If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Kansas, you first need a business name search. Like all other states, Kansas requires each LLC or corporation registered to have a unique business name. You can search Kansas business names on the Kansas Secretary of State website to see if the business name you want to use is available.
Related: Checklist To Start A Business In Kansas
Steps To Do A Kansas Business Name Search
Step 1: Visit the Kansas Entity Name Database
Visit the Kansas Secretary of State’s website
Step 2: Search your Business Name
In the ” Enter business name” field, enter the name you would like to use. For example, we will do a Kansas LLC name search by looking up “4 Seasons Landscaping.”
Step 3: Review Results
When we search “4 Seasons Landscaping,” we see the results of any businesses registered under that name. To register a corporation or LLC name in Kansas, the name must be distinguishable from the other registered names. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since one is already registered.
To find more information about a registered business name, click “Select Business” to get more information.
While “4 Seasons Landscaping” may not be available, other variants such as “4 Season Landscapers” are. While final approval is still with the Secretary of State, it is likely available to register.
The Secretary of State offers the opportunity to reserve the name for a $30 fee. Suppose you are ready to file your corporation and LLC. In that case, you can skip the reservation fee since the name is registered when filing the Articles of Incorporation (corp) or Articles of Organization (LLC) and the name.
This wraps up the basics of searching for business name availability in Kansas. Even when the name of the business you want is available, the Kansas Secretary of State Business Services Division will make a final determination when filing to ensure the name you picked isn’t too similar to other registered names.
Something to keep in mind is that even though each Corporation and LLC name must be unique, it may not stop someone else from using that name since business names for Kansas sole proprietorships or partnerships are not registered by the Secretary of State and are not required to be unique. To protect your business name, consider getting a trademark.
Related: Should I trademark my business name?
What information can be found on the Kansas business entity database?
A Kansas business entity search can uncover several pieces of information about businesses operating in the state. Some of the highlights include:
- Business ID: Number the Kansas Secretary of State assigns this number to every corporation or LLC.
- Business Type: Corporation, Limited Liability Company, etc.
- Date of Formation: Official filing date of the business entity
- Status: Active and in Good Standing means all reports and filing fees are up to date.
- Resident Agent Information: A Kansas resident agent (called a registered agent in other states) is the singular point of contact for the entity should a legal or tax notice need to be sent to the business.
Kansas Business Name Search FAQs
What are the naming guidelines for a Kansas LLC?
In addition to being unique, a Kansas LLC name must include a special designator such as Limited Liability Company, LLC, L.L.C., etc., and it may not use restricted words such as bank or insurance unless the entity is licensed to operate as such.
Can an LLC name be reserved in Kansas?
If there is a name you want but are not ready to register the LLC, you can file the Reservation of a Business Entity Name with the Kansas Secretary of State for up to 120 days.