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Once you’ve chosen a Kentucky LLC name, you need to compare it against existing businesses in the state.
This is done using the Kentucky Business Entity Search tool.
And this is necessary because business names in the same state:
- can’t be the same
- can’t be too similar
If you file your LLC paperwork with a name that’s not available, your LLC filing will be rejected.
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How do I search the Kentucky business entity name database?
Kentucky has two different business entity search tools for checking a potential business name: The Business Entity Search and the Name Availability Search. We explain how to use both tools below.
Business Entity Search
We recommend starting with this tool so you can see other businesses with similar names.
Go to the Business Entity Search page.
Leave the dropdown menu set to “Business Name”. Enter your desired LLC name in the field “I want to Search for:“.
- This database searches all business entities registered in Kentucky. It shows you all similar names.
- Don’t enter a designator (like “LLC”) during the search.
Tip: It’s best to enter only the main part of your desired Kentucky LLC name in the search bar. For example, if your desired LLC name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, first do a search for the words “Riverwalk Studio”. And then do a search for “Riverwalk”. This helps make sure that you see everything that is potentially similar.
Name Availability Search
We recommend using this in addition to the Business Entity Search to double-check that your Kentucky LLC name is unique.
Go to the Name Availability Search page.
Simply enter your desired LLC name in the box and click Search.
- If your name is available, the system will tell you that “No matching organizations were found.“
- If your name is not available, the Name Availability Search will show you the existing business names that are too similar to yours.
Search tips:
- Leave out “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, “Limited Liability Company”, etc., when doing your searches.
- Leave out any commas, periods, apostrophes, etc.
- You can search using uppercase or lowercase letters.
Tip: It’s best to enter only the main part of your desired Kentucky LLC name in the search bar. For example, if your desired LLC name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, first do a search for the words “Riverwalk Studio”. And then do a search for “Riverwalk”. This helps make sure that you see everything that is potentially similar.
How to interpret the Kentucky LLC search results
If the Business Entity Search results show names that are not too similar to yours (meaning yours is distinguishable), then your Limited Liability Company name is available for use.
- Let’s keep using the example above. If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the only similar names you saw were “Riverwalk Rentals” and “Riverwalk Studio Starters”, then your name should be available.
If no results show up, that means your LLC name is unique and it should be available for use. To be safe, run your search again using only part of your LLC name (to double-check that there are no similar names).
- For example, search just the word “Riverwalk” instead of Riverwalk Studios.
If your exact LLC name appears in the list of search records, your LLC name is not available for use because another Kentucky business entity is already using it.
If the results show a name that is very similar to yours, your LLC name may not be available for use.
- If your desired name is Riverwalk Studios LLC, and the search results show a “Riverwalk Studio”, then your name is not available.
Once you have a name that appears to be unique, check again using the Name Availability Search tool. If you get a message that the business name is Available, you should be good to go!
What if my desired LLC name isn’t available?
If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different name for your LLC.
Tip: Wait until your LLC is approved before you apply for your LLC EIN Number or purchase any other marketing materials. This way you don’t spend money on business supplies you can’t use because your business name isn’t available.
When in doubt, call the Secretary of State
You can call the Kentucky Secretary of State to confirm that your LLC name is available.
Not all states offer this service, but the representatives in Kentucky will help you use the Kentucky Business Name Search to figure out whether your business name is available.
The Business Division phone number is 502-564-3490. Their hours are Monday through Friday, from 8am to 4pm Eastern Time.
Kentucky Limited Liability Company Name Requirements
As per Section 14A.3-010 of the Kentucky Business Entity Filing Act, there are a few rules and requirements for naming a Kentucky business entity that you need to know.
English language or English alphabet
Georgia has a rule that business names can only contain the following:
- English alphabet letters
- Arabic numerals (1, 5, 200)
- Roman numerals (I, IX, MMVII)
- Symbols on a standard English keyboard ($, #, “”)
So if your desired LLC name is in another language, it must be either:
- translated into English
- or written in letters of the English alphabet.
For example:
If your desired Georgia business name is प्राण योग Studio LLC, you must file it as Prana Yoga Studio LLC, using only English letters.
Do I have to use a comma in my LLC name?
No, you don’t have to. You can file your LLC name with or without a comma. Both versions are accepted by the Secretary of State.
For example: If your desired business name is Grandpa Joe’s, you can file it as:
- Grandpa Joe’s LLC
- Grandpa Joe’s, LLC
Or, instead of having “LLC” as your designator (ending), there are a few other options in Kentucky.
What designators (endings) can I use in my LLC name?
