Register a Foreign Corporation in Kentucky

Free Guide to Registering a Foreign Corporation in Kentucky

What does it cost to register a foreign corporation in Kentucky?

$90.

How long does it take for the state to process the Kentucky Certificate of Authority?

Kentucky accepts foreign corporation filings online, by mail or in person. Processing times depend on the method of filing.

• Online: Kentucky processes online filings within 24 hours.
• In Person: The Secretary of State’s office will approve these while you wait.
• Mail: Kentucky mailed filings will take about two weeks to be approved and returned by the state. Add extra time for mail.

How will I get verification of qualification back from Kentucky?

You will receive a confirmation card by mail or in person.

What forms do I file with Kentucky to qualify my out of State Corporation?

The Certificate of Authority form and the filing fee are required.

What do I need from my home state?

Nothing.

Will I need an Kentucky registered agent for my corporation?

Yes, when you hire Northwest as your KY registered agent, it’s a flat rate yearly price of $125 a year, you’ll have an online account that tracks your report due dates, which states your registered in, when your yearly service with us is up, and any documents we receive locally for you are uploaded into your account immediately for complete viewing. If or when you get served with a lawsuit, we can email up to 4 people and your attorney at the same time for real time complete viewing of a lawsuit. You’ll receive annual report reminders. It’s the same price every year, and there are no weird fees or cancellation fees.

You’ll also see all the pre-populated forms and specific filing instructions on the thank you page, in your online account, and they are emailed to you immediately upon signing up for 1 year of registered agent service.

Does the Kentucky registered agent need to sign the filing?

Yes.

How can I file the Kentucky Certificate of Authority?

By mail or in person.

What is the state agency that accepts the out of state registration?

Kentucky Secretary of State
PO Box 718
Frankfort, KY 40602-0718
or
Room 154, Capitol Building
700 Capitol Avenue
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502)564-3490

Do the signatures on the Kentucky corporation application need to be original?

No.

Who has to sign the foreign corporation filing?

An officer or chairman of the board of the KY corporation must sign the form.

Are there any weird things about registering in Kentucky?

Once you receive your confirmation card verifying your filing, you will want to go online and print a copy of your proof of filing to be filed with the local county clerk’s office, in the county in which your registered agent resides. No publication is required, unless specified by the county.

If you hire Northwest to make the foreign qualification filing for you, we will take care of the county filing on your behalf.

Are there ongoing Kentucky annual report and/or initial reporting requirements?

KY annual reports are due June 30th.

What are your fees?

You’ll need to have an Kentucky registered agent. We charge $125 a year to act as your registered agent in Kentucky. It’s a flat rate, once a year fee, and includes more than other registered agents. Here’s a little more about our registered agent service.

We charge a $100 one-time filing service fee if you would like us to obtain the certificates needed from your home state, and register your company in any state you choose. We have offices in every state and can act as your registered agent and make your filings for you in any state. If you would like to register with multiple states at once, we can usually drop our filing service fee down.

Additional Resources:

KY Tax
How to Withdraw a Foreign Corporation in Kentucky
State by State Foreign Corporation Requirements