Kentucky Vehicle Registration Renewal

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The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing oversees the registration renewal. You’ll need to complete a registration renewal if you are planning to continue legally driving.

The process doesn’t take long if you follow the steps included in this guide.  You’ll need to have your registration renewal notice readily available as you go through the process.

You should receive a renewal notice about 45 days before your vehicle’s expiration.

The renewal notice covers your VIN, expiration date, driver information, and fees you’ll pay when renewing. You can check with your local DMV or clerk’s office about your renewal information if you didn’t get a notice.

You can renew your vehicle’s registration:

  • In-person
  • Online
  • By Mail

Failing to renew your car’s registration can result in penalties. Given your license isn’t suspended or you have other restrictions from completing it – use the sections below to complete the renewal steps.

Kentucky Car or Truck Registration Renewal: Step-by-Step

It’s your responsibility to get auto insurance when renewing your registration. The insurance should cover at least the bare minimum. Your information should be in the system but make a copy of our auto policy to bring with you just in case.

Here are the three ways to renew your registration:

Renewing In-Person

Rather handle business face-to-face? A trip to your local DMV shouldn’t take long.

Here is what you’ll do when renewing in person:

  1. Find and visit a KY DMV
  2. Provide your information:
    1. Driver’s license or ID
    2. Renewal notice and current registration
  3. Show (original) proof of insurance
  4. Pay the $25 standard renewal fees
    1. Motorcycle: $18.50
    2. Farm Vehicle: $31

You’ll get your plate sticker and registration after completing these steps.

Renewing Online

An online renewal is the easiest way to get things done – but, you can only renew if your information on file is correct, you don’t have unpaid taxes, and your registration is in your name and current. Those with personalized plates cannot renew online, either.

  1. Visit the Kentucky Renewal Portal
  2. Add or locate your plate number
  3. Add or locate your title number
  4. Verify the information
  5. Add your contact details
  6. Pay the $25 standard renewal fee(s)
    1. Plus: $2 extra processing fee

Print your receipt or save the confirmation email until you receive your new decals in the mail.

Renewing by Mail

Mail-in renewal is the same process as doing it in person:

  • Current registration
  • Proof of auto insurance
  • Pay your renewal and processing ($2) fee
    • Check or money order
    • Addressed to: KY State Treasurer

You’ll send these documents to a local county clerk and get decals in about a week after processing.

You’re All Set!

You’re done with the KY vehicle registration renewal.

Keep track of your expiration date by writing it on your calendar. Otherwise, keep an eye out for the next time a renewal notice comes your way. Forgoing renewal can land you in trouble with fines and penalties so don’t let this lapse!