easier for customers to find and connect with your business online. This can help you build brand consistency and credibility from the start.
In addition to reserving your LLC name, it is also important to conduct thorough research to ensure that it is unique and not already in use by another business. This can help you avoid potential legal issues down the line and protect your brand from confusion in the marketplace. A simple search on the Kansas Secretary of State’s website can help you determine if your desired name is available for use.
Overall, reserving a name for your LLC in Kansas is a crucial step in the business formation process. By taking the time to choose a name that reflects your brand and values, and securing it early on, you can set your business up for success. Remember to do your due diligence, act quickly, and stay informed about the state’s naming requirements to ensure a smooth and successful registration process.
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