Kentucky lesson 3 of 6
File the Articles of Organization
The document that creates a Kentucky LLC is the Articles of Organization, filed with the Secretary of State for a $40 fee set directly in state law.
What the form asks for
The Articles cover the LLC's name, its registered agent and registered office, whether it will be member-managed or manager-managed, the principal office address, and the name and address of at least one organizer.
- A general purpose statement is enough; you do not need to itemize every planned activity
- You do not have to list every member's name in the Articles
- The organizer filing the document does not need to be an owner of the LLC
Fee and filing route
The state filing fee is $40 under KRS 275.055. You can file online through the Secretary of State's Fast Track system, which is generally the fastest route, or file by mail to the office in Frankfort.
After approval
Keep your certified copy of the Articles of Organization, since your registered agent, EIN application, and bank will all reference the same legal name and formation date. Kentucky does not require an operating agreement to be filed, but adopting one internally sets out ownership, management and profit-sharing instead of relying on the default rules in the Kentucky Limited Liability Company Act.
Key takeaways
- The Articles of Organization cost $40, filed with the Secretary of State.
- Online filing through Fast Track is generally faster than mailing to Frankfort.
- An operating agreement is not filed with the state but is worth adopting internally.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in Kentucky to form a Kentucky LLC?
No. There is no residency requirement for members or managers. Only the registered agent must meet Kentucky's residency or authorization rules.
Is an operating agreement required in Kentucky?
It is not filed with the Secretary of State, but it is the internal document that governs ownership, voting and distributions, and banks commonly ask to see one when you open an account.
Official sources
Or let us file your Kentucky LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization, act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team