Kentucky DUI Records Search
Kentucky DUI records document driving under the influence cases throughout the Commonwealth. These records are maintained by Circuit Court Clerks in each of Kentucky's 120 counties. You can search for DUI case information through court records, driving history reports from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and criminal background checks from state agencies. Whether you need to verify a case outcome, check your own driving record, or understand Kentucky's DUI laws, multiple resources are available to access these public records.
Kentucky DUI Records Quick Facts
Where to Find Kentucky DUI Records
Circuit Court Clerks maintain the official DUI case files in Kentucky. These clerks manage records for Circuit, Family, District, and Business courts across all 120 counties. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) provides criminal record reports that include DUI convictions. These reports cover misdemeanors and traffic cases for at least the last five years, plus felonies dating back to 1978. You can request these records online through AOCFastCheck or by contacting the AOC Records Unit directly.
The Kentucky State Police offers criminal background checks that include conviction records. These checks cost $20 and take about ten business days to process. You must submit requests by mail using the appropriate background check form. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet maintains driving history records that show DUI convictions. A three-year driving history costs $6 online or $3 in person. These records display traffic violations including administrative entries about your driving privileges.
Note: DUI records may appear in multiple systems including court records, driving histories, and criminal background reports.
How to Access DUI Records in Kentucky
Kentucky provides several ways to look up DUI records. The AOCFastCheck system allows registered users to request criminal record reports online. Results are typically ready within 24 hours. Visit kycourts.gov to learn more about this service. The AOC Records Unit processes about 950,000 criminal record reports each year.
You can also request records in person at any Circuit Court Clerk office. Bring identification and specific case details to help staff locate the files you need. Most clerks accept cash, check, money order, and credit cards. Fees vary by county for copies and certified documents. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet offers online access to three-year driving histories through their secure portal at secure.kentucky.gov/dhronline.
To search DUI records effectively, you will need:
- Full name of the person involved
- Approximate date of the incident or arrest
- County where the case was filed
- Case number if available
The Kentucky State Police NextRequest portal allows you to submit open records requests electronically. Visit kentuckystatepolice.nextrequest.com to file your request. Agencies must respond within five business days under the Kentucky Open Records Act.
Types of DUI Records Available in Kentucky
Kentucky maintains several categories of DUI documentation. Court case files contain the most comprehensive information about a DUI case. These files include the criminal complaint, arrest reports, breath test results, court hearings, plea agreements, and sentencing orders. The Circuit Court Clerk in each county stores these official records. You can request copies of any document in a case file.
Driving History Records from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet show DUI convictions on your driving record. A three-year record displays traffic violations and administrative entries. A five-year certified record includes personal information and is required for clearance letters. Full driving history records contain all traffic conviction information and administrative entries about driving privileges.
Criminal background reports from the AOC include DUI convictions alongside other criminal records. These reports show all misdemeanor and traffic cases for at least five years. Felonies appear dating back to 1978. The reports do not include juvenile cases, mental health cases, or domestic violence cases as these are confidential by law.
DUI records in Kentucky typically contain:
- Name and address of the defendant
- Date and location of the arrest
- Blood alcohol content test results
- Court case number and filing date
- Charges filed and final disposition
- Sentence including fines and jail time
- License suspension periods
Accident reports involving DUI incidents can be obtained through BuyCrash at buycrash.com or by requesting them from the investigating agency.
Kentucky DUI Laws and Penalties
Kentucky law governs driving under the influence through KRS Chapter 189A. These statutes define the offenses, penalties, and procedures for DUI cases. Understanding these laws helps you know what information appears in DUI records and how long those records remain accessible.
A first offense DUI carries fines from $200 to $500. Jail time ranges from 48 hours to 30 days, though community service may substitute. License suspension lasts 30 to 120 days. All offenders must complete an alcohol or drug education program. The court may also order treatment based on assessment results.
Second offenses within ten years bring harsher penalties. Fines increase to $350 to $500. Jail time ranges from 7 days to 6 months. License suspension extends to 12 to 18 months. The offender must complete a one-year alcohol or drug treatment program. Community service of 10 days to 6 months may also be required.
