State registration fee
$90
apps.legislature.ky.gov (read October 2026)
Foreign LLC guide · Kentucky
Kentucky Foreign LLC Registration Fees (2026): the Official Numbers and the 3 Best Services
In 2026, for registering an out-of-state LLC in Kentucky, our order is KY Registered Agent.org ($199), Mainstay Filing ($199) and Kentucky Registered Agent.co ($199). Expect $90 to the state for registration, plus $15 for each report. Kentucky ranks number 38th of 50 on three-year cost.
Kentucky: the facts
Recurring report
$15
Annual report
Minimum tax each year
$175
revenue.ky.gov (read October 2026)
State charges over 3 years
$645
The registration fee plus reports in years 2 and 3, including the yearly minimum tax
Our Kentucky recommendations
Criteria in order of weight: three-year fees, coverage, renewal terms, fit with Kentucky, clear state fee (method).
1. KY Registered Agent.org: best for a single added state
$199 plus $90 to the state, then $99 yearly
KY Registered Agent.org comes first because $199 on top of the state fee for the registration, then $99 per year.
Three-year fees come in under Mainstay Filing's, on the criterion that counts most.
What the price takes in
- Prepares and submits the registration
- A year of agent service
In its favor
- $199 and the state fee
- A year of agent service in the price
- A $99 renewal
Against it
- The home state needs a separate agent
2. Mainstay Filing: best for registering in many states
$199 plus $90 to the state, then $149 yearly
In second place sits Mainstay Filing: it files the Kentucky registration for $199 beyond the state fee and includes the first agent year.
The three-year total here is $100 above KY Registered Agent.org's, and cost is the heaviest weight in the score.
When the free first year ends, the agent costs $149 per year in any state.
What the price takes in
- Files the registration for you
- Registered agent costs nothing in the first year
- Works in all fifty states
In its favor
- $199 plus the state fee
- No agent fee in the first year
- All fifty states are covered
Against it
- $50 more per year for the agent
3. Kentucky Registered Agent.co: best for a local filer
$199 plus $90 to the state, then $99 yearly
We put Kentucky Registered Agent.co third since $199 on top of the state fee for the registration, then $99 per year.
The prices are the same as KY Registered Agent.org's.
What the price takes in
- Prepares and submits the registration
- A year of agent service
In its favor
- $199 and the state fee
- A year of agent service in the price
- A $99 renewal
Against it
- The home state needs a separate agent
Kentucky ranking in one table
| No. | Provider | First year | Later years | Provider fees over 3 years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KY Registered Agent.org | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit KY Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 2 | Mainstay Filing | $199 | $149/yr | $497 | Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 3 | Kentucky Registered Agent.co | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit Kentucky Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
Every price here was read from the company's own site on November 13, 2026. Add the $90 state fee to every row.
Registration cost calculator
The registration fee is $90, with a $15 report from year 2; provider fees are added.
Kentucky and the states around it in the ranking
| Place | State | Three-year foreign LLC fees |
|---|---|---|
| 35th | Maine | $550 |
| 37th | Arkansas | $570 |
| 38th | Kentucky | $645 |
| 39th | North Carolina | $650 |
| 40th | Maryland | $700 |
For the other states, see Foreign LLC fees by state.
Kentucky foreign LLC registration fee and form (official)
A foreign LLC files the Certificate of Authority (Foreign Business Entity) (Form FBE) with the Kentucky Secretary of State, Division of Business Filings and pays $90.
The recurring obligation is the annual report ($15), between January 1 and June 30 each year. One more state charge: Limited Liability Entity Tax: a $175 minimum each year to the Department of Revenue.
Before filing
- The exact legal name and formation date from the home state.
- A registered agent in the state, available from any pick on this page.
- A way to pay the $90 filing fee.
Risks of operating unregistered
An LLC that has not registered has no right to sue in the state's courts (KRS 14A.9-020(1)). Each day of delay brings $2 may be added.
Why the Kentucky ranking looks like this
The criterion that decided Kentucky was service bill, years one to three, at 34%.
