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.
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.
To reserve an LLC name in Kansas, the first step is to conduct a thorough search to ensure that your desired name is unique and not already in use by another business. This can typically be done through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, where you can search for existing business names in the state’s database. It is crucial to choose a name that is distinct and not too similar to any existing businesses to avoid confusion or potential legal issues down the road.
Once you have confirmed that your desired name is available, the next step is to file a name reservation application with the Kansas Secretary of State’s office. This can usually be done online or by mail, and there is a fee associated with the reservation process. By reserving your LLC name, you will have exclusive rights to use that name for a period of 120 days, giving you time to complete the necessary steps to formally establish your LLC.
When filing your name reservation application, it is essential to provide accurate and complete information to avoid any delays or complications in the process. You will need to provide your desired LLC name, your name and contact information, and any additional information required by the Secretary of State’s office. Double-check all information before submitting your application to ensure that there are no errors or omissions that could hinder the approval of your reservation.
Reserving an LLC name in Kansas is a crucial step in the process of starting your business, as it ensures that your chosen name is legally protected and unavailable for use by other entities. By taking the time to conduct a thorough search, file a reservation application, and provide accurate information, you can secure your desired name and move forward with confidence as you establish your LLC.
Overall, reserving an LLC name in Kansas is a relatively simple process, but it is an important step in laying the groundwork for your business. By following the proper steps and guidelines set forth by the state, you can ensure that your chosen name is secure and exclusive to your LLC. Remember to conduct a thorough search, file a reservation application, and provide accurate information to protect your business name and set yourself up for success in the future.
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