Jefferson County Clerk (KY): Records, Locations & Clerk Services
The Jefferson County Clerk in Louisville, Kentucky is the office most residents use for vehicle registration, license plates, boat registration, land records, deeds, mortgages, marriage licenses, notary-related filings, delinquent tax records, elections, and county clerk office services.
This guide explains which Jefferson County Clerk service you need, which location to visit, how to search land records, how to avoid confusing the County Clerk with the Circuit Court Clerk, and which official links to open for each task.
Independent guide last reviewed September 2026. Confirm current hours, branch availability, fees, holiday closures, and service rules on the official Jefferson County Clerk website before visiting or paying.
Quick Facts: Jefferson County Clerk KY
Search Jefferson County Land Records, Deeds, Mortgages, Liens, and Legal Records
Jefferson County land records are handled by the County Clerk’s Legal Records Division. This is the right place for deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney, corporate filings, wills and name changes after court approval, assignments, releases, liens, UCC or fixture filings, and many other recorded legal documents.
The Clerk provides an Online Land Records system for modern records, with online records dating back to August 1984. The Clerk also points users to a Legal Records archive search tool for older records from 1966 through 1984.
Official land recordsJefferson County Clerk Online Land Records
Use this official page to reach the Jefferson County Online Land Records system and older archive search links.
After opening this link:
- Read the note about the current Online Land Records application before clicking into the search system.
- Choose the current land-record search if you need records from August 1984 forward.
- Use the Legal Records archive search link if the document appears to fall between 1966 and 1984.
- Search by name, document type, date range, book/page, instrument number, or other available search fields.
- Open the matching document and confirm names, recording date, document type, and legal description before printing or relying on it.
- Call the Deed Room at 502-574-6220 if you need help with document type, release date, or possible incorrect record information.
Official recordingRecording and Indexing Legal Records
After opening this link:
- Review the accepted document types before preparing a deed, mortgage, lien, power of attorney, or UCC filing.
- Check whether the document can be submitted through an approved e-recording vendor.
- Read the common rejection reasons before mailing or submitting a document.
- Verify that required names, addresses, notary information, consideration statement, legal description, and source of title are included where required.
- Use the contact information on the page if you are unsure whether the document belongs in Jefferson County, Kentucky.
Property alertJefferson County Clerk Deed Room and ClerkAlert
After opening this link:
- Read the ClerkAlert explanation to understand how recorded-document notifications work.
- Use your name, business name, and email address when signing up for alerts.
- Watch for alerts when a document is recorded under the name you registered.
- If an alert looks suspicious, contact the Deed Room and consider getting legal advice quickly.
Jefferson County Clerk Google Map, Main Office, and Branch Locations
The main Jefferson County Clerk office is at 527 W. Jefferson Street in downtown Louisville. Motor vehicle services are handled through multiple branch locations, and the Clerk’s official location page should be checked before each visit because branch hours, inspection availability, and holiday closures can change.
Main Jefferson County Clerk Office
Address: 527 W. Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502-574-5700
Email: countyclerk@jeffersoncountyclerk.org
Best for: general Clerk contact, legal records direction, Deed Room access, marriage-license direction, notary/professional-license direction, delinquent tax direction, and mailing/contact support.
Dixie Branch
4919-F Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Monday extended 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Downtown Branch
First Trust Center
200 S. Fifth Street, Suite 228 South
Louisville, KY
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
East Branch
12312-A Shelbyville Road
Middletown Plaza
Louisville, KY
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Monday extended 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Fairdale Branch
10616 West Manslick Road
Fairdale Playtorium
Fairdale, KY
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Tuesday extended 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Highview Branch
7813 Beulah Church Road
Beulah Church Shopping Center
Louisville, KY
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Monday extended 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Jeffersontown Branch
10420 Watterson Trail
Bremer Ehrler Building
Jeffersontown, KY
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Thursday extended 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
West Branch
228 Amy Avenue
French Plaza
Louisville, KY
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Tuesday extended 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Westport Branch
9451 Westport Road, Suite 117
Louisville, KY
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Wednesday extended 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Official locationsJefferson County Clerk Locations, Hours, Branch Services, and Maps
After opening this link:
- Scroll to the Motor Vehicle Branches section.
- Choose the branch closest to you: Dixie, Downtown, East, Fairdale, Highview, Jeffersontown, West, or Westport.
- Check regular hours and the extended-hours day for that branch.
- If you need a sheriff auto inspection, read the inspection schedule and lunch-break note for that branch.
- Use the official map link for directions before driving.
- Call 502-574-5700 if you are not sure whether the branch handles your specific transaction.
Vehicle Registration, License Plates, Titles, Boats, Liens, and Disabled Placards
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Motor Vehicle Division is where many residents go for vehicle registration renewals, license plates, title applications, duplicate titles, liens on titled collateral, boat registration, and permanent or temporary disabled parking placards.
The County Clerk does not issue Kentucky driver’s licenses. Driver licensing and state ID services are handled by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, so license renewal or REAL ID questions should start with drive.ky.gov rather than the County Clerk.
Official vehicle servicesJefferson County Clerk Motor Vehicle and Boat Services
After opening this link:
- Select the service you need, such as registration renewal, title transfer, duplicate title, out-of-state vehicle registration, lien filing, or boat service.
- Read the document checklist before going to a branch.
- Check whether the transaction can be handled by mail, online, or at a branch.
- Confirm fees and any credit/debit card processing charges before paying.
- Use the branch location page to choose the closest office with the service you need.
Driver license warningKentucky Driver Licensing and REAL ID
After opening this link:
- Use this state site for driver’s licenses, REAL ID, photo ID cards, and driver testing information.
- Do not schedule a driver-license visit at the County Clerk branch unless the official KYTC page directs you there.
- Use the County Clerk only for registration, plates, titles, decals, liens, and boat registration.
Marriage Licenses, Certified Marriage Copies, Notary Commission, Wills, and Name Changes
Kentucky marriage licenses are issued by county clerks. In Jefferson County, both parties must appear in person for a marriage license, and the license may be used only in Kentucky. If the marriage is not solemnized within the required 30-day period, the couple must apply for a new license.
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Professional License Department also handles notary commission recording and related services. Wills and name changes are recorded by the Clerk after approval through the proper court process.
Official marriage pageJefferson County Marriage License FAQs
After opening this link:
- Confirm that both parties are eligible and will appear together in person.
- Bring acceptable identification, such as a driver’s license or other ID listed by the Clerk.
- Prepare the marriage license fee and confirm acceptable payment methods before visiting.
- Check the branch and walk-in information for the date you plan to apply.
- Remember that the Kentucky license is valid for use in Kentucky only.
Official notaryJefferson County Clerk Notary Commission
After opening this link:
- Confirm that your notary commission has been approved through the Kentucky Secretary of State process.
- Review the Clerk’s instructions for completing and recording the commission and bond.
- Prepare the posted recording fee and required identification.
- Contact Professional Licensing at 502-574-5884 if you are unsure what to bring.
Voter Registration, Elections, Absentee Voting, Drop Boxes, and Election Center
The Jefferson County Clerk plays an important role in local election administration. The Clerk’s Election Center handles voting information, absentee voting, ballot drop box information when available, military and overseas voter resources, voter ID guidance, and election-related public information.
Official votingJefferson County Clerk Voting Information
After opening this link:
- Select the voting topic that matches your need: in-person voting, mail-in absentee voting, ballot drop boxes, military/overseas voters, or voter ID.
- Check election-specific dates and deadlines because they change by election cycle.
- Use the Election Center phone number if you need help with absentee voting or voter information.
- Confirm your polling location and registration status through official Kentucky election tools before Election Day.
Need Jefferson County Court Records? Use the Circuit Court Clerk, Not the County Clerk
Jefferson County has a separate Office of the Circuit Court Clerk for Circuit, District, and Family Court records. This is the office to contact for court case records, court dockets, traffic citations handled through the courts, criminal case records, family court files, probate court records, court fines, and court-related case questions.
The Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk operates within the Kentucky Court of Justice. Court operations are centered downtown at the Louis D. Brandeis Hall of Justice and the Jefferson County Judicial Center, while the County Clerk handles county clerk services such as vehicles, land records, elections, and marriage licenses.
Use Jefferson County Clerk for
- Vehicle and boat registration.
- License plates, titles, decals, and liens.
- Deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, and land records.
- Marriage licenses and marriage-license copies.
- Notary commission recording and delinquent tax records.
- Voter information and election services.
Use Circuit Court Clerk for
- Circuit Court, District Court, and Family Court records.
- Criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic court case files.
- Court fines, court dockets, and court case lookup.
- Case copies and older court-record requests.
- Jury service and court division questions.
- Courtroom, hearing, and judge-related information.
Official court clerkOffice of the Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk
After opening this link:
- Use this site for Jefferson County court case records, dockets, traffic citations, court payments, court divisions, and court-service questions.
- Choose the court division that matches your case: Circuit, District, Family, Probate, Traffic, or Criminal.
- Use the Kentucky Court of Justice case tools when the page sends you to statewide court record resources.
- Return to the County Clerk only if your task is about vehicles, land records, marriage, elections, notary, or county legal records.
State court recordsKentucky Court of Justice Request Court Records
After opening this link:
- Read the Kentucky Court of Justice explanation for court case record requests.
- For Circuit, Family, District, or Business Court records, contact the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the case was handled.
- If the case is older, check whether Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives instructions apply.
- Use case number, party name, case year, and case type to reduce delays.
Common Jefferson County Clerk Fees and Payment Notes
Fees can change because Kentucky statutes and local processing rules may be updated. Use this section as a practical planning checklist, then confirm the current amount on the official Jefferson County Clerk fee pages before mailing payment or visiting a branch.
Official vehicle feesJefferson County Clerk Motor Vehicle Fees
After opening this link:
- Match your transaction to the correct fee category: renewal, title application, lien, duplicate title, duplicate registration, disabled placard, or marriage license.
- Check whether notary or mail-in fees apply to your transaction.
- Review debit and credit card processing fees before paying by card.
- Call 502-574-5700 if the fee depends on vehicle weight, tax, lien status, or another variable.
Official document feesJefferson County Clerk Document Fees
After opening this link:
- Find the document type you plan to record, such as deed, mortgage, lien, business name, will, name change, or UCC filing.
- Check the base recording fee and any page, indexing, tax, or related charges.
- Review recording requirements before paying because incomplete documents can be rejected.
- Contact the Legal Records Division if the fee is not clear from the document type.
Official Jefferson County Clerk Links With Micro Step-by-Step Guides
Main websiteJefferson County Clerk Official Website
After opening this link:
- Use the top menu to choose Motor Vehicle & Boat, Legal Records, Voter Info, Publications & Forms, or Contact.
- Read current notices at the top of the page before visiting a branch.
- Use the search box only after checking the main service categories.
- Confirm phone numbers, branch hours, and holiday closures before planning a same-day visit.
Legal recordsJefferson County Clerk Legal Records
After opening this link:
- Choose Online Land Records if you want to search deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded documents.
- Choose Document Fees if you need recording fees before filing a document.
- Choose Deed Room if you need in-person records help, copies, viewing, or research support.
- Choose Marriage License, Notary Commission, Wills & Name Changes, or Delinquent Taxes when those topics match your task.
Common formsJefferson County Clerk Common Forms
After opening this link:
- Search for the form that matches your transaction, such as disabled plate or placard, title, towing/storage request, or motor vehicle record request.
- Open the official Kentucky Transportation Cabinet form when linked.
- Read the signature, notarization, ID, and mailing instructions before printing.
- Call the Clerk before visiting if you are not sure whether the form is current.
Public records requestJefferson County Clerk Open Records Request Form
After opening this link:
- Download the form and identify the public record you want as specifically as possible.
- Include dates, names, record type, department, and any known reference numbers.
- Submit the request by the delivery method shown on the form.
- Do not use this form for court case records; use the Circuit Court Clerk or Kentucky Court of Justice for court files.
Related County Clerk Guides on This Site
These related guides can help if you are comparing Jefferson County services with nearby branches, general county clerk duties, marriage-license rules, or vehicle-title services.
Privacy, Accuracy, and Independent Guide Notice
This page is an independent informational guide and is not the official Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk, the Kentucky Court of Justice, or Louisville Metro Government.
Do not use this page as legal advice, title advice, election advice, or proof that a record is valid. For deed transfers, liens, probate-related filings, court matters, or sensitive personal records, verify the information directly with the correct official office and consider professional advice when needed.
Jefferson County Clerk KY FAQs
1. What does the Jefferson County Clerk in Kentucky do?
The Jefferson County Clerk handles vehicle registration, license plates, titles, boat registration, land records, deeds, mortgages, marriage licenses, notary commission recording, delinquent tax records, elections, and county clerk services.
2. Is the Jefferson County Clerk the same as the Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk?
No. The County Clerk handles vehicles, legal records, marriage licenses, elections, and related county clerk services. The Circuit Court Clerk handles Jefferson County Circuit, District, and Family Court case records.
3. Where is the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office located?
The main Jefferson County Clerk office is at 527 W. Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202. The Deed Room is located in Metro Hall at 527 W. Jefferson St., Room 204.
4. What is the phone number for the Jefferson County Clerk?
The main Jefferson County Clerk phone number is 502-574-5700. The Deed Room can be reached at 502-574-6220, and marriage, notary, and delinquent tax questions often use 502-574-5884.
5. How do I search Jefferson County KY land records online?
Use the Jefferson County Clerk Online Land Records page. Current online land records date back to August 1984, and the Clerk also provides an archive search tool for many records from 1966 through 1984.
6. Does the Jefferson County Clerk issue driver’s licenses?
No. The Jefferson County Clerk does not issue Kentucky driver’s licenses or REAL ID cards. Use the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at drive.ky.gov for driver licensing and photo ID services.
7. Where can I renew vehicle registration in Jefferson County?
Vehicle registration and license plate services are handled through Jefferson County Clerk motor vehicle branches, including Dixie, Downtown, East, Fairdale, Highview, Jeffersontown, West, and Westport branches.
8. How do I get a marriage license in Jefferson County KY?
Both parties must appear in person at the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office or an available branch location. The Clerk’s marriage license page lists required identification, fee information, and Kentucky-use rules.
9. Where do I contact Jefferson County election services?
Jefferson County Clerk election services are handled through the Election Center at 1000 East Liberty Street, Louisville, KY 40204-1029. The election phone number is 502-574-6100.
10. How do I request Jefferson County court case records?
For court case records, contact the Office of the Jefferson Circuit Court Clerk or use Kentucky Court of Justice resources. Do not use the County Clerk land-record or motor-vehicle pages for court case files.