Filing a DBA in Kentucky, officially called registering an "assumed name," is a legal requirement any time you operate a business under a name other than your own legal name or your registered entity name. Where you file depends on your business structure: sole proprietors and general partnerships go to the county clerk, while LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities file with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
DBA Kentucky at a glance
- In Kentucky, a DBA is officially called an assumed name.
- Where you file depends on your business type. Sole proprietors and general partnerships file with their county clerk; LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities file with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
- A Kentucky assumed name registration expires after five years and must be renewed before it lapses.
- A DBA does not create a new legal entity, provide liability protection, or give you exclusive trademark rights.
- Kentucky does not require newspaper publication after filing.
- Filing fees vary by county for sole proprietors and are set at $20 at the state level for registered entities. Verify current fees before submitting.
What is a DBA in Kentucky?
A DBA in Kentucky, officially called an assumed name, is any name a person or business uses to conduct business other than their legal name or registered entity name. It lets you brand, market, and operate publicly under a different name without forming a separate legal entity. Kentucky law uses "assumed name" as the formal term, but DBA, trade name, and fictitious business name all refer to the same thing.
Registering an assumed name creates a public record linking your legal identity to the name you're operating under, which makes it possible to open a business bank account, sign contracts, and conduct transactions under that name. Without that registration, banks and vendors may refuse to recognize the name.
What a DBA does not do:
- It does not create a new legal entity. You remain a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation.
- It does not provide liability protection. A sole proprietor operating as "Bluegrass Bookkeeping" still faces personal liability for business debts and legal claims.
- It does not grant trademark rights. Registering an assumed name in Kentucky does not stop someone else from using the same name in another state or even another Kentucky county.
Does Kentucky require a DBA?
Yes. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 365.015, you must register an assumed name before conducting business under any name other than your legal name or registered entity name. If the name on your storefront, website, or invoices doesn't match your legal name or entity's registered name, you need to file before you start using it.
Without a filed assumed name certificate, you may be unable to open a business bank account under the trade name, sign contracts that hold up legally, or enforce agreements against vendors or customers.
Kentucky does not require newspaper publication. Once you file with the correct office and pay the applicable fee, your registration is complete.
Who files where in Kentucky?
| Business type | Filing office | Required form | Fee range | Renewal period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietor | County clerk (county where you conduct business) | Certificate to Do Business Under an Assumed Name | Varies by county | 5 years |
| General partnership | County clerk (county where you conduct business) | Certificate to Do Business Under an Assumed Name | Varies by county | 5 years |
| Domestic LLC | Kentucky Secretary of State | Certificate of Assumed Name | $20 | 5 years |
| Domestic corporation | Kentucky Secretary of State | Certificate of Assumed Name | $20 | 5 years |
| Foreign entity (out-of-state) | Kentucky Secretary of State | Certificate of Assumed Name | $20 | 5 years |
An important extra step for LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities. After the Secretary of State processes your Certificate of Assumed Name, you must also deliver one copy to the county clerk of the county where your registered agent is located, or where you maintain your principal office if no registered agent is required. The Secretary of State filing comes first; the county clerk copy is a required follow-up, not an alternative.
For sole proprietors. Fees and procedures vary by county, and most county clerks provide their own forms. The Kentucky County Clerk's Association maintains a directory of all county clerk offices. Confirm the exact fee, form version, and submission method your county accepts before you file.
How to file a DBA in Kentucky: Step-by-step
The process for registering your assumed name varies significantly depending on your business structure. By identifying whether your business is a sole proprietorship, partnership, or registered entity like an LLC or corporation, you can ensure you file with the correct office and follow the appropriate requirements for your specific situation.
How sole proprietors file a Kentucky DBA
If you are a sole proprietor, you will need to coordinate directly with your local county clerk to register your assumed name. The following steps will guide you through the local filing process.
- Search for existing assumed names using the Kentucky Secretary of State's online business entity search. Then contact your county clerk separately, since county-level registrations don't always appear in the state database.
- Contact your county clerk to confirm their specific requirements. Some counties require notarization, use their own form version, or accept filings only in person.
- Complete the Assumed Name Certificate form, available from your county clerk's office.
- Submit the completed form and filing fee to your county clerk, in person or by mail.
- Keep your filed certificate. You'll need it to open a business bank account or sign contracts under the assumed name.
How LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities file a Kentucky DBA
For entities registered with the state, the filing process involves submitting documentation directly to the Kentucky Secretary of State's office. Once the state-level filing is complete, you will then provide a copy to your local county clerk to ensure your business records are fully compliant.
- Search for existing assumed names using the Kentucky Secretary of State's online business entity search.
