Top Kentucky Registered Agents – Comprehensive Guide (March 2024)


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Kentucky Registered Agent: If you wish to start a Kentucky LLC, you have to appoint a registered agent. According to Kentucky State Law, it is mandatory to have a Kentucky Registered Agent if you are conducting business in the state. A registered agent receives all the official and legal documents from the State. They also receive the service of process if there’s any lawsuit in concern.

In the following guide, we have shared all the required information regarding hiring a registered agent, why you need a registered agent in Kentucky, and who can be a registered agent for your LLC. Read this guide carefully before you hire a Kentucky Registered Agent.

What is a Kentucky Registered Agent

A registered agent (or a statutory agent or a resident agent) in Kentucky is an individual or a business that represents your business in receiving official documents. These official papers include formation documents, business renewal documents, tax filing, and any legal document if the LLC gets sued by other companies. All these documents go straight to the registered agent’s official address in the state. While forming an LLC, it is mandatory to appoint a registered agent.

When you file the Kentucky LLC formation papers with the Secretary of State, LLCs have to mention their registered agent’s name and address. When you choose a registered agent in Kentucky, you can go for two options, hiring an in-house registered agent or outsourcing the service.

Hiring a Registered Agent in Kentucky

You may have several options for hiring a registered agent in Kentucky. To become a registered agent, one has to meet the basic eligibility criteria. If the minimum requirements are fulfilled, anyone residing in Kentucky can represent your LLC as your registered agent.

registered agent service

Who Can Be a Registered Agent

  • The person must be above 18 years old.
  • The person must have a legal and physical address in the state where the LLC will operate.
  • The person must be physically present during normal working hours.
  • Anyone who fulfills the above requirements can act as a registered agent.
  • Recommended – You should use a professional registered agent in Kentucky always.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent

Yes, you can be your own registered agent. In fact, any member of the LLC, managers, and the owner can be a registered agent. Besides, someone from the owners’ family, such as a spouse, relatives, or other family members, can also act as a registered agent. As mentioned above, anyone who is representing the business as an agent should fulfill the basic criteria.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Own Registered Agent

Many small businesses do not hire a registered agent to save a chunk of money. However, it is not recommended to be your own registered agent. There are a bunch of problems one has to face while being a registered agent of his own LLC. Following are some of the issues you face,

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  • If you are operating your business from home or you are into web business, then your home address will be shared on the public portal. This address will be used for mailing and other official purposes. This will hamper your privacy.
  • A registered agent has to be physically available at the official address during working hours on working days for 52 weeks. Being your own registered agent might restrict your other work due to this.
  • The registered agent’s address must be up to date in the Secretary of State portal.

It is recommended to outsource the registered agent service to ease your work as it protects your privacy, especially if you conduct your business from home. It is always wise to outsource the RA service than be your own registered agent.

Recommended: You can get the best registered agent service at a reasonable price with online LLC service providers. We recommend using –

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How to Choose a Registered Agent in Kentucky

You can choose a Kentucky Registered Agent in two ways, either you can employ an in-house RA or outsource the service. Another option is to be your own registered agent. However, it is recommended to outsource the service as it is less worrisome and hassle-free.

In-house Registered Agent

As far as the in-house registered agent is concerned, it can be anyone from the LLC, including you, or you can employ an individual for this position. In that case, your office or home address will be the Registered Agent’s office address. Every LLC has to share its principal office address, mailing address, and registered agent’s office address to the state public portal. Hiring a registered agent service will make it easier as you can use the RA’s address as a mailing address.

Outsourcing Registered Agent Service

You may also avail yourself of professional registered agent services. Doing so ensures that you will have the best service provider to represent your business. Following are the best Registered Agent services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

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Note that availing of the services of professional registered agents would be your best option since you are guaranteed that whoever is handling your legal affairs knows their stuff well. If you are forming your LLC from scratch, then with LegalZoom Registered Agent, you will get the full formation package.

What to Consider While Choosing a Kentucky Registered Agent

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a registered agent.

