Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?

Yes. There are certain instances that will not let drivers renew car registrationin any part of the country, including state of Kentucky. These cases are generally as follows:

  • Your car registration was stolen, lost or damaged before you are eligible to renew.
  • There is an outstanding warrant against you.
  • You have a number of unpaid citations.

One thing to note is that Kentucky does not require vehicle inspections. Thus, you do not need to get your car checked in order to renew vehicle registration.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?

No, someone else cannot renew your car registration for you. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet asks drivers to take the time to renew car registration on their own. Given the sensitive information featured on the documents required for applying, this is the safest course. Fortunately, the department provides drivers with a number of ways to approach the application process, all of which make it convenient for a driver to obtain renewed documents quickly.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

Do boats need to be registered?

Yes, they do. If you live in the state of Kentucky, you must register any and all mechanically-powered vessels that are to be used on state waterways. However, there are certain exceptions to the rule. These exceptions include:

  • Lifeboats within your vessel.
  • Vessels that are registered in another state and that will be used in KY for less than 60 straight days.

As for where you must go to submit your boat registration forms, visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office. These locations manage all Kentucky vehicle registration documents.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Kentucky

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?

No, you do not. The state of Kentucky does not require that any driver submits a police report if their car registration was lost or stolen. Still, the Transportation Cabinet does recommend that you take the steps to protect your identity. If you are thinking of filing a report, the process is easy. All you have to do is find your nearest law enforcement department office and speak to an officer about the incident. They will provide you with any forms that must be filled out to complete the process.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?

The state of Kentucky is very different from the various other states in the country. This is because the KY Transportation Cabinet allows license plates to stay with their vehicles. Therefore, drivers are not required to go in person to return them, as is common in other parts of the country. Also, they need not send them back by mail. So when you are preparing to leave the state of Kentucky, this is one less step to worry about.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Kentucky

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?

If you need to obtain a Kentucky car registration replacement because your original documents are damaged, the Transportation Cabinet of the state does recommend that you turn in the original registration. It is an important document. Thus, you do not want the information featured on the registration to fall into the wrong hands. This is one surefire way to see that it never does. By giving your original KY Certificate of Registration to a worker at the Circuit Court Clerk s office, you ensure that it will be disposed of correctly.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?

Yes, it does. Motorized scooters and mopeds must be registered within the state of Kentucky. This process can be done at a local Circuit Court Clerk s office but not by mail, online or by phone. Simply go to an office and provide your vehicle title or a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, proof of auto insurance and payment for the applicable fees. Additionally, a moped license is required for a driver to operate the motorized vehicle.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Kentucky

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?

Unlike various other states in the country, Kentucky does not have a safety inspection requirement for its vehicle. Thus, drivers within the state do not have to worry about undergoing a smog inspection. However, this does not mean that their cars can go without any inspection at all. Every car within the state of Kentucky must have its vehicle identification number inspected by the appointed sheriff of the county where it will be registered. Only new cars managed by dealers are the exception.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Kentucky

How can I renew my vehicle registration?

Drivers in the state of Kentucky can perform car registration renewals in three ways:

  • Online
  • By mail
  • In person

Renew Car Registration Online

If you have standard issue passenger plates, you can follow the steps below to renew online:

  1. Visit the Kentucky Motor Vehicle Licensing system.
  2. Read the requirements for vehicle registration, including:
    • Leased vehicles cannot be renewed online.
    • The car must have auto insurance with a company that registered with the KY Office of Insurance.
  3. Follow the prompts and provide relevant personal and vehicle information.
  4. Pay the applicable fee with VISA or MasterCard.
    • A $5 convenience fee will be added for renewing online.

Renew Car Registration by Mail

Gather your current Certificate of Registration, proof of auto insurance and payment for the registration fees (check or money order payable to “KY State Treasurer”). Once you have all the required documents, mail them in an envelope to the Circuit Court Clerk s office in your county of residence.

By-mail car registration renewals come with a $2 convenience charge.

Renew Car Registration in Person

To renew in person, simply visit the Circuit Court Clerk s office in your county of residence and provide the following:

  • Certificate of Registration
  • Proof of auto insurance
  • Payment for the applicable fees

As for the acceptable payment methods, contact your local clerk s office for more information.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

How can I transfer my registration to another state?

