Start a Specific Business in Kentucky

Industry-by-industry guides to licenses, permits, startup costs and first steps for 32 kinds of Kentucky business.

New to this? Start with the Kentucky business formation guide, then come back for the specifics.

a Courier and Delivery BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Catering BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Junk Removal BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Handyman BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Bakery BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Towing BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Coffee Shop BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Lawn Care BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →an Electrician Business: DHBC License, 8,000 and 16,000 Hours, $1 Million Insurance and the $100, $200, $400 Biennial FeesLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Plumbing Business: DHBC Master $250 and Journeyman $60 Licenses, 80% and 75% Exam Marks and the Farmstead ExemptionLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →an HVAC Business: DHBC Master $250 and Journeyman $50 Licenses, $500,000 Liability and $300,000 Property Damage InsuranceLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Hair, Nail or Skin Salon: Board of Cosmetology Salon License $100, 1,500 Hours, the Plumbed Bowl Rule and the July 31 Even Year ExpiryLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Barber Shop: Board of Barbering Shop License $100, 1,500 Hours Plus Apprenticeship and the $50 Independent Contract Owner LicenseLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Massage Therapy Business: 600 Hour License, $200 Biennial Fee, the Hands, Feet and Ears Exemption and 6% Sales TaxLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Tattoo Shop: Local Health Department Registration, $100 Artist, $400 Studio, Age 16 and 17 Consent and 6% Sales TaxLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Real Estate or Property Management Business: 6 College Credit Hours, $60 Plus $60 Fees, Mandatory E&O and the Wholesaling RuleLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →an Auction Business: Board of Auctioneers License, $125 Fees, June 30 Even Year Expiry, Horse Sales and Bourbon AuctionsLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Child Care Business: License at 4 Children, $10 Family Home Certification, $50 Centre Fee and the 2026 Microcenter LawLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Home Care Agency: Personal Services Agency Certification, $500 Initial, $350 Renewal and the Three Client ExclusionLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Home Health Agency: Certificate of Need Batch Reviews, the $500 License and Why Most Founders Hire a Lawyer FirstLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Taxi, Limo or Rideshare Business: Motor Carrier Certificate $250, $30 per Vehicle and 13 Certificate TypesLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Moving Company: Household Goods Certificate $250, $10 per Truck, Tariff Filing and 6% Sales Tax on MovingLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Trucking Company: KYU Number, 2.85 Cents per Mile Over 59,999 Pounds, Zero-Mile Quarterly Returns and the $500 Revocation FeeLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Used Car Dealership: Motor Vehicle Commission License $200, $250,000 and $500,000 Bond or Insurance and the Place of Business RuleLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Distillery: Class B Craft License $1,000, Class A $3,090, the 50,000 Gallon Line, Tasting Limits and the Barrel Tax Phase OutLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Brewery or Winery: Microbrewery License $520, 50,000 Barrel Cap, Small Farm Winery $110 and Self Distribution LimitsLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Cottage Food Business: Home-Based Processor Registration $50, the $60,000 Cap, Banned Foods and the July 15 2026 Online Sales ChangeLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →How to Open a Smoke or Vape Shop: New $500 ABC Retail License from July 1 2026, Product Confiscation from November 1 2026 and the Vapor Retailer ListLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →How to Become a Fishing or Hunting Guide or Outfitter: KDFWR License About $106, Outfitter Tiers, CPR and First Aid and Monthly ReportsLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →How to Open a Gym or Fitness Studio: Attorney General Health Spa Registration $100, Surety Bond up to $50,000 and 6% Tax on TrainingLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Horse Farm: Boarding and Training Exempt from Sales Tax, Stud Fees Taxed, the $1 Farm Name and Racing License FeesLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →a Wedding Barn or Farm Event Venue: Agritourism Liability Sign, Local Zoning, 6% Tax on Space Rental and Alcohol LicensesLicenses, permits and startup costs in KentuckyRead the guide →