How to Get a DBA Name For an LLC in Kansas – An Easy Guide


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Get a DBA Name in Kansas

Are you looking to establish a business in Kansas and need to get a DBA (Doing Business As) name for your venture? You’re in the right place! A DBA, also known as a Trade Name, Fictitious Name, or Assumed Name, allows you to conduct business under a name that’s different from your legal business name. This can be advantageous for branding, marketing, and overall business operations.

In Kansas, if you’re willing to use a different name other than the legal name for your business, you must file the DBA (Doing Business As). The public (specifically your potential customers) knows your business by its registered legal name. Instead of using your formal business name, you may use the trade name or DBA in marketing and sales to reach a wider audience.

Kansas, popularly known as The Sunflower State, has some regulations when it comes to filing your DBA name. However, the regulations can vary depending on the type of business structure you have. In this article, I will share the basic steps to get a DBA Name in Kansas.

What is DBA Name in Kansas?

Whenever you form an LLC or any business structure, you must get a name for it. Every company has a legitimate name. For instance, a partnership or sole proprietorship might function under the legal name of the company’s owner or owners. The name specified in the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization may be used by any business entity, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and others.

However, there are situations when you may decide against using your company’s registered legal name in Kansas. This is due to a variety of factors. For instance, the legal name of your company can be unrelated to it or no longer accurately describe it. Or perhaps you want a new name without altering your documentation for incorporation or registration.

If you intend to run your business in Kansas under a name other than your personal name or an existing corporate name, you must submit a DBA name with Kansas state regardless of the type of business entity you have incorporated as (single proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC).

No restrictions exist on how many DBA names you can use to do business. However, each DBA name must be filed with the state where you conduct business. This is necessary because the general public has a legal right to know whether a specific individual or company is operating under a name other than their legal name.

In Kansas, changing your business name is a risky factor. It can bring positive and negative effects on your business. Hence, before you file and change your legal business name, analyze all the risks and advantages.

–LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to Get a DBA in Kansas

To get a DBA in Kansas, you must first check if any other business is already using the name before filing a DBA in Kansas. You can then submit the Kansas business name reservation form after it has been confirmed that no other company is already using the chosen name. You can search the Kansas Government Records Inquiry System and confirm that the name you chose is not already in use. However, getting a DBA is not mandatory in many states. If you open an LLC in Kansas, you must check with Kansas Secretary of State whether you need to file DBA or not.

Guideline for choosing a DBA name

You must choose a name to register, which is the crucial step. There are a few straightforward LLC name guidelines to follow (if you’re forming an LLC) while choosing a name in Kansas.

  • In Kansas, fictional names cannot be the same or similar to one another. A DBA cannot deceive the public by appearing to be confusingly similar to any other business name.
  • Unless the company has been incorporated as an LLC or corporation, a DBA name cannot contain a corporate indication, such as Corp or LLC, or any other words that imply an entity type. This will stop a lone proprietor from passing for a legitimate corporation.
  • Any banking-related words without a letter from the Kansas Banking Commissioner’s Office, or any insurance-related words without a letter from the Kansas Kansas Insurance Department.
  • Any words that could confuse your corporation with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • A professional designation in the name (i.e., engineering, attorney) without a copy of the license of one officer/member or a letter from the governing agency allowing the use of the name without licensing.
  • Any words that indicate or imply that the corporation is engaged in a business that is not authorized by law to pursue.

How Can You Tell if a DBA Name in Kansas is available?

Once you have selected a name that complies with the requirements mentioned above, there are a number of methods you can use to find out if the name is open for registration. One simple strategy is to look up other companies in Kansas with the same name on Google.

It is a simple technique to clear out any already taken names, even though it may not guarantee that the name you want to register is accessible. As it is likely that you will require a website domain that matches your business name, you may also check to see whether the web domain for that name is accessible. For example, you can check Kansas LLC name search guide to see how you can find the availability of your desired LLC name in Kansas.

Before you may register your Trade Name in Kansas, you must have used it for business purposes. Therefore, you must use a Trade Name as soon as possible if you want to register and protect it in Kansas.

