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updateUpdated 2026-10-12

Kentucky License Plate Lookup

License Plate Lookup Kentucky — enter any KY plate to get the make, model, year, trim, open recalls, and NHTSA crash safety ratings in seconds. Vehicle data only — no personal information is returned.

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KENTUCKYABC-123

4.0M

Registered Vehicles

Kentucky (FHWA)

Since 1910

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

ABC-123

Kentucky License Plate Quick Facts

Agency	Kentucky Transportation Cabinet — Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing
Issuance year	1910
Current format	ABC-123 — Six characters on the current 'Unbridled Spirit' design: three letters, a dash, and three digits. Kentucky is a single-plate (rear-only) state.
Plates required	One (rear only)
Replacement fee	$3
Registration validity	1 year
Registered vehicles	4.0M (approx.)
DMV contact	1-502-564-1257 · drive.ky.gov

How do I look up a Kentucky license plate?

Running a free Kentucky license plate lookup takes under 10 seconds. The KY license plate lookup tool above doesn't require an account or paywall.

1
Enter the Kentucky license plate number in the search field above. Spaces and dashes are optional.
2
Confirm KY is selected in the state dropdown — plate numbers can repeat across states, so the state is required for accurate matching.
3
Press Search Plate. You'll see make, model, year, trim, engine, open recalls, and NHTSA crash safety ratings in seconds.

Run a KY plate lookuparrow_forward

What does a Kentucky license plate lookup reveal?

A free Kentucky license plate lookup returns vehicle-level data only — make, model, year, trim, engine, recalls, and safety ratings. Personal information about the registered owner is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and is never returned by this tool.

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DPPA notice — vehicle data only

This Kentucky license plate lookup returns vehicle information only — make, model, year, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database. We do not return the registered owner's name, address, phone number, email, driving record, or any other personal information about the driver. Personal driver and owner information is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not lawfully accessible through any free public lookup.

Free — available here

check_circleMake, model, year, and trim
check_circleBody style, doors, curb weight
check_circleEngine size, cylinders, fuel type
check_circleTransmission and drivetrain
check_circleOpen NHTSA safety recalls
check_circleNHTSA crash test ratings
check_circleEPA fuel economy (MPG)
check_circleManufacturing plant & country

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boltTitle brand history (salvage, flood, rebuilt)
boltReported accident history
boltOdometer rollback detection
boltNumber of previous owners
boltLien and loan history
boltAuction & insurance records
boltState of registration history
boltTheft / total-loss records

Registered owner name, address, contact details, and driving records are protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and are not returned by this site or any other free public lookup. This tool provides vehicle-level data only — make, model, year, recalls, safety ratings, and EPA fuel economy — sourced from NHTSA and EPA public databases.

What does a Kentucky license plate format look like?

Six characters on the current 'Unbridled Spirit' design: three letters, a dash, and three digits. Kentucky is a single-plate (rear-only) state.

KENTUCKYABC-123

Kentucky license plate format history

Era	Format	Example
1910–1948	Sequential numeric / county-prefixed	12-3456
1949–1973	County-coded alphanumeric	A-12345
1974–1986	Letter prefix + numeric ('Bluegrass State')	ABC 123
1987–2005	3 letters + 3 digits ('Bluegrass State', refreshed)	ABC 123
2006–present	3 letters + 3 digits ('Unbridled Spirit')	ABC-123
In God We Trust (optional)	3 letters + 3 digits with optional motto	ABC-123

Kentucky license plate laws you should know

Below are the four laws that most often trip up Kentucky drivers. Rules are enforced at the stop, the inspection station, and at registration renewal.

Single plate state

Kentucky is a single-plate state. KRS § 186.170 requires every registered passenger vehicle to display only one license plate, on the rear of the vehicle. Decorative front plates are permitted.

Front plate rule

No front plate is required or issued for passenger vehicles in Kentucky. Drivers may legally display decorative front plates as long as they do not obstruct visibility or imitate official plates.

