Kentucky Corporation Foreign Qualification

Kentucky Corporation Foreign Qualification

Steps to Kentucky Corporation Foreign Qualification:

• Choose a Name: You must choose a name to use in Kentucky that is not already registered to another entity. You can do a business entity name search on the Secretary of State’s website to see if your name is available.
• File an Application for Certificate of Authority: To qualify a foreign corporation, you must file an Application for Certificate of Authority with the Kentucky Division of Business Filings. You cannot file this document online. There is a $90 filing fee. You must appoint a registered agent on this form. The agent is responsible for accepting service of process on behalf of your business.
• Await Processing: Processing time in Kentucky is typically one day. There are no expedite options.

Kentucky Foreign Corporation Registration Quick Facts

• The Filing: Application for Certificate of Authority
• The Fee: $90
• Filing Agency: Kentucky Division of Business Filings
• Online Filing: No
• Processing Time: 1 Day
• Annual Report Due: June 30
• Annual Report Fee: $15

Kentucky Registered Agent Requirements

A Kentucky registered agent is required by law to fulfill the following:

1. Maintain a registered office within a state (physical street location, not a PO box)
2. Keep regular business hours year round
3. Accept service of process and official business mail on behalf of clients
4. Contact clients when documents are accepted on their behalf
5. Forward all documents to clients in a timely manner

Your registered agent will become your main point of contact between your company and the Secretary of State. Annual Report notifications will come to your registered agent.

Do I Have to List a Principal Office Address in Kentucky?

No. You can list your registered agent’s address as your principal office address, but you can also list a principal office address outside the state of Kentucky.

Does the Registered Agent Have to Consent to Appointment?

Yes. Your Kentucky registered agent must either sign the Application for Certificate of Authority, or you must submit a signed Statement of Consent of Registered Agent form along with the Application.

You cannot designate an agent without their consent.

Annual Report

After a foreign corporation qualification is complete, your company must file an Annual Report each year. The filing window is between January 1 and June 30. The Annual Report can be filed online at the Secretary of State website. There is a $15 filing fee.