Kentucky Business license: a guide for entrepreneurs

Planning to start a business in Kentucky? As part of the start-up procedure, you may need to get one or more state licenses or permits. As well as complete one or more types of state registration. Here's a quick rundown of some of the most important informational resources and some of the steps you might need to take.

Obtain one or more business licenses

Not every business needs a license in Kentucky. Furthermore, Kentucky does not have a state-issued general Kentucky business license. Many sorts of businesses, on the other hand, can or must obtain one or more licenses or permits. All of these are commonly referred to as "occupational" in Kentucky. This includes both business-related certificates. Those are sometimes known as regulatory licenses and permits, as well as professional qualifications.

Regulatory licenses and permits may cover a variety of topics, including specific types of commercial services, the selling of specific items, health and safety, and the environment. Different state authorities issue various licenses and permissions. Check the Occupational Licenses/Permits area of the Kentucky OneStop Business Portal for assistance in determining which regulatory licenses and permits may apply to your specific business.

Some certificates, in addition to state ones, may be issued locally. The regulations differ according to the city or county in question. The city of Lexington, for example, has its own set of criteria for company qualifications. Check the websites for the city and county where you'll be doing business for further information. State or federal law may exempt some enterprises from municipal licensing requirements.

If you want to do business in Kentucky and you only have a foreign LLC, you must register with the Kentucky Secretary of State. When registering, you need to file a Certificate of Authority. You can apply online or by mail. The filing fee is $90.

File records for your business form

Law requires to file records with the state in addition to obtaining required licenses or permits for some legal types of companies, such as corporations and limited liability companies. Corporations, limited liability companies, and certain other forms of businesses, in particular, must submit organizational paperwork with the Kentucky Secretary of State.

Obtain a certificate of professional licensing

You must be certified by the state of Kentucky if you are a member of one of numerous professions or occupations. You can find many, but not all, of these professions and vocations, listed in the Kentucky OneStop Business Portal's Occupational Licenses/Permits section. More information about licensing requirements by visiting the board or agency's website. You'll have to conduct a separate Internet search for licensing information for professions that aren't on the list, such as physicians and attorneys.

Register a trade name

Many small firms don't just operate under their founders' names. Instead, they work under a company name. Furthermore, some entities, such as corporations and limited liability companies, may register with the state under one name, but later choose to operate under a different one. This alternate name may be referred to as an assumed, fictitious, trade name, or a DBA, depending on where you do business and how your firm is established. Most companies in Kentucky that plan to operate under a fictitious name must register with the SOS. This includes any corporation, limited liability company, or partnership.

Register a trademark

Trademarks, service marks, and trade names all have their own legal definitions. We use those to distinguish products, services, or a company. It helps to include them from the competition. The state can register trademarks and service marks. This is not the same as federal registration. More information is available on the SOS website under the Trademarks and Service Marks section.