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DBA filing · Kentucky

How to File a DBA in Kentucky

In Kentucky, a DBA is registered at the state level. Register with the Secretary of State — Certificate of Assumed Name for $20.

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A DBA — short for “doing business as,” also called a fictitious business name, assumed name, or trade name — lets you legally operate under a name that isn't your own legal name or your company's exact registered name. In Kentucky, a DBA is registered at the state level.

Here's exactly where and how to register your DBA in Kentucky — and what it costs — so your filing is accepted the first time.

How to file a DBA in Kentucky

  1. Confirm your name is available. Run a quick pre-check on our name-search tool, then verify it against the official Kentucky records so you don't pay to file a name that's taken.
  2. Complete the Kentucky filing. Register with the Secretary of State — Certificate of Assumed Name. The filing fee is $20.
  3. Handle any extra steps. Entities file with the SoS; sole proprietors/partnerships file with the county clerk.
  4. Keep it active. Your registration lasts 5 yrs before it needs renewing — we'll remind you before it lapses.
Where it's filed: State filing — Secretary of State — Certificate of Assumed Name.

Two ways to file in Kentucky

DBAform is a resource either way — do it yourself with the official link, or let us handle it.

Do it yourself — free

Use the official Kentucky link and the details on this page to file it yourself at no charge.

Open the official Kentucky filing page →

Done for you — via LegalZoom

Prefer to hand it off? File through LegalZoom, our recommended service (plus the $20 state fee).

File through LegalZoom →

Rather have it done for you?

Don't want to navigate the Secretary of State — Certificate of Assumed Name yourself? File through LegalZoom, our recommended filing service — they prepare the paperwork and submit it to the correct office (from $99 plus the $20 state fee). DBAform may earn a commission if you use our link, at no extra cost to you.

File through LegalZoom →Read the FAQ

Kentucky DBA — frequently asked questions

Where do I file a DBA in Kentucky? +

In Kentucky, a DBA is filed with the Secretary of State — Certificate of Assumed Name. This is a state-level filing.

How much does a DBA cost in Kentucky? +

Kentucky's government filing fee is $20. You can file it yourself and pay only that fee, or file through LegalZoom (from $99 plus the state fee).

Does a DBA in Kentucky expire or need to be renewed? +

A Kentucky DBA must be renewed every 5 years.

Does Kentucky require newspaper publication for a DBA? +

No. Kentucky does not require you to publish a notice of your DBA in a newspaper.

Do I have to file a DBA in Kentucky? +

If you operate under any name other than your own legal name (as a sole proprietor) or your business's exact registered name (as an LLC or corporation), Kentucky requires you to register it. If you use only your legal name, you generally don't need one.

Is a DBA the same as an LLC in Kentucky? +

No. A DBA is only a registered trade name -- it doesn't create a legal entity or protect your personal assets. An LLC does both. Many owners form an LLC and then file a DBA under it.

Other states

Filing in more than one state, or not sure this is the right one? Browse every jurisdiction or jump to a popular state:

DBA in CaliforniaDBA in TexasDBA in FloridaDBA in New YorkDBA in IllinoisDBA in GeorgiaAll 50 states →

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