Kentucky Business Name Search (LLC Lookup) – Guide
Ensuring Your Kentucky LLC Name Is Available
A unique business name is key for branding, but it can be difficult to navigate the various rules for business names in Kentucky.
This page will guide you on how to check the availability of your LLC name and ensure it can be used.
Kentucky LLC Name Verification
When you submit your paperwork to establish an LLC in Kentucky, your filing could be rejected if the name you choose is already in use or does not adhere to state naming regulations.
How to Search the Kentucky Business Entity Name Database
You can utilize the business entity search to compare your business name with the currently registered entities in Kentucky.
✎ Note:
This tool is often referred to as either the Kentucky Business Name Search or the Kentucky Business Entity Search. Both terms describe the same website and provide the same search results.
Visit the Kentucky Business Entity Search page
Kentucky Secretary of State: Business Entity Search
- Keep the dropdown menu set to "Business Name".
- Enter your desired LLC name in the field I want to Search for.
Name Availability Search
To ensure your Kansas LLC name is truly unique, we suggest using the Name Availability Search alongside the Business Entity Search.
Visit the Name Availability Search page.
Enter your preferred LLC name into the search box and click on Search.
If your name is available, you will see a message stating "No matching organizations were found".
If the name is already in use, the search tool will display a list of existing names that are similar to yours.
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Search Tips:
- Exclude terms like "LLC", "L.L.C.", "Limited Liability Company", and punctuation marks (commas, periods, apostrophes) from your search.
- You can use either uppercase or lowercase letters in your search.
★ Tip:
To ensure thoroughness, start with a search for the main part of your desired name. For instance, if you want "Sunset Ventures LLC", first search for "Sunset Ventures" and then "Sunset" to cover all possible variations.
How to Understand Kentucky LLC Search Results
If your search results show names that do not match yours exactly, your LLC name is likely available.
For example, if "Sunset Ventures LLC" yields results like "Sunset Management" and "Sunset LLC", your name should be available.
What If My Desired Name Is Not Available?
If the name you want is already in use, you will need to choose an alternative name or modify your desired name.
Kentucky Secretary of State Contact Information
You can contact the Kentucky Secretary of State to check if your LLC name is available.
While this service might not be available in every state, Kentucky representatives can guide you through the process of using the Kentucky Business Name Search to see if your name is free. They can not guarantee that your name will be approved, but they can provide useful information.
Call the LLC Department at 502-564-3490, Monday through Friday, between 8 am to 4 pm Eastern Time.
Kentucky LLC Name Requirements
As per Section 14A.3-010 of the Kentucky LLC Act, there are several rules and requirements you should be aware of when naming a Kentucky business entity.
English Language or Alphabet
In Kentucky, business names must use only:
- English letters
- Arabic numerals (such as 1, 5, 200)
- Roman numerals (such as I, IX, MMVII)
- Symbols from a standard English keyboard (like $, #, ",")
If your desired LLC name is in a different language, you need to:
- Translate it into English, or
- Use the English alphabet.
For instance, if you want to name your Kentucky business प्राण योग Studio LLC, you should file it as Prana Yoga Studio LLC, using English letters only.
Comma Usage
You are not required to use a comma in your LLC name. Both formats are acceptable:
- Bluegrass Ventures LLC
- Bluegrass Ventures, LLC
Permissible Designators
Your LLC name must end with one of the following designators:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- LC
- L.C.
- Limited Company
- Limited Co.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
✎ Note:
The term "LLC" is the most commonly used.
Restricted Designators
Your LLC name cannot include terms that imply it is another type of business entity, such as:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Cooperative
- Incorporated
Restricted Words in Kentucky LLC Names
Your Kentucky LLC name cannot include words or abbreviations that are legally restricted.
For instance, you cannot name your LLC in a way that suggests it is a bank, a government agency, or any other entity that might mislead the public.
Additionally, you cannot use terms reserved for licensed professionals. These terms can differ by state but often include accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
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Ensuring Your Kentucky Business Name Is Distinguishable
To ensure your LLC name is acceptable, you must compare it with existing names using the Kentucky Secretary of State Business Entity Search.
If your name is not unique, you will need to come up with a different or modified name.
Rules for Distinguishability
Designators
Merely changing the designator (the suffix of the name) does not make a name unique. For example, if "Bluegrass Adventures LLC" is your desired name, it will not be acceptable if you find any of the following names in the Kentucky Business Name Search:
- Bluegrass Adventures, Inc.
