What is a License Plate Replacement in Kentucky?
County clerks in Kentucky issue replacement license plates when the original is lost, stolen, damaged, becomes illegible, or when a vehicle from another state needs to be re-registered according to Kentucky law. The transaction is governed by KRS § 186.180.
- Replacement vs. Renewal: A replacement is an off-cycle reissuance with its own fee and documentation, separate from the annual registration renewal, which county clerks process through the standard cycle for $21.
- Kentucky assigns a different plate number on each replacement of a lost plate. The cabinet cancels the old registration and reports the cancellation to the Kentucky State Police Department (KRS § 186.180(2)(d)).
- Kentucky is a single-plate state, so the replacement covers one rear plate. Semi-trailers, which display a front plate according to KRS § 186.170, follow the same replacement process.
When Do You Need to Replace Your Kentucky License Plate?
Several conditions require or justify a replacement, each with its own documentation path at the county clerk’s office.
- A lost or stolen plate must be reported to the county clerk. The owner submits the current registration receipt and files a written statement of loss. Kentucky does not require a police report for lost plates, although the cabinet cancels the old plate number and notifies the state police.
- Plates that are physically damaged, faded, or have become illegible must be replaced. KRS § 186.170 requires plates to “always remain legible.” Specialty plates that deteriorate due to a manufacturing defect are eligible for free replacement according to KRS § 186.164(4)(a).
- Specialty plates damaged in an accident cost $3 for replacement according to KRS § 186.164(4)(b).
- New residents must register and title the vehicle within 15 days of vehicle purchase or establishing residency (KRS § 186.020). A VIN inspection by the sheriff is required prior to registration.
How to Get a Replacement License Plate in Kentucky
County clerks in all 120 counties of Kentucky handle plate replacements. The KYTC DRIVE portal directs owners to their local clerk’s office for all replacement transactions.
- Bring proof of insurance compliant with KRS § 304.39-080, with an effective date within the last 45 days. The owner must also present a Kentucky photo ID.
- Complete and sign the Affidavit for Replacement or Non-Exchange (Form TC 96-167). The owner’s signature must be notarized; the clerk’s office can notarize for a $2 fee.
- Submit the current registration receipt to the clerk along with a written statement describing the loss. If the damaged plate is still available, submit it as well.
- Pay the replacement fee. The clerk issues a new plate with a new number and an updated registration receipt on the spot.
- Mail processing is available for renewals with some county clerks (usually with a $2 postage fee), but a separate replacement for a lost plate typically requires an in-person visit since the affidavit must be notarized.
Can You Replace Kentucky License Plate Online?
No. Kentucky does not offer online plate replacements. The online registration renewal portal at secure.kentucky.gov only processes renewals, not reissuance of lost, stolen, or damaged plates.
The online renewal portal accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, charges a $2 postage fee per vehicle, and processes within five to seven business days. Replacement is entirely outside its scope.
Owners needing a replacement must visit their county clerk’s office in person. The requirement for notarization of the affidavit on form TC 96-167 is a barrier; Kentucky does not accept electronic signatures for this transaction. The main office of Jefferson County is located at 527 West Jefferson Street in Louisville; the Fayette County office is at 162 East Main Street in Lexington.
If the clerk’s office can process your replacement in person, it is the only available channel.
How Much is License Plate Replacement in Kentucky?
The fee structure by law is straightforward, but the reflectivity surcharge and potential notarization fee increase the receipt beyond the base amount.
- Standard lost plate: $3 for the plate itself plus $3 for the county clerk’s service, totaling $6 (KRS § 186.180(2)(b)(2)).
- A reflectivity fee of $0.50 applies to all plates issued under KRS § 186.240(2), collected by the cabinet through the clerk.
- Specialty plates lost, stolen, or damaged in an accident cost a flat $3 for the county clerk’s service according to KRS § 186.164(4)(b). Plates that deteriorate due to a manufacturing defect are replaced free of charge.
- Duplicate registration receipts cost $3; duplicate registrations with a new sticker cost $6, according to the Jefferson County Clerk’s fee schedule.
- Notarization at the clerk’s office adds $2 per signature. Owners who have the affidavit notarized elsewhere avoid this charge.