If you are forming an LLC or a corporation in Kansas, the first thing you need to do is a business name search. Like all other states, Kansas requires each LLC or corporation registered in the state to have a unique business name. You can do a Kansas business name search on the Kansas Secretary of State website to see if the business name you want to use is available.
Related: Guide to starting 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
Enter the name you would like to use in the “Enter business name” field. In this 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 be able to register a corporation or LLC name in Kansas, the name must be distinguishable from the other names registered. If you were looking to form an LLC with this name, you wouldn’t be able to since there is already one registered.
To find more information about a registered business name, click on “Select Business” to get more information on the business.
While the name “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. If you are ready to file your corporation and LLC, 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 at the time of 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 a sole proprietorship or partnership 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 assigned by the Kansas Secretary of State to a new 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. This is often one of the owners, and if their home address is used, that address becomes public information. Many people find this concerning and use a Registered Agent service like Northwest Registered Agent, so their home address isn’t publicly listed.
Kansas Business Name Search FAQs
How do I form an LLC in Kansas?
Before starting your business and forming an LLC, be sure to do the business entity search first to make sure the name is available to use. Once you know the LLC name is available, read our step-by-step guide to learn how to form a Kansas LLC.
While not required in Kansas, an LLC operating agreement, which is basically the rules for how the LLC operates, is a document worth considering, especially for multi-member LLCs.
After forming a Limited Liability Company, be sure to register for any Kansas business licenses and possibly obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so the business is legal to operate.
What are the naming guidelines for a Kansas LLC?
In addition to being unique, the LLC’s 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.