Kentucky Vehicle Registration Fees — 2026
Kentucky uses a value formula. $21.00 base fee; 0.45% of value (Ad valorem tax); +$120 EV surcharge. Use the calculator below for your specific vehicle.
Your Kentucky registration fee
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Kentucky fee breakdown
| Fee component | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Base registration fee | $21.00 | — |
| Ad valorem tax | 0.45% of MSRP | — |
| EV surcharge (BEV) | $120.00 | in addition to base |
| PHEV/Hybrid surcharge | $60.00 | — |
| Title fee (one-time) | $9.00 | — |
| Plate fee | $6.00 | — |
| County add-on (state median) | $12.00 | varies by county; calculator lets you override |
Renewal & late penalty
Renewal cycle: 1-year.
Late penalty: $2/month plus 10% penalty.
Federal tax deductibility
On Schedule A, you can deduct the value-based portion of Kentucky registration (Ad valorem tax). Other components are not deductible.
Notes
0.45% state ad valorem + variable county/city/school rates (often 1.0-1.5% total). EV fee HB 8 effective 2024.