Register your Kentucky LLC Online
To start, complete the Kentucky LLC registration form below in just 2–3 minutes. Your LLC (or Corporation) and EIN will be filed by the best LLC filing company for free — you only pay the required Kentucky filing fee.
Step 1: Choose your state
Step 2: Enter your desired LLC name
Step 3: Receive your LLC and EIN by email
Choose your State
The best state to start your LLC is where you’ll do business. For example, if you’re getting a car Dealer License, that state will require you to register your LLC there.
Choose an LLC Name
Picking the right name is the first step to giving your business its own clear identity. Naming your Kentucky LLC is the fun part because you’re creating the brand that will be used everywhere.
Free LLC Name Generator
This free LLC name generator helps you find and customize the perfect name for your new business.
What is an LLC in Kentucky?
A Kentucky LLC (limited liability company) is a simple structure for running your business under a professional name. If you’re applying for a Dealer License, an LLC is the most common way to get a trusted business identity that keeps business records separate from your personal life.
Members vs. Managers
After you get your Kentucky LLC, you can add Members (owners) and Managers (operators), and either role can be listed on a vehicle Dealer License for example.
- Members (owners): The people who own the LLC
- Managers (operators): Cannot remove Members (owners)
- Managing Member: You can be both a Member and Manager
Your EIN is included for free when you form your LLC on this page.
LLC vs Corporation in Kentucky
A Kentucky LLC is simpler and more flexible (uses “LLC” in your name), while a corporation is a more formal structure built for issuing stock and outside investment (uses “Inc” or “Corp” in your name).
97% of our clients choose an LLC .
LLC vs S Corp in Kentucky
A Kentucky LLC is a type of company (a legal business entity), and an S corp is a tax status. The IRS allows businesses to change how owners get paid and how profits are taxed.
After you receive your LLC, you can later choose to be taxed like an S corp. Your company name will still show LLC.
LLC vs C Corp in Kentucky
A Kentucky LLC and a corporation (often called a C corp) are simply different company types. Choose a C corp when you need stock, investors, or a formal board; otherwise, most new dealerships for example, keep it simple with an LLC.
Benefits of an LLC in Kentucky
- Add Members or Managers to your Dealer License
- Transfer LLC ownership if you sell your business
- “Kentucky Company, LLC” shows you’re a real business
- Shows you’re registered (Kentucky Secretary of State)
- Get a matching domain like KentuckyCompanyLLC.com
- Simpler upkeep than forming a corporation
Cost to start an LLC in Kentucky
Get your LLC filed for free, only pay the required filing fee of $40.00.
It’s the same price as doing it yourself, just faster and without the risk of mistakes.
Free EIN with your Kentucky LLC
Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) will be used to open a business bank account and identify your business with the IRS — it’s like a Social Security Number for your company.
What is a Corporation (Inc) in Kentucky?
A Kentucky corporation is a state-registered business entity with shareholders, directors, and officers. It’s built for issuing stock and raising capital. It comes with more formal governance than an LLC.
Adds “Inc” or “Corp” to your company name.
Shareholders, Directors, and Officers
Ownership and control are divided between Shareholders, Directors, and Officers.
- Shareholders (owners): Own the corporation and can remove or replace Directors
- Directors (board members): Can appoint or remove Officers but cannot remove Shareholders
- Officers (executives): Cannot remove Directors or Shareholders
S Corp vs C Corp in Kentucky
Both S corp and C corp refer to how your is taxed, not the name or setup of the company.
- S corp: The IRS treats profits as passing through to the owners, so they’re taxed on their personal returns.
- C corp: The corporation itself pays taxes first, then owners pay again on any profits they take out. This structure is more common for larger companies and those planning to raise money from investors.
Both still use “Inc.” or “Corp.” in the name.
Cost to start a Corporation in Kentucky
Get your Corporation filed for free, only pay the required filing fee of $50.00.
It’s the same price as doing it yourself, just faster and without the risk of mistakes.
Your EIN is included for free when you form your corporation on this page.
File a DBA
DBA stands for “Doing Business As”, and is often called a Fictitious Business Name (FBN). It allows a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation to add multiple brands under one legal company to operate different businesses.
A DBA isn’t required if you want to use your official LLC or Corporation name.
Example: “Kentucky Company, LLC dba Kentucky Auto Brokers”
DBA vs LLC in Kentucky
A DBA only gives you another business name to use. The LLC is the actual business entity that owns the DBA name and holds all legal rights.
What is a Sole Proprietor in Kentucky?
A Sole Proprietorship means you’re doing business as an individual. You can file a fictitious business name (DBA) with your city or county to use something other than your personal name.
As an individual, you can’t add people to your business (or Dealer License) because everything is tied to your personal name and Social Security Number (SSN). If you later want to grow, add partners, or sell the dealership, you’ll need to start an LLC or corporation.
Sole Proprietor vs LLC in Kentucky
A sole proprietor is one individual operating under their personal name or DBA. An LLC creates a separate business identity, lets you add Members or Managers to your Dealer License, and is the setup most new businesses choose.
Sole Proprietor vs Corporation in Kentucky
A sole proprietor is one individual operating under their personal name. A corporation can list officers and directors, issue stock, and grow beyond one person, though it’s generally more complex than an LLC.
Common Questions
Why start an LLC in Kentucky?
A Kentucky LLC gives your business a trusted name that adds credibility and real value. It’s the only way to add or remove people to your Dealer License or sell your business in the future.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Kentucky?
It only takes a few minutes to start the LLC on this page and most states approve LLC applications within 4–7 business days. You’ll receive your digital copy by email.
The entire filing process will be completed for you, so your LLC is approved faster and without mistakes.
Do I need an Kentucky LLC to start a business?
No, but using a Vehicle Dealer License as an example, you would need an LLC (or corporation) since it’s the only way to add or remove people to your license now and in the future.
Do I need an EIN for my Kentucky LLC?
Yes, often for banking and taxes. EINs are included for free with your LLC or Corporation.
What is a registered agent for my Kentucky LLC?
A Registered Agent receives legal mail for your Kentucky LLC or corporation. This service is included for free with your LLC or Corporation, ensuring your business is compliant.
Do I need a registered agent for my Kentucky LLC?
Yes, a Registered Agent is required in every state. It’s included for free with your LLC or Corporation filing. You can also choose “individual” to use your own home or business address.
Do I need business insurance for my Kentucky LLC?
No, business insurance is not required to get an LLC or Corporation. It protects what your company does by covering risks such as property damage, liability, or employee injuries, not the name or registration itself.
What is an Operating Agreement?
An Operating Agreement is a document that outlines who owns your Kentucky LLC or Corporation and how the business is run. It’s often required by banks to open a business account.
Do I need an operating agreement for my Kentucky LLC?
An Operating Agreement is not required to file your LLC, but banks often require it to open a business account. You can create your own or add it when you file your LLC for $89.
