Jared Butler
Jared Butler
Breckinridge County Clerk
This is how we serve our community
We provide a variety of services. Please explore below for which option best serves you.
Delinquent Taxes
TAX SALE
All outstanding Certificates of Delinquency not protected by statute will be offered for public sale on July 22, 2024, at 9:00am, Central time, in the Deed room of the Breckenridge County Clerk’s office.
At the close of business on April 15th, the tax bills are transferred from the sheriff’s office to the county clerk’s office. They are then known as a certificate of delinquency and represent a lien against the property in question. Interest begins to accrue on the total due at the rate of 1% per month. A 10% county clerk fee and a 20% county attorney fee are also added to the total due. The county attorney is required to send a notice by May 15th to the delinquent taxpayers and, if necessary, another notice is sent by June 15th. Delinquent taxpayers can enter into installment payment plans with the county attorney at this time.
Beginning in mid-July, county clerks offer the certificates of delinquency for sale to third-party purchasers. These sales run through the latter part of October with the majority of sales taking place from mid-July through the end of August. The specifics about each county’s sale, along with a listing of each certificate of delinquency, are required to be advertised in the local newspaper at least 30 days prior to the tax sale date. The certificates of delinquency are also listed on the county clerk’s website at least 30 days prior to the sale.
If a certificate of delinquency is sold to a third party purchaser, the property owner must then work with the third party to arrange for payment of the delinquency. There will be substantial additional fees that will be applied to the total due by the third-party purchaser. An installment payment plan can be requested of a third-party purchaser.
Important Information
The information listed on this website is provided for your convenience. Any amount due for taxes, fees, and/or charges is subject to change and will be based on the current amount due at the time of payment. The Breckinridge County Clerk’s Office is not responsible for information or data obtained from unofficial dated sources. A certified copy may be obtained in person at the following address:
Breckinridge County Clerks
208 S Main St #216
Hardinsburg, KY 40143
Accepted methods of payment are cash, money order, cashier check, and personal checks. We accept Visa, Discover, AMX or MasterCard.
Please be advised that the use of a debit or credit card will incur a vendors’ fee of 2.75% of the total amount of the transaction.
From this site you can find information about upcoming sales procedures for participating as well as frequently asked questions, and access our delinquent tax application, here Customers should be aware that the information contained in these files is produced by the Breckinridge County Sheriff’s Office pertaining to tax claims generating liens under KRS 134.420 (1) .
Delinquent Tax Faqs
What is considered a delinquent real estate tax?
A tax is considered “delinquent” when the due date of a specific real estate tax assessment has passed and by statute, any appeal rights have expired. Breckinridge County real estate property tax notices are mailed out in late October or early November by the County Sheriff’s Office and are payable to the County Sheriff’s Office beginning November 1. They become delinquent on January 1, following their due date, and are maintained and collected in the County Sheriff’s Office until April 15 each year. The Sheriff transfers any unpaid taxes to the Breckinridge County Clerk’s Office, accruing statutory penalties as well as interest at 1% per month until paid. Two additional notices are mailed by the County Attorney, the first week of May and the first week of June. (KRS 134.015)
Are there other costs that may be added to my tax liability after it becomes delinquent?
Yes, delinquent tax collection fees and interest will be added to the bill when it becomes delinquent. These fees change periodically according to changes in the statutes. The current tax bill fee schedule is as follows:
| During Sheriff’s Collection Period | (KRS134.015 & 134.119(7) |
| November 1 – December 1 | 2% Discount |
| December 2 – 31 | Gross Tax |
| January 1 – 31 | 5% Penalty |
| February 1 – April 15 | 10% Penalty + 10% Ad Fee |
| During County Clerk’s Collection Period | |
| April 16 – April 30 | Sheriff’s Commission (KRS 134.122 (2)(d)) |
| 1% Interest for April (KRS 134.125) | |
| 10% County Clerk Fee (KRS 134.126 (9)) |
|
| 20% County Attorney Fee (KRS134.504 (7)(a)) |
|
| $10 Lien Fee (KRS 64.012 (7) & (8)) | |
| May 1 – May 30 | 1% Interest for May |
| 30 Day Mail Fee for first notice ( KRS 134.504 (4)(d)) |
|
| June 1 – June 30 | 1% Interest for June |
| 60 Day Mail Fee for second notice (KRS 134.504 (4)(d)) | |
| Advertising Fee for Courier Journal Ad (varies from year to year) (KRS 134.128 (5) (a)) |
|
| County Clerk Ad fee $5.00 (KRS 134.128 (5) (b)) |
|
| July 1 – Sale Date | 1% Interest for July |
Once the sale occurs if the bill is sold, there will be additional penalties assessed by the 3rd party purchaser. If your bill is sold, you would need to contact and pay directly the 3rd party purchaser of your tax bill. If the bill is not sold, it continues to accrue interest at 1% per month.