- Log in to the Kentucky Secretary of State's online filing portal or download the Certificate of Assumed Name form from the Secretary of State's Forms Library.
- Complete the Certificate of Assumed Name with your registered entity name, principal office address, and the assumed name you want to register.
- Pay the $20 state filing fee through the online portal or include a check with a mailed submission.
- Deliver one copy of the filed certificate to the county clerk of the county where your registered agent is located. This is a required follow-up under KRS 365.015, separate from the Secretary of State filing.
Kentucky DBA name search and naming rules
Before completing any paperwork, confirm that your chosen name is available and meets Kentucky's naming requirements. A name can be available and still be rejected if it violates the rules.
How to search for an available assumed name
Start with the Kentucky Secretary of State's online business entity search. Review results carefully and look for similar names, not just for exact matches. You can search directly with the SOS or use LegalZoom’s business name search tool to see if your name is available.
If you're a sole proprietor, also contact your county clerk's office. County-level registrations don't always appear in the state database, so a clean state search doesn't guarantee the name is available in your county.
Also run a federal trademark search through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's database. Registering an assumed name in Kentucky does not give you trademark rights and won't protect you if someone holds a federal trademark on the same name.
Kentucky DBA naming rules and restrictions
Your assumed name must meet the following requirements under KRS 365.015:
- It cannot be the same as or deceptively similar to a name already registered in Kentucky.
- It cannot imply a different business structure. A sole proprietor cannot include "LLC" or "Inc." in their assumed name.
- It cannot include restricted words. Terms like "bank," "insurance," or "university" require regulatory approval.
| Example name | Allowed? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegrass Bookkeeping | Yes | No restricted terms; not already registered |
| River City Consulting LLC | No (sole proprietor) | A sole proprietor cannot use "LLC" |
| First National Bank of Lexington | No | "Bank" requires regulatory approval |
An LLC registering an assumed name also cannot use a name identical or nearly identical to its own registered entity name. The assumed name must be meaningfully different.
How much does it cost to file a DBA in Kentucky?
State-level filing fees (LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities)
Filing a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Kentucky Secretary of State costs $20, whether you file online, by mail, or in person. Renewal also costs $20.
After the Secretary of State files your certificate, you must deliver a copy to your county clerk. County clerk recording fees vary — confirm the amount before submitting your state filing.
County-level filing fees (sole proprietors and general partnerships)
Fees are set by the county clerk and vary by county. Contact your county clerk's office to confirm the exact fee before filing.
Other potential costs
- Notarization. Some Kentucky counties require notarization before submission.
- Certified copies. A separate fee applies if you need a certified copy for a bank or lender.
- Amendment fees. Updating information on file costs $20 at the state level for registered entities.
- Withdrawal fees. Canceling your assumed name costs $20 for state-level filings.
Kentucky does not require newspaper publication, so that cost — which can run $50 to $200 or more in states that do require it — does not apply here.
Quick fee reference
| Filing path | Initial fee | Renewal fee |
|---|---|---|
| LLC / corporation / foreign entity (Secretary of State) | $20 | $20 |
| Sole proprietor / general partnership (county clerk) | Varies by county | Varies by county |
| County clerk copy fee (registered entities only) | Varies by county | Varies by county |
Kentucky DBA renewal, expiration, and cancellation
A Kentucky assumed name is effective for five years from the date of filing and may be renewed for successive five-year terms.
How to renew a Kentucky DBA
There is no automatic grace period once a registration lapses. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to use the name and must re-file as a new registration.
You can file a renewal certificate starting up to six months before your expiration date. The Secretary of State will not send a reminder — put your expiration date on your calendar the day you file.
For registered entities:
- Confirm your expiration date: exactly five years from the original filing date.
- Log in to the Kentucky Secretary of State's online filing portal or download the Renewal of Assumed Name (RAN) form.
- Complete the form with your assumed name, entity's legal name, and principal office information.
- Pay the $20 renewal fee online or by mailing a check payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.
- Deliver a copy of the renewal certificate to your county clerk, as required under KRS 365.015.
Sole proprietors renew through their county clerk's office. Contact your county clerk for exact instructions.
How to cancel a Kentucky DBA
If you stop using an assumed name, you can formally cancel the registration by filing a certificate of withdrawal with the same office where the original certificate was filed. Cancellation is optional under Kentucky law but keeps public records accurate.
You'll need the assumed name exactly as it appears on the original certificate, your legal name and address, and the original filing date.
- LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities. File a Certificate of Withdrawal of Assumed Name with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $20.
- Sole proprietors. File at the county clerk's office. Contact your county clerk for specific form requirements.
Common Kentucky DBA filing mistakes and how to avoid rejection
Even with careful preparation, the filing process can hit snags. Knowing where common errors occur helps you catch mistakes early and keep your registration on track.
