Registration Renewal in Kentucky

1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

Renew KY Registration

To drive legally in Kentucky, you must renew your registration annually and maintain uninterrupted car insurance. If you're in the market for a new carrier, you can compare rates from a variety of companies at our Insurance Center.

Scroll down to "Check Your Renewal Notice" and learn how to renew your registration.

Register a Vehicle in KY for the First Time

You must register with the state for the first time if you just purchased a new vehicle or recently relocated. To learn what to have and where to go, visit our car registration page.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

You do not have to alert the state when taking your vehicle off the road. When you're ready to drive it again, you must:

1. Have proof of insurance.
2. Have your vehicle's last registration certificate.
3. Be ready to pay all required fees.
4. Visit your County Clerk's office.

2) Check Your Renewal Notice

You should receive a renewal notice 15 days prior to the month your registration expires. If you do not receive one, call your County Clerk's office. Though your County Clerk does not issue the notices, he can quote you your fee and verify your address.

The renewal notice will include information about your vehicle, the registration's expiration date, and even your total taxes and fees due. It won't include information about emissions inspections, though, because the state stopped requiring those in 2005.

3) Calculate Your Fees

Your renewal notice will list your total fee. Contact your County Clerk's office if you do not receive one.

Many factors go into determining your registration fee, including age of vehicle and your county of residence. Just like insurance rates, you can expect to pay a higher registration fee for newer and pricier vehicles.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

You must pay a penalty on the vehicle property tax, not the registration fee, if you allow your registration to expire. For the first 30 days you must pay a fine of an additional 3% of your vehicle property tax. After 30 days, the penalty ups to 10%.

4) Renew Online, In Person or By Mail

Renew Online

To renew online, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your registration can't be expired or past due.

• Your current address must be the same address in the system.

• Your license plate can't be personalized or special-issue.

• Your insurance company must participate in online registration renewal, or your up-to-date insurance information must already be in the County Clerk's system.

• You must own, and not lease, your vehicle.

If you qualify, here's what to do:

1. Have your license plate and title numbers. You need both to log in.
2. Be able to pay the registration fee with either with Visa or MasterCard. You must also pay an additional $5 convenience fee.
3. Visit the state's online renewal page and follow the instructions.

In Person

1. Have your original registration certificate (a photocopy won't work). If you've misplaced it, you must submit a notarized Affidavit for Replacement.
2. Have proof of insurance.
3. Have your Social Security number.
4. Have the correct registration fee.
5. Head to your County Clerk's office to complete the process.

By Mail

1. Have your current registration certificate (not a copy). If you don't have it, you must submit a notarized Affidavit for Replacement.
2. Have proof of insurance.
3. Have your Social Security number.
4. Mail all the documents and payment to your County Clerk's office.

5) Affix Your Stickers

Upon receiving your sticker, affix it to the rear license plate. Included instructions will explain where exactly to apply it.

6) Get a Tax Deduction

You cannot claim the registration fee, but you can claim the vehicle property tax as a tax deduction. To learn more, you may want to consult a tax attorney.

7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

Being road-safe means more than driving cautiously. It also pertains to keeping your vehicle in tip-top running condition. Some of the means of doing this include changing the oil every 3,000 miles; rotating the tires in between replacement times; and taking your vehicle in for regular tune ups.

You can also protect yourself against surprise mechanical breakdowns when you subscribe with a roadside assistance program, purchase an after-market auto warranty, and take the time to find a mechanic you can trust.

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