Business License by State

Business License by State › Kentucky

Kentucky business license (2026)

General licenses are issued locally. The Kentucky Secretary of State says: “Review Kentucky local occupational license fee information by county and city”

  • State page read October 21, 2026
  • Quoted from the state

Kentucky at a glance

State rule
General licenses are issued locally
Next step
Contact your city or county for the license; the state does not issue a general one.
Forming an LLC
$40 with the Kentucky Secretary of State
Best overall in Kentucky

Mainstay Filing

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

$199 / year, same at renewal

  • LLC formation, prepared and filed
  • Registered agent, all year
  • EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
  • Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
  • Compliance reminders and stored documents

Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.

Questions

Does Kentucky require a business license?

General licenses are issued locally. The Kentucky Secretary of State says: “Review Kentucky local occupational license fee information by county and city”

Who do I contact in Kentucky?

Kentucky Secretary of State (page linked below), your city or county clerk, and the Kentucky Secretary of State for forming the company.

Is a Kentucky LLC the same as a license?

No. Forming the LLC is a filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State, which charges $40. A license, where one applies, is a separate step.

Sources