- Name already in use or deceptively similar to an existing registration. Always run the Secretary of State's online search — and, for sole proprietors, check with your county clerk — before filling out any form.
- Filing with the wrong office. Sole proprietors and general partnerships file with the county clerk. LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities file with the Secretary of State.
- Using a restricted word without authorization. Terms like "bank," "trust," "insurance," and "university" require regulatory approval. A filing that includes one without prior approval will be rejected.
- Skipping required notarization. Some county clerks require notarization before they'll accept a filing. Check with your specific county clerk first.
- Entity information that doesn't match state records. The legal name and address on your Certificate of Assumed Name must exactly match what's on file with the Secretary of State. Even small discrepancies — an abbreviation, a missing comma — can trigger rejection.
- Using an outdated form version. Always download the current form directly from the Secretary of State's website. An outdated version will be rejected.
File your Kentucky DBA with LegalZoom
If tracking down the correct form, confirming your county clerk's requirements, and managing a five-year renewal deadline sounds like more than you want to handle alone, LegalZoom can file the assumed name on your behalf. Since 2001, LegalZoom has helped entrepreneurs navigate state filing requirements across all 50 states — including the county-versus-state distinction that trips up so many Kentucky business owners. With over 4 million businesses formed, LegalZoom has the experience to get your assumed name filed with the right office, on the right form.
Kentucky DBA FAQ
How long does a Kentucky DBA last?
Five years from the date of filing. It does not renew automatically.
How do I renew a DBA in Kentucky?
File a renewal certificate with the same office that processed your original registration. The renewal window opens six months before your expiration date and does not extend past it. The state renewal fee is $20 for registered entities; county fees vary.
How do I cancel a DBA in Kentucky?
File a certificate of withdrawal with the same office where you originally registered: the Secretary of State (fee: $20) for registered entities, or the county clerk for sole proprietors. You'll need the assumed name as it appears on the original certificate, your legal name and address, and the original filing date.
Does a DBA affect my taxes or EIN in Kentucky?
No. A DBA does not change your tax obligations or require a new EIN. You continue filing taxes under your existing legal name and EIN, or Social Security number if you're a sole proprietor without one.
Can I have more than one DBA in Kentucky?
Yes. A single business entity can register multiple assumed names, provided each meets Kentucky's naming requirements, is filed and paid for separately, and is renewed independently.
Does a Kentucky DBA protect my business name from use by others?
No. An assumed name registration does not give you exclusive rights to the name. For enforceable name protection, you need a state or federal trademark registration.
What happens if I operate under an unregistered assumed name in Kentucky?
You violate KRS 365.015. Courts may find you lack standing to enforce contracts entered under the unregistered name, and banks routinely refuse to open accounts without a filed certificate. Kentucky does not publish a formal fine schedule, but the consequences are significant enough that filing before you use the name is always the right call.
Can a foreign entity file a DBA in Kentucky?
Yes. An out-of-state business authorized to transact business in Kentucky files a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Secretary of State — the same form domestic LLCs and corporations use. The fee is $20, the term is five years, and the same naming rules apply. Foreign entities must also deliver a copy to the county clerk where their registered agent or principal office is located.
How do I search for an existing assumed name in Kentucky?
Use the Kentucky Secretary of State's online business entity search at sos.ky.gov. If you're a sole proprietor, also contact your county clerk directly — county-level registrations don't always appear in the state database.
'%20/%3e%3c/svg%3e)
'%3e%3cpath%20fill-rule='evenodd'%20clip-rule='evenodd'%20d='M9.31239%2025.5316H13.0679V14.1032H9.31239V25.5316ZM11.1913%208.46875C9.93945%208.46875%209%209.25086%209%2010.505C9%2011.5995%209.78211%2012.5389%2011.1913%2012.5389C12.6005%2012.5389%2013.3826%2011.5995%2013.3826%2010.505C13.3826%209.4082%2012.6005%208.46875%2011.1913%208.46875ZM27%2018.9577V25.5316H23.2445V19.4275C23.2445%2017.8609%2022.6174%2016.7664%2021.3679%2016.7664C20.2711%2016.7664%2019.644%2017.5463%2019.3316%2018.1756C19.1743%2018.488%2019.1743%2018.8004%2019.1743%2019.1128V25.5316H15.4165V13.9458H19.1743V15.5123C19.644%2014.7302%2020.5835%2013.6357%2022.6174%2013.6357C25.1234%2013.7908%2027%2015.3573%2027%2018.9577Z'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_952_9489'%3e%3crect%20width='18'%20height='18'%20fill='white'%20transform='translate(9%208)'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
