Updated on July 18, 2021
In Kentucky, you can’t register a vehicle without car insurance. If you dropped your auto insurance after getting tags, your registration will be canceled if you don’t get a policy or show proof of coverage. In addition to revoking your vehicle tags, you can get fined for up to $1,000 and/or spend 90 days in jail. You must carry minimum liability coverage insurance.

For seasonal vehicles like motorcycles and RVs who are accustomed to cancel insurance coverage during specific months, make sure you turn in your license plates to the County’s Clerk office before canceling insurance so as to not get penalties. When you’re ready to drive your motorbike or other seasonal rides like vehicles with historic plates, get insurance coverage again and show proof to County Clerk. 

If you just moved to Kentucky, make sure you register your vehicle within 15 days. If you’re going to college in Kentucky, you can keep your home-state tags and auto insurance as long as you keep your Kentucky college ID.

Kentucky Vehicle Registration Renewal Guide

How to Renew a Vehicle Registration in Kentucky

The Kentucky DMV will send out a notice when your vehicle registration is about to expire. This notice will contain important information about your registration, including the VIN number of your vehicle, your name and address, the expiration date, and the renewal fee.

If you do not receive or have lost your notice, you will need to contact your local county clerk’s office to request a new one.

Kentucky allows you to renew your registration either by mail, online, or in person. If you have your current address on file with the DMV, own your vehicle, and have proof of car insurance on file you will be able to register online.

Kentucky Online Registration Renewal Fees

You will also need the following information when using the online registration system:

• License plate number.
• Email address.
• Vehicle title number.
• Phone number.
• Credit card: you may only use a Visa or MasterCard to pay online

There is an additional $5 fee for renewing your registration online.

In order to renew your registration in person or by mail you will need to provide your certificate of registration, proof of insurance, and your payment. Payment can be made by a check or money order through the mail. If registering in person you can use cash, check, money order, or a Visa or MasterCard.

If you have lost your vehicle registration, or perhaps it accidentally got damaged beyond recognition, don’t fret. You can easily get a replacement registration from the State of Kentucky.

The same goes for your license plates. If your plates have been lost or stolen, the County Clerk’s office is the place to go to get replacement license plates.

This guide will tell you how to obtain a replacement car registration, replacement license plates or a decal in Kentucky.

How to Get Replacement/Duplicate Registration In Kentucky

In Kentucky, vehicle registrations are handled by the County Clerk’s office. If you need a replacement registration you can apply for one either in person or by mail.

Replacing Your Kentucky Car Registration In Person

Head to your local County Clerk and fill out the Affidavit for Replacement form (TC96-167). Check the box for a Certificate of Registration and indicate why you need one.

You will have to sign the form in front of a notary, which the clerk’s office can provide.

Please note, if your vehicle is leased, the leasing company must provide a notarized signature on the form.

You must present proof of valid and current Kentucky liability insurance before you will receive a replacement registration.

Replacing Your Kentucky Vehicle Registration By Mail

You can also apply for a replacement registration by mail. Simply mail your notarized application and a copy of your proof of insurance to:

Be sure to include a check or money order for the fee and your replacement certificate will be mailed within 3-4 business days.

Fees for a Replacement Registration In Kentucky

The fee to for a replacement registration certificate is $3.00. To use the notary services of the County Clerk’s office, there is an additional $3 charge.

How to Replace Lost, Stolen or Damaged Kentucky License Plates

If your license plates have been lost, damaged, or stolen, the County Clerk can issue you new standard plates right away, as long as they are not personalized.

If your plates are personalized, you will receive a standard plate until your personalized replacements are ready.

Replacing Your KY DMV Vehicle Registration In Person

At the County Clerk’s office, complete the Affidavit for Replacement form (TC96-167). Check the box for Registration Plate and sign the document in front of notary at the Clerk’s office (if you haven’t had it notarized already).

Please note, if your vehicle is leased, the leasing company must provide a notarized signature on the form.

You will need the following documents to receive replacement plates:

• Your registration certificate (original, no copies).
• Proof of current and valid Kentucky liability insurance.

Replacing Your Kentucky Vehicle Registration By Mail

You can also get replacement plates by mail.

You will need to send your notarized application form and a copy of your proof of insurance to:

Your replacement plates will be mailed within 3-4 business days.

Fees for Replacement Kentucky License Plates

Replacements plates cost $6.00 and there is a $3.00 additional fee to have your application notarized by the County Clerk’s office.

Please note, if your Kentucky license plates have been stolen, be sure to report the theft to the police to avoid any further identity theft problems.

How to Replace a Kentucky License Plate Decal

If you need a replacement license plate decal, you can apply for one in person at the County Clerk’s office.

Replacing a KY License Plate Sticker In Person

To obtain a new decal, fill out the Affidavit for Replacement form (TC96-167). Check the box for a decal. Make sure you sign the form in front of a notary.

Please note, if your vehicle is leased, the leasing company must provide a notarized signature on the form.

You will have to present your current registration and proof of insurance to receive a new decal.

Fees for a Replacement Plate Sticker In Kentucky

Replacement decals are $3.00, and if you use the notary services of the County Clerk’s office, there is an additional $3 charge.

Driving without your registration certificate, license plates or license plate decal is against the law. If you get caught, you’ll be facing fines far in excess of the few dollars it costs to get them replaced.

If any of your vehicle registration items are lost, stolen or damaged be sure to have them replaced as soon as possible.