Register the Kansas DBA Name

Once you have established that the name is available for registration, you must finish the file using the forms your county has provided. You must register your DBA name in the county where you intend to conduct business. In most Kansas counties, the following fundamental information is needed-

  • Name of the company, its phone number, city, state, and street address
  • The organization type under which the business is incorporated
  • List the partners’ names and addresses (if applicable)
  • Describe the items, services, or business that will be delivered under the Fictitious Name in the registration form
  • Use of the Fictitious Name in the marketplace
  • Both the classification type and number
  • Make a mark (pick Trade Name)
  • Date and state of the first use of the trade name
  • When the Trade Name first appeared in Kansas
  • Application’s name, title, signature, and date Email address

Submitting the Kansas DBA Name Application

To file the Kansas DBA Name, you must apply to the Kansas Secretary of State. In Kansas, you can file the DBA name in several methods, however, it is not mandatory to file a DBA name in Kansas. The cost of filing the Fictitious Name (DBA name) in Kansas is $0, as it is not mandatory to file DBA name in this state.

  • Online filing: No online form is available, as it is not mandatory to file a DBA name in Kansas.
  • Offline filing: No PDF form is available, as it is not mandatory to file a DBA name in Kansas

Using the Kansas Trade Name

Three “specimens” demonstrating the Trade Name used must be submitted to Kansas Secretary of State. The following are some instances of acceptable specimens:

  • Business cards
  • Booklets,
  • Flyers,
  • Labels, and
  • Stickers

How to Renew a Trade Name in Kansas

You can renew your DBA name after a stipulated time. In most states, the renewal of the DBA name follows the same process as filing a fresh DBA name. You need to get the DBA renewal form, fill it up with the correct information, and submit it to the state online or offline. The renew time for DBA name filing is none, as there is no mandatory rule to file DBA in Kansas.

How to Change a Trade Name

You can change your Trade Name (DBA or Fictitious Name) by applying to the Kansas SOS. The process is similar. You can search for the name you want to have after changing the old Trade Name. If the name is available, make sure it follows other guidelines. You can reserve your DBA name for none, as there is no mandatory rule to file DBA; after then, you can change or renew your DBA if needed through the Kansas SOS.

FAQs

What is a DBA Name in Kansas?
DBA stands for “Doing Business As” and is used to register a business name in the state of Kansas.
How do I file a DBA Name in Kansas?
You can file a DBA Name in Kansas by registering it with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office.
What is the filing fee for a DBA Name in Kansas?
The filing fee for a DBA Name in Kansas is $45.
How long does it take to file a DBA Name in Kansas?
It typically takes about 7-10 business days for the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office to process a DBA Name filing.
How long does a DBA Name in Kansas remain in effect?
A DBA Name in Kansas remains in effect indefinitely unless it is cancelled or amended.
Are there any restrictions on filing a DBA Name in Kansas?
Yes, certain restrictions apply to filing a DBA Name in Kansas. The business name cannot be the same as or similar to an existing business name, it must be distinguishable, and it must include certain words or phrases.
What is the process for cancelling a DBA Name in Kansas?
To cancel a DBA Name in Kansas, you must file a Certificate of Cancellation with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office.
Are there any penalties for failing to file a DBA Name in Kansas?
Yes, failure to file a DBA Name in Kansas may result in a fine of up to $500.
What documents are required to file a DBA Name in Kansas?
To file a DBA Name in Kansas, you must submit a Certificate of Assumed Name and a Business Entity Identification Number (BEIN).
What is the Business Entity Identification Number (BEIN) in Kansas?
The Business Entity Identification Number (BEIN) is a unique identifier assigned to a business entity by the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office.
Do I need a lawyer to file a DBA Name in Kansas?
No, you do not need a lawyer to file a DBA Name in Kansas.
Is it necessary to publish the filing of a DBA Name in Kansas?
Yes, in order to complete the filing of a DBA Name in Kansas, you must publish a notice of the filing in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where your business is located.
What is the cost of publishing the filing of a DBA Name in Kansas?
The cost of publishing the filing of a DBA Name in Kansas varies depending on the newspaper, but typically ranges from $50 to $100.
How long do I have to publish the filing of a DBA Name in Kansas?
You must publish the filing of a DBA Name in Kansas within 60 days of filing it with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office.
Can I file a DBA Name in Kansas if I am not a resident of the state?
Yes, you can file a DBA Name in Kansas regardless of your residency status.
Is a DBA Name in Kansas required for a sole proprietorship?
No, a DBA Name in Kansas is not required for a sole proprietorship; however, you may choose to register a DBA Name if you wish to do business under a different name than your own.
What are the advantages of filing a DBA Name in Kansas?
Filing a DBA Name in Kansas can provide legal protection for your business name, help create an identity for your business, and make it easier to open a business bank account.
Are there any penalties for failing to renew a DBA Name in Kansas?
No, a DBA Name in Kansas does not have to be renewed and there are no penalties for failing to do so.
Are there any restrictions on the type of business name I can register with a DBA Name in Kansas?
Yes, there are certain restrictions on the type of business name you can register with a DBA Name in Kansas. It must be distinguishable from existing business names and must include certain words or phrases.
Is a DBA Name in Kansas required to open a business bank account?
Yes, most banks require a DBA Name in Kansas in order to open a business bank account.
How do I check to see if my DBA Name in Kansas has been approved?
You can check the status of your DBA Name in Kansas by contacting the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office.
Does a DBA Name in Kansas protect my business from litigation?
No, a DBA Name in Kansas does not provide any legal protection from litigation.
Is a DBA Name in Kansas required to file taxes?
No, a DBA Name in Kansas is not required to file taxes; however, it must be used when filing taxes if you registered it with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office.
Is a DBA Name in Kansas required to obtain a business license?
No, a DBA Name in Kansas is not required to obtain a business license.
Is a DBA Name in Kansas required to incorporate a business?
No, a DBA Name in Kansas is not required to incorporate a business; however, you may choose to register a DBA Name if you wish to do business under a different name than the company name.
Are there any fees associated with amending a DBA Name in Kansas?
Yes, there is a $10 fee associated with amending a DBA Name in Kansas.
What is the process for amending a DBA Name in Kansas?
To amend a DBA Name in Kansas, you must file an Amendment to an Assumed Name with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office.
Are there any restrictions on the types of businesses that can file a DBA Name in Kansas?
No, there are no restrictions on the types of businesses that can file a DBA Name in Kansas.
Is it necessary to publish the amendment of a DBA Name in Kansas?
Yes, in order to complete the amendment of a DBA Name in Kansas, you must publish a notice of the amendment in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where your business is located.
Is it necessary to have a physical address in Kansas to file a DBA Name in Kansas?
No, it is not necessary to have a physical address in Kansas to file a DBA Name in Kansas.

