How to Register a Kentucky DBA
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Filing a DBA (doing business as) name is the easiest way to register your business name in Kentucky. A Kentucky DBA, also known as an Assumed Name, allows a business to operate under a different name than its legal name. A DBA allows unincorporated businesses like sole proprietors or partnerships to use a business name that doesn’t include the owners’ names. DBAs can also be used by an LLC or Corporation to operate different lines of business under different names or for branding purposes.
Registering a Kentucky DBA (Assumed Name) can be very useful, however, it’s important to note that a DBA doesn’t provide the legal benefits and protections that operating under a formal business structure like an LLC or Corporation does. If you’re starting a new business in Kentucky it’s often a better idea to consider forming a Kentucky LLC as you’ll have a registered business name and get extra legal protections and tax benefits that a DBA does not provide on its own. For more detailed information on the key differences between an LLC and a DBA, check out our DBA vs LLC guide.
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Who Needs a Kentucky DBA?
Any business that operates using a business that is different from its legal name should register an Assumed Name to ensure they comply with local and state laws. DBAs are useful for a variety of business types and purposes. Some of these include:
- Allow unincorporated businesses (sole proprietors or partnerships) to operate using a name that does not include the owners’ names. This can help to protect the privacy of the owner.
- Enable sole proprietors and partnerships to open a business-only bank account to keep personal and business activity separated.
- Create a unique brand name for different lines of business or for franchised businesses to operate under their desired name. This is especially useful for LLCs and Corporations as it allows them to have different products or services without needing to create multiple legal entities for each line of business.
How to Register a Kentucky Assumed Name (DBA)
Before registering your DBA you’ll need to come up with a good business name. You probably already have your business name in mind, but if not you’ll want to ensure that the name follows best practices for a good business name like being clear, concise, unique, and memorable. For more tips visit our guide on how to come up with a business name. Once you have a good business name the process to file your Kentucky DBA is fairly straightforward.
How to File a DBA in Kentucky
How to File a DBA in Kentucky:
Step 1: Conduct a Business Name Availability Search
To get a Kentucky Assumed Name (DBA), you want to start with a business name availability search. To increase the likelihood that your DBA application will be accepted, you will need to ensure that no other business uses the Assumed Name that you wish to use and that your business name is unique.
Why is it important to have a unique Business Name?
Your business name is the foundation of your strategic marketing strategy. Choosing a name similar to other businesses can get you lost in the white noise of competition. One massive benefit of a Kentucky Assumed Name is that it provides you the one chance to break away from the pack.
Without the unique Assumed Name, you could be handicapping the best marketing and sales efforts to get your name out there. Worse yet, you could be sending business to others using a similar name.
To recap, we suggest that you do an extensive search to ensure the following:
- The Assumed Name is not currently in use nor too similar to other businesses
- The business name has never been used previously
Searches to Complete
- Search the Kentucky Online Database: Verify that your desired DBA Name is available to register and is not currently used by an existing business. You can complete this by using the Kentucky FastTrack Business Organization Search.
- Check the US Patent and Trademark (USPTO) System: Once you have verified that your name is available for registration, you’ll also want to ensure that the name is not trademarked. Since the trademark process is at the federal level, it supersedes any level registrations. You can search the USPTO Trademark database here.
- Website Domain Search: You will also want to complete a domain name search to check if the .com version of your business name is available. If you don’t plan to create a business website, you should still consider registering the domain name to prevent others from using it. Since you can register a new .com domain for less than $10 with Namecheap, it can serve as a very cheap form of insurance against someone using the domain.
Step 2: File your Certificate of Assumed Name
Once you have completed all the required name availability searches and confirmed that your name can be used, it’s time to complete your Kentucky Assumed Name registration. The process to file a DBA in Kentucky is different depending on the business structure. If you’re operating as a Kentucky sole proprietorship you’ll need to file with your local County Clerk’s office. All other business entity types including Kentucky LLCs, Corporations, and Partnerships file with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
To complete your Certificate of Assumed Name be sure you have the following information finalized and on hand:
- Desired Assumed Name
- Full Name, Address and Phone for each business owner
- Business Address
- Business Phone Number
- Business Description
File a Kentucky DBA as a Sole Proprietor
To register a DBA as a Kentucky sole proprietorship, you’ll need to obtain the Assumed Name form from the County Clerk’s office. Be aware that the DBA form can vary from county to county so be sure to obtain the correct form from the county where your business is located. In most cases, you will need to have the document notarized for the County Clerk’s office to accept your filing. Submit your completed DBA form along with the filing fee of 46.
File a Kentucky DBA as an LLC, Corporation, or Partnership
If you operate as an LLC, Corporation, or Partnership you’ll need to complete the Certificate of Assumed Name form and submit to the Kentucky Secretary of State along with the filing fee. The DBA filing fee is 20.
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Kentucky DBA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How much does it cost to get a DBA in Kentucky?
The filing cost for a DBA in Kentucky is 46.
How long is a Kentucky DBA good for?
DBAs in Kentucky are valid for 5 years after initial being initially registered.
Where do I register a Kentucky DBA?
Kentucky DBAs are registered with the county clerk’s office.
Do I need to register my Kentucky DBA with the IRS?
No, IRS does not require DBAs to be registered.
What is the purpose of a DBA in Kentucky?
Kentucky DBAs allow businesses to operate under a different name than their legal name. This allows sole proprietors and partnership businesses to operate under names that do not include their owners’ names.
Can an LLC own a DBA in Kentucky?
Yes, an LLC can have as many DBA names as they require to operate their business in Kentucky.
Is there a difference between a Kentucky DBA and an Assumed Name?
No, a DBA or “doing business as” name is the same thing as an Assumed Name in Kentucky.