  • Service Fee: Since most states require formal businesses to have registered agents, selecting the best-registered agent is critical. Hiring a registered agent typically costs between $99 and $300 annually. When you consider how much time it will save you, this is a small price to pay.
  • Tenure in Business of Registered Agent: You want the registered agent to have established and time-tested procedures for handling documents. We recommend Registered Agent Services that have been in business for a long time. They are experienced and well capable of handling all your documentation.
  • State Jurisdiction Limitation: If your company expands to another state, you should use the same registered agent in all states to reduce the administrative burden of dealing with multiple registered agent service providers. Check out the best Registered Agent Services to consider for this job.
  • Offer Monitoring and Follow-up Services: You want to receive up-to-date information and alerts from your registered agent as soon as possible so that you are aware of the various statutes, rules, and regulations that apply to your company. Some of the service providers offer this service. Make sure to choose an RA service that includes this service.

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Kentucky

At the time of submitting the Kentucky Articles or Organization, the registered agent can be appointed by the LLC. It can be done online or by mail. No additional fee is charged for appointing a Registered Agent. Only the state filing fee should be paid.

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Appoint Registered Agent Online

To appoint a registered agent online, you have to go to the Kentucky LLC Online Filing page and provide the information of your Registered Agent accordingly.

Appoint Registered Agent By Mail

To appoint a registered agent in Kentucky by mail, you need to download the Kentucky LLC filing form (PDF). Fill up the “Registered Agent” section with appropriate details of the agent and submit it to the SOS office. For more information, read on Kentucky Articles of Organization.

Cost of a Kentucky Registered Agent

The cost of having a registered agent can be variable. It depends on whether you are employing an in-house registered agent, being your own agent, or outsourcing the service. The cost of having a registered agent can start from $99 and go up to $300 per year. It will be cost-effective if you outsource the registered agent service in Kentucky.

Registered Agent services that also provide LLC formation packages can provide the same service at a lower price. For example, LegalZoom offers standalone registered agent service at $299 per year, but if you buy their LLC formation package at $0 + state fees, you might get a registered agent at a low cost.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Kentucky

To change the Kentucky registered agent, you must file a Change of registered agent or office by entity form. This form can be submitted to the Kentucky Secretary of State via mail, in-person, or online. Read more on how to change a registered agent in Kentucky.

File Online

For online filing, you need to get the online form, which is available on the Kentucky Secretary of State portal. Fill in all the necessary information of LLC as well as current and old registered agents. This form must be completed and signed by the newly appointed registered agent and any authorized member of the LLC. The signature of the new registered agent acts like the consent to be appointed as one. Submit it online.

Fee: $10

File By Mail

You can also choose to file the form through the mail. You need to download the Change of registered agent or office by entity form from the Kentucky Secretary of State’s portal. Fill in all the details on your computer. The completed form is to be signed by the newly appointed registered agent. The duly signed form must be sent to the following address,

Mail to: Michael G. Adams
Office of the Secretary of State
P.O. Box 718
Frankfort, KY 40602-0718

In-person Submission: Room 154, Capitol Building
700 Capital Avenue
Frankfort, KY 40601

How to Pay: The filing amount is payable to the Kentucky secretary of state through a credit card when filing online/by email. For paper filing, you can choose to pay through money order or check.

Why Do LLCs in Kentucky Need a Registered Agent Service

There are several reasons why a business should appoint a registered agent in Kentucky. Some of the most important reasons are listed below,

