[Objective] Comparing the effects of 16S rRNA gene with recA and groEL gene used in the classification and identification of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis and cremoris. [Methods] Eight L. lactis isolated from the traditional fermented milk have been classified by 16S rRNA gene, the recA and groEL genes of these strains were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the PCR products were sequenced, the phylogenetic trees were constructed including 16S rRNA gene and above-mentioned two housekeeping genes. [Results] Comparative analysis of genetic relationship of 16S rRNA gene and the recA, groEL genes, the recA and groEL genes possesses the superiority in classification and identification of L. lactis subsp. lactis and cremoris. [Conclusion] Distinction of L. lactis subsp. lactis and cremoris can be achieved by recA and groEL genes sequence analysis. Due to the fast, accurate and stable characteristics, which were more appropriate for differentiation of L. lactis subsp. lactis and cremoris at the levels of subspecies.