How to search and claim an LLC name in Kentucky
- Search Kentucky's official entity records at no cost, leaving “LLC” off the name.
- Make sure the name ends with one of Kentucky's accepted endings, such as “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company”.
- Hold the name with a $15 reservation for 120 days if you need time before filing.
- File the Articles of Organization with the Kentucky Secretary of State for $40.
- Note the recurring report so the LLC stays in good standing: $15 each year (by June 30).
What a Kentucky LLC name must include
Kentucky accepts these endings for a limited liability company:
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Company
- LLC
- LC
Kentucky is particular about where the ending goes: “limited liability company”, “limited company”, “LLC” or “LC” has to come last in the name, with “Ltd.” and “Co.” allowed as short forms. Professional LLCs use “professional limited liability company”, “professional limited company”, “PLLC” or “PLC”. The word “cooperative” is off limits unless the business qualifies as a cooperative. “Rural Electric Cooperative” is reserved for entities organized under KRS Chapter 279.
How Kentucky decides two names are the same
Your LLC's real name has to be distinguishable from any name the Secretary of State has on record (KRS 14A.3-010(1)). Kentucky does allow a name that isn't distinguishable through a separate application, at $20.
Where the rules are written. KRS 14A.3-010.
Searching for an LLC name in Kentucky
Searching costs nothing in the Business Entity Search. For a direct answer on a name, you can also ask the Secretary of State in writing or call (502) 564-3490.
Open the official Kentucky entity search
Leave the ending off when you search, so every version of the name shows up, then compare each result word by word. If one matches apart from spacing, punctuation or a plural, change a real word in your name.
Live from Kentucky's records. Pick Kentucky in the LLC name check and it runs your words through the Kentucky Secretary of State's Business Search when you submit, then lists the registered names that share them, longer ones that open with them, and those starting with the same two words.
Holding the name: Kentucky LLC name reservation
For $15 an LLC name is held for 120 days, and the same $15 renews it. Reserve online or by mail. As the statute itself says, a reservation or a filing doesn't automatically keep others from using the name (KRS 14A.3-010(18)).
File a Kentucky name reservation
Forming the LLC in Kentucky
Filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State costs $40, and it can be done online. The same online filing system handles name reservations.
File the Articles of Organization online
The annual report is $15 and due between January 1 and June 30 each year. Miss June 30 and a Kentucky LLC is administratively dissolved. The Secretary of State levies no franchise tax, though LLCs may owe Kentucky's limited liability entity tax to the Department of Revenue, which this research didn't cover. No newspaper notice is required, and a Certificate of Existence costs $10. A foreign LLC's equivalent is a Certificate of Authorization.
When the LLC trades under another name
An LLC trading under another name files a certificate of assumed name with the Secretary of State for $20 and then lodges the filed copy with the county clerk where its registered agent, or its principal office, is located (KRS 365.015). Each certificate, amendment, withdrawal or renewal costs $20. Sole owners skip the state step and go straight to the county clerk for the county of their main place of business.
Sources
- Fees, sos.ky.gov, checked 2026-10-07
- Annual reports, sos.ky.gov, checked 2026-10-07
- sos.ky.gov, checked 2026-10-07
- Statute, apps.legislature.ky.gov, checked 2026-10-07
- Statute, apps.legislature.ky.gov, checked 2026-10-07
These are the official pages behind every fact above. If one of them now says something different, it's right and this page is out of date.
Common questions
Can two LLCs in Kentucky have the same name?
No. Kentucky accepts a new LLC name only if it can be told apart from every name on its record.
How long can I hold an LLC name in Kentucky?
120 days, for $15.
Does a new Kentucky LLC have to publish a notice?
No. Kentucky has no newspaper publication requirement for LLCs.
How much is the Kentucky LLC filing fee?
$40, paid when you file the Articles of Organization.