Your vehicle license plate/decal must be renewed each year. Renewal reminders will be mailed as a courtesy the month prior to the scheduled renewal month. It is your responsibility to renew your tag/decal during the correct renewal month, even if you do not receive a renewal reminder in the mail.
The following documents and information are required:
• Original certificate of registration
• Proof of current liability insurance (VIN number must match registration)
• Social Security number if individual, or federal tax ID number for companies
• Power of Attorney to renew leased vehicles if the current registration is not available
• If the original registration is not available, the current registered owner must sign a replacement affidavit and have their signature notarized. (TC 96-167)
• Payment of registration fees and personal property tax for current registration period
NOTES:
Usage Tax – Six percent (6%) motor vehicle usage tax is levied upon the “retail price” of vehicles registered for the first time in Kentucky. In the case of new vehicles, “retail price” is either 100% of the total consideration or 90% of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), including all additional equipment and transportation charges. Usage tax is determined by the information provided on the VTR regarding Total Consideration paid or by the MSRP of the vehicle. NOTE: Penalty provisions for any person who willfully and fraudulently gives a false statement as to the total and actual consideration paid for a motor vehicle shall be guilty of a Class D felony and shall be fined not less than $2,000 per offense.
The owners birth month determines the expiration date with the exception of the following:
MARCH expirations:
• Weighted Trucks
• Motor Homes
• Trailers
JULY expirations:
• Handicapped placards
DECEMBER expirations:
• personalized plates
• special plates [except Environmental & Child Victim which expire in birth month]
A vehicle may not be renewed sooner than the month before the month of expiration.
PROPERTY TAX
Every vehicle titled in Kentucky is assessed by the property valuation administrator as of January 1 of each year. The tax rate is set by each taxing jurisdiction (county, school board, fire protection, etc.). The tax liability for the year is placed on the owner of record for each vehicle as of January 1. Taxes are due upon renewal or registration change. If a vehicle is transferred prior to renewal, the owner of record as of January 1 is liable for the taxes for that vehicle.
BASIC REGISTRATION FEES
The following fees are based on a 12 month validity period for standard issue plates and does NOT include special or personalized plates.
Automobile: $15.00
Trucks (commercial/6000 LB): $15.00
Motorcycle: $12.00
Weighted Trucks & Trailers – fees determined by weight and type
MAIL-IN SERVICE
While vehicle renewals must be processed in the county of residence, they may be processed either in person at the County Clerk’s office or by mail. If renewals are processed by mail, simply mail the required documents with the appropriate fees including the $2 postage and handling fees to:
Courthouse
101 North Main Street, Suite A
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Your renewal will generally be returned to you within 2-3 days. NOTE: Expired registrations cannot be renewed by mail.
GENERAL INFORMATION – REMINDERS
You must keep either an original vehicle registration form (registration receipt) or a same-sized facsimile in your vehicle (motorcycles excepted) at all times. You may be asked to present this form by law enforcement officers at any time. Please note that your vehicle registration form is not your vehicle title. We do not recommend that you keep your original title in your vehicle under any circumstances.
You must carry proof of current liability insurance coverage in the vehicle at all times.