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  • Confidentiality: Having a registered agent service in Kentucky ensures the complete privacy of your business and related documentation. Appointing a registered agent company instead of an individual gets you privacy and confidentiality contracts beforehand.
  • Up-to-date Compliance: LLCs and corporates have plenty of paperwork and compliances that are to be updated on time. With a registered agent service, you don’t have to worry about those compliances, as your registered agent will maintain a compliance calendar.
  • Privacy: It is mandatory for businesses in Kentucky to publicly upload their address to the Kentucky Secretary of State. If you are using the home address for your business, then it would not be safe to make your private address public. On the other side, appointing a registered agent service will cover you up here as they have to provide their address to the Kentucky SOS and not yours.
  • Availability: Every registered agent has to be available during office hours of work on business days. If you hire a registered agent service, then they can be available at the required time without harming other tasks at the company.
  • Online Safe Backup: Every registered agent in Kentucky or any other state usually takes online backup of all the documents and paperwork. This ensures the LLC papers are securely saved in a central system.
  • Lawsuits or Summons: Getting summoned or involved in a lawsuit does not leave a good impression on the employees. With a registered agent, all the related papers will be delivered to the Registered Agent’s official address. Hence, owners do not have to receive any such papers in their office in front of their employees.

Maryland Business Laws for Registered Agents to Note

Registered Agents are responsible for handling the business laws related to your LLC and other legal issues related to your Kentucky LLC. Every state has its own business laws. Kentucky is no exception. It has its own set of standard business laws to regulate businesses in the State. Here are some of the important business laws every business should follow in Kentucky.

Kentucky Antitrust Laws

Antitrust laws regulate and prevent anti-competitive practices in any open market by levying heavy penalties and punishment against such activities. These laws counter the formation of cartels, monopolies, or any barrier created for new entrants in the market. The Kentucky Antitrust laws prohibit any agreement, contract, or combination in the form of trust or conspiracy in restraint of trade or commerce, such as price-fixing, scheme of merger executed to reduce competition in the market, and any unfair methods of competition. The time limit to put forth such claims is 5 years. The State allows the filing of private lawsuits and a successful plaintiff to recover attorney’s fees as well.

Kentucky Interest Rates laws

All states in the United States have an Interest law for businesses. Normally, the general interest rate guidelines are less than the legal threshold of interest rate. Kentucky has laws to limit the interest rates, and significantly high-interest rates are considered unlawful and open to criminal prosecution. In general, the maximum legal rate in Kentucky is 8%. Even if the parties decide the rate on the basis of the contract, the maximum legal rate cannot be more than 4% above the discount rate of the Federal Reserve Bank or 19%, whichever is less for an amount of $15000. The interest rate on judgments is 12%.

The penalty for usury permits forfeiture of entire interest on the debt amount, the borrower may recover twice the amount of interest paid by them. The statute of limitations bars the filing of a suit up to 2 years from the time the usurious transaction was executed.

Kentucky Deceptive Trade Practices Laws

The State of Kentucky aims to protect its residents from unfair business practices. Such practices mislead the consumers into investing in invaluable market products by selling them with twisted statements and lies such as false advertising. The laws specifically prohibit false advertising and odometer tampering. The remedies for such acts include injunction, restraining order, attorney’s fees, guilty of a misdemeanor, fine from $100 to $500, imprisonment up to 12 months, or both. In case of odometer tampering, the license of the offender may be revoked, and civil penalties to be levied up to $5000 for every violation.

The Registered Agents are the people who act as points of contact between your business and the State Authorities. They assist your business in ensuring compliance with all regulations and codes of the State. Hiring a registered agent in Kentucky will help you handle your business in a smooth and legally compliant manner.

FAQ

How To Change Registered Agent In Kentucky?

In Kentucky, there is a way to change the registered agent. You need to download, fill up, and send the RA change application form to the Secretary of State online, by mail to the address Michael G. Adams, Office of the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 718, Frankfort, KY 40602-0718, or by fax, whichever provision is available for you. The cost of changing the Registered Agent is $10 in Kentucky.

How To Become A Registered Agent In Kentucky?

To become a registered agent in Kentucky, you must meet some requirements. One of the most important criteria is that you have to be legally an adult (18+). Another requirement is you must be a resident of Kentucky. If you meet these criteria, then you can become a registered agent.

Who Can Be A Registered Agent In Kentucky?

Spouse, any member of your LLC, relatives, friends, or you can be a registered agent in Kentucky. The basic criteria are to be a legal adult (18+) and a resident of the state. If you can fulfill the requirements, then you can easily be a registered agent.

