BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Beginning January 2024, there will be significant changes regarding vehicle license plates in Kentucky. Sellers will now retain their license plates when transferring vehicle ownership.
Under the current system, when a vehicle with an unexpired registration is transferred, the standard issue plate and registration are also transferred to the new owner. However, with the statewide implementation of the new Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System (KAVIS) in mid-January, sellers will keep their plates upon vehicle transfer.
“Plates will now be linked to the owner, not the vehicle,” explains Martin County Clerk Susie Skyles. “You will take the plate with you and can use your existing plate and unexpired registration on your new car or any other vehicle you own of the same class.”
Sellers must bring their old plates to the county clerk’s office to complete the registration process if they wish to use an unexpired tag on another vehicle.
“Do not place the plate on a different vehicle without registering it first,” Skyles advises.
She also recommends that the best way to transfer a vehicle is with both parties present at the clerk’s office.
“This reduces confusion and prevents the buyer from driving without a plate or using one that doesn’t belong to them,” says Skyles. “If this isn’t possible, buyers should carry the signed and notarized title as a precaution in case of a police stop.”
This new approach means sellers no longer lose the remaining time they have paid for on their plates. Additionally, buyers will be exempt from the $8 transfer fee to register someone else’s license plate in their name.
Skyles says this change is one of several occurring in 2024. The launch of KAVIS runs from the end of December through early January.
Due to these updates, vehicle- and boat-related services will be temporarily unavailable at the county clerk’s office from Dec. 30 to Jan. 16. This includes registration renewals, titling and transfers, issuing disabled parking placards, and license plate issuance.
“Anyone needing to renew in December should do so as soon as possible,” Skyles urges.
The clerk’s office in Inez will be open for extended hours—8 a.m.-6 p.m.—Dec. 27, 28 and 29. Service from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. does not include the records room.
“We will have the door of the government center unlocked for access,” Skyles adds.
“Anyone needing an inspection on those days will need to come in before the sheriff’s office closes at 4 p.m.”
The clerk will continue to provide all other services during the system migration in January.
For questions regarding the upcoming changes, call the county clerk’s office at 606-298-2810.
Changes Coming in 2024
• All license plates will remain with the customer, not the vehicle.
• Anyone conducting a transaction must show a Kentucky driver’s license or ID.
• Electric vehicles will incur a flat fee of $120, contributing to the state Road Fund.
• Hybrid vehicles and electric motorcycles will be subject to a $60 fee, also benefiting the Road Fund.
• Over two dozen new license plate designs.