How To Change An LLC Name In Kentucky (Step by Step Guide)
If you're a business owner in Kentucky and want to change your LLC's name, you might wonder where to start. Fortunately, changing your LLC name in Kentucky is a straightforward process that can be completed quickly.
As an LLC expert with years of experience helping clients navigate a business's legal and administrative aspects, I'll provide thorough advice on changing your LLC name efficiently and effectively.
Read on for our step-by-step guide on changing your LLC name in Kentucky.
Quick Summary
- To change the name of an LLC in Kentucky, you must file the Articles of Amendment with the Secretary of State.
- The Articles of Amendment must include the new name of the LLC, the date of the amendment, and the signature of an authorized person.
- Kentucky LLC owners can change their business name online, by mail, or in-person.
4 Steps To Change An LLC Name In Kentucky
These are the 4 steps you will need to take to change your Kentucky LLC name:
1. Choose A New Kentucky LLC Name
The first step in changing an LLC name in Kentucky is to choose a new name not already used by another LLC in the state.
The Kentucky Secretary of State's website provides a name availability search tool that can be used to check the availability of a name.
You can search for a name on their website or use their Business Name Availability search tool [1].
When choosing a new name, make sure it complies with Kentucky naming requirements, such as including "Limited Liability Company" or one of its abbreviations at the end of the name.
2. File A Name Reservation Form
After choosing a new name, the next step is to reserve it by filing a name reservation form with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
This is necessary because the Secretary of State only allows one LLC to use a specific name at any time.
The name reservation will give you time to prepare and file the necessary documents to change your LLC's name officially.
To file a name reservation form, you can visit the Kentucky Secretary of State's website, download it, and submit it by mail, in person, or online [2].
The filing fee for a name reservation is $15, and the reservation is valid for 120 days.
3. File Articles Of Amendment
Once you have reserved the new name, the next step is to file the Articles of Amendment with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
Articles of Amendment are necessary to update the state's records with your LLC's new name.
To file the Kentucky LLC Amendment, visit the Kentucky Secretary of State website and download and complete the form.
You will need to provide the new name of the LLC, the date of the name change, the name and address of the registered agent, and the signature of an authorized person.
The filing fee for Kentucky Amendment is $40. You can file the form online, by mail, or in person at the Kentucky Secretary of State's office.
Once the Kentucky Secretary of State receives your completed amendment form and payment, they will review and process your request.
This process typically takes 3-5 business days, although it can take longer during busy periods.
4. Wait For Approval
After submitting the Articles of Amendment, you must wait for approval from the Kentucky Secretary of State. You can check the status of your request online through the Kentucky Secretary of State website.
Once the LLC name change is approved, the Kentucky Secretary of State will send you a copy of the approved Articles of Amendment.
What To Do After You Change Your Kentucky LLC Name?
If you have recently changed the name of your Kentucky LLC, there are several things you need to do to ensure that your business is properly registered and in compliance with state law.
Here are the things you should do:
1. Amend Your Articles Of Organization
You must file an amendment to your LLC Articles of Organization with the Kentucky Secretary of State's office. This can typically be done online or by mail.
The amendment will need to include your LLC's new name and any other changes you are making to the articles.
2. Update Your Operating Agreement
If your Kentucky LLC has an operating agreement, you must update it to reflect the new name. Ensure all references to the old name are removed and replaced with the new one.
3. Notify The IRS
If your LLC has an EIN (Employer Identification Number), you must notify the IRS of your name change. This can be done by filing Form SS-4.
4. Notify Other Agencies And Organizations
Depending on your Kentucky business, you may need to notify other agencies or organizations of your name change.
This could include banks, creditors, vendors, customers, LLC members and LLC managers, and licensing agencies.
5. Update Your Business Records
You will need to update your business records to reflect the new name. This includes business cards, a website, marketing materials, and other documentation using your business name.
6. Update Your State And Local Licenses
If your LLC has any state or local licenses, you must update them to reflect the new name. This may require additional paperwork or fees.
Related articles:
- How to Create an LLC in Kentucky
- Top LLC Formation Services in Kentucky
- How Long Does It Take to Form an LLC in Kentucky
FAQs
Can I Change The Name Of My LLC To Anything I Want?
Yes, you can change the name of your LLC to anything you want, but the new name must not be already in use by another LLC in the state.
How Long Does It Take To Change An LLC Name In Kentucky?
To change your LLC name in Kentucky, it takes around 3-5 business days, although it can take longer during busy periods.
Can I Change My LLC's Name More Than Once?
Yes, you can change your LLC's name as many times as you want.
Do You Need Help Changing Your Kentucky LLC Name?
Changing your LLC's name in Kentucky is a simple process that can significantly impact your business's identity and compliance.
By taking action and following the steps outlined in this post, you can ensure that your LLC's name accurately reflects your business's focus and meets all necessary regulations.
If you want to avoid any mistakes during the process, contact IncFile team, which will ensure the Secretary of State approves your LLC name change.
Their amendment service will handle the whole process and help you make necessary changes while staying compliant with Kentucky law.
References:
- https://web.sos.ky.gov/ftsearch/
- https://web.sos.ky.gov/forms/corp/RES-Reservation%20or%20Renewal%20of%20Reserved%20Name.pdf