If you are transferring a vehicle registration from one state to another, there is one thing you must keep in mind. This process will differ greatly from state to state. This applies to those moving to the state of Kentucky or from it. Therefore, the best way to prepare for a car registration transfer is to contact the DMV of the state to which you are moving. A representative will be able to provide you with the specific steps that you need to follow.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Kentucky

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?

The process to apply for handicap placards is simple. All a driver must do is fill out an Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit TC 96-204. In addition to providing necessary and accurate information, this form should be certified by a licensed physician and notarized. As for payment, parking placards are free of charge. On the other hand, if you want handicap license plates in Kentucky, you will have to pay the necessary fee and bring your current plates.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Kentucky

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?

If you are dealing with a lost or stolen car registration in Kentucky, you should take the steps necessary to file a police report with local law enforcement. Luckily, this is a simple and fairly quick process. All you have to do is visit your local police department and get in touch with an officer. Then explain your situation. Once you have done so, the officer in question will give you any forms that you need to fill out. Provide the necessary information and your report will be filed.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?

The process to obtain a Kentucky car registration replacement is not very difficult. Additionally, there are two methods by which it can be accomplished. You can either apply by mail or in person, but both at a nearby Circuit Court Clerk s office. When doing so, you will have to provide the following:

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

How do I obtain car registration?

In order to register car credentials in Kentucky, a driver must visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office. When he or she arrives at the office, the following documentation must be provided:

After providing the above documents, payment must be given for the auto registration certificate. Fees will vary based on a number of factors, including what other driving documents you require and the type of vehicle you own.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Kentucky

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?

Yes, there will be an additional fee. As with most other state departments, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issues penalties to drivers who choose not to renew car registration on time. If you are one of these drivers, you will incur a twenty-five percent penalty on the original renewal fee. This will be required at the time of your car registration renewal. So be sure to check your renewal notice for a specific date and keep tabs on when you need to submit your request.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?

No, there is not. If you have lost your license plate and it happened to be a personalized or special plate, then you must take the steps necessary to replace it. Like a standard registration plate, drivers are required to fill out a Kentucky Affidavit for Replacement or Non-Exchange TC 96-167 in its entirety. When doing so, be sure to mark that you are requesting a special plate.

The only difference between the process of requesting a standard plate and the process of applying for a personalized plate is the cost. Personalized license plates are the most expensive, but do vary in price depending on the type of plate.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?

Yes, you should. A Kentucky car registration certificate is one of the most important driving documents issued by the KY Transportation Cabinet. This certificate proves that your vehicle has been registered within the state and is thus legally accounted for. If you are ever pulled over by an officer of the law, he or she will ask that you provide this document to prove the status of the vehicle. If you cannot provide proof of auto registration, you will receive a significant fine.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Kentucky

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?

Replacing car registrationis not uncommon in the state of Kentucky. This is because there are a few different instances in which it is required. As for the instances themselves, you will need to replace car registration if any of the following situations occur:

  • Your currentregistration was damaged or destroyed.
  • Your current registration has been lost.
  • Your current registration has been stolen.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?

It is crucial to obtain vehicle registration in Kentucky, as it shows proof that your car is accounted for by the state. This process, as with other Transportation Cabinet procedures, involves fees. However, the specific fees that a driver must pay in order to obtain car registration documents vary based on a number of factors. These factors are:

  • Whether you need to transfer registration.
  • Whether you need to obtain car title.
  • If you need to get your vehicle inspected.
  • If you have a lien on your vehicle.

To find out what your specific fees will be, contact the Circuit Court Clerk s office.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Kentucky

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?

When applying for a car registration copy in Kentucky, you will be charged a fee. This is the same across the board in the DMVs of the United States. However, whereas other state DMVs have a set price for a duplicate car registration, Kentucky s charges vary based on the county in question. For example, the county of Jefferson charges $5 to notarize an Affidavit for Replacement or Non-Exchange TC 96-167 and issue a duplicate registration. On the other hand, Fayette County charges $6 for the same service. Additionally, Fayette countygives residents the option to get their forms notarized outside of the office and gives them a discount of $3 when they do so.

