Key Takeaways

  • A Kansas business entity search is the first step in forming an LLC, helping verify that your chosen name is unique and compliant.
  • The search is performed through the Kansas Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search Station (BESS).
  • You can search by business name, filing number, or registered agent details to confirm availability.
  • The search also provides access to business records, certificates of good standing, and franchise tax payments.
  • Reserving a business name is optional but recommended if you want to hold it before filing LLC formation documents.

A Kansas LLC search is part of the first step in forming a limited liability company. The name availability search goes hand-in-hand with picking the desired name for the LLC because you want to make sure what you choose is not in use by another business.

The Kansas Secretary of State website is where you can get pertinent information about registered business names or to help you during the process of naming your LLC. The search you do on the site is quick. You can also use the online tool for various administrative tasks required for your limited liability company. 

There are a few ways to search. You can lookup by:

  • Filing number
  • Business entity name
  • Keywords
  • Registered agent information

If you need to check the availability of a name, the search tool is handy for research. Navigate to the government site and fill in the appropriate text field with the proposed name. "Reserve this Name" will appear on the screen for any name that is available for use. The system will notify you if a portion or the entire name is attached to another business. 

The name availability search provides a prompt "yes" or "no," and you can execute the query in minutes. Another option is to use the search station for business entities. This method allows you to browse all registered companies. 

Performing a Name Availability Kansas LLC Search

When you arrive at the State website, you will see a box that has "Is the Name Available." You should type the name just as you would like it to be for your business with the LLC or L.L.C designator and any necessary capitalization. Come up with a new name or create a distinguishable variation if the name you enter shows unavailable after you execute the search. 

You can reserve a name if the system indicates that no other business has it yet. The cost is $30, but laws for a limited liability company do not require name reservation to form your LLC. However, you should take the step to reserve the name once you know it is not used. 

How to Use the Kansas Business Entity Search Station (BESS)

The Kansas Business Entity Search Station (BESS) is the official online tool for verifying business names and reviewing company records. To perform a Kansas business entity search, visit the Kansas Secretary of State’s website and select the Business Entity Database option. You can search by:

  • Entity name: Enter the full or partial name to locate businesses with similar titles.
  • Business ID number: Use the state-assigned number if you have it.
  • Registered agent’s name: Find entities linked to a specific agent or organization.
  • Keyword search: Ideal for checking partial matches or name similarities.

After performing your search, results display the entity’s current status, type, registered agent, formation date, and whether the business is in good standing with the state. This helps you confirm not only if a name is available but also if an existing business is active or dissolved.

You can click on an entity’s name for additional details, such as:

  • Filing history
  • Annual reports
  • Principal office address
  • State of formation (if foreign)

To reserve a name, you can file online through the Secretary of State’s Name Reservation service for a $30 fee. This secures the name for 120 days, giving you time to complete the LLC formation process.

Using the Business Entity Database

To browse the names of registered businesses in Kansas, go to the Business Entity Search Station, also known as, BESS. You search the database by entering the name you want for your LLC. Do not include any punctuation or the designator LLC as you would with the name availability search. You also do not have to worry about capitalization. 

For a more comprehensive search to check for any entities with the potential of being similar to what you desire, do not type the whole name in the search field. Instead, enter only the first word or two. You could take it one step further by typing just a few letters that form the first part of the first word. For example for the name, "Printing Masters," input "print."

After hitting "search," if you receive a message that the database had no matches and nothing found, then you can use the name just as you like. If there are names that are located in the database not that similar to your desired name and there is a distinguishability, your name is available for the taking. On the other hand, if you see the exact name you are hoping to use for your LLC, then you cannot use it. You will need to use creativity to think of a new name or alter what you desired in a way that populates no hits in the database. 

The same goes for if the system indicates there is a "deceptively similar" entity name to your desired name. 

Tips for Choosing a Kansas LLC Name

Before reserving your name, ensure it complies with Kansas LLC naming rules:

  • It must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
  • It cannot include restricted words such as “bank,” “insurance,” or “corporation” without proper authorization.
  • It must be distinct from all other registered entities in Kansas. Even small variations, like adding punctuation or changing capitalization, may not make a name distinguishable.

If your search reveals a similar name already in use, consider variations such as:

  • Adding geographic identifiers (e.g., “Sunflower Consulting of Wichita LLC”)
  • Incorporating unique terms that reflect your brand identity
  • Avoiding generic words that commonly appear in existing business names

You can also use the BESS tool to search for dissolved entities to see if their names are still restricted. Typically, a dissolved business name remains unavailable for 120 days after dissolution.

Uses of Conducting a Business Entity Search

When you search a business entity, you can retrieve more than just a name. You can also get:

  • Information on whether a business is legally established
  • Registered agent's address
  • A look at whether a company is in good standing
  • The address of the business

As mentioned above, you can do administrative functions for your limited liability company with the search tool such as:

  • Pay franchise tax
  • Get a "Good Standing" certificate

Other Benefits of a Kansas Business Entity Search

Beyond checking name availability, the Kansas business entity search offers several practical uses:

  • Verify business legitimacy: Before entering contracts or partnerships, you can confirm that an entity is legally registered and in good standing.
  • Access public filings: Download formation documents, annual reports, or amendments.
  • Monitor your own LLC: Use the tool to ensure your filings and reports are up-to-date with the Secretary of State.
  • Research competitors: Review industry peers’ registration details, locations, or dates of formation.

Business owners can also use the tool to generate certificates of good standing and manage compliance filings directly from the site.

If you’re forming a new business and need legal guidance with Kansas LLC formation or name registration, you can connect with experienced attorneys on UpCounsel for personalized assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much does it cost to perform a Kansas business entity search?
    The search itself is free through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, though certain document downloads or name reservations may require a small fee.
  2. How long does a name reservation last in Kansas?
    A reserved business name remains secured for 120 days, after which it becomes available again if not used for registration.
  3. Can I form my LLC immediately after the name search?
    Yes. Once you confirm that your desired name is available, you can immediately proceed to file your Articles of Organization online.
  4. What if my desired business name is already taken?
    You’ll need to select a different or modified name. The state will not approve duplicate or deceptively similar names.
  5. Can I view historical or dissolved business records in Kansas?
    Yes. The Kansas business entity search allows access to inactive or dissolved entities, including prior filings and registered agent details.

If you need help with a kansas business entity search, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.