How to Do a Kentucky Business Name Search
One of the first and most important steps of any new business is finding the perfect name for your Kentucky LLC.
Checking the LLC name availability in Kentucky is an important step in the business formation process. It ensures your business name is distinguishable from the names of other Kentucky businesses so that you do not violate anyone’s intellectual property rights.
Our Kentucky LLC Name Search guide will show you how you can find available business names in Kentucky, and how to reserve and register your business name.
Kentucky Entity Name Search (Summary)
To search the Kentucky business entity database, follow these steps:
- Visit the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website. The Secretary of State is responsible for maintaining business records in Kentucky. You can access their website at: https://sos.ky.gov/
- Go to the Kentucky business entity database search: On the website’s homepage, locate the “Business Services” section. This section typically contains information and resources related to business registration and filings.
- Within the “Business Services” section, look for a link or option related to business name availability search or name reservation. The exact wording and location may vary, but it should lead you to the relevant search tool.
- Click on the provided link to access the business name availability search tool. This tool allows you to check if a specific business name is already in use or if it’s available for registration in Kentucky.
- Enter the desired business name into the search field provided. Make sure to follow any guidelines or restrictions mentioned on the search tool page, such as character limits or special characters.
- Initiate the search and wait for the results. The tool will inform you if the name you entered is available or if it’s already registered by another business entity in Kentucky.
- If the name is available, you can proceed with the business registration process. If the name is already taken, you will need to choose a different name that is unique and not currently in use.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website directly and explore their business services section.
What is a Kentucky Business Entity?
A Kentucky business entity refers to an organization that is legally recognized and authorized to conduct business within the state of Kentucky.
Like other states, Kentucky has specific laws, rules, and regulations that apply to businesses operating within its jurisdiction. These businesses are typically registered and regulated by the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office.
The common types of business entities that can be established in Kentucky include:
- Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest form of business entity. It’s owned by a single person who is personally liable for the business’s debts and liabilities.
- Partnership: This is a business owned by two or more individuals. There are several types of partnerships including general partnerships (GP), limited partnerships (LP), and limited liability partnerships (LLP). The differences between these partnerships lie in the liability and management structure.
- Corporation: This is a legal entity separate from its owners (shareholders). Corporations can be either “C” corporations, which are taxed separately from their owners, or “S” corporations, which are pass-through tax entities.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is a hybrid business entity combining elements of partnerships and corporations. It provides owners with limited personal liability for the debts and actions of the LLC. Other features of LLCs are more like a partnership, providing management flexibility and the benefit of pass-through taxation.
Kentucky Secretary of State Entity Search
Each of these entities has different regulations for formation, operation, and dissolution, as well as different protections for owners and different tax implications.
When creating a business entity in Kentucky, you would typically file the appropriate formation documents with the Kentucky Secretary of State and pay any required filing fees.
Kentucky Secretary of State: One Stop Choose a Name and Structure
Kentucky LLC Name Requirements
There are some requirements that you must know before searching for your Kentucky LLC name:
1. You must use the abbreviations “LLC”, or “L.L.C.” at the end of your Kentucky LLC name. The most commonly used abbreviation is “LLC”.
2. A Kentucky LLC is not a Corporation. Your desired LLC name can’t use the words “Corporation”, or “Incorporated” or their abbreviations (“Corp. or “Inc .”).”).
3. The name of your LLC must be distinctive. It must be distinct from all other Kentucky businesses.
Designators are the identifiers at end of business names (LLC, Inc., etc.). There may be differences in the designators. do not create distinguishability.
Different grammars do not necessarily create distinction.
- LLC, L.L.C, Inc., Corp.
- Single, plural, and possessive
- A, An, The
- and, or, &
- hyphens, slashes, periods, commas
Search the Kentucky Name Database
Kentucky offers two ways to search for your preferred LLC name:
- The state can check your name availability by calling 502-564-344090.
- Search your LLC name online using the FastTrack Business Organization Search Station
FastTrack Business Organization Search Station
1. Visit the FastTrack Business Entity Research Station
2. Search for Your LLC Name
- In the search box, type your desired LLC name.
- You can leave out the “LLC” ending and punctuation.
- Capitalization doesn’t matter.
To ensure that you are thorough, enter only the first or two words of your LLC name. This will allow you to see all similar names.
You can be more specific by entering a portion of the first word. Ex: If your Kentucky LLC name is Printing Solutions LLC, enter “print”.
3. Check out the Results
Click “Continue” to browse the current Kentucky businesses.
If you see the message ” No matching organizations were found, ” your chosen LLC name is unique and can be used.
If you see names that are similar to yours (meaning they are distinguishable), your chosen LLC name can be used.
Your desired LLC name does not appear exactly in the search results. It is possible to come up with unique names or creative variations.
Your desired Kentucky LLC name cannot be used if a search result shows a similar name. It is possible to come up with unique names or creative variations.
Tip If your chosen Kentucky LLC name is not distinguishable, you can file paperwork with the state. The Kentucky Secretary of State will return your file and inform you if your name isn’t available.
Contact Information for the Kentucky Secretary of State
You can reach the Kentucky Secretary Of State at 502-564-3990 if you have any questions.
Additional Steps
1. Trademark Search
When searching for a business name, it’s important to note that availability doesn’t necessarily mean the name is free to use if it’s already a registered trademark.
To avoid potential complications down the line, it’s wise to conduct a thorough trademark search using the Trademark Electronic Search System before finalizing a business name.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
After you have chosen an LLC name that is distinctive and unique, you can now choose your LLC’s Registered Agent.
3. Check if the Domain Name is Available
To check if a domain name is available, you can follow these steps:
- Go to a domain registrar website, such as GoDaddy.com or Namecheap.com.
- In the search bar on the homepage, type in the domain name you want to check.
- Click on the search button to see if the domain name is available or not.
- If the domain name is available, you will be prompted to purchase it. If it’s not available, the registrar will suggest some alternative options or you can try a different domain name.
4. Check if Social Media Name is Available
Check if a social media name is available for a new business name
5. Register Kentucky Business Entity
When you complete the required documents for filing a new business entity, you then register your business and business name with the state. The state of Kentucky will either approve your business name or reject it.
If you hire a good LLC service like Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness or Bizee, these LLC services have business name tools available for you to do a quick search.
6. Register an Employer ID Number (EIN) With the IRS
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses and other entities for tax purposes.
7. Create a Brand Logo
Creating a business logo involves several steps. There are affordable online services that can design a logo for you and assist with the process.
Define your brand: Before you start creating a logo, you need to define your brand’s personality, values, and mission. This will help you create a logo that accurately represents your brand.
8. Write a Business Plan
Writing a business plan involves a comprehensive process that covers various aspects of your business, including the industry, market research, marketing and sales strategies, financial projections, and more.
9. Open a Business Bank Account in Kentucky
A bank account is generally required for a new Limited Liability Company (LLC) or corporation to separate personal finances from business finances and to establish a clear record of business transactions.
Great article Brian, thanks for the links and info!