Short answer: File Application for Certificate of Authority with the Kentucky Secretary of State, Division of Business Filings for $90, and name a Kentucky registered agent.
We've pulled these figures from the Kentucky Secretary of State, Division of Business Filings's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Registering an out-of-state LLC in Kentucky
File Application for Certificate of Authority with the Kentucky Secretary of State, Division of Business Filings ($90). You'll usually need a certificate of good standing from your home state and a Kentucky registered agent.
Physical Kentucky street address required.
How Kentucky compares
Kentucky's foreign LLC registration fee is $90. That's the 6th lowest of 47 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $150, so Kentucky comes in $60 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $90 | 42 of 47 |
| Indiana | $107 | 30 of 47 |
| Missouri | $105 | 31 of 47 |
| Tennessee | Varies | Not confirmed |
| West Virginia | $150 | 19 of 47 |
| Arkansas | $300 | 6 of 47 |
Kentucky fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Report | $15 | annual, Between January 1 and June 30 every year |
| Application for Certificate of Authority | $90 | For LLCs formed in another state |
Foreign LLC registration: Kentucky questions
Do I need to register my out-of-state LLC in Kentucky?
If your LLC is "transacting business" in Kentucky (for example, an office, employees or ongoing operations there), you generally must register as a foreign LLC with the Kentucky Secretary of State, Division of Business Filings.
How much does foreign LLC registration cost in Kentucky?
$90 to file Application for Certificate of Authority.
Does a foreign LLC need a registered agent in Kentucky?
Yes. Every registered LLC needs an agent with a physical address in Kentucky. Physical Kentucky street address required.
Does a foreign LLC file the Kentucky annual report too?
Generally yes. Registered foreign LLCs usually carry the same Annual Report obligation. Confirm the foreign LLC fee with the state.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: dba where, dba fee.