Kentucky announces changes to vehicle registration renewals

MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is pushing for a change to when drivers of cars with specialty plates must pay their taxes and renewal fees.

County clerks said they received an email last week saying the renewal timing had been moved from December to a driver’s birth month.

Some said the extension date was optional, but others said they consider it mandatory.

December is typically the time when everyone pays their taxes and registration fees on their cars and trucks with specialty plates.

“There is an option to change this to the person’s birth months on the title if they wish,” said Madison County Clerk Kenny Barger.

Kentucky state transportation officials say they want to delay the month of registration for anyone who does so only in the month of December.

“We had some confusion about the fact that if someone renews in December, wants to switch to their birth month and their birth month is January, they have to pay ad valorem taxes sequentially,” Barger said.

Barger said December is one of their busiest months because of these plates, and the state simply tries to distribute the plates when they are renewed.

District officials say there has been confusion about the change.

Barger said he was recently informed of the change in an email from the state.

“The Transportation Vehicle Registration Act encourages people to associate these plates with their birth month,” Barger said.

But people whose birthdays are in January could face a financial setback, particularly due to the additional expenses many face with Christmas.

“Over time this will all change, but it could take a decade.”

Barger said most people aren’t aware of the change until they apply for their extension.

We have reached out to state transport authorities to seek clarity on the matter.

We’re told they’re investigating the matter.

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