Kentucky License Plate Lookup

Due to its long history of flooding, Kentucky often has many flood-damaged vehicles. These vehicles end up with hidden damage, and your car dealer will not give you all the details. A Kentucky license plate lookup, however, clearly shows all you need to know. Look up any license plate to access the history records instantly.

10% OFF
question-mark Why do we need your phone number?
Why do we need your phone number?
We'll send your vehicle report or sticker link via text for easy access.
Our support team may contact you if we find issues with your report or sticker.
Your data is never shared with third parties.
Get 10% off your purchases by providing your phone number.

Table of Contents

What is a Kentucky License Plate Lookup?

The Kentucky license plate lookup is a service you can use to look up the license plate and get the vehicle history report. The license plate lookup tool can be used by everyone who wants to buy or sell used vehicles in Kentucky.

By just entering the license plate number, you can get the full information of the vehicle that you need to know beforehand. In the report, you’ll see the basic specification, accident history, recall check, recalls check, past owners, auction information with real pictures, and warranty coverage. 

Make sure you check the Kentucky license plate before you buy any kind of vehicle in the state to avoid getting scammed or accidentally buying a stolen vehicle. 

Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in Kentucky?

Yes, you can get a Kentucky plate lookup with our tool for free. With this tool, you can view the specifications, engine details, sales history, and MSRP of any car, truck, or motorcycle. S

Even if you don’t get the vehicle history report, you can still access important information to learn more about the vehicle. Here’s what you will be getting on our free Kentucky license plate lookup.

Why Buyers and Sellers Should Look Up License Plates in Kentucky?

Everyone deserves to be sure of any investment they make before committing to it, and in terms of car-buying and selling, vehicle history reports can give you that assurance.

Out of the 130,042 cars that were damaged in accidents in Kentucky in 2022, how can you be sure you’re not looking at one? A license plate lookup can clear those doubts and help you spot clean or salvaged vehicles.

Some more reasons why you must check a vehicle’s history with a Kentucky license plate search are:

What Information Can You Get Through a Kentucky License Plate Lookup

Apart from the vehicle’s specifications and features, you can learn more about a vehicle’s history with a license plate lookup. Information about flood damages, theft records, ownership history, service and repair history, and everything in between can be accessed with a simple Kentucky license plate lookup.

Vehicle Specifications

Get in-depth details about the car, including its make, model, year, engine type, transmission, country of origin, and the MSRP. Check this section to ensure that the vehicle matches your budget and needs.

Ownership History

Review past ownership details, including the number of previous owners, how long they owned the car, purchase dates, and registration locations.

Accident Reports

Check for any recorded accidents of the vehicle. This section includes the date and location of the accident.

Damage Records

Check if the vehicle has ever suffered from damage caused by accident, fire, flood, hail damage, or more.

Auction History

Find out if the vehicle has been auctioned, along with auction dates, sale prices, location, and get up to ten pictures that show the real car condition during the auction.

Lien and Loan Records

Discover if the car has any active liens or loans that could impact ownership transfer. Make sure that the vehicle’s lien/loan records are cleared off before you buy a used vehicle.

Theft Records

Verify if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen or linked to theft-related incidents. Check the date, the location, and the data source of the information.

Mileage Records

Check recorded mileage to assess wear and tear over time. You’ll see the recorded mileage along with the last recorded mileage of the vehicle.

Title Information

Determine if the vehicle has a clean title, salvage title, or any other classification that could affect its value and safety. Ensure that the vehicle’s title is clean before you buy a used vehicle.

Market Value Estimation

Get an estimated market value to ensure fair pricing when buying or selling. In this section, you will see the market value of your vehicle based on the data like: outstanding, clean, average, and clean.

Recalls and Safety Issues

Look up any active recalls or safety concerns that may impact the vehicle’s reliability. In this section, you will see the recall date, the cause of the recall, and the steps taken by the manufacturer to fix the recall.

