Starting in January, Kentuckians will keep their license plates when transferring vehicle ownership.
It’s part of the state’s plan to migrate to a new information database called KAVIS or Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System.
Once KAVIS is available statewide, Kentuckians will retain both unexpired registration and the license plate when transferring ownership.
“By keeping your plate, you don’t have to deal with surprise toll charges from the new owner’s trips and you don’t have to memorize a new plate number when you get a new car,” said Matt Cole, Commissioner for the Department of Vehicle Regulation.
Additionally, the seller gains the ability to apply the plate and unexpired registration to any other vehicle they own of the same class, including a newly purchase vehicle.
Owners of specialty license plates, such as nonprofit or military plates, will save money by no longer paying for a standard license plate to go with the transferred vehicle and paying to place their specialty plate on the new vehicle.
“Upgrading to a new vehicle information system unlocks opportunities for us to implement new ways to make the process of transferring vehicle ownership better for Kentuckians, and in some cases, keep more money in their pockets,” added Jim Gray, KYTC Secretary.
Kentuckians are reminded that the full launch to KAVIS will begin later this month. Online vehicle registration renewal will be unavailable, starting on December 28.
December 29 will be the final day to complete a transaction in the Auto Department at the Daviess County Clerk’s Office.
Vehicle and boat registration renewals, titling, transfers, and license plate issuance will be unavailable until the office reopens, tentatively on January 11.
For more information, call the Auto Department at (270) 685-8434 Ext. 1.