What are the specific Delinquent Tax Payment Instructions?
Delinquent taxes may be paid in person by visiting the Breckinridge County Clerk’s Office at 208 S Main St #216 Hardinsburg, KY 40143. If you are unable to visit our office, full payment can be mailed to:
Breckinridge County Clerk
208 S Main St #216
Hardinsburg, KY 40143
Forms of Payment Accepted include and are limited to:
By Mail or In the Office
- Certified Check
- Cashier’s Check
- Money Order
In the Office Only
- Cash
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or AMX
We can accept payments over the phone
Can I pay my delinquent taxes in installments at the Breckinridge County Clerk's Office?
No. It is important to note that if partial payments were allowed, a lien would remain on your property until payment is made in full. Additionally, as long as a balance remains on your delinquent tax account, a third party could purchase your tax bill without warning. The purchase could neither be anticipated nor prevented by the County Clerk. The County Attorney may be able to offer you an installment payment plan before the end of June each year. Please call that office 270-756-2791. Once your tax lien is purchased by a 3rd party, they may also offer an installment plan. Contact the buyer directly for more information.
Is a lien placed on my property when my taxes become delinquent?
Yes. A lien is filed against the specified real property you own in Breckinridge County. The lien is filed with the Breckinridge County Clerk’s Office and is a public record of the amount you owe. It could affect your ability to obtain credit or sell real estate. The cost of releasing the lien will be added to the delinquent tax account at the time the lien is filed. Currently the cost is $10.
Who can lawfully purchase my delinquent tax bill?
Kentucky Law allows any individual or company to purchase delinquent tax bills that are not flagged by the County Attorney as being on the protected list. Protected bills include bills that are involved in Bankruptcy, Pending Litigation, or are on a Payment Plan with the County Attorney. The sale of tax bills can not be anticipated nor prevented by the County Clerk.
What happens when someone buys my delinquent tax bill?
The lien (Certificate of Delinquency) which is held by the County Clerk’s Office is then assigned to the 3rd Party Purchaser and the document is recorded in the land records of the County Clerk’s Office. The 3rd Party Purchaser then has 50 days to give notice that the tax bill has been purchased. Payment must be sent directly to the 3rd Party Purchaser, along with the associated penalties and interest assessed by them after their purchase. There are statutory guidelines regulating what can be charged by a 3rd Party Purchaser. Once you pay the 3rd Party Purchaser, they will file a Release of Assignment of Certificate of Delinquency with the County Clerk’s Office within 30 days of receipt of payment.
How long do I have to pay the buyer?
The buyer may institute a foreclosure action in court against you for the unpaid debt one (1) year after the bill becomes delinquent. Bills become delinquent on January 1, for example, 2012 tax bills became delinquent on January 1, 2013, and will qualify for foreclosure on January 1, 2014. However, some buyers may be in no hurry to collect the debt, given the interest rates charged, and may simply hold the certificate as long as your equity in the property exceeds the tax debt. The statute of limitations for the Certificate of Delinquency is11 years following the date the taxes become delinquent.
Who do I pay if I can't locate the buyer?
Some buyers do change addresses without contacting the debtors. Contact the Breckinridge County Clerk’s Office at (270) 756-2246 to verify the mailing address of record for the 3rd Party Purchaser and then send a “registered” letter to the buyer at the verified address. If the letter is unclaimed, you may pay the Breckinridge County Clerk your debt directly. The Clerk will calculate the bill on behalf of the 3rd Party Purchaser and release the lien on your property. The funds are deposited into an escrow account to await the 3rd Party Purchaser claims.
Does the Breckinridge County Clerk's Office report my delinquent taxes to a credit bureau?
No. However, mortgage companies and other creditors do contact the Breckinridge County Clerk’s Office to inquire about delinquent taxes. If your credit bureau report shows an open tax lien, it probably is not for Delinquent Real Estate or Tangible taxes. Usually, these liens are placed by the Commonwealth for income or other taxes. If your credit report shows that there is a Certificate of Delinquency or another tax lien on your property, you may obtain a copy of the lien and or release it directly from the Breckinridge County Clerk’s Office at (270) 756-2246.
How long do I have to pay my delinquent taxes with the County Clerk's Office if no third party or the state buys the tax bill?
Tax bills are collectable by the County Clerk until the Statute of limitations runs out at 11 years following the date of delinquency however; the County Attorney can force a foreclosure action anytime prior to the 11 years.
