Looking to start a business in Kentucky or check if your desired business name is available? The Kentucky Secretary of State’s “FastTrack Business Entity Search” is your essential first step. This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly how to use Kentucky’s business search portal, interpret results, reserve a business name, and take the next steps to establish your company in the Bluegrass State.
What is the Kentucky Secretary of State Business Entity Search?
The Kentucky Secretary of State maintains the official database of all businesses registered in the state through their FastTrack portal. This searchable database contains records for:
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Corporations
- Limited Partnerships
- Professional Service Corporations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Other business entities registered in Kentucky
The search tool allows you to verify business name availability, check the status of existing businesses, and access public information about registered entities in Kentucky.
How to Use Kentucky’s FastTrack Business Entity Search: Step-by-Step Guide
Kentucky’s business search system has some unique features compared to other states. Here’s exactly how to navigate it:
Step 1: Access the Kentucky Business Entity Search Portal
Visit the Kentucky Secretary of State’s FastTrack Business Entity Search directly. This official portal is free to use and doesn’t require creating an account for basic searches.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Method
The Kentucky FastTrack system offers several search options:
- Business Name Search: Most common method to check name availability
- Business ID Number: If you know the entity’s ID number
- Organizer/Incorporator Name: Search by the person who formed the business
- Registered Agent: Find businesses by their registered agent
For this guide, we’ll focus on the Business Name Search, which is what most users need.
Step 3: Enter Your Search Criteria
On the search page:
- Select “Business Name” from the dropdown menu
- Type your desired business name in the “Business Name” field
- You don’t need to include designators like “LLC” or “Inc.” in your initial search
- Click the “Search” button
Kentucky Search Tip: The Kentucky system uses partial matching, so searching for “Bluegrass Solutions” will return results containing “Bluegrass” and “Solutions” anywhere in the name. This can be helpful, but may result in many matches.
Step 4: Review Your Search Results
After clicking “Search,” you’ll see a results page showing:
- Business Name
- Business ID Number
- Organization Type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
- Status (Active, Inactive, Dissolved, etc.)
- State of Formation (Kentucky or other if a foreign entity)
- Organization Date
Example Search Result:
If we search for “Bluegrass Brewing,” the results might show:
- Bluegrass Brewing Company LLC (Organization #0123456) – Active
- Bluegrass Brewing and Distilling Inc. (Organization #0789101) – Dissolved
- Big Bluegrass Brewing Solutions LLC (Organization #1123456) – Active
Step 5: View Detailed Business Information
To see complete details about a specific business:
- Click on the business name in the results list
- This opens the “Business Details” page showing:
- Principal office address
- Registered agent information
- Filing history
- Annual report status
- Current officers/managers (if applicable)
- Organization date
- Period of duration (perpetual or specific end date)
Kentucky-Specific Feature: Unlike some states, Kentucky’s business search shows the names of company officers and managers for corporations, but for LLCs, it only shows the organizer and registered agent, not all members.
Step 6: Access Additional Documents (Optional)
The Kentucky FastTrack system allows you to:
- View filing history with dates of all submitted documents
- Purchase copies of official filings (fees apply)
- Request certificates of existence (good standing)
To purchase documents, you’ll need to create a FastTrack account if you don’t already have one.
Business Name Search Tool Visualization
When using Kentucky’s FastTrack Business Entity Search portal, you’ll see a clean, blue-and-white interface with the Kentucky state seal in the top left corner. The search form appears in the center of the page with clearly labeled fields and a prominent blue “Search” button. Results appear in a tabular format with sortable columns, making it easy to review multiple businesses at once.
Understanding Kentucky Business Entity Statuses
When reviewing search results, you’ll encounter various status designations. Here’s what they mean in Kentucky:
- Active: The business is in good standing with the Kentucky Secretary of State and has filed all required reports and fees.
- Inactive: Business has voluntarily discontinued operations but hasn’t formally dissolved.
- Administrative Dissolution: The business has been dissolved by the Secretary of State for failing to file annual reports or pay required fees.
- Pending: Application has been submitted but not fully processed.
- Name Reserved: Someone has reserved this business name but hasn’t yet completed registration.
- Revoked: The business’s authority to operate in Kentucky has been revoked.
- Withdrawn: A foreign (out-of-state) entity that has voluntarily withdrawn from doing business in Kentucky.
How to Reserve a Business Name in Kentucky
If your search confirms your desired name is available, you may want to reserve it while preparing your formation documents:
Kentucky Name Reservation Process:
- Complete Form RBN (Reservation of Business Name)
- Submit the form online through the Kentucky One-Stop Business Portal or by mail
- Pay the $15 name reservation fee
- Wait for confirmation (typically processed within 1-3 business days)
Important Kentucky Rule: A name reservation in Kentucky lasts for 120 days and cannot be renewed. You must complete your business registration within this timeframe or risk losing your reserved name.
