Please note: Some of the links on this page may resolve to non-governmental agencies. The information on these pages is not controlled by the Office of the Secretary of State or the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
How current are your records on the internet?
What does "inactive" on a name search mean?
How can I get a photocopy of documents that are not imaged and available on the internet? What is the cost?
How do I request a certified copy of a document filed with the Division of Corporations? What is the fee?
Where do I apply for a Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)?
Can I get a list of newly formed businesses on a regular basis?
Does a corporation file their bylaws with the Secretary of State?
What is an "S" or a "C" corporation?
Can I obtain a Business License from the Office of the Secretary of State?
Where do I purchase a Corporate Kit, Stock Certificates, and Corporate Seal?
Can I find out if there are any complaints filed against a business?
Can I request a Certificate of Existence or Certified copies by fax?
What is the turnaround time for requests?
Does the Secretary of State keep financial records for corporations?
Can I obtain ownership from your office?
What is an Apostille/Authentication?
Can I have my documents from Vital Statistics sent directly to the Office of the Secretary of State to get an Apostille or Authentication?
Do sole proprietors file in the Corporate Division?
When ordering a certificate online, what is meant by "enter entity or jurisdiction for which this certificate is being created"?
Can I obtain a Certificate of Existence (i.e. "Good Standing") online?
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How current are your records on the internet?
Our records on the internet are instantaneously updated as they are added to the database by the Division. There is no delay between when a record is added and when it is available on the internet.
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What does "inactive" status on a name search mean?
Names with "inactive" status have either a "good standing" or a "bad standing." A company with an "inactive and bad standing" means that the company didn't file an annual report for the year, or the registered agent has resigned, and a new agent hasn't been appointed. If this is the case, then the State will administratively dissolve the corporation. A company with an "inactive status and good standing" means (1) the corporation filed articles of dissolution and is left in good standing; (2) the corporation changed their name; or (3) the corporation has merged into another corporation.
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How can I get a photocopy of documents that are not imaged and available on the internet? What is the cost?
Photocopies of documents that are not imaged and not available from the internet are available from the Division of Corporations. Photocopies are $1.00 minimum up to 10 pages, and then $.10 per page. If you would like your copy faxed, the cost is $5.00. Anything over $2.00 can be called-in and paid for with a credit card or by prepaid account. Please make your check payable to Kentucky State Treasurer and mail to:
Office of the Secretary of State
PO Box 718
Frankfort, KY 40602
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How do I request a certified copy of a document filed with the Division of Corporations? What is the fee?
A certified copy of a corporate document is $5.00 to certify plus $5.00 for the first five pages and $.50 per page thereafter. Please make your check payable to Kentucky State Treasurer and mail to:
Office of the Secretary of State
PO Box 718
Frankfort, KY 40602
You can also pay with a credit card.
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Where do I apply for a Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)?
Federal Employer Identification Numbers are issued by the IRS. You can go to the IRS website for more information: www.irs.ustreas.gov. The Corporate Division of the Office of the Secretary of State does not issue or maintain records of FEINs.
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Can I get a list of newly formed businesses on a regular basis?
Yes, please visit the bulk data service page (http://www.sos.ky.gov/business/bulkdata/) where you’ll find data updated daily, weekly, and monthly with many new services regarding searchability. For more information including how to subscribe to the service and what fees may apply, please see the link to this exciting new service provided above.
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Does a corporation file their bylaws with the Secretary of State?
No; bylaws are maintained by the corporation.
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What is an "S" or a "C" corporation?
The "S" or "C," in this instance, refer to the federal tax laws that are applicable to a particular corporation. The Secretary of State does not have information on whether a corporation is an "S" or "C." These questions should be referred to the IRS at www.irs.ustreas.gov.
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Can I obtain a Business License from the Office of the Secretary of State?
The Secretary of State does not issue any licenses. For further information, contact the Business Clearing House at 1-800-626-2250.
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Where do I purchase a Corporate Kit, Stock Certificates, and Corporate Seal?
Corporate Kits, Stock Certificates, and Corporate Seals are NOT available from the Division of Corporations. Business form suppliers and corporate service companies sell these items. You will need to contact them directly.
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Can I find out if there are any complaints filed against a business?
The Division of Corporations acts as a ministerial filing office only. We do not track pending law suits, complaints, or reputation in the business community for individual corporations. You will need to contact the Office of the Attorney General at (502) 696-5300 for complaints.
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Can I request a Certificate of Existence or Certified copies by fax?
Certificates of Existence and Certified copies can be requested by fax only if they will be paid with a credit card or prepaid account. Please do not list your credt card number on the request; someone from the Corporate Division will be in contact with you when your order is ready.
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What is the turnaround time for requests?
Requests are processed within three (3) business days.
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Does the Secretary of State keep financial records for corporations?
No; the Office of the Secretary of State does not keep financial records.
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Can I obtain ownership from your office?
No; we only list current officers, directors for non-proft, and members/managers for Limited Liability Companies.
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What is an Apostille/Authentication?
Apostilles and Authentications are issued by a state government only for documents which have been signed by a county clerk or a deputy clerk signature that we have on file and the documents are going out of the Country.
Your documents must include the following:
1. Signed before a notary public.
2. Certified by the County clerks office
3. Certified by the Secretary of State
4. All seals and signatures must be originals.
5. Apostille and Authentication fees are $5.00 each
6. Birth and Death Certificates only need the original signatures of the State Registrar.
To obtain an Apostille/Authentication by mail you must send a cover letter with the following information:
1. Your name, mailing address and phone number.
2. What country your documents are going to.
3. Cost: $5.00 per document
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Can I have my documents from Vital Statistics sent directly to the Office of the Secretary of State to get an Apostille or Authentication?
Yes; you will need to ask them to messenger mail your document to us.
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Do sole proprietors file in the Corporate Division?
No; sole proprietors file only in their local county clerk's office.