- Bluegrass Adventures, Corp.
- Bluegrass Adventures, L.L.C..
Filler Words
Adding non-essential or filler words (such as the, a, and, of, or) does not make a business name distinct.
In Kentucky, filler words fall into three categories:
- Articles: a, an, the
- Conjunctions: and, 'n, or, as, of
- Symbol Conjunctions: + / &
For example, if your preferred LLC name is "River City Arts LLC," it won’t be available if you find any of these similar names:
- The River City Arts LLC
- River City + Arts Inc.
- River City and Arts L.L.C.
- Of River City Arts Corp
Punctuation
Adding punctuation to your LLC name does not make it distinguishable.
For instance, if your desired name is "Bluegrass BBQ LLC", it won’t be considered unique if any of these similar names are already in use:
- Bluegrass-BBQ LC
- "Bluegrass" BBQ Inc.
- Bluegrass. BBQ. LLC
Capitalization
Variations in capitalization do not make a name unique.
If your desired name is "River City Rides LLC", it’s not available if you find any of these existing names:
- RIVER CITY RIDES INC.
- River CITY RIDES, Limited Co.
- RiVeR CiTy RiDeS LLC
In other words, capitalization does not distinguish your name from a similar one that is already registered.
What If My Business Name Is Rejected?
If you submit your Kentucky Articles of Organization and your chosen business name is not available, do not worry.
The state will inform you of the rejection and provide reasons. You will then need to resubmit with a new or adjusted name.
Do I need a name reservation in Kentucky?
No, a name reservation isn't required to form an LLC in Kentucky. It's considered an unnecessary step and a waste of money. You can simply file your LLC's Articles of Organization with your desired name.
Does Kentucky require an LLC in the name?
Yes, Kentucky requires that your LLC name includes one of the following designators at the end: LLC, Limited Liability Company, or Ltd. Liability Co.
Does my Kentucky LLC need a DBA?
No, you're not required to file a DBA (Doing Business As) for your LLC in Kentucky. Kentucky does not require DBAs at the state level. If you wish to operate under a different name than your LLC's legal name, you can file a Certificate of Assumed Name online or by mail, and pay a fee of $20 to the Secretary of State. There’s no limit to the number of Assumed Names an LLC can have.
When would my LLC use a DBA?
For example, if you form an LLC called Skytree Cruise Lines LLC but want to operate under a name like Sky Cruises, you would need to file a Certificate of Assumed Name. If you don't file this certificate, you can only use the legal entity name of Skytree Cruise Lines LLC. Similarly, if you want to use the name Skytree Cruise Lines without "LLC," you would also need to file a Certificate of Assumed Name.
How do I get a business domain name?
After selecting a business name, it's wise to check the availability of your desired domain name before forming your LLC. You can use services like GoDaddy to search for available domain names.
What does "distinguishability" mean?
Distinguishability means that each business name must be unique and not identical to any existing names on the Secretary of State's records. If a business with your desired LLC name already exists, you cannot use that name. For instance, if you want to form an LLC called Greengrass Landscapers LLC, but there’s already a business named Greengrass Landscapers, Inc. in Kentucky, you’ll need to select a different name as it is not distinguishable.
How do I come up with a business name?
Choosing a business name is essential for branding and recognition. Here’s a method to generate names:
- Write down features and values associated with your company.
- List as many potential names as you can think of without editing them.
- Review the list and note any variations.
- Take a break and come back later to review and refine the list.
- Read the list out loud and seek feedback from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process: refine ideas, gather more feedback, and finalize your decision. Use decision-making tricks if needed, such as closing your eyes and counting to 10 to choose a name. Trust your instincts and go with what feels best.
Can I use the name of another Kentucky entity?
No, you cannot use the same name as another Kentucky business, regardless of entity type. This includes corporations, LLCs, and other entities. You cannot use another business's name even if it is in “delinquent” status. However, if a business has been dissolved, its name becomes available for use.
How do I change my LLC name?
You can change your LLC's name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State. Detailed instructions on how to change an LLC name in Kentucky are available.
How to start an LLC in Kentucky?
To start an LLC in Kentucky, follow these steps:
- Choose an LLC name and verify its availability.
- Select a Kentucky Registered Agent.
- File the Kentucky LLC Articles of Organization.
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement.
- Obtain a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Open an LLC bank account.
- Check if you need a business or sales tax license in Kentucky.