How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Kentucky?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Kentucky residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet oversees the state's vehicle registration system, while county clerks handle registration services and fee collection.
Kentucky Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Kentucky vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Kentucky Photo Identification: Current Kentucky driver's license or state-issued identification card
- Kentucky Certificate of Registration: Current vehicle registration or renewal notice
- Proof of Kentucky Insurance: Original (not copy) Kentucky liability insurance documentation with effective date within 45 days
- Valid Payment Method: Cash, check, money order, or credit card (accepted methods vary by county clerk office)
- County Residency: Registration must be renewed through county clerk office in county of legal residence
- Property Tax Payment: Annual vehicle property tax must be current and paid with registration renewal
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Birthday-Based Expiration: Kentucky vehicle registrations expire during the owner's birth month
- Annual Renewal Requirement: Vehicle license plates and decals must be renewed each year as required by Kentucky law
- No Grace Period: Kentucky provides no grace period; registrations expire on the last day of the birth month
- New Vehicle Registration: Kentucky residents must register newly acquired vehicles within timeframes established by Kentucky statutes
- New Resident Requirements: New Kentucky residents must register all owned vehicles and obtain Kentucky insurance within statutory timeframes
- Specialty Plate Changes: Effective 2025, specialty license plates now renew during owner's birth month rather than December
Kentucky Registration Renewal Schedule
Kentucky operates on a birthday-based renewal system where vehicle registrations expire according to the registered owner's birth month, as established by KRS 186A.035:
| Owner's Birth Month | Registration Expiration | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|
| January | January 31 | During January |
| February | February 28/29 | During February |
| March | March 31 | During March |
| April | April 30 | During April |
| May | May 31 | During May |
| June | June 30 | During June |
| July | July 31 | During July |
| August | August 31 | During August |
| September | September 30 | During September |
| October | October 31 | During October |
| November | November 30 | During November |
| December | December 31 | During December |
Special Registration Categories:
- Farm Vehicles: Owners may elect annual registration schedule of April 1 to March 31
- Historical Vehicles: Subject to specific renewal requirements under Kentucky statutes
- Specialty Plates: Most specialty plates now expire during owner's birth month (effective 2025)
- Commercial Vehicles: May follow different renewal schedules based on vehicle classification
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Kentucky in 2025
2025 Kentucky Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
Kentucky vehicle registration feesconsist of multiple components including base registration fees and annual property taxes:
| Vehicle Type | Base Registration Fee | Additional Components |
|---|---|---|
| Standard motor vehicle | $21.00 | Property tax + county clerk fees |
| Motor vehicle (10,000 lbs or greater) | Varies by weight | Property tax + county clerk fees |
| Motorcycle | $15.00 | Property tax + county clerk fees |
| Farm vehicle | $15.00 | Property tax + county clerk fees |
| Historical motor vehicle | Reduced rate | Property tax (state only) + county clerk fees |
Mandatory Processing Fees
All Kentucky vehicle registrations include county clerk processing fees:
| Fee Component | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| County clerk fee | $6.00 | Administrative processing fee |
| Registration processing | Varies by county | County-specific service charges |
| Lien filing fee | $22.00 | When security interest exists |
| VIN inspection fee | $15.00 | Required for out-of-state vehicles |
Vehicle Property Tax
Kentucky requires annual vehicle property tax payment with registration renewal:
| Property Tax Component | Tax Rate | Assessment Method |
|---|---|---|
| State motor vehicle tax (non-historic) | $0.45 per $100 of value | Based on fair cash value |
| State motor vehicle tax (historic) | $0.25 per $100 of value | Historic vehicle classification |
| Local property tax | Varies by jurisdiction | County and municipal rates apply |
Motor Vehicle Usage Tax
Kentucky imposes a one-time usage tax on vehicles registered for the first time:
| Tax Component | Rate | When Applied |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle usage tax | 6% of retail price | First-time Kentucky registration |
| Out-of-state credit | Varies | Credit for taxes paid in previous state |
| Trade-in allowance | Reduces taxable amount | Applied to purchase price calculation |
Title and Transfer Fees
| Service Type | Fee Amount | When Required |
|---|---|---|
| Title application | $9.00 | New titles and ownership transfers |
| Duplicate title | $9.00 | Replacement of lost or damaged titles |
| Lien notation | $22.00 | Security interest filing |
| Registration reinstatement | $40.00 | Cancelled registration restoration (effective 2024) |
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Kentucky
Online Renewal Availability
Online registration renewal is available statewide through the Kentucky Vehicle Registration Renewal Portal. The system operates 24/7 and provides secure processing of renewal transactions for eligible vehicles.
Kentucky Online Renewal System
The official Kentucky online renewal system serves all counties and provides comprehensive renewal services including registration renewal, property tax payment, and electronic delivery of renewed registrations.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm online renewal eligibility by ensuring:
- Vehicle appears on the list of eligible plates for online renewal
- Vehicle registration has not expired
- Vehicle is not a leased vehicle (leased vehicles cannot renew online)
- Owner has no overdue property taxes on any vehicles
- Vehicle has been insured with same insurance company for at least 45 days for database verification
- Vehicle is registered in same county as owner's current residence
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Collect the following documentation and information:
- Title number from Kentucky certificate of registration
- License plate number
- Valid debit or credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa)
- Current Kentucky insurance information for verification
- Updated address information if different from registration records
Step 3: Complete Application
Access the Kentucky online renewal portal:
- Visit Kentucky Vehicle Registration Renewal page
- Enter title number and license plate number for vehicle identification
- Verify displayed vehicle and owner information for accuracy
- Confirm insurance information through automated database verification
- Review calculated fees including registration, property tax, and service charges
- Select payment method and complete secure electronic payment transaction
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
Upon successful completion:
- Print confirmation receipt for immediate proof of renewal
- Allow 5-7 working days for processing and mailing of renewed registration
- New registration and current year decal mailed to address on file with county clerk
- Registration renewal effective immediately upon successful payment processing
- Contact county clerk office if renewal materials are not received within expected timeframe
Online Renewal Fees and Processing
Service Fees:
- Online renewal service fee: Percentage of transaction total (non-refundable)
- Mailing fee: $2.00 per vehicle
- Credit card processing fees may apply based on payment method
Processing Timeline: Online renewals are processed within 5-7 working days, with renewed registrations mailed to the address on file with the county clerk.
Alternative Renewal Methods
In-Person County Clerk Renewal
Visit your county of residence clerk's office:
- Locate county clerk office using the Kentucky County Clerks directory
- Bring Kentucky photo identification
- Present current Kentucky certificate of registration
- Provide original proof of Kentucky insurance with effective date within 45 days
- Submit payment for all applicable fees and property taxes
- Receive immediate registration renewal and current year decal
Mail-In Renewal
Submit renewal by mail to county clerk's office (where available):
- Include renewal notice or postcard if received
- Provide copy of current Kentucky insurance
- Submit payment via check, money order, or cashier's check
- Allow additional processing time for postal delivery
- $2.00 mailing fee applies for return processing
- Contact county clerk office to confirm mail-in renewal availability
Sheriff Inspection Requirements
Vehicles brought into Kentucky from another state require:
- Sheriff's inspection before initial registration
- VIN verification and vehicle identification
- Completion of required inspection documentation
- $15.00 VIN inspection fee
Contact Information
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone: (502) 564-4890
Website: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Motor Carriers, Vehicle Services, and Driver Services
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone: (502) 564-1257
Services: Vehicle registration oversight, policy guidance, system support
Website: Drive KY
