How to start an LLC in Kentucky
Forming an LLC in Kentucky costs $40 and online filings are typically approved in about 1–3 business days online. Here's the whole process, step by step.
Filing fee
$40
One-time, paid to the state
Approval time
about 1–3 business days online
Typical for online filings
Ongoing fee
$15/yr
What the state charges each year
Fees and processing times change — always confirm the current figures with the Kentucky Secretary of State before you file.
The 4 steps in Kentucky
Pick a name that works in Kentucky
Your name must be distinguishable from other Kentucky businesses and include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “Limited Liability Company,” or “Limited Company.” Search the Secretary of State's database first.
File the paperwork
You file Articles of Organization with the Kentucky Secretary of State, online through the Kentucky One Stop Business Portal or by mail. The filing fee is $40. Also write a simple operating agreement — it's free, and it keeps your liability protection clear.
Get your free EIN
Apply at IRS.gov and get your Employer Identification Number immediately, for free. You'll need it for taxes and your business bank account.
Open a business bank account
Bring your approved Articles of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement. Keeping business money separate is what makes the liability protection hold.
Optional: name a registered agent service
Every Kentucky LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can be your own for free — or pay a service to keep your address private. Learn how registered agents work.
With a $40 filing fee and a $15 annual report, Kentucky is one of the cheapest states to form and keep an LLC.
File directly with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
Common questions about Kentucky LLCs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Kentucky?
The Kentucky filing fee is $40, paid once when you submit your Articles of Organization. Getting your EIN from the IRS is free, and you can be your own registered agent for free. Ongoing, Kentucky charges $15/yr. Fees change over time, so confirm the current amount on the Kentucky Secretary of State website before you file.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Kentucky?
Online filings are typically approved in about 1–3 business days online, though times vary with the state's workload. Mail filings take longer. Check the Kentucky Secretary of State website for current processing times.
Do I need a registered agent in Kentucky?
Yes — every Kentucky LLC must list a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You can be your own agent for free, or hire a commercial service (roughly $100–$150 a year) to keep your address off the public record.
Does Kentucky require an annual report?
Kentucky's annual report costs $15 and is due between January 1 and June 30 each year, starting the year after you form.
Can I form my Kentucky LLC myself, without a service?
Yes. Filing directly with the Kentucky Secretary of State is straightforward: pick a name, submit the Articles of Organization online, and pay the $40 fee. A formation service is optional convenience, not a requirement.
Where to go next
Ready to make your Kentucky LLC official?
Grab the free checklist so nothing gets missed, or compare formation services.