Personalized License Plates in Kentucky

Personalized license plates in Kentucky offer drivers a way to express their individuality through customized letter and number combinations. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) allows most drivers to request these custom plates, as long as they meet the required guidelines and are approved.

Eligibility and Plate Options

Most Kentucky residents with a valid vehicle registration are eligible to apply for personalized plates. Personalized plates are available for standard passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and select specialty plates.

There are also options for unique categories like Applying for Special License Plates in Kentucky and Military and Veteran License Plates in Kentucky, which can sometimes be personalized as well.

Character Limitations and Restrictions

A personalized plate must contain between 2 and 6 characters for standard passenger vehicles and between 2 and 5 characters for motorcycles. Kentucky does not allow:

• Obscene or offensive language
• Combinations that resemble existing plates
• Misleading references (e.g., impersonating law enforcement)

The KYTC reserves the right to reject any plate request that does not comply with state regulations.

Application Process

To request a personalized plate, applicants must:

1. Visit the official KYTC personalized plate application page.
2. Use the online search tool to check plate availability.
3. Submit the application form with the desired combination.
4. Pay the required fees (see below).
5. Wait for approval and issuance by mail or local County Clerk office.

Fees and Renewal

The standard fee for a personalized plate in Kentucky is $25 annually, in addition to regular vehicle registration fees. This fee is non-refundable even if your desired plate combination is rejected. For details on related costs, see Understanding Kentucky DMV Fees.

Renewal is required each year, and personalized plates must be renewed in the same way as standard plates, either online, by mail, or in person. Renewing Your Vehicle Registration in Kentucky covers this process in detail.

Changing or Canceling a Personalized Plate

Drivers may change their custom message during registration renewal or cancel it entirely by notifying the County Clerk. Once canceled, the plate combination becomes available to other applicants.

Important Considerations

• Personalized plates cannot be transferred to another person.
• Lost or stolen plates must be reported and replaced via Replacing a Lost or Stolen Kentucky Driver's License, which includes the process for lost credentials.
• Not all specialty or organizational plates are eligible for personalization.

For more information, visit drive.ky.gov or contact your local County Clerk's office.