What if I did not receive a tax notice and my taxes become delinquent, will the tax penalties be exonerated?
That depends. In some cases, tax bills may be sent to the wrong address; if this is a governmental error, some penalties can be waived. However, property owners should expect to receive a yearly tax bill. According to the Kentucky Department of Revenue, not receiving a tax bill or being unfamiliar with Kentucky tax laws are not reasons to waive a penalty and interest on a delinquent tax bill. Interest cannot be waived under any current statutes. If you do not receive a bill in November, you will need to follow up with the County Sheriff’s Office at (270) 756-2361.
If you have any questions, please contact the office at (270) 756-2246 or by email to [email protected]
Motor Vehicles
For more information please visit drive.ky.gov or contact the office at (270) 756-2246.
Mail documents to:
208 S Main St #216
Hardinsburg, KY 40143
Look up Vehicle Taxes
Can’t remember how much you paid in vehicle tax last year? Use the link below to enter the VIN number on your vehicle.
Motor Vehicle Fees
- Motor Vehicle Renewal: $21 (base amount, specialized plate fees vary)
- Motor Vehicle Renewal of plates greater than 10,000lbs: Varies by Weight
- Motor Vehicle Transfer: $17
- Motor Vehicle Title Only: $9
- Title Lien Statement: $22, add $2.00 if lien date is 30 days or more
- Permanent Handicap Placard: $0 for the first placard and $10.00 for an optional 2nd placard
- Temporary Handicap Placard: $0
- Duplicate Title Fee: $6
- Duplicate Registration Fee: $3
Rebuilt Vehicles
Before purchasing a rebuilt vehicle, please keep these few tips in mind…
- You can do some research before purchasing a rebuilt vehicle by obtaining a vehicle history report and having the vehicle inspected by a mechanic.
- Be aware that it may be difficult to obtain a loan or insurance for rebuilt vehicles.
- Understand that motorists driving a rebuilt vehicle back to the state where a junk title was originally issued run the risk of the vehicle being confiscated if stopped by law enforcement.
- Realize that rebuilt vehicles cannot be sold to consumers in most other states in the U.S.
(REBUILD PROCESS)
- Submit your existing Kentucky title to the clerk to be converted into a salvage title. ($9) *Vehicle plate must be surrendered at this time and vehicle can not be driven until the rebuild process is completed. Salvage title will be received by mail in 5-7 business days.*
- The clerk will provide you with a packet of information including the forms necessary to convert the title into a rebuilt vehicle.
- Once you have completed all forms necessary, you may submit these documents along with the salvage title you received by mail to the County Clerk to be emailed to the department of transportation or you may hand-deliver them to the rebuilt section of motor vehicles in Frankfort.
- You will then be notified either by mail or by phone once an agent from the motor vehicle department has approved your paperwork.
- You will then visit your local County Clerk with your proof of insurance to apply for the new title and plate for your vehicle. *New title branded REBUILT will be received by mail in approximately 2 weeks*
Additional Information
Considerations to Make
- Research before purchasing a rebuilt vehicle by obtaining a vehicle history report and having the vehicle inspected by a mechanic.
- Be aware that it may be difficult to obtain a loan or insurance for rebuilt vehicles.
- Understand that Motorists driving a rebuilt car or truck back to the state where it was originally given a scrap title run the risk of the vehicle being confiscated if they are stopped by law enforcement.
- Realize that Rebuilt Vehicles cannot be sold to consumers in most other states in the U.S.
Motor Vehicle FAQs
To renew your KY vehicle or boat registration by mail, you will need
- Your certificate of registration.
- Proof of your car insurance (must be the original PAPER COPY; photocopies are not accepted).
- Proof of insurance is not required for boats
- Payment
NOTE: An additional $2 convenience fee for mailed-in renewals will be assessed.
How to register a vehicle moving into the state.
The following requirements must be met before a vehicle can be titled in Kentucky:
Application for Title/Registration Form (TC96-182).
The Owner/Buyer and Seller (if the ownership is changing) sections must be signed and notarized.
When completed, Form TC 96-182 serves as your odometer statement which is necessary.
Original title from previous state. If the title is being held by a lien holder, it must be released to the Jefferson County Clerk. The release is requested through a “Bank Letter” which may be obtained from our office or printed out from here. Our office will file a lien on your new Kentucky title. The County Clerk’s Office will notify you of receipt of your title from the lien holder. If you do not apply for title and registration in Kentucky within thirty (30) days from the date the County Clerk’s Office receives the title from the lien holder, the title will be returned to the lien holder on the thirty-first (31st) day.