Your Kentucky LLC name must contain one of the following designators at the end:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- LC
- L.C.
- Limited Company
- Limited Co.
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
Note: Most people choose “LLC”.
The following designators are not allowed
Your Kentucky LLC can’t make itself sound like a Kentucky Corporation or any other business entity besides an LLC.
The following words and designators can’t be used anywhere in your LLC name:
- Inc.
- Corp.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- Cooperative
What words are not allowed in my Kentucky LLC name?
Your Kentucky LLC name can’t contain words and abbreviations that are restricted by law.
For example, you can’t make your LLC name sound like it’s a bank, part of the government or a government agency, or anything else that misleads the public.
You also can’t use words that are reserved for licensed professionals. These vary by state, but some common examples are accountants, architects, attorneys, dentists, and engineers.
For more information about restricted words for a Kentucky business entity, please see the Kentucky Business Entity Filing Act.
Your Kentucky business name must be distinguishable (unique)
When you use the Kentucky Secretary of State Business Entity Search, you will compare your desired LLC name to existing businesses in the state.
If your name is not unique, you’ll need to come up with a variation or a different business name.
Below are rules and examples of LLC names that are not distinguishable.
Designators
Differences in designators (endings) don’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Viceroy Butterflies LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found in the Kentucky Business Name Search results:
- Viceroy Butterflies, Inc.
- Viceroy Butterflies, Corp.
- Viceroy Butterflies, L.L.C.
Filler Words
Adding non-meaningful or filler words (the, a, and, of, or) won’t create distinguishability.
The Kentucky Secretary of State groups filler words into three categories:
- articles
- a, an, the
- conjunctions
- and, ‘n, or, as, of
- symbol conjunctions
- + / &
If your desired LLC name is Blackberry Farms LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- The Blackberry Farms LLC
- Black + Berry Farms Inc.
- Blackberry and Farms L.L.C.
- Of Blackberry Farms Corp
Punctuation
Adding punctuation won’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Pearl Nail Salon LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- Pearl-Nail-Salon LC
- “Pearl” Nail Salon Inc.
- Pearl. Nail. Salon. L.L.C.
Capitalization
Differences in capitalization don’t create distinguishability.
If your desired LLC name is Cardinal Cards LLC, it’s not available to use if any of the following are found:
- CARDINAL CARDS INC.
- Cardinal CARDS, Limited Co.
- CaRdiNaL CaRdS LLC
Said another way, you’re allowed to use any capitalization you want. It just doesn’t make your name distinguishable from an existing company with the same name.
What if my Kentucky business name is rejected?
If you file your Kentucky Articles of Organization (the document that creates your Kentucky LLC) and the business name is not available, don’t panic. The state will notify you and tell you why your filing was rejected.
You will just need to file again with a variation of your LLC name or a different LLC name.
Kentucky Business Name FAQs
No, a name reservation isn’t required to form an LLC in Kentucky. It’s an unnecessary step and a waste of money.
You can just file your LLC’s Articles of Organization with your desired LLC name.
Yes. Your Kentucky LLC name must contain one of the allowable designators at the end. The most commonly used designators are:
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
No, you’re not required to file a DBA (“Doing Business As”) for your business entity in Kentucky.
A DBA (known as an Assumed Name in Kentucky) lets your LLC conduct business under a name which is different from its true and legal name (the name on your Articles of Organization).
If you want your LLC to do business under a name that’s different from its true and legal name, you have to file a Certificate of Assumed Name online or by mail and pay an additional fee of $20 to the Secretary of State.
If you are going to file an Assumed Name for your Kentucky LLC, it must also be distinguishable from existing business names in the state.
There is no limit to the number of Assumed Names an LLC can have.
For more information, please see Does my LLC need a DBA?
When would my LLC use a DBA?
Let’s say you form an LLC called Skytree Cruise Lines LLC, but you also want to use a friendlier, catchy name, like Sky Cruises. In this case, your LLC would need to file a Certificate of Assumed Name to use the name Sky Cruises.
If you don’t file a Certificate of Assumed Name for a different name, you can only use your legal entity name of Skytree Cruise Lines LLC.
Similarly, if you want to do business under the name Skytree Cruise Lines, just without the letters “LLC” in the name, you will need to file a Certificate of Assumed Name for Skytree Cruise Lines.
Once you’ve found a business name that you like, it’s a good idea to check if your domain name is available before forming your LLC.
You can search for available domain names with GoDaddy:
Find a domain name
Each business entity name must be “distinguishable upon the records” of the Secretary of State.
This means that no two businesses can operate with the same exact name. Said another way, if a business already exists with your desired LLC name, you can’t register your LLC with that name.