Also Read

Why Kansas DBA Filing is So Important

First and foremost, filing for a DBA name allows businesses to operate under a name that is different from their legal entity name. This is particularly important for sole proprietorships and partnerships who want to operate under a name that is more catchy or marketable than a personal name or a generic business name. By filing for a DBA name, businesses can establish a unique brand identity that sets them apart from their competitors and helps them stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Furthermore, filing for a DBA name is not just about marketing and branding; it is also a legal requirement in Kansas. Failure to properly file for a DBA name can result in costly fines and legal consequences that can seriously impact a business’s operations and reputation. By following the proper procedures for filing a DBA name, businesses can ensure that they are in compliance with Kansas state laws and regulations, protecting themselves from potential legal troubles down the road.

In addition to the legal and financial benefits of filing for a DBA name, there are also practical advantages to consider. For example, having a DBA name can make it easier for businesses to open a bank account, secure financing, or enter into contracts with suppliers and vendors. It can also help businesses build credibility and trust with customers, as a professional and well-established DBA name can instill confidence in potential clients and partners.

One of the most compelling reasons why filing for a DBA name is so important for Kansas businesses is its role in protecting a business’s intellectual property. By registering a DBA name, businesses can establish legal ownership of their brand and prevent others from using a similar name or logo that could confuse customers or dilute their brand identity. This can be especially important for businesses in competitive industries where brand recognition is key to success.

Overall, the importance of filing for a DBA name cannot be underestimated for Kansas businesses. From building a strong brand identity and complying with state regulations to protecting intellectual property and establishing credibility with customers, there are many reasons why properly filing for a DBA name should be a top priority for any business owner. By taking the time to register a DBA name and following the necessary steps, businesses can set themselves up for success and ensure that they are on the right path to achieving their goals and objectives.

In Conclusion

A DBA name in Kansas is the best way to update your business name. Unlike the registered legal business name, you can have as many as DBA names. You can use your new assumed name as soon as the state has processed your filing, and getting one is a rather simple process. Whether you have an LLC or any other business structure, filing a DBA name is helpful for your business upgradation anytime.

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