Third offenses result in even stricter consequences. Fines range from $500 to $1,000. Jail time is 30 days to 12 months. License suspension lasts 24 to 36 months. A one-year treatment program is mandatory. Fourth or subsequent offenses become Class D felonies. These carry fines from $1,000 to $10,000 and 120 days in jail without probation.
Kentucky uses implied consent laws under KRS 189A.103. Any person operating a motor vehicle is deemed to have consented to tests for alcohol or substance content. This includes breath, blood, or urine tests. Refusing these tests results in automatic license suspension regardless of whether you are convicted of DUI.
License suspension periods are now administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet based on conviction type. First offenses carry 6-month suspensions. Second offenses result in 18-month suspensions. Third offenses bring 36-month suspensions. Fourth or subsequent offenses result in 60-month suspensions.
Kentucky Ignition Interlock Program
The Kentucky Ignition Interlock Program (KIIP) allows certain DUI offenders to regain driving privileges sooner. Participants install ignition interlock devices on their vehicles. These devices prevent the car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath. The program requires minimum participation of six months.
To participate in KIIP, you must apply using form TC 94-175. A $40 reinstatement fee is required. You can pay this at any Driver Licensing Regional Office. The Division of Driver Licensing oversees the program. You can contact them at (502) 564-1257 or email KIIP@ky.gov. Violations of KIIP rules result in additional suspension time.
Hardship licenses may be available after serving part of your suspension. These licenses allow driving only for work, school, medical, or treatment purposes. An ignition interlock device is typically required for hardship licenses.
DUI Record Fees in Kentucky
Fees vary based on the type of record and agency providing it. AOC criminal background reports cost $15 for a standard search. Credit and debit card fees add 2.25% of the transaction or $2.50, whichever is greater. Schools and government agencies receive about 60% of reports free of charge.
Kentucky State Police background checks cost $20. Payment must be by check or money order. No cash is accepted. These requests must be completed by mail. Processing takes about ten business days. Open records requests to KSP cost 10 cents per released page. Photos, CDs, and videotapes cost $2 to $3 each.
Driving History Records from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet cost $6 for online three-year records. In-person requests cost $3 for three-year or full records. Mail requests also cost $3. Clearance letters cost $3. All in-person payments must be by debit or credit card, money order, or cashier's check. No personal checks or cash are accepted at regional offices.
Circuit Court Clerks set their own copy fees. Most charge per page for copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Payment options typically include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards. Contact the specific clerk's office to confirm current fees.
How to Request DUI Records in Kentucky
You can obtain DUI records through multiple channels. For court case records, contact the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the case was filed. Visit in person or call to request copies by mail. Provide the defendant's name, case number if known, and approximate date of the case. The clerk can search records and produce copies for a fee.
For statewide criminal record reports, use the AOCFastCheck system online. Register as a user and submit your request. You will receive an email when the report is ready. Results remain available for 30 days after processing. You can also call the AOC Records Unit at 800-928-6381 for assistance.
For driving history records, visit secure.kentucky.gov/dhronline for three-year records. For full five-year certified records, visit a Driver Licensing Regional Office in person. These cannot be ordered online. Bring proper identification and payment.
For Kentucky State Police records, submit an open records request in writing. Email ksp.openrecords@ky.gov or use the NextRequest portal. Be specific about the records you need. Include names, dates, and locations. Sign your request and print your name clearly.
Are DUI Records Public in Kentucky
Yes, most DUI records are public in Kentucky. The Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870-61.884) grants citizens the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records. This law applies to court records and law enforcement documents. You do not need to be a party to the case to request records.
Criminal record reports from the AOC are public information. However, certain case types are confidential. These include juvenile cases, mental health cases, and domestic violence cases. You will not receive information on these case types in a criminal record report.
Some limitations apply to what can be viewed. Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and personal identification details may be redacted. Juvenile records are generally sealed from public view. A judge may seal adult records in limited circumstances following a hearing.
Note: You must be a Kentucky resident to make an open records request under KORA. Agencies have five business days to respond, excluding weekends and holidays.
Browse Kentucky DUI Records by County
Each county in Kentucky maintains DUI records through the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Select a county below to find local contact information and resources for accessing DUI records in that area.
DUI Records in Major Kentucky Cities
Major cities across Kentucky handle DUI cases through their local police departments and county courts. Select a city below to learn about accessing DUI records in that area.