For example, let’s say you want to form an LLC called Greengrass Landscapers LLC. But there is already a business in another town called Greengrass Landscapers, Inc. Because your desired LLC name is the same as that existing Kentucky Corporation, it is not distinguishable. You can’t use it and must choose another name.
Business names are important for branding and recognition. The name of your Kentucky LLC can be your company’s brand name, but it doesn’t have to be (please see the FAQ about DBAs above). Either way, picking a good LLC name is an important decision.
Here are some quick tips for coming up with business names:
- First, write down the features of your company and things that you want to be associated with.
- Then list out as many business names as you can think of. Don’t edit or analyze them. Just get as many names on the page as you can.
- Now go back and read through them. Write down any variations that come to mind.
- Next, set the list aside. Do something else, like go for a walk or get groceries, or sleep on it for the night. Then come back and review the list of names. As you go through it, write down additional ideas and variations.
- Read the whole list out loud. If you want, get input from friends, business partners, and family.
- Repeat the process: sleep on the ideas, write down new variations, read them out loud again.
- The best business name will often “rise off the page” and present itself. If it doesn’t, you can try this trick: Close your eyes and count to 10. When you get to 10, you must choose a name. When you open your eyes, force yourself to make a decision. Sometimes we know the best name deep in our subconscious, and this trick can help it come out. Trust yourself and go with what feels best.
For more tips, please see How to Choose an LLC Name.
No. You can’t use the same name as another Kentucky business.
And it doesn’t matter what entity type it is – your LLC can’t have the same entity name as another corporation, LLC, or any other entity type.
You can’t use another business’s name even if the entity is in “delinquent” status on the Kentucky Secretary of State website.
But if a business is dissolved, they no longer have rights to that name. This means you can form an LLC with the same name.
You can change your LLC’s name later by filing an Amendment form with the Secretary of State.
We have step-by-step instructions on how to change an LLC name in Kentucky.
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Kentucky:
- Choose an LLC name and make sure it’s available
- Choose who will be your Kentucky Registered Agent
- File the Kentucky LLC Articles of Organization
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement
- Get a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Open an LLC bank account
- Check whether you need a business or sales tax license in Kentucky
References
Kentucky Statutes, Section 14A.3-010
Kentucky Secretary of State: Guidelines to Name Availability
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Kentucky LLC Guide
Looking for an overview? See Kentucky LLC
realize mi proceso de presentacion de mi LLC en kentucky por linea y aparece activa, no cargue documentos coorporativos porq no se ingles por lo que realize los pasos mas sensillos esta fue aprobada, luego solicite un EIN pero tengo una duda, llegarían estos documentos legalizados a mi correo postal? o debos solicitar que sean reguistrados? cual seria el próximo paso a seguir
Hola leida, no te preocupes. No es necesario subir documentos corporativos cuando creas tu LLC en línea en Kentucky. Después de que tu LLC sea aprobada (cuando haces el trámite en línea), te enviarán por correo electrónico los documentos aprobados (Articles of Organization sellados y aprobados).
Si no recibiste ese correo, puedes buscar tu LLC en la base de datos del estado (el enlace lo encuentras aquí: Kentucky LLC Name). Busca el nombre de tu LLC, dale clic al nombre, luego clic en “Show images” y selecciona cualquier documento para descargarlo. Espero que esto te sirva!
Hi,
Your website is really helpful. I want to register my business as LLC in KY state. I am confused on how to get a trademark for all states? Do I need to register in all states if I want to deliver goods in all states? Will it be more difficult, if I register the company with my legal name but want a different name as DBA or no? Thanks much.
Hi Imam, an LLC, a DBA, and a trademark are all separate and distinct things. You don’t need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in all states where you deliver goods. That’s just interstate commerce. If you want national protection on your brand name, you’d file a federal trademark with the USPTO. Best practice is to work with an IP/trademark attorney there. And about the DBA, we have info here: do I need a DBA for my LLC? Hope that helps!
I have a business name already established (I am guessing, maybe, as a DBA as my name also?) with a DOT number . (No EIN number assigned-just my social security number. I am wanting to make this existing business an LLC. Thinking about changing the name also. Would I, when I register on the IRS site, list the new name as the LLC, then have it be DBA my old business name? Would that be an acceptable replacement to establish the company as an LLC?
Hi Angela, hmmmm… there’s a lot going on here. Here’s my analysis. You’ll want to form an LLC first, wait for that to be approved, then get your EIN. Then either apply for a new DOT number or look into whether or not you can transfer that DOT number from your Sole Proprietorship to your LLC. Hope that helps.