Wholesale Drug Distributors in Kentucky

All entities engaged in wholesale distribution of prescription drugs in Kentucky must obtain a license from the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy before operating. This includes resident distributors, out-of-state distributors shipping into the state, third-party logistics providers, and virtual wholesale distributors. Each facility requires a separate license regardless of shared ownership, and all distributors must comply with both state requirements under KRS Chapter 315 and federal DSCSA track-and-trace mandates.

The Kentucky Board of Pharmacy (KYBOP) regulates wholesale drug distribution in the state under KRS Chapter 315, the Kentucky pharmacy practice act. Specific wholesale distributor licensing provisions are codified in KRS 315.350, KRS 315.402, and KRS 315.406. Administrative regulations governing wholesaler operations are found in 201 KAR 2:105 (operational requirements) and 201 KAR 2:050 (licenses, permits, and fees). Third-party logistics providers are licensed separately under KRS 315.4102 and 201 KAR 2:390.

The following entity types require a Kentucky wholesale drug distributor license:

Each facility location requires a separate license. Licenses are nontransferable — changes in name, ownership, or location trigger a new license requirement. Changes must be reported to the Board within 10 days.

1. Create an account in the Licensure Gateway Portal at pharmacy.ky.gov

2. Complete the Wholesaler Initial Application online, including all required fields