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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.
To reserve an LLC name in Kentucky, you must first do a search to ensure that your desired name is available. You can search for available LLC names on the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website or by contacting the Business Services Division directly. It is important to choose a name that is not too similar to existing LLC names in order to avoid any legal issues down the line.
Once you have chosen a unique name for your LLC, you can reserve it by completing the Name Reservation Request Form and submitting it along with the required fee to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office. The fee for reserving an LLC name in Kentucky is relatively low, making it a cost-effective way to protect your company’s identity.
It is important to note that reserving an LLC name in Kentucky does not automatically register your business with the state. In order to formally register your LLC, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office. However, reserving a name for your LLC can give you peace of mind knowing that your desired name is protected while you prepare to move forward with the formal registration process.
When reserving an LLC name in Kentucky, it is important to keep in mind that the name reservation is only valid for 120 days. If you do not file Articles of Organization within that timeframe, you will need to renew your name reservation or choose a new name for your LLC. Therefore, it is crucial to be proactive in completing the necessary steps to register your business in a timely manner.
Overall, reserving an LLC name in Kentucky is a crucial early step in starting your own business. By taking the time to select a unique name and following the correct procedures to reserve it, you can protect your brand identity and lay the foundation for a successful business. With the proper tools and guidance, navigating the process of reserving an LLC name in Kentucky can be a seamless and straightforward 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