Kentucky License Plate Lookup

Kentucky license plate lookups allow you to find detailed information on vehicles registered in the state, including make and model specifications, title history, odometer readings, and accident records. Whether you are a potential car buyer, a law enforcement officer, an insurance agent, or simply curious, these lookups can help you access relevant information. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing manages the state’s vehicle records and may provide access to them on request. You can also perform these lookups online through third-party websites like GoodCar using either a license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

License plate searches are generally preferred over VIN searches for vehicle lookups because license plate numbers involve fewer characters that are relatively easier to obtain, unlike VINs, which have many characters and can sometimes be difficult to read.

One of the most common reasons for performing a Kentucky license plate search is to check a used vehicle’s history and verify information advertised by the seller. With GoodCar, you can confirm details like the vehicle’s accident history, recalls, mechanical problems, recorded damages, and last reported mileage/odometer reading. This is invaluable information that helps you make an informed decision when buying used cars and ensures that you do not fall prey to shady auto dealers who misrepresent a car’s specs just to close a deal.

Law enforcement agencies and private investigators also use license plate searches to track stolen cars and gather information about vehicles involved in accidents or other incidents for legal investigations or proceedings. Similarly, insurance companies use these license plate lookups to verify the history of vehicles involved in claims, assess the legitimacy of claims, and determine appropriate insurance premiums.

Kentucky motor vehicle records are generated, maintained, and shared by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the US Department of Transportation, and other relevant municipal, state, and federal government entities. Vehicles registered in the state are linked to their license plates, which, in turn, are used to identify these vehicles and access specific information on them. GoodCar provides an alternative option to access this information online and obtain a comprehensive vehicle report through their license plate lookup service.

Kentucky began requiring vehicle owners to display license plates in 1910. Front and rear plates were initially required; however, only rear plates have been required since 1944. Kentucky license plates are manufactured by the Kentucky Correctional Industries (KCI) at the Kentucky State Reformatory, while the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing handles the issuance of these plates.

There are over 150 different types of Kentucky license plates, each with distinctive features and designs. These plates can be broadly categorized into three main groups: Regular, Specialty/Special Interest, and Personalized.

KY License Plate Renewal

entucky license plates must be renewed every year (along with the vehicle’s registration). Most license plates expire in the owner’s birth month, and the state’s Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing usually sends registrants a renewal notice before this date with the applicable taxes and fees due. Note that it is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to renew their plates on time, even if they don’t receive a renewal notice. License plate renewals can be done online (for eligible license plates) or in person at your local County Clerk’s Office (for all license plates); some counties also provide additional renewal options.

Be aware that driving with expired registration (and license plates by extension) is a violation, punishable by fines of up to $250.

1. Can I Lookup KY License Plates for Free?

   Several platforms, including GoodCar, offer Kentucky license plate searches that provide basic information for free. However, you will typically need to pay a fee to view a full report. To this end, GoodCar offers various subscription options, and you can access a comprehensive vehicle report on this platform for as little as $2.95.

2. Can I Use Kentucky License Plate Lookup Services to Find out about a Vehicle's Accident History?

   Yes, you can use license plate lookup services like GoodCar to check a Kentucky-registered vehicle’s accident history and get information like whether it has been designated as junk, rebuilt, or used for specific purposes like police work or as a taxi.

3. How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Kentucky?

   You can check the availability of your desired vanity Kentucky license plate and also request this plate online via the following steps:

   Step 1: Visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s plate list application page.

   Step 2: Select your preferred plate type. Note that only regular (standard issue) passenger and motorcycle license plates, military plates, and special plates can be personalized.

   Step 3: Input your desired customization and check its availability. If available, a “Request this Plate” option will appear at the bottom of the page. Click on this and complete the required information to submit your request.

   You will be emailed a notice informing you whether your request has been pre-approved or rejected and outlining the necessary next steps.