Starting in January 2024, Kentuckians will keep their license plates when transferring vehicle ownership.
The change is part of the state’s plan to migrate to a new information database called KAVIS (Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System).
Currently, when a vehicle with an unexpired registration is transferred, a standard issue plate and registration are transferred with the vehicle to the new owner. Once KAVIS is available statewide, Kentuckians will retain both unexpired registration and the license plate when transferring ownership.
Additionally, the seller gains the ability to apply the plate and unexpired registration, including standard-issue plates, to any other vehicle they own of the same class, including a newly purchased vehicle.
Owners of specialty license plates, such as nonprofit and military plates, will save money by no longer paying for a standard license plate to go with the transferred vehicle on top of 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,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray.
Kentuckians are also being 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 Daviess County Auto Department at 270-685-8434 Ext. 1.
