Beginning in late December, Kentucky will migrate to a new computer system for its vehicle and boat database. The Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System (KAVIS) replaces a 40-year-old platform with a more efficient operational system for more than 350 million vehicle records. To complete the launch of KAVIS in all 120 counties, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will suspend motor vehicle services from Dec. 28, 2023 to Jan. 8, 2024, although the specific schedule will vary from county to county. During this time, the following services will not be available:
- Motor vehicle registration renewals
- New titles and transfers
- New license plates
- Motor vehicle lien filings and releases
- Disabled parking permits
The issuance or renewal of driver licenses are not affected by the KAVIS launch.
Residents are strongly encouraged to check with their local county clerk office prior to making a trip for in-person vehicle registration renewals or title transfers in January 2024. Other services such as marriage licenses, voter registration and land records are not directly affected by the KAVIS rollout, however residents should still check with their county clerk office for availability and hours.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- My vehicle registration is due in December. What should I do?
Residents with vehicle registration due in December should complete their renewal as soon as possible to avoid a delay in receiving their updated tag. Online vehicle registration (http://drive.ky.gov) will be unavailable starting Thursday, Dec. 28. In-person registration at many county clerk offices will be unavailable starting Friday, Dec. 29. Check with your county clerk for specific dates and hours.
- My vehicle registration is due in January. When will I be able to complete my renewal? Can I renew it early?
The online renewal system is anticipated to be restored the week of Jan. 8.
In-person vehicle services at county clerk offices will gradually resume the week of Jan. 8, however some offices will be closed longer. Check with your county clerk office for specific dates and hours. You can also complete your vehicle registration renewal by mail.
The taxable value of motor vehicles is set in January, so it is not possible to renew your registration early.
- I recently bought a vehicle. How will this system shutdown affect me?
If you are currently driving with a temporary registration tag, the issuance of your license plate may be delayed until mid to late January.
If you are buying/selling a vehicle from an individual (not a dealership), you will be unable to transfer the title during the system shutdown. Check with your county clerk beginning the week of Jan. 8 for information on when they will resume vehicle services.
- I am moving from another state or bought a vehicle in another state. How will this system shutdown affect me?
All vehicles currently registered or purchased in another state are required to be inspected by the sheriff’s office in the county where the vehicle is to be licensed. These inspections may still be completed during the vehicle system shutdown, however, you will have to wait until your county clerk office resumes services to complete the titling and registration process.
Vehicle owners should check with their local sheriff’s office for specific information about inspection hours. You will need to take the inspection form to the county clerk. Check with your county clerk office beginning the week of Jan. 8 for information on when they will resume vehicle services.
- When can I apply for a disabled license plate or parking placard?
County clerk offices will be unable to process applications for a disabled license plate or parking placard during the vehicle system shutdown. Check with your county clerk office beginning the week of Jan. 8 for information on when they will resume vehicle services. Residents may also complete the application and mail it to their county clerk office, however, you may want to call the call the clerk’s office to ensure you are providing all the appropriate information on the form.
- Where can I learn more about the KAVIS project?
Click here to learn more about the Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System (KAVIS), which is administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
