Car Registration

Registering for the First Time

If you're registering your vehicle in Kentucky for the first time, your registration process will vary depending on whether you purchased your vehicle from a dealership or an individual.

If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will handle all paperwork for you and you'll be charged the applicable fees right there. If you purchased your vehicle from an individual, you'll need to take care of the registration and titling at your local County Clerk's office.

When you register your vehicle, you must show proof that you own the vehicle; you can do this by providing the vehicle's title.

Whether you purchased your vehicle from a dealership or individual, the fees will be the same:

• 6% usage tax

• Property taxes annually (the amount will be determined by the Property Valuation Administrator of your county)

• $21 to record any lien information

• $15 minimum for your license plate (special plates will cost more)

• $6 for your title (which can be handled at the same time you handle your registration)

Renewing Your Registration

The fee for renewing your registration will vary depending on a number of factors, including age of your car and county you live in. Annual renewal fees will include your vehicle property tax as well.

As the time gets closer for you to renew your registration, you'll receive a reminder notice in the mail. (This is only one reason why it is important to keep your address information current.)

Where to Renew

You have the option of renewing your registration in person, through the mail, or online.

If you choose to renew your registration in person at your County Clerk's office, you'll need to bring your current registration, proof of insurance, renewal notice, and fees.

If you choose to renew your registration through the mail, you'll need to send a copy of your current registration, renewal notice, proof of insurance, and fees to the County Clerk's office. You'll receive your new plate and/or decal in approximately seven days.

Renewing your registration online requires your Visa or Mastercard and an extra $5 convenience fee. You can't renew your registration online if:

• Your insurance company doesn't participate

• You are using a personalized or other special-issue license plate

• Your current address isn't the same as the address in the system

• Your registration is expired/past due

• Your vehicle is leased

Minimum Insurance Requirements

If you're driving in Kentucky, you must have liability insurance, as well as basic no-fault personal injury insurance coverage; otherwise, you risk being fined and losing your driver license and plates.

The minimum requirements for liability insurance are $10,000 for property damage and $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injuries. Driver may opt for the "single limit" plan which covers liability of $60,000. The no-fault personal injury insurance will pay up to $10,000, regardless of who caused the accident.

Out-of-State Issues

New residents must title and register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing Kentucky residency. When you head out to your County Clerk's office to register your vehicle, the documents you need to bring will vary depending on whether you own or lease your vehicle, and whether there are any liens on the vehicle.

Regardless of the situation, you'll need to take your license, certified inspection by the sheriff's office of your new county and/or original title, and proof of insurance. You'll also need to pay applicable fees and taxes.

If you're moving to Kentucky, you have the amount of time agreed upon by your former state to register your vehicle in Kentucky; however, you must purchase Kentucky license plates immediately upon establishing Kentucky residency.

The sales tax you paid for your vehicle in your former state may be eligible to be credited in Kentucky. If an out-of-state vehicle is subject to security interest, it can't be registered until the lien is recorded.

If you purchase a vehicle out-of-state, you can't register it prior to bringing it to Kentucky, unless you are military personnel.

Kentucky offers many online forms to help you with your registration and titling process.

Nonoperational Vehicles

Kentucky does not offer a special registration for vehicles that are nonoperational or that will be placed in storage for an indefinite period of time.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting Kentucky and are currently licensed in another country, you may drive in the state for up to one year.

However, be sure to also have an International Driver Permit, issued from your home country. The permit basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials. Carry both your license and permit with you whenever you're driving.

If you're interested in applying for a Kentucky license, the path you'll take differs according to a variety of factors, including your legal status and your home country. The state provides direction on the steps you'll need to take for your situation.

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