Service History

Access maintenance and repair records, including service dates, the location,  types of work performed, and parts replaced.

How to Lookup a Kentucky License Plate Number

Enter the License Plate Number

First of all, you will need to find the license plate number of the license plate of the vehicle you want to check. Then, fill in the form with the license plate number.

Review and Purchase

Check vehicle specifications and features, and proceed to payment to get the full report.

Get Your Report

After it's done, get the vehicle history report and download the report in PDF format.

How a Kentucky License Plate Lookup is Worth It?

Kenny wanted to buy a used 2015 Ford F-150 from a private seller. Before she bought the vehicle, she decided to look up the license plate number and get the vehicle history report. Here’s what she found on the report.

Actual Condition

  • 2 accident records
  • 2 Record(s) of damage
  • 2 specific events reported
  • 1 service & repair record
  • 1 auction records
  • 5 lien or loan record
  • 44 open recalls record

Seller’s Claim

  • Has no issues
  • Properly maintained
  • Privately used
  • The price is the same as that of the other sellers ‘

Outcome

  • Kenny decided to cancel her buying process because the car open 44 recalls, which is dangerous.

Why Checking the License Plate is a MUST

  • Look up the license plate and get the vehicle history report before buying. 

Kentucky Laws/Legislation on License Plates

There are some license plate laws you need to keep in mind if you’re purchasing a vehicle. First, license plates must be visible and legible whenever a driver is on the road. There should be no coverings over the plate’s lettering or decals.

These rules ensure all vehicles are properly registered and comply with safety regulations.

Vehicle Registration and Plate Requirements in Kentucky

  • All motor vehicles in Kentucky must be registered with the County Clerk’s office within 15 days of purchase or moving to the state.
  • Owners must provide a valid title, proof of insurance from a Kentucky provider, an odometer disclosure (for vehicles under 20 years old), and a completed Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration (Form TC 96-182).
  • While Kentucky does not require emissions testing statewide, specific counties may have safety inspections or emissions requirements for certain vehicles.
  • Fees vary based on vehicle type, weight, and plate selection. Additional taxes and local fees may also apply.
  • If a buyer needs time to complete registration, a temporary tag may be issued, typically valid for 30 days.

How to Get a Kentucky License Plate

To get the Kentucky license plate, you must register and title your vehicle with the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing under the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This process is done at the County Clerk’s office, depending on where you live.  If you buy a car or bring one from another state, you must finish the title and registration within 15 days.

When visiting the County Clerk’s Office, you may need to bring these papers:

  • A completed and notarized Application for Title/Registration Form
  • The out-of-state title if the car comes from another state
  • A lien statement if there is a loan on the car
  • Proof of active Kentucky auto insurance
  • A valid photo ID
  • A certified Sheriff’s inspection (for out-of-state cars)
  • Proof of sales tax payment if it was already paid in another state
Other papers might also be asked for, depending on the case. The cost can change based on where you live and the value of the vehicle. Usual charges include the title fee, plate fee, clerk fee, and state taxes.

Renewing Your Kentucky License Plate

To renew your Kentucky license plate, submit your renewal notice, proof of insurance, and payment online, by mail, or at your local County Clerk’s office. Renewal is required annually, and fees vary by vehicle type. Avoid late penalties by renewing before the expiration date listed on your registration.

Kentucky License Plate Design and Format

Kentucky License Plate

The Kentucky license plate design features the standard blue-and-white background with the state name and a smiling sun logo. Some plate types, such as personalized plates, allow custom lettering, while others highlight causes like wildlife conservation or veterans’ programs. In Kentucky, plates must be mounted on the rear of the vehicle and remain unobstructed at all times.

Types of Kentucky License Plates

Kentucky started requiring a license plate for its residents in 1910, while cars once needed both front and rear plates, only the rear plate has been required since 1944. Today, plates are made by Kentucky Correctional Industries and distributed by the Transportation Cabinet.

Up until today, Kentucky license plate has more than 150 license plates that are available to choose from. Here are the most common license plates you can get.

