Before you form a limited liability company (LLC), register a trade name, or start a corporation, you’ll need to complete a business name search with the Kentucky Name Availability Search tool to see if your name is unique.
In our Kentucky Business Name Search guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check LLC name availability in Kentucky.
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Search NowHow to Check if Your Kentucky LLC Name Is Available
Checking if your desired LLC name is available involves a few key steps, such as ensuring your business name follows state requirements and performing a domain name and state search. These are the steps you need to take to determine if your business name is available in Kentucky.
1. Follow LLC Naming Rules
Before you perform an LLC name search, you need to make sure your business name follows the state’s business name requirements.
Some key guidelines for Kentucky LLC names include:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or “limited company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., “LLC” or “L.L.C.”). The word “Limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.” and the word “company” may be abbreviated as “Co.”
- Your name must be distinguishable from any existing business name on record in the state.
Keep an eye out for restricted words. These words, such as “FBI” or “Treasury,” are often restricted to keep your LLC from sounding like an official institution. Additionally, Kentucky LLC names can’t include the word “cooperative” without approval.
For more information, check out Kentucky’s official state statutes.
Distinguishability
It’s important that your name be distinguishable from all other business names. In Kentucky, a distinguishable name is one that’s substantively different from all other existing or reserved business names in the state.
Failure to use a distinguishable name could result in the rejection of your formation filing.
2. Conduct a State Name Search
To ensure your business name is unique in the state of Kentucky, you’ll need to conduct a statewide LLC name search. You can search for an LLC name in Kentucky via:
- Online Database: You can check your business name availability by searching the Kentucky Name Availability Search online database.
- Email: You can email the Kentucky Secretary of State through this website form for a preliminary name availability screening.
- Phone: You can call the Kentucky Secretary of State at (502) 564-3490 for a preliminary name availability screening.
We recommend calling or emailing the Secretary of State for preliminary name approval — even if your desired name appears as available on the Kentucky Name Availability Search online database.
3. Check Available Domain Names
When choosing a business name you’ll need to find out whether or not a good web domain name is available. Having a URL that clearly matches your business name is important. This small step can make a big difference in how prospective customers find your business.
The best way to determine if your desired URL is available is to search for it using your preferred domain registry, such as GoDaddy.
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4. Reserve Your LLC Name
You may reserve your LLC name in Kentucky for up to 120 days before you officially register it with the state. This prevents other businesses from registering your name until you have the opportunity to register it yourself.
You can file a name reservation via hard copy with the Kentucky Secretary of State. The filing fee is $15.
5. Conduct a Trademark or Service Mark Search
Avoid potential brand conflicts by conducting a comprehensive trademark search. Use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)‘s online database to check if your desired business name or logo is already protected. Remember, state-level LLC name availability doesn’t ensure federal trademark clearance. Need professional guidance? Our review of the best trademark services for startups can help.
6. Form Your Kentucky LLC
To form an LLC in Kentucky, you must submit Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State. This filing officially brings your business to life in the Bluegrass State. Your Articles of Organization should include the LLC’s name, principal office address, registered agent information, and whether the company will be managed by members or managers.
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Start NowKentucky LLC Name Search FAQ
How do I check if an LLC name is taken in Kentucky?
You can use the Kentucky Name Availability Search tool to see if your business name is available.
You also may contact the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office at (502) 564-3490 or via this web form for a preliminary name availability screening.
Should I name my LLC after myself?
While there’s no rule against naming an LLC after yourself, most experts advise against doing this.
One of the benefits of starting an LLC is the ability to choose a different name for your business, which can make it sound more professional.
To explore other naming options, use our free AI-powered LLC name generator.
What words can’t be used in a Kentucky LLC name?
Business names generally can’t include words that imply the company is a banking or financial institution or that it’s affiliated with a local, state, or federal government agency.
Additionally, Kentucky LLC names can’t include the word “cooperative” without approval.
Should I use an LLC name generator?
If you’re having trouble choosing a name for your LLC, an LLC name generator can help you come up with some ideas.
What is a brand name?
A brand name is a name a company gives to a product or line of products. It can be the same as the company’s name or something different.
Learn more about branding with your business entity name with our How to Name Your LLC guide.
Do I have to include LLC in my name?
Yes. Kentucky requires that its LLCs use “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., “LLC” or “L.L.C.”) in their legal name.
Do I need to renew my business name in Kentucky?
Kentucky doesn’t require LLCs to renew their legal name, but LLCs must renew their assumed names every five years with the Secretary of State.
You can renew this online or by mail. The filing fee is $20.
Learn more about assumed names with our Kentucky DBA guide.
Can my business name be different from my LLC name in Kentucky?
Some companies choose to operate under a name that’s different from their legal name. This can either be called a “doing business as” (DBA) name or an assumed name in Kentucky.
In Kentucky, LLC assumed names are filed with the Secretary of State.
Learn more about assumed names with our Kentucky DBA guide.
Does my LLC need a DBA name?
Your LLC doesn’t need a DBA name unless it plans to do business under a name other than its legal name. Learn more about Kentucky DBA names by reading our guide to filing for a DBA and selecting Kentucky from the drop-down menu.