Kentucky License Plate Lookup /Cancel Vehicle Registration Online

How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Kentucky in 2026

Kentucky does not provide an online system for vehicle registration cancellation. All cancellation requests must be processed in person at your county clerk's office or by submitting required documentation through the mail to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing maintains oversight of vehicle registration programs statewide, while county clerks serve as designated agents for transaction processing.

When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed

Terminating your vehicle registration may be required under various circumstances:

Transferring vehicle ownership through sale or donation
Moving your permanent residence to another state
Surrendering the vehicle to a salvage yard or scrap dealer
The vehicle remains stolen and has not been recovered
An insurance carrier has determined the vehicle is a total loss
Placing the vehicle in long-term storage with no intention to operate it
Terminating insurance coverage without plans to drive the vehicle on public roads
The registered owner has passed away, and the estate requires settlement

Processing Registration Cancellation

Kentucky offers two primary methods for completing vehicle registration cancellation: in-person transactions at county clerk offices or mail submission to the state Transportation Cabinet.

In-Person Processing at County Clerk's Office

Vehicle owners may visit any Kentucky county clerk's office during regular business hours to process cancellation requests. County clerks process cancellation transactions immediately and transmit records to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for database updates.

Required Items:

Valid government-issued identification
Current vehicle registration card or renewal notice
Completed cancellation request form as directed by the clerk staff
Official receipt confirming transaction completion

The license plate remains with the owner when a vehicle is sold or transferred before the expiration of its registration. For cancelled or expired registrations, the license plate must be surrendered to the county clerk's office, except for personalized plates. The owner can then transfer the plate to another vehicle they own of the same class.

Mail Submission to Transportation Cabinet

Registration cancellation may also be completed by mailing the required documentation directly to the state motor vehicle agency.

Materials to Submit:

Written cancellation request identifying the vehicle by VIN and registration number
Copy of current registration documentation
Detailed explanation of the reason requiring cancellation

Mailing Address:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing
200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622

The Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing reviews submitted materials, processes the cancellation, and provides written confirmation to the vehicle owner.

Petition for Refund of Registration Fees

Kentucky statute provides for refunds of registration fees when specific qualifying conditions are met. Vehicle owners who cancel registration before the expiration date may be eligible for partial refunds.

Refund Eligibility

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet evaluates refund requests for:

Miscalculated registration fees, resulting in overpayment
Unused registration fees when cancellation occurs mid-period
Duplicate fee payments made for identical registration periods
Special circumstances where fees were improperly assessed or collected

Important Limitation: Kentucky law under KRS 186.056 specifies that registration fee refunds are prorated based on full months remaining in the registration period. Property taxes and county clerk fees are not subject to refund under state statute.

Refund Application Procedure

Step 1: Complete Refund Application

Obtain a refund application from your county clerk's office, or contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing to request the appropriate form. The application requires vehicle identification details, registration period information, and justification for the refund request.

Step 2: Assemble Supporting Documentation

Prepare all materials substantiating your refund claim:

Original vehicle registration receipt showing fees paid
Bill of sale or transfer documentation if ownership changed
Insurance policy cancellation confirmation if relevant
Written statement detailing the circumstances requiring the refund

Step 3: File Application with County Clerk

Submit your completed application with supporting materials to your county clerk's office. The clerk reviews the submission for completeness and forwards it to the Transportation Cabinet for final determination.

Step 4: Cabinet Review and Processing

The Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing evaluates each refund application against statutory requirements and administrative procedures. Approved refunds are calculated on a prorated basis for complete months remaining and issued through the state warrant system. Processing time depends on application volume and documentation completeness.

Governing Laws and Regulations

Vehicle registration cancellation procedures in Kentucky are governed by state statutes and administrative regulations:

KRS 186.056 details the refund of a portion of extra weight fees when ownership and use of the vehicle are changed, and the refund or credit when use is permanently discontinued.
KRS 186.020 establishes the process and requirements for motor vehicle registration and renewal
KRS 304.39-080 establishes mandatory motor vehicle liability insurance requirements

Government Agencies

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing
200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone: (502) 564-1257
Official Website: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

County Clerk Offices

Vehicle registration cancellation is processed through county clerk offices throughout Kentucky, serving as official agents of the Transportation Cabinet. The following offices serve Kentucky's largest population centers:

Jefferson County Clerk
527 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 574-5700
Official Website: Jefferson County Clerk

Fayette County Clerk
162 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 253-3344
Official Website: Fayette County Clerk

Kenton County Clerk
1840 Simon Kenton Way, Covington, KY 41011
Phone: (859) 392-1652
Official Website: Kenton County Clerk

Boone County Clerk
2950 Washington Square, Burlington, KY 41005
Phone: (859) 334-2108
Official Website: Boone County Clerk

Warren County Clerk
429 East 10th Avenue, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: (270) 843-5306
Official Website: Warren County Clerk

Hardin County Clerk
150 N Provident Way, Suite 103, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Phone: (270) 765-2171
Official Website: Hardin County Clerk

Daviess County Clerk
212 St. Ann Street, Owensboro, KY 42303
Phone: (270) 685-8434
Official Website: Daviess County Clerk

Campbell County Clerk
1098 Monmouth Street, Newport, KY 41071
Phone: (859) 292-3850
Official Website: Campbell County Clerk

Madison County Clerk
321 N. Madison Ave., Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4703
Official Website: Madison County Clerk

McCracken County Clerk
301 South 6th Street, Paducah, KY 42003
Phone: (270) 444-4700
Official Website: McCracken County Clerk