Standard License Plate

The standard license plate is the default plate in Kentucky and is issued for cars, motorcycles, and farm vehicles. The standard plate usually costs around $21 as part of registration fees, and that’s why it’s the most common license plate in Kentucky.

Personalized License Plate

If you plan to customize your plate, the personalized license plate will never go wrong. Drivers can create a custom message with up to six letters and numbers (excluding I, Q, and U). Available for passenger, motorcycle, military, and some specialty tags, these plates cost an additional $25 on top of the regular registration fee.

Standard License Plate

The specialty license plate puts the design and logo of notable universities, charities, organizations, disability, and even military license plates. In Kentucky, the specialty plates typically cost $44 total ($25 specialty fee plus $19 registration), and some require proof of eligibility, such as military status.

Get More Than a License Plate Lookup

Easily access all the tools you need to get a full car background check and make the best decisions:

VIN Decoder

Our VIN decoder does the trick if the license plate number is unavailable. Quickly decode your VIN to access detailed information from factory details to original specifications and all vehicle history records.

Window Sticker Lookup

Get a copy of the original window sticker of any vehicle, showing all the options, packages, standard features and equipment, safety ratings, fuel economy, and factory-installed parts your vehicle came with.

Build Sheet by VIN

Like window stickers, you can get build sheets for classic or vintage vehicles with our build sheet lookup tool for classic vehicles with the VIN only. View specifications, features, color, pricing, and more.

Classic Car History Report

You won’t find this anywhere else! Our classic car VIN check provides exclusive records for all old vehicles, giving you a full classic car vehicle history report that Carfax and AutoCheck can’t. Check a vintage car’s authenticity today!

Why Should You Use Our Kentucky License Plate Lookup?

  • Comprehensive reports – Access over 150 data points to get a full picture of the vehicle.
  • Accident and theft records – Learn if the car has been in a crash or reported stolen.
  • Ownership history – See past owners and how the vehicle was maintained.

License Plate Lookup By States

Kentucky License Plate Lookup FAQs

. Can I find someone’s name by their license plate?

A. No. Personal information, such as the vehicle owner’s name, is protected under privacy laws. However, you can look up any vehicle history using the license plate number.

. How do I look up my license plate number?

A. To look up your Kentucky license plate number, follow these steps:
  1. Enter the license plate number into a license plate lookup tool.
  2. Review the vehicle specifications and history details.
  3. Purchase a full report if needed to access more information.

. How do I find out who owns a license plate in Kentucky?

A. Due to privacy laws, you cannot find out who owns a license plate in Kentucky directly. However, a Kentucky license plate lookup can provide past ownership records, including the number of previous owners, duration of ownership, and location of purchase or ownership transfer.

. Can you track down a car with a license plate number?

A. Yes, you can track a vehicle’s history using its license plate number, but not its real-time location. A lookup will show accident reports, ownership history, recalls, and mileage records, while the DMV can verify the last reported location of the vehicle.

. Can I get the vehicle history report by Kentucky License Plate?

A. The Kentucky license plate lookup can be used to get the vehicle history report before you decide to buy a used car. Just fill in the form above with the license plate number to get the vehicle history report.

. Can I use the Kentucky license plate lookup to check the vehicle’s accident history?

A. Yes, you can use the Kentucky license plate lookup to see if the vehicle was involved in an accident. Just look up the license page and download the full vehicle history report to check if the vehicle was involved in accidents. 

Quick License Plate Lookup

10% OFF
question-mark Why do we need your phone number?
Why do we need your phone number?
We'll send your vehicle report or sticker link via text for easy access.
Our support team may contact you if we find issues with your report or sticker.
Your data is never shared with third parties.
Get 10% off your purchases by providing your phone number.

Table of Contents

Popup Image
Hey, before you leave take discount! 15% OFF

Don't leave the history behind on your vehicle

Check for accidents, title issues, repairs, and more.