Registration stickers & display

Kentucky issues a registration decal affixed to the upper-right corner of the rear plate showing the month and year of expiration. Registration must be renewed annually based on the first letter of the owner's last name.

Inspection / smog check

Kentucky does NOT require statewide emissions testing or safety inspections for passenger vehicles. The state has no I/M program.

Types of Kentucky license plates

Kentucky issues dozens of plate designs. These are the main categories you'll encounter on the road or see at the DMV counter.

Standard Kentucky / Unbridled Spirit

Default rear-only plate with the 'Unbridled Spirit' tagline and Kentucky imagery issued in the ABC-123 format.

Personalized / Vanity

Up to 6 characters on the standard or specialty backgrounds. $25/year through Kentucky DMV.

Disabled / Disabled Veteran

ISA wheelchair symbol; qualifies for accessible parking statewide. DV plates carry waived fees for qualifying veterans.

Military specialty

Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Gold Star Family, and branch-specific plates.

Special interest

UK Wildcats, U of L Cardinals, Kentucky Derby, Bluegrass, Nature's Finest, and dozens of cause plates.

Antique Vehicle / Historic

For vehicles 25+ years old used primarily for exhibitions, parades, and club events. Restricted to occasional use.

How much does a Kentucky license plate cost?

Typical Kentucky DMV fees for plates, registration, and related services. Always confirm current amounts on the official DMV site before paying.

Annual registration (passenger)	$21 + ad valorem tax (county-based)
Replacement plate	$3
Personalized plate	$25/year above standard registration
Specialty plate	$25–$35/year (varies by plate)
Title fee	$9
Motor vehicle usage tax (on title transfer)	6% of vehicle value

Source: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet — Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing — https://drive.ky.gov

What if my Kentucky plate is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Follow these steps to replace a Kentucky license plate. Do not keep driving with a missing plate — it is a citable offense in most states.

1
File a police report immediately if the plate was stolen.
2
Visit your local County Clerk's office (registration is handled at the county level in Kentucky).
3
Complete the Application for Duplicate Plate / Decal (Form TC 96-184).
4
Pay the $3 replacement fee plus any county-specific charges.
5
Most county clerks issue replacement plates on the spot.

Kentucky DMV contact & privacy

Official agency

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet — Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing

call1-502-564-1257

languagedrive.ky.gov

DPPA privacy notice

Personal information tied to a Kentucky license plate — driver name, address, date of birth, phone number, email, and driving record — is protected by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not returned by this site. This page and the lookup tool provide vehicle-level data only: make, model, year, trim, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Kentucky license plate lookups, DMV rules, and plate replacement.

How do I run a Kentucky license plate lookup?expand_more

Enter any Kentucky plate in the search field above and press Check Plate. You'll get the vehicle's make, model, year, trim, open NHTSA recalls, and crash ratings — free, no signup required.

Does Kentucky require a front license plate?expand_more

No. Kentucky is a single-plate state under KRS § 186.170. Only one plate is issued and required, displayed on the rear of the vehicle. Decorative front plates are legal.

How much does a replacement Kentucky plate cost?expand_more

The replacement fee is $3 plus any county-specific charges. Replacements are processed at your local County Clerk's office using Form TC 96-184.

What is the current Kentucky license plate format?expand_more

The standard Kentucky passenger plate uses a 6-character format: three letters, a dash, and three digits (e.g., ABC-123) on the 'Unbridled Spirit' design.

Are Kentucky license plate records public?expand_more

No. Owner information tied to a Kentucky plate is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and KRS § 186.018. Free lookups return only vehicle-level data.

Does Kentucky require emissions testing or inspections?expand_more

No. Kentucky does not require statewide emissions testing or safety inspections for passenger vehicles. It's one of a handful of states without an I/M program.

How do I get a personalized Kentucky plate?expand_more

Personalized plates are ordered through your County Clerk or at drive.ky.gov for $25/year above standard registration fees. Up to 6 characters are allowed.

Where do I renew my Kentucky vehicle registration?expand_more

Kentucky vehicle registration is handled at the county level — visit your local County Clerk's office or renew online through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's portal at drive.ky.gov.

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