How To Change Registered Agent Address In Kentucky?

In Kentucky, changing a registered agent’s address is easy. You need to submit the RA Change Form, available on the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website. In the form, add the new address. Submit it online, by mail to the address Michael G. Adams, Office of the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 718, Frankfort, KY 40602-0718, or by fax, whichever provision is available for you. It might take a fee to change the address.

How To Find A Company’s Registered Agent In Kentucky?

You can find a company’s registered agent by visiting the Kentucky SOS website. If you have the company name, then search with the business name. If you get the company you are looking for, then get the registered agent information from there.

What Does A Registered Agent Do In Kentucky?

In Kentucky, having a registered agent for your company is legally mandatory. Your registered agent will serve any process, permits, and notices and will be responsible for receiving legal suits again the company in his registered office. He/she will have to be available in their office during working hours.

How To Appoint Someone As The Registered Agent In Kentucky?

To appoint a registered agent officially in Kentucky, companies have to submit their name, address, and contact information at the time of business registration. The article of incorporation has a separate section for the registered agent. This is how you appoint a registered agent in Kentucky.

How To Search For Registered Agent Address In Kentucky?

In Kentucky, to search for the address of a registered agent, you need to visit the Kentucky Secretary of State’s official website. To search the registered agent’s address, look for the following steps,
1. Go to the official website of Kentucky SOS
2. Search the company details by the company name
3. Look for the registered agent address list
It will be easier to find the registered agent’s address in this way.

How Do I Look For A Business In Kentucky By The Registered Agent Name?

In Kentucky, you can search for a business with a registered agent’s name. Go to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s official website. Look for the option “Business Search.” In the search section, you will get the option “Search by the registered agent.” Select the option and enter the registered agent’s name. You will get the business name.

What Is Required Of A Registered Agent In Kentucky?

In Kentucky, for a registered agent, the main requirement is the person must be 18 years of age and must have a physical address in Kentucky. If the person or the entity is a resident of the state and fulfills the age requirement, then he/she can be the registered agent.

How To Look Up The Registered Agent Of A Corporation In Kentucky?

In Kentucky, if you look up a registered agent for a corporation, then you must visit the Kentucky SOS. On the home page, you must select Business Search. If you have the corporation name, then enter the name to search the business. Click on the registered agent option to get the details.

How Do I Resign As A Registered Agent In Kentucky?

If a registered agent has to send a written resignation letter to the company he/she was representing. Once the letter is accepted by the company, a resignation notice must be sent to the Kentucky Secretary of State by mail, fax, or online. The notice should be sent within the said time.

How To Update Registered Agent In Kentucky Online?

You can update a registered agent in Kentucky online by logging in to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website. However, before you proceed with the online process, make sure that the online process is available for you. If not, then send the RA Change Form by mail.

How To Get A Free Registered Agent In Kentucky?

In Kentucky, you can get a free registered agent. If you become your own registered agent, then you don’t have to pay anything physically to yourself. If your spouse or a friend becomes an agent, then you might avoid the cost. Finally, you can go for a free professional registered agent service in Kentucky.

How To Research For Registered Agent Information In Kentucky?

To research information about the registered agent in Kentucky, you need to visit the Kentucky Secretary of State. You will get the option “Search Business.” You can search your business by its name. As you get the result, you will be able to get the registered agent’s details from the list.

Where To Mail Registered Agent Forms In The State Of Kentucky?

In Kentucky, there is no separate form for the registered agent. Businesses have to appoint a registered agent and mail their details through the formation documents while registering their business. The formation documents need to be mailed to Michael G. Adams, Office of the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 718, Frankfort, KY 40602-0718.

If A Company Does Not Have A Registered Agent In Kentucky, Who Is Served?

If there is no registered agent for your company in Kentucky, then it must be informed to the Kentucky SOS. There might be a legal issue as having a registered agent is necessary for any company in Kentucky. If there is no registered agent, you might have to serve as a registered agent in Kentucky.