It leads on cost at $397 over three years, $100 lower than Mainstay Filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost a foreign LLC to register in Kentucky?
$90 as the official fee. The providers here charge $199 more.
Which form registers a foreign LLC in Kentucky?
The Certificate of Authority (Foreign Business Entity) (Form FBE), which is sent to the Kentucky Secretary of State, Division of Business Filings.
Does a foreign LLC file anything every year?
Yes, it files the annual report for $15.
What are the consequences of working there without registering?
An LLC that has not registered has no right to sue in the state's courts (KRS 14A.9-020(1)). Each day of delay brings $2 may be added.
Does a foreign LLC in Kentucky need a registered agent?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
Which service would you choose to register a foreign LLC?
Put KY Registered Agent.org first ($199 plus state fees for the registration, with the agent covered in year 1), followed by Mainstay Filing and Kentucky Registered Agent.co.
Where these facts come from
- Taken from sos.ky.gov, a page we read in August 2026, is everything we say on this page about Kentucky Secretary of State.
- Taken from sos.ky.gov, a page we read in August 2026, is everything we say on this page about Kentucky Secretary of State.
- Taken from apps.legislature.ky.gov, a page we read in August 2026, is everything we say on this page about Kentucky report due date.
- Taken from apps.legislature.ky.gov, a page we read in August 2026, is everything we say on this page about KRS 275.025.
- Taken from sos.ky.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Kentucky formation fee: Filing fee, official source.
- Taken from apps.legislature.ky.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Kentucky registered agent statute.
- Taken from sos.ky.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Kentucky Secretary of State, business filings.
- Taken from web.sos.ky.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Form FBE, Certificate of Authority.
- Taken from apps.legislature.ky.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about KRS 14A.9-020, consequences of transacting business without authority.
- Taken from apps.legislature.ky.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about KRS 14A.9-010, authority to transact business required.
- Taken from revenue.ky.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Kentucky other cost: Limited Liability Entity Tax, official.
- Taken from maine.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Maine Secretary of State, foreign entities.
- Taken from maine.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Form MLLC-12.
- Taken from legislature.maine.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about 31 MRSA § 1622, foreign qualification.
- Taken from legislature.maine.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about 31 MRSA § 1623, activities that do not.
- Taken from legislature.maine.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about 31 MRSA § 1629, consequences of not qualifying.
- Taken from legislature.maine.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about 31 MRSA § 1680, fees.
- Taken from sos.arkansas.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Arkansas Secretary of State, foreign LLC forms and.
- Taken from sos.arkansas.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Form FL-01.
- Taken from arkleg.state.ar.us, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Act 1041 of 2021, Uniform LLC Act.
- Taken from sos.arkansas.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about 2026 LLC franchise tax report and instructions.
- Taken from sos.arkansas.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Form FL-04, application for cancellation.
- Taken from sosnc.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about North Carolina Secretary of State, Business Registration.
- Taken from sosnc.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Form L-09, Application for Certificate of Authority.
- Taken from sosnc.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Secretary of State guide to registering a foreign.
- Taken from ncleg.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about G.S.
- Taken from sosnc.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Annual report due dates.
- Taken from egov.maryland.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Maryland Business Express.
- Taken from egov.maryland.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Business Express fee schedule.
- Taken from mgaleg.maryland.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Corporations and Associations § 4A-1002, registration.
- Taken from mgaleg.maryland.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Corporations and Associations § 4A-1009, activities that are.
- Taken from mgaleg.maryland.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Corporations and Associations § 4A-1007, effect of not.
- Taken from mgaleg.maryland.gov, a page we read in October 2026, is everything we say on this page about Tax-Property § 11-101, annual report.
- Pricing page at KY Registered Agent.org, from the company website, read November 13, 2026
- Kentucky service page at Mainstay Filing, from the company website, read November 13, 2026
- Pricing page at Kentucky Registered Agent.co, from the company website, read November 13, 2026