What is a Kentucky certificate of authority?
Companies are required to register with the Kentucky Secretary of State before doing business in Kentucky. Businesses that are incorporated in another state will typically apply for a Kentucky certificate of authority. Doing so registers the business as a foreign entity and eliminates the need to incorporate a new entity.
Operating without a certificate of authority may result in penalties or fines. In addition to the state’s requirements, licensing agencies, banks, and vendors will often request a certificate of authority.
When do I need a certificate of authority?
The most common reasons for applying for a certificate of authority include:
- Opening an office or physical location within the foreign state
- Hiring an employee who resides within the state
- Before beginning a contract or a job in a new state
- A vendor or bank’s requirements
- Licensing authority requirements
How do I get a Kentucky certificate of authority?
To obtain your Kentucky Certificate of Authority, you will submit an Application for Certificate of Authority, along with required certificates or certified copies from your home state. You will need to appoint a registered agent in order for your filing to be approved. Be sure to follow the state’s instructions carefully, as they can reject a document for the smallest error.
For Foreign Corporations:
| Agency: | Kentucky Secretary of State |
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $90 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Liability Companies:
| Agency: | Kentucky Secretary of State |
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $90 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Nonprofit Corporations:
| Agency: | Kentucky Secretary of State |
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $90 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Professional Corporations:
| Agency: | Kentucky Secretary of State |
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $90 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
For Foreign Limited Partnerships:
| Agency: | Kentucky Secretary of State |
| Form: | Application for Certificate of Authority as a Foreign Limited Partnership |
| Agency Fee: | $90 |
| Law: | |
| Certified Copy Requirement: | Certified copies not required. |
| Certificate of Good Standing Requirement: | Good standing certificate not required. |
What do I need from my home state?
Kentucky does not require a certificate of good standing or certified copies for this filing.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent receives service of process and government notices on behalf of your business. When you prepare your Kentucky Certificate of Authority application, you must list a registered agent with a physical address within the state (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).
Many businesses do not have an individual or physical address in a new state. Listing our local registered agent address on your certificate of authority application meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, you get same day document scanning from our local office in all 50 states and DC. Our registered agent service is a flat rate of $99 per year, and you can easily add our service to any certificate of authority order.
What is the contact information for the state?
Kentucky Secretary of StateMailing Address:
700 Capital Ave., P.O. Box 718
Frankfort, KY 40602
Phone: (502) 564-3490
Fax: (502) 564-5687
Website: https://www.sos.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Name Search: https://web.sos.ky.gov/bussearchnprofile/search.aspx
Forms: https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/Forms/Pages/default.aspx
Online Filing: https://secure.kentucky.gov/sos/ftbr/welcome.aspx
