How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Kentucky

Kentucky law requires your LLC to hire a registered agent, a person or company authorized to accept official correspondence on behalf of your business, such as legal or tax documents. 

A registered agent ensures your business receives all key documents and notices and complies fully with state regulations.  

Registered Agent Requirements in Kentucky

In Kentucky, an LLC owner, known as a member, can be the registered agent, or you can choose an individual that meets state requirements. In Kentucky, registered agents must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Have a street address in the state 
• Be available during regular business hours 
• Be living in Kentucky (if the agent is an individual)
• Be registered to operate in the state (if the agent is a business) 
• Consent to serve as your registered agent
• Not be your own LLC

Registered Agent Services

Many business owners hire a registered agent service to ensure all important documents are received and addressed promptly. A registered agent service also offers convenience. 

If you choose to be your registered agent, you’ll have to be available at your registered agent’s address during regular business hours. However, a registered agent service will allow you the flexibility to run and grow your business wherever you need to be. 

An agency also offers privacy. Since they will receive all official correspondence for your business, you would never be served with a summons for your business in front of customers or employees. 

Choosing a Registered Agent Service

Some registered agent services operate nationally, allowing you to form LLCs in other states if your business expands. However, if you don’t choose a national agency, you’ll need one with an office in Kentucky. 

You’ll also want an agency that will:

• Send deadline reminders for things like annual reports to ensure your LLC stays in compliance
• Digitally store your documents so you can access them at any time
• Offer great customer service

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Kentucky

In Kentucky, you’ll officially appoint your registered agent when you form your LLC by filling in the registered agent information on your articles of organization.

You can file your articles of organization either online or on paper. Read on to see instructions for both filing options.

Online Filing

To file your articles of organization online, visit Kentucky’s SOS Online Services Index and click “Start your Business” in the top left.

Select that you’re forming a domestic LLC and begin filling out the form provided.

In the Registered Agent / Office section, fill out your agent’s name and address. Then, have them type their name in the signature field to sign the document.

If you’d like to be the registered agent for your LLC, input your information here.

Submit your document and pay the $40 filing fee by credit card, EFT, or prepaid account.

Paper Filing

To file by paper, download, fill out, and print your articles of organization.

For Article II, write in the address of your registered office and the name of your registered agent. If you’d like to be your registered agent, fill in this section with your name and address.

Have your registered agent sign the document at the bottom to show their consent to being your agent.

The filing fee is $40, payable by check to the “Kentucky State Treasurer.”

Mail your document and payment to:

Michael Adams
Office of the Secretary of State
PO Box 718
Frankfort, KY 40602-0718

Or you can deliver it by hand to:

Room 154 Capitol Building
700 Capitol Avenue
Frankfort, KY 40601

Once your LLC is approved in Kentucky, your registered agent is officially appointed. You do not need to do anything further in terms of registering your agent. 

In Closing

Kentucky requires your LLC to have a registered agent. Some LLCs appoint a member as their registered agent, but hiring a professional service offers many advantages. 

You’ll likely need to decide on whichever route you choose before you form your LLC. You can change your registered agent later if you do so, though it requires additional paperwork.