SENATE TRANSPORTATION CHAIR ADDRESSES

ONGOING HEADACHES SURROUNDING KAVIS UPDATES

Higdon encourages customers' patience with local offices; communication by Governor Beshear

FRANKFORT, KY (January 26, 2024) — On Friday, Senate Transportation Committee Chair Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, addressed the Kentucky state Senate chamber regarding the ongoing challenges faced by county clerks' offices across Kentucky since the implementation of the Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System (KAVIS).
Higdon, recognizing the significance of these issues, emphasized the importance of patience from constituents as the rollout of the KAVIS continues. He announced the 10 a.m. January 31 Senate Transportation Committee meeting will be dedicated to the topic. He has requested the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Kentucky County Clerks Association (KCCA) to provide an update for the public and lawmakers.

The statewide shutdown of the KAVIS system has concluded, leading to the reopening of all motor vehicle branches and locations across Kentucky. However, the conversion from the legacy AVIS system, initiated in the late 1970s, has not been without its share of complications. Higdon has been communicating directly with county clerk offices in his district. The offices reported that while challenges persist, progress is being made and the situation is gradually improving.

Higdon encouraged Governor Andy Beshear to visit county clerks and gain first-hand insights into their challenges.

"As the Governor is out visiting counties, I think KYTC, county clerks' offices, and the public would be served well to know our Governor is communicating with those on the ground experiencing these challenges. I've been in contact with the county clerks in my district and am grateful for their responses. I thought it was important to share an update from them with my colleagues in the Senate."

County clerk offices, responsible for motor vehicle transactions, have experienced delays and challenges, leading to extended wait times for customers. KCCA President Tabatha Clemons acknowledged the difficulties in the transition, citing issues with processing errors and unforeseen bugs in the new system. In response, the KCCA issued recommendations to motor vehicle customers for a smoother experience at county clerk's offices:

  • Bring your driver's license or state-issued identification card.

  • Bring your renewal notice and the previous year's registration.

  • Bring your Kentucky proof of insurance printed or refer to your county clerk if there is an insurance email address or fax number available.

  • Be prepared to wait longer than normal because the new system has problems processing and creating PVA issues. Clerks must then contact the PVA to resolve those errors. It takes time to work through each customer's account and merge vehicles for each customer.

  • Though a problem remains with trailer fees on web renewals, the Kentucky County Clerks Association requested KYTC to turn the web renewal portal back on. If you have a trailer to renew, we recommend you wait for further communication when fees are corrected for any trailer transaction.

  • For any transaction by mail, online, or drop-off, please include a contact phone number so you can be reached.

 

Sen. Higdon concluded his remarks on Friday by expressing confidence in the shared ability to rectify the issues.

Listen to Higdon's floor remarks HERE via his Facebook Page and tune in to committee coverage on Wednesday at KET.org/legislature or via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube Channel. Visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Higdon and to review details on the continuing 2024 Legislative Session.

 

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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including Larue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as Senate Transportation Committee chair. Higdon is also the Public Pension Oversight Board co-chair. He serves as an Education; Licensing and Occupations and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection committee member. Higdon previously served as a Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Committee member, which was restructured as a part of the new Senate Health Services Committee.