How To Get a DBA in Kentucky in Three Steps

By Catherine Hodder, Esq. | Legally reviewed by Madison Hess, J.D. | Last reviewed September 18, 2024

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If you want to operate your business in Kentucky with a different name from your legal business name, you must register a “doing business as” (DBA) name. This article will show you how to get a Kentucky DBA filing and answer frequently asked questions about DBA filings in Kentucky state.

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Table of Contents

What Is a DBA in Kentucky?

A Kentucky DBA is a business name that is different from its legal, registered name. A DBA is also called a “trade name” or “fictitious business name.” In Kentucky, it is called an “assumed name.” If you run a sole proprietorship, you do so under your personal name. A DBA is another business name for your enterprise. If your business structure is a corporation or limited liability company (LLC), a DBA is another name for your business entity.

Do I Need a DBA in Kentucky?

You may want a DBA for your Kentucky business to help your brand. Entrepreneurs may not want to use their personal name for their business and instead register for a DBA that aligns with the services they offer. For example, William Worth operates a window cleaning business. He may want to call it “Will’s Window Cleaning” or “WW Window Cleaning Services” so customers know what he is selling. Additionally, a company name helps separate your business activity from your personal transactions.

Finally, a DBA registration helps if you want to operate other types of businesses without creating a new business entity. For example, if Will branches out to repair windows as well as clean, he can register a new name for his existing business, such as “Worth Window Repair” or “WW Window Cleaning and Repair.”

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3 Steps To Get a DBA in Kentucky

1

Choose Your Name

The first step is to conduct a name search and choose a name that is not already used in business or protected by a trademark. You can check the name availability of a Kentucky business name in three ways:

  • Search the records of the Kentucky Secretary of State’s online name availability database.

  • Search the internet to see if another company already uses the name. You can also go to the ICANN website to look up names with domain registrations. If there is no registration, the name is available.

  • Search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database for trademark registrations. If it is protected under a trademark, do not use the name.

If your name is available, consider registering the domain name so you can use it on the internet or filing for a registered trademark so no one else can use your name.

2

Complete the Certificate of Assumed Name Form

Once you’ve chosen an available name, you need to register it as an assumed name.

If you are a sole proprietor, you file a certificate of assumed name with the county clerk, where you maintain your principal place of business.

You must include the following:

  • The assumed business name (the DBA name)

  • The owner’s name (their legal name)

  • The owner’s address

  • The owner’s signature and date

If you are a domestic or foreign business entity, you must file a Certificate of Assumed Name form with the Kentucky Secretary of State.

You will need to include the following

  • The assumed name (the DBA name)

  • The legal name of the business entity (if a general partnership, the name of the partners)

  • The type of business entity (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC)

  • The business’s principal office address

  • The business owner’s signature

3

File the Certificate of Assumed Name

You can submit the completed Assumed Name Certificate form in person, by mail, or online through the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website.

  • By Mail. The mailing address is:

                Michael Adams

                Office of the Secretary of State

                PO Box 718

                Frankfort, KY 40602-0718

  • In Person. The office location is at the Capitol Building:

                Room 152

                700 Capitol Avenue

                Frankfort, KY 40601

The hours of operation are 8:00 AM-4:30 PM ET.

The filing fee for an assumed name certificate is $20, whether filed at the county clerk’s office or with the Kentucky Secretary of State.

After Filing for a Kentucky DBA

Once you receive confirmation that your Certificate of Assumed Name has been accepted, you can add the name to your business bank accounts, insurance policies, and branding.

If you need to make changes to your assumed name certificate, such as your contact information, domestic and foreign business entities file an Amended Certificate of Assumed Name. Domestic and foreign business entities file a Certificate of Withdrawal of Assumed Name to cancel an assumed name. Sole proprietors file amendments or cancellations at the county clerk’s office.

FAQs About Kentucky DBAs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Kentucky offers an online registration process for domestic or foreign business entities. Sole proprietors must file with the county clerk’s office, which may or may not have online filing options.

The business filing fee for a Kentucky Assumed Name Certificate is $20 whether you file with the Secretary of State’s office or with the county clerk’s office.

No. Unlike some states, Kentucky does not require you to publish a notice about your DBA filing in a local newspaper.

Yes. You have to renew your Kentucky Assumed Name Certificate every five years. You file a Certificate of Renewal of Assumed Name with the Kentucky Secretary of State if you have a domestic or foreign business entity. If you are a sole proprietorship, you file a renewal with the county clerk’s office. The renewal fee is $20.

No. Only a business entity, such as a corporation or limited liability company (LLC), protects your personal assets from your business activities. A DBA is simply another name for your business. If you want personal liability protection, you must form a corporation, LLC, or limited liability partnership.

Need Help With a DBA Registration?

For more help with a DBA registration for your small business, you can seek advice from a Kentucky attorney. Or you can let our trusted partner LegalZoom handle your name search, and DBA application filing, $99 plus filing fees. 

Disclaimer: The information presented here does not constitute legal advice or representation. It is general and educational in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments, and may not apply to your unique facts and circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified business attorney if you have legal questions.

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