System switch to affect auto services at clerk offices

Nov. 27—All county clerk offices in Kentucky will temporarily halt in-person and online motor vehicle services soon.

Kentuckians are advised to avoid visiting county clerk offices for motor and vessel-related services in early January 2024 to allow time to switch to a new, customer-friendly system. The suspension of services will begin Jan. 1 and last between four to 10 business days.

Kevin Johnston, Boyd County Clerk, is encouraging anyone who needs to transfer a car, pay a delinquency, or request a handicap placard to come to the office before Dec. 28, 2023.

"Transitioning to a new computer system is never easy, but to minimize the downtime, the Transportation Cabinet chose the beginning of January for the transition," Johnston said.

During this transition, the Boyd County Clerk's Office will only be closed Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

Johnston said, "If you normally renew your tags in December, please consider renewing online at www.drive.ky.gov or coming to the office by Dec. 28, 2023. ... Also, 2024 car taxes don't get uploaded until Jan. 1, 2024, so these taxes can't be paid in advance."

The Boyd County Clerk's Office will re-open Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, but will not be able to complete any auto-related transactions at that time. However, customers can still come to the office to drop their renewals, have their transfer paperwork reviewed and get vehicle inspections.

All other services, including marriage license, notary, real estate and voter registration, will be available.

Matt Cole, Department of Vehicle Regulation Commissioner, said, "This launch represents the culmination of years of behind-the-scenes work to modernize our robust system to better serve Kentuckians."

Cole added, "KAVIS will streamline processes, improve customer service and enhance overall efficiency."

According to a press release, the state's 40-year-old legacy system AVIS (Automated Vehicle Information System) will be replaced with the seventh and final module of the new KAVIS (Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System) and will be fully integrated by early January.

Jason Denny, Anderson County Clerk, has served on the KAVIS Steering Committee for eight years and said this temporary inconvenience will go a long way in the long run.

Denny said, "Even though the county clerks' motor vehicle departments will be closed for a short period, the positive improvements for our customers and staff will far outweigh the inconvenience this may cause."

The project to migrate to KAVIS kicked off in 2025. Since then, six module releases have been implemented, including a standardized point of sale system, disabled placard improvements, print on-demand decals and new flat license plates.

With KAVIS in place beginning early January, new special license plate designs will be available for request at county clerk offices.

Heather Stout, KYTC Office of Information Technology Executive D irector, said, "The move to digital plates has resulted in more reflective and readable plates, reduced storage requirements and increased on-demand printing capabilities."

She added, "Once in place, we'll be able to continue a stream of new advancements like offering more than 20 new specialty license plates to choose from that promote nonprofit organizations in Kentucky."

Mitigation schedule

Online vehicle registration renewal will be unavailable starting Thursday, Dec. 28. Online renewal will be restored the week of Jan. 8, 2024. All county clerk offices will pause services beginning Jan. 1, 2024, and will gradually resume services the week of Jan. 8, 2024.

Not available during mitigation

Vehicle and boat registration renewals, vehicle and boat titling and transfers, disabled parking permit issuance, and license plate issuance.

(606) 326-2657 — ajohnson@dailyindependent.com