Kentucky License Plate Display Law — 2025 Guide
Rear Plate Only
Quick Answer
Kentucky requires only a rear license plate.
The Law at a Glance
Statute
Kentucky Revised Statutes §186.170
Mounting
Rear Plate Only
Plate Format
ABC 123
Penalty
Fines vary by jurisdiction.
Plate Design
'Unbridled Spirit' design with horse imagery.
Recent Changes
Kentucky offers a wide variety of specialty plates including university and military.
State-Specific Notes
Kentucky is a single-plate (rear) state.
Plate Design Details
First Issued
2020
Plate Style
Screened serial; reflective sheeting
Full Design
Dark blue on light blue gradient with county name sticker below serial and state outline left of serial
Current Format
A1B234 or ABC123
Letter Exclusions
I, O, Q, and U are not used.
Historical Plates Still Valid
Earlier 'Bluegrass State / Unbridled Spirit' plates (2005–2020) with formats 123 ABC and ABC 123 remain valid.
Notable Facts
Kentucky offers an 'In God We Trust' optional issue plate (2020–) alongside the standard issue. Both display the county name on a removable sticker.
How atroq Frames Stay Compliant in Kentucky
atroq frames in Kentucky are engineered to comply with all display requirements. The frame's recessed sticker windows keep renewal stickers visible. The frame's thickness does not obscure the alphanumeric serial, state name, or the issuing jurisdiction. atroq's universal mounting fits Kentucky's standard 6 × 12 inch passenger plates. Since Kentucky requires only a rear plate, customers typically order single frames.
Design your Kentucky-compliant frame
Premium custom license plate frames built for Kentucky's display requirements. MOQ 500. From $1.30 / frame.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kentucky require a front license plate?
No. Kentucky is a rear-plate-only jurisdiction. Only a rear plate is required on passenger vehicles, regardless of whether the vehicle has a factory front bracket.
What is the Kentucky license plate format?
Kentucky uses the format ABC 123 for standard passenger plates.
How often does Kentucky change its plate design?
Kentucky updates plate designs periodically. Kentucky offers a wide variety of specialty plates including university and military.
Are decorative license plate frames legal in Kentucky?
Yes. Decorative frames are legal in Kentucky as long as they do not obscure the alphanumeric serial, the state name, or any registration sticker. atroq frames are designed to comply with Kentucky display requirements.
What size are Kentucky license plates?
Kentucky issues plates in the U.S. standard 6 × 12 inches (150 × 300 mm) for passenger vehicles, matching the 1956 SAE / Automobile Manufacturers Association dimensional agreement.
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