What to Do After Checking Name Availability in Kentucky
Once you’ve confirmed your business name is available, here are your next steps to form a business in Kentucky:
For Kentucky LLCs:
- Prepare and file Articles of Organization with the Kentucky Secretary of State
- Pay the $40 filing fee ($90 for expedited service)
- Create an operating agreement (not required to file but highly recommended)
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS
- Register for Kentucky state tax accounts
- Apply for any required local licenses or permits
For Kentucky Corporations:
- Prepare and file Articles of Incorporation
- Pay the $50 filing fee ($100 for expedited service)
- Create corporate bylaws
- Hold initial board of directors meeting
- Issue stock certificates
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS
- Register for Kentucky state tax accounts
Kentucky-Specific Business Entity FAQs
How long does it take to process business filings in Kentucky?
Standard processing for most Kentucky business filings takes 3-5 business days. Expedited options are available for an additional fee, reducing processing time to 1 business day.
What does “P-NP” status mean in the Kentucky business search?
“P-NP” stands for “Period – Non Perpetual,” indicating the business has a specific end date rather than perpetual existence. This is uncommon but sometimes used for project-specific business entities.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Kentucky?
The basic filing fee for Kentucky LLC Articles of Organization is $40. Additional fees may apply for name reservations ($15), certified copies ($5), or certificates of existence ($10).
Can I register my Kentucky business entirely online?
Yes, Kentucky’s One-Stop Business Portal allows complete online registration for most business types. You can file formation documents, reserve names, and submit annual reports entirely online.
What should I do if my desired business name is already taken in Kentucky?
If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options:
- Add modifiers like “Kentucky,” your city name, or industry descriptors
- Use a different business designator (e.g., “Solutions” instead of “Services”)
- Consider a DBA (doing business as) name alongside your official entity name
- Completely rebrand with a unique name that stands out
Do I need to renew my Kentucky business registration?
Yes, Kentucky businesses must file annual reports with the Secretary of State by June 30 each year. The annual report fee is $15 for most business types. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution.
Kentucky Business Registration Fees (2025)
| Business Type | Formation Fee | Name Reservation | Annual Report |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC | $40 | $15 | $15 |
| Corporation | $50 | $15 | $15 |
| Series LLC | $40 + $40 per series | $15 | $15 per series |
| Nonprofit | $40 | $15 | $15 |
| Limited Partnership | $40 | $15 | $15 |
Kentucky Business Search: Advanced Tips and Tricks
Searching for Similar Names
To thoroughly check name availability, try several search variations:
- Search with and without spaces
- Search key terms separately
- Try common misspellings of your proposed name
- Search both singular and plural forms
Finding Historical Information
Kentucky maintains records of dissolved and inactive businesses. These appear in search results with their status clearly marked. You can view historical filings for these entities just as you would for active businesses.
Setting Up Alerts (Premium Feature)
For businesses monitoring competitors or partners, Kentucky offers subscription services that provide alerts when specific entities file new documents. This service requires creating an account and paying a subscription fee.
Additional Resources for Kentucky Business Owners
After completing your Kentucky business entity search and registration, these additional resources from Business Anywhere will help you manage and grow your Kentucky business:
- Business Registration – Complete guide to registering your business with Business Anywhere
- Best State to Incorporate – Compare Kentucky with other states for business formation
- Tennessee Business Entity Search – If you’re considering neighboring states
- Ohio Business Entity Search – Another neighboring state option for comparison
- Indiana Business Entity Search – Search requirements for another bordering state
- Texas Business Entity Search – Compare with another popular business formation state
- New York Business Entity Search – Learn about business search in another major state
- South Dakota Business Entity Search – Compare with a state known for business-friendly policies
Local Resources for Kentucky Business Formation
Connect with these local resources for additional support:
- Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
- Kentucky Small Business Development Center
- Greater Louisville Inc. (Louisville Metro Chamber of Commerce)
- Commerce Lexington (Lexington Chamber of Commerce)
Conclusion: Making the Most of Kentucky’s Business Entity Search
The Kentucky Secretary of State’s FastTrack Business Entity Search is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs and business researchers. By understanding how to effectively use this system, you can confidently check name availability, research competitors, verify business credentials, and take the first steps toward establishing your Kentucky business entity.
Remember that while the search portal provides valuable information, it’s always advisable to consult with a business attorney or formation service familiar with Kentucky regulations before finalizing major business decisions.
This comprehensive guide to Kentucky business entity searches goes beyond basic information to provide actionable insights specific to Kentucky’s unique business registration system. Whether you’re forming a new Kentucky LLC, researching competitors, or verifying business credentials, the FastTrack system is your gateway to essential business information in the Bluegrass State.Retry