To find out what your fees are, contact your specific Circuit Court Clerk s office.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

What are the required fees to renew my registration?

If you are renewing car registration in Kentucky, you must pay a specific fee. The fee that you pay is determined by the KY Transportation Cabinet. Also, this cost will vary depending on the kind of vehicle you own and the method you use to apply. For the specific fees associated with getting a renewed registration document, check out the list below:

  • $21 for standard vehicles
  • $18.50 for motorcycles
  • $31 for farm vehicles
  • $5 convenience fee, if applying online
  • $2 convenience fee, if applying by mail

You can pay these fees by mail, online or in person at a local Circuit Court Clerk s office.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?

Drivers in the state of Kentucky must present certain documentation in order to obtain duplicate car registration. The good news is that the KY Transportation Cabinet does not require too many documents. First, you will need to show that you meet the minimum Kentucky car insurance standard with proof of coverage. Additionally, you will also have to present a completed Affidavit for Replacement or Non-Exchange TC 96-167, which must have a notarized signature. If you are planning on getting your signature notarized at the Circuit Court Clerk s office, then you will also have to provide a picture ID, such as a KY drivers license.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?

Drivers must provide a number of different documents when applying for auto registration in Kentucky. The documents range from applications that must be filled out to documents that prove personal information. For a list of all required documentation, look below:

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Kentucky

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?

When you are getting ready to renew car registration with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, you do not have to worry about gathering too many materials. The department only requires drivers to provide a select few pieces of documentation. They are:

  • Your current Certificate of Registration.
  • Current proof of auto insurance in Kentucky.

As long as you can provide these documents and payment, you will be able to apply for car registration renewal.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?

The amount of time that a driver should expect to wait for their renewed registration varies based on their application method. If they submitted a request online, the whole process will not take more than four or five days. Thus, the documents will arrive within the week. By-mail applicants, on the other hand, can expect their documents to arrive in five to seven working days. If you are waiting significantly longer than these specified periods, there is one way to find out what is going on with your Kentucky car registration renewal. Simply call the Circuit Court Clerk s office in your town of residence and ask a Transportation Cabinet worker.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

When does my car registration expire?

If you are wondering when your Kentucky car registration is set to expire, there are a few different ways that you can find out. First of all, KY car registration renewal notices feature this information so that it is easy for drivers to see. If you did not receive a notice or would like to know before the notification is sent out, it is recommended that you contact your assigned Circuit Court Clerk s office. Otherwise, the tabs on your license plate are can be read, as the decal features both the month and the year that they must be replaced by.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?

Every driver in the state of Kentucky needs to be familiar with the Circuit Court Clerk s Office. These are the locations wherein all of the important driving-related transactions take place. These transactions include the issuance, renewal and replacement of drivers licenses, ID cards, vehicle registrations and more. So when you need to perform the steps of one of these processes, make sure to locate your nearest office.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?

Yes, you will. One of the most important components in the process of applying for KY duplicate car registration is the form that every driver needs to fill out. The form is called the Affidavit for Replacement or Non-Exchange TC 96-167. The owner of the vehicle is required to sign this form and have their signature notarized. As to how this application can be submitted, it can be given in person at a nearby Circuit Court Clerk s office or sent in by mail to your local office.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?

Yes, you will. Any driver whose KY car registration is set to expire will receive a car registration renewal from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. These notices are very helpful when it comes time to renewing car registration credentials. To make the registration renewal process convenient for residents, these notices provide the following information:

It is important to keep in mind that drivers who do not receive a notice are still required to go through the same process. There are no exceptions.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?

When it comes to renewing car registration, one common question has to do with finding out the specific expiration date and whether or not it is a question of a certain day or month. Luckily, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet takes the guessing out of the equation. Vehicle registrations expire based on the birth month of the vehicle s owner.

If you need additional help with finding out the expiration date, there are a few ways to get your answer. First of all, the most recent tab on your license plate will say the number of the year and month when car registration renewal is due. Other than that, a registration renewal notice will be mailed to your home.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Kentucky