A Sheriff’s Inspection is required on all out-of-state vehicles. You must bring the title and vehicle to Breckinridge County Clerk’s office:
208 S Main St #216, Hardinsburg, KY 40143
There is a fee of $5.00 (cash or check) for inspections.
NOTE: If you would like to check the operating hours for the various sheriff inspection locations, please call the Sheriff inspection’s telephone number at (270) 756-2361.
How to register a vehicle out of state?
When a Kentucky resident moves out of state, they must title their vehicle in their new state of residency. Some states do not notify Kentucky that the vehicle is now registered in a new state.
To ensure the vehicle is taken off the tax records, return a copy of the new state’s title or registration along with the Kentucky license plate to the county clerk’s office.
If current year taxes have not been paid, they will be due at the time the move out of state is processed. With a required $2.00 processing fee this may be submitted by mail or brought to the county clerk’s office.
KRS134.810 States any vehicle currently in your name or any vehicle that was in your name as of January 1st that you would be liable for that year’s taxes.
To inquire about current year tax amounts you can call our Motor Vehicle department at (270) 756-2246.
Mailing address:
Breckinridge County Clerk
208 S Main St #216
Hardinsburg, KY 40143
Land Records
Breckinridge County is charged with indexing and housing all legal land records as well as a marriage license and notary bonds. Some of our records date back as far as the late 1700s and go through to the current day. At present time, we use a digital index however, the oldest records are still kept by the ledger as they were at the time of filing. Our Deed and Recordings rooms are open to the public daily from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Notary applications can be made online by following this link: Kentucky Secretary of State’s website
Docalert
Exciting News: Mortgage and Deed fraud Notifications
Now Available at the Breckinridge County Clerk’s Office!
Introducing DOCALERT brought to you by Software Management, LLC— a FREE powerful tool to help protect you from potential fraud related to mortgages and deeds. You can register to receive email notifications whenever a mortgage or deed is filed in your name or your business name at the County Clerk’s Office.
How It Works:
Registration is simple and secure, requiring only your name and email. Once registered, DOCALERT will send you an alert whenever a mortgage or deed bearing your name is recorded, so you can stay informed and act swiftly in the case of any unauthorized filings.
Why It Matters:
DOCALERT helps safeguard you against property fraud by promptly notifying you of any unexpected activity involving mortgages or deeds in your name. This essential service is provided by Software Management, LLC. , in partnership with the Breckinridge County Clerk’s Office.
Stay Protected —Sign up for DOCALERT and take control of your property records today!
Standard Recording Fees
| Document Description | Category | New Minimum Fee | */# |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affidavit of Conversion to Real Estate | Miscellaneous | $51 | * |
| Affidavit of Descent | Deed | $50 | * |
| Affidavit per KRS 382.297 or 382.337 | Deed/Mortgage | $46 | * |
| Agreement | Deed/Mortgage | $46 | * |
| Articles and Amended Articles (Profit & Nonprofit) | Corporate Records | $46 | * |
| Assignment of Mortgage | Miscellaneous | $46 | * |
| Assignment of Rents | Deed | $50 | * |
| Assignment of Vendor's Lien | Miscellaneous | $46 | * |
| Assumed Name | Corporate Records | $46 | * |
| Assumption Agreement | Mortgage | $46 | * |
| Attest-Release (In House) | Release | $46 | * |
| Bonds- Property as Surety | Miscellaneous Enc | $63 | |
| Bond to Release a Mechanic Lien | Release | $60 | * |
| Certificate of Delinquency Assignment | Miscellaneous | $30 | |
| Certificate of Delinquency Re-Assignment | Miscellaneous | $46 | * |
| Certificate of Delinquency Release | Release | $46 | * |
| Child Support Lien-In State | Encumbrance | $5 | |
| Child Support Lien-Out of State | Encumbrance | $46 | * |
| Child Support Lien Release-In State | Release | $5 | |
| Child Support Lien Release-Out of State | Release | $46 | * |
| Condominium Declaration/Associated Documents | Condo Deed | $50 | * |
| Contract Real Estate/Land | Deed | $50 | * |
| Declaration of Trust | Deed | $46 | * |
| Deed | Deed/Condo Deed | $50 | * |
| Deed of Correction | Deed | $46 | * |
| Deed of Restrictions | Deed | $50 | * |
| Podiatrist | Registry | $10 | |
| Easement | Deed | $50 | * |
| Easement Release | Deed | $46 | * |
| Encumbrance | Encumbrance | $46 | * |
| Encumbrance Release | Release | $46 | * |
| Fixture Filing | Fixture | $96 | * |
| Fixture Continuation, Assignment, Amendment, Partial Release | Fixture | