Kentucky County DMV Locations | KentuckyLicensePlate.org

What Does DMV Stand for in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the Department of Motor Vehicles is a common name used in many states across the United States to describe the state agency responsible for vehicle registration, driver licensing, and other motor vehicle-related services. However, it’s important to note that the specific agency responsible for these services in Kentucky is officially called the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), specifically under its Division of Driver Licensing and Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing. The term DMV is widely recognized and often used informally to refer to the services provided by these divisions, even though Kentucky does not officially use the DMV designation as part of the agency’s name.

What is Required for Kentucky Car Registration?

To register a car in Kentucky, the following steps and documents are necessary:

New Residents: If you are a new resident in Kentucky, you must register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency.
Visit County Clerk’s Office: Locate and visit the County Clerk’s Office where you reside.
Bring Required Documents: Vehicle Title, Proof of Insurance, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspection, Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration (TC 96-182), and Odometer Disclosure Statement (TC 96-5):
Pay Registration Fees: Pay the applicable registration fees. Fees may vary based on the vehicle type, weight, and other factors.
Receive Registration: After completing the process and paying the fees, you will receive your vehicle registration.

How Much is Vehicle Registration in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, vehicle registration costs vary depending on the type and weight of your vehicle and the county in which you register. Here’s a breakdown of the fees involved:

For passenger cars: The registration fee is $21.
For motorcycles: The fee is $18.50.
Title fee: $9 for all vehicles.
Speed title fee: $25 if you opt for expedited processing.
VIN inspection fee: $5, required for out-of-state vehicles registered in Kentucky for the first time.
Usage tax: A 6% motor vehicle usage tax is levied upon the “retail price” of vehicles registered for the first time in Kentucky. This applies to both new and used cars.
Boat registration: Fees range from $10 for boats with electric motors to $65 for boats exceeding 40 ft in length.

Additionally, Kentucky imposes a usage tax of 6% on the total purchase price of the vehicle. There may also be other applicable county taxes and fees, which vary according to the county of residence. These additional costs can include motor vehicle renewal fees for plates or transfers and duplicate registration fees.

It’s important to note that these fees are subject to proration based on the month of purchase and registration. Therefore, the total amount for vehicle registration in Kentucky depends on the specific type and characteristics of the vehicle, as well as the county where it’s registered. The variation in fees by weight applies particularly to vehicles over 10,000lb, with specific fees determined by the vehicle’s weight class.

How to Get a Renewal Vehicle Registration in Kentucky?

To renew your vehicle registration in Kentucky, follow these steps:

Receive Renewal Notice: The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will mail you a renewal notice before your current registration expires.
Review Renewal Notice: Carefully review the renewal notice to check for specific instructions, fees, or requirements.
Online Renewal Option: Kentucky offers an online renewal option. Check if your renewal notice provides information on online renewal eligibility.
Visit the County Clerk’s Office (In-Person Renewal): If you are not renewing online, visit the County Clerk’s Office in the county where you reside.
Bring Renewal Notice: Bring the renewal notice received by mail.
Proof of Insurance: Provide valid proof of auto insurance.
Pay Renewal Fees: Pay the applicable renewal fees. Fees may vary based on vehicle type, weight, and other factors.
Receive Renewed Registration: After completing the process and paying the fees, you will receive your renewed vehicle registration.

What Do I Need to Get a Driver’s License in Kentucky?

To obtain a driver’s license in Kentucky, you will need:

Proof of Identity (One of the Following): Original or certified copy of a birth certificate, Valid U.S. passport or passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, and Certificate of Citizenship.
Social Security Number (One of the Following): Social Security card and W-2 form with applicant’s full name and Social Security number.
Proof of Kentucky Residency (Two Documents): Utility bill (water, gas, electric) issued within the last 60 days, Rental agreement or lease, Mortgage statement, and Employment verification.
Proof of Legal Presence in the U.S. (If not a U.S. citizen): Valid U.S. visa, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), and Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Proof of Name Change (If Applicable): Marriage certificate, Divorce decree, and Court order for a legal name change.
High School Diploma or Equivalent (For Applicants Under 18): Proof of enrollment in school, if applicable.
Parental Consent (For Applicants Under 18): The parent or legal guardian must accompany the applicant to provide consent.
Completed Driver’s License Application Form: Obtain and complete the driver’s license application form available at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or the County Clerk’s Office.
Vision Test: A vision test will be conducted at the licensing office.
Written Test (For Learner’s Permit): If applying for a learner’s permit, you may need to pass a written knowledge test.
Applicable Fees: Bring payment for the required licensing fees. Payment methods may vary, so check with the licensing office.

Can I Get My Kentucky License Online?

For initial driver’s license applications or obtaining a driver’s license for the first time, you must apply at a Driver’s Licensing Regional Office, submit the required documents, and complete necessary tests such as the driving skills test. Online services are primarily for renewals and do not cover first-time license applications or conversions from out-of-state licenses.

How Do I Get a Replacement Driver’s License in Kentucky?

To replace a driver’s license in Kentucky, you’ll need to follow several important steps to ensure you properly obtain a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license:

Report Lost or Stolen License (Optional): It’s recommended to report a lost or stolen license to prevent identity theft, although this step is not explicitly mentioned in the provided resources.
Apply in Person: Visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office in Kentucky to apply for a replacement license. You can only replace a driver’s license online if it is recovered or stolen. When changing your name on a credential, you must apply for a replacement license within ten days of the name change.
Provide Necessary Documentation: Bring valid proof documents for identity verification. This may include your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of residency. If your name has changed, bring documentation verifying the change.
Pay the Replacement Fee: The replacement fee for a lost Kentucky driver’s license is $15. Make sure to have an acceptable method of payment ready at the time of your appointment.
Renewal Consideration: If your license will expire within the next six months, you’ll need to renew it instead of just replacing it. The renewal fee may differ from the replacement fee.

How Do I Get a Renewed Driver’s License in Kentucky?

To renew a driver’s license in Kentucky:

Renewal Notice: Wait for a renewal notice from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, typically sent before your current driver’s license expires.
Visit Circuit Court Clerk’s Office: Visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in your county.
Provide Identification: Present acceptable identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, original or certified copy of a birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization.
Proof of Social Security Number: Show proof of your Social Security number with a Social Security card, W-2 form, or another accepted document.
Proof of Kentucky Residency: Bring two documents proving your Kentucky residency, such as a utility bill, rental agreement, or mortgage statement.
Complete Application Form: Fill out the application form for a renewed driver’s license at the Clerk’s Office.
Vision Test: The Clerk’s Office may conduct a vision test.
Payment of Renewal Fee: Pay the applicable renewal fee. Payment methods may vary, so check with the Clerk’s Office.
Receive Temporary Document: After completing the process, you may receive a temporary document that serves as proof of driving privileges until the renewed license is mailed.
Receive Renewed License by Mail: The renewed driver’s license will be mailed to the address on file.

Kentucky Contact Information

Bellevue (Driver Licensing Office)

Address: 103 Landmark Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073

Phone: 502-564-1257