Free Kentucky License Plate Lookup

Check Any KY License Plate Number and Get a Free Vehicle History

Are you considering buying a used car in Kentucky? It’s important to approach this process carefully, given the potential challenges you might encounter in the local market. Buyers in Kentucky often encounter issues such as discrepancies in odometer readings, undisclosed damages, and uncertainties surrounding the vehicle’s title history.

Obtaining accurate information about a vehicle can be quite tricky. It requires thorough searches across various platforms and databases to uncover crucial details about the car’s background, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. Without access to a comprehensive vehicle history upfront, there’s a risk of ending up with a car that has hidden problems or a questionable past.

Our license plate lookup service for Kentucky offers a solution by providing free and immediate access to a vehicle’s detailed history with just a few clicks. You’ll receive comprehensive information, including registration records, ownership history, accident reports, open recalls, and more. This empowers you to make informed decisions, avoid unexpected surprises, and save both time and money. Give our free Kentucky License Plate Search a try today to gather essential information before finalizing your purchase.

Below is the list of critical information you’ll receive from a VinCheck.info free KY license plate lookup:

• Vehicle specification: This includes details such as the make, model, year, and body style of the vehicle.
• Title information: Information about the vehicle’s title, including whether it’s a clean title or if it has been branded as salvaged, rebuilt, or has a salvage title.
• Accident history: Reports may include information about any accidents the vehicle has been involved in. This could include the severity of the accidents and whether there was any structural damage.
• Odometer readings: Reports typically show the history of recorded odometer readings. This can help identify potential odometer rollback fraud.
• Vehicle market value: This is the estimated current monetary value of a vehicle in the open market. It represents the price at which a vehicle is likely to be bought or sold based on various factors and conditions at a specific point in time.
• Lien and repossession records: Information on whether there are any outstanding liens on the vehicle or if it has been repossessed.
• Vehicle use: Data on whether the vehicle has been used for personal, commercial, or rental purposes.
• Recalls and defects: Reports may include information about any manufacturer recalls or known defects related to the vehicle.
• Theft records: Information about whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen.
• Title and registration history: Details about changes in ownership, title transfers, and the state where the vehicle was previously registered.

Kentucky Plate Serial Format:
ABC123

Want to contact the Kentucky DMV?

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Central Office
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622

Phone: (502) 564-4890

Kentucky DMV Vehicle Lookup and License Plate Search Services

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet provides various online services related to vehicle information, including a limited VIN search service. Other online services available include:

• Vehicle registration renewal
• Driver’s license renewal
• Applying for a new driver’s license or ID card
• Requesting a duplicate driver’s license or ID card
• Changing address on driver’s license or vehicle registration
• Paying driver’s license or vehicle registration fees
• Checking the status of driver’s license or vehicle registration application
• Ordering specialty or personalized license plates
• Scheduling appointments for driver’s license or vehicle registration services
• Submitting a Notice of Transfer of Ownership for vehicles
• Requesting a driving record

These services cover a range of needs related to vehicle ownership and driver documentation. For more detailed vehicle information and services, individuals can visit the official website of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing.

Kentucky License Plates, Decals, and Placards FAQs

What is a Kentucky License Plate?

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet oversees the issuance of license plates for vehicles in the state. Kentucky offers various types of plates, including standard plates, specialty plates, and personalized plates. Standard Kentucky license plates typically display the state’s name and may feature designs representing Kentucky’s culture or natural beauty. These plates are linked to the vehicle’s registered owner and require annual renewal with updated registration decals.

License Plate Sizes

Standard automobile and commercial license plates: 12″ x 6″ 

Motorcycle license plates: 7″ x 4″ 

Identification plates for trailers and other vehicle types: 12″ x 6″ or similar dimensions as per vehicle type.

License Plate Validity

Kentucky license plates are validated through the affixing of registration decals that indicate the expiration date of the vehicle’s registration. Normally, plates remain with the vehicle they are assigned to, but specialty or personalized plates can be transferred to another vehicle upon request and payment of applicable fees.

Kentucky Laws on License Plates

Kentucky has mandated license plates on vehicles for identification purposes. Most vehicles in Kentucky, including passenger cars, are required to have rear license plates. License plates are crucial for law enforcement to identify vehicles and their owners through the KYTC records. The rear plate must display a current registration decal to be considered valid.

If your Kentucky license plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, you must obtain replacements. This can be done by submitting an Application for Replacement License Plate and/or Decal (Form TC 96-167) at a Kentucky County Clerk’s office.

Transferring a Kentucky License Plate

To transfer a Kentucky license plate from one vehicle to another, here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Check eligibility: Both vehicles must be registered in Kentucky for you to transfer the license plate. Ensure that the license plate is in good standing, and the registration is current. Renew the registration if necessary before proceeding with the transfer.
2. Remove the license plate: Take off the license plate from the original vehicle and store it safely until it’s ready to be transferred.
3. Complete the transfer application: Obtain the transfer application form from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or visit a local county clerk’s office. Fill out the form with all the required details, including the license plate number and information about both vehicles—the one you’re transferring from and the one you’re transferring to.
4. Pay the transfer fee: There will be a transfer fee associated with moving the license plate to the new vehicle. The fee amount can vary, so check with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or the county clerk’s office for the current fee schedule.
5. Submit the application: Submit the completed transfer application along with the required fee to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or your local county clerk’s office. You can do this in person or by mail, depending on the office’s policies. If mailing, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for any documents that need to be returned to you.
6. Receive new registration: Once the transfer application is processed, you will receive a new registration card and any necessary stickers for the vehicle that now has the transferred license plate.

Remember, the transfer must be completed within a certain timeframe, typically within a few days to a week, so be prompt in completing these steps after selling or transferring ownership of your original vehicle. Additionally, if your license plate is a specialty plate or personalized plate, there may be additional requirements or fees to consider during the transfer process.

License Plate Renewal

To renew your license plate registration in Kentucky, follow these steps:

1. Find your renewal date: Check your current registration card or visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) website to determine the expiration date of your license plate registration.
2. Check for emissions testing: Kentucky does not require emissions testing statewide, but confirm if any specific regulations apply to your vehicle in your county.
3. Update your address: Ensure your address is current with the KYTC so that your renewal notice is sent to the correct location.
4. Renew your registration: You have several options for renewing your license plate registration in Kentucky. You can renew online through the KYTC website, by mail, or in person at your local county clerk’s office. For online renewal, visit the KYTC website and follow the instructions provided. You will need your vehicle information and payment for registration fees.
5. Receive your new registration: After submitting your renewal and payment, you will receive a new registration card and sticker by mail. You can also print a temporary registration from the KYTC website while waiting for your new documents to arrive.

Remember to renew your license plate registration before it expires to avoid late fees and penalties. Note that the renewal fees may vary based on the type of vehicle, its weight, and other factors.

How Can I Find the Owner of a License Plate in Kentucky?