Requesting Articles of Incorporation
You can obtain a copy of your Articles of Incorporation by submitting a Request for Corporate Documents to the Kentucky Secretary of State by fax to (502) 564-5687 or by mail to the address below:
- Division of Business Filings
- Business Filings
- P.O. Box 718
- Frankfort, KY 40602
Business Name Availability and Registration
Looking Up a Business Name
To check if a business name is available in Kentucky:
- Use the Name Availability Search online
- Write to the Secretary of State
- Call (502) 564-3490
A name can also be reserved to ensure its availability.
Registering a Business in Kentucky
- Select a business name and choose an operating entity.
- Register with the Kentucky One-Stop Business Portal.
- Register any trademarks or service marks with the Secretary of State.
LLC Name Search
Kentucky offers two ways to search your desired LLC name:
- Call (502) 564-3490 to check availability over the phone.
- Use the FastTrack Business Organization Search Station to search online.
Incorporating and Forming Entities in Kentucky
Setting Up a Corporation
To Incorporate in Kentucky, follow these steps:
- Name Your Kentucky Corporation
- Choose a Registered Agent
- Hold an Organizational Meeting
- File the Articles of Incorporation
- Get an EIN
Registering a Nonprofit
To find nonprofits in Kentucky, use the Kentucky 501(c)(3) Lookup Table to check if a name is in use.
PLLC Benefits
Members of a PLLC aren’t personally liable for the malpractice of any other member or for business debts and lawsuits, such as unpaid office rent.
Tax and Legal Documentation
Obtaining a Tax ID (EIN)
To get a tax ID number in Kentucky:
- Apply online
- Call the IRS at (800) 829-4933
Ensure you have reviewed IRS Form SS-4 and the instructions before applying.
Finding Articles of Organization
If misplaced, find a copy on the Department or Secretary of State website through a business entity search.
Amending Corporate Documents
To add a member to an LLC in Kentucky, submit the Articles of Amendment form to the Secretary of State.
Miscellaneous
CBI Numbers
A Commonwealth Business Identifier (CBI) is a ten-digit number assigned to all Kentucky businesses. This identifier allows businesses to be identified by state agencies using the Kentucky OneStop Portal.
Certificates of Authority
To obtain a Kentucky Certificate of Authority, submit an Application for Certificate of Authority and appoint a registered agent. The cost for processing certified copies is $45.00.
Remember, Articles of Incorporation must be filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State, and companies must keep a copy of their articles at their registered office or SAIL address.