How To Serve A Deceased Registered Agent in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, if a registered agent dies, all the powers get terminated. It is mandatory to have a registered agent in Kentucky. Hence, the company must appoint/change another registered agent. Meanwhile, a manager or an officer of the company or the owner can serve as a registered agent.

How To Hide Registered Agent Name From SOS Kentucky?

In Kentucky, there are some rules for registering your business. If you go to the Kentucky Secretary of State, you would know if you can hide your registered agent’s name or not from being seen on the public platform. If you have an Anonymous LLC, then you can hide a member’s name.

Who To Call To Identify Registered Agent Information In Kentucky?

In Kentucky, to get the registered agent information, you must call the Secretary of State’s office. The official timing is from 8 am to 5 pm. Call on this number 502-564-3490 to connect to the executive. Follow the caller’s instructions to get the information.

What Is Registered Agent’S Consent In Kentucky?

The consent from a registered agent in Kentucky is an acceptance from the person that he/she will serve as a registered agent. In Kentucky, the newly appointed person has to submit his/her consent before starting the service process.

What Is The Difference Between Registered Agent And Resident Agent In Kentucky?

A registered agent and a resident agent are the same designations in Kentucky. In some states, the term resident agent is used, while in most states, the term registered agent is used. The designation, process of appointing, and process of registration are the same in all states.

What Happens If The Registered Agent Does Not Give A Consent In Kentucky?

In Kentucky, if the registered agent does not give their consent, then the company might have to serve a legal penalty for presenting a false statement. On the other hand, the registered agent can deny any duty assigned as a registered agent.

Can An LLC Be Sued If There Is No Registered Agent In Kentucky?

If there is no registered agent in Kentucky, that does not mean the company cannot be legally sued. It is just that there is no agent representing the company and to receive the legal notice. But the suit will take place, and there will be a different way to send the notice.

How To Reject The Registered Agent’s Designation In Kentucky?

In Kentucky, if a registered agent wants to reject the designation, then they have to submit the application of rejection. All they have to do is sign the rejection statement and send it to the Kentucky Secretary of State. It is similar to acceptance of the designation.

How to Remove a Registered Agent for LLC in Kentucky

A registered agent for LLC in Kentucky can be removed by submitting a Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent with the Kentucky Secretary of State with a filing fee of $10.

First and foremost, it is important to review the operating agreement of your LLC. The operating agreement typically outlines the process for changing or removing a registered agent. If the operating agreement does not provide specific instructions, then you will need to follow the guidelines set forth in Kentucky state law.

According to Kentucky law, to remove a registered agent for an LLC, a formal notice must be submitted to the Kentucky Secretary of State. This notice should include the name of the LLC, the name of the registered agent being removed, and the effective date of the removal. Additionally, the notice must be signed by an authorized member or manager of the LLC.

It is crucial to make sure that the new registered agent has been designated before submitting the notice of removal. Failure to have a new registered agent in place could result in negative consequences for the LLC, including potential legal and financial issues.

Once the notice of removal has been submitted to the Kentucky Secretary of State, the LLC should update its records to reflect the change in registered agents. This includes updating any internal documents, as well as informing any relevant parties of the switch.

It is worth noting that if the registered agent being removed is also a member or manager of the LLC, additional steps may need to be taken. In this situation, the individual being removed may need to formally resign from their role within the LLC, in addition to being removed as the registered agent.

Overall, the process of removing a registered agent for an LLC in Kentucky requires attention to detail and adherence to the necessary procedures. By following the proper steps outlined in state law and any relevant operating agreements, the transition can be completed smoothly and without causing any disruptions to the LLC’s operations.

In conclusion, it is essential to thoroughly review the guidelines for removing a registered agent in an LLC to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations. Taking the necessary steps to properly remove a registered agent will help maintain the integrity of the LLC and avoid any potential issues down the road.

In Conclusion

Before you choose a registered agent for your Kentucky LLC, compare their price and services from the table. They will be responsible for all your documentation, filings, and other LLC-related tasks. Hence, choose the best one for your business that provides 100% accurate service at a reasonable price.

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