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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.
So, how do you go about reserving an LLC name in Kentucky? The process is actually quite simple and can be done online through the Kentucky Secretary of State website. Before you make a formal request to reserve a name, it’s important to do a search to make sure that the name you want is available. You can use the online searchable database on the Secretary of State’s website to see if the name is already in use by another business.
Once you’ve determined that your desired name is available, you can move forward with the reservation process. You’ll need to fill out a Name Reservation Request Form, which can be accessed on the Secretary of State’s website. You’ll need to provide your contact information, the name you want to reserve, and any applicable fees.
The fee for reserving a name in Kentucky is typically quite low, making it a cost-effective way to secure your desired business name. By reserving your LLC name, you’ll have up to 120 days to formally register your business with the state. This gives you ample time to complete any other necessary steps before officially forming your LLC.
By reserving your LLC name, you also give yourself peace of mind knowing that your business identity is protected. It can be incredibly frustrating to come up with the perfect name for your business, only to have someone else swoop in and use it first. By taking this simple step, you ensure that your chosen name is off-limits to others while you get your business off the ground.
Additionally, reserving an LLC name in Kentucky can help you establish credibility with potential customers and clients. Having a reserved name shows that you are serious about your business and are taking the necessary steps to ensure its success. This can go a long way in building trust and confidence in your brand.
Overall, reserving an LLC name in Kentucky is a smart and relatively easy step to take when starting your business. By securing your desired name, you can protect your brand identity, establish credibility, and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your business name is secure. So, if you’re in the process of forming an LLC in Kentucky, be sure to reserve your name today and take the first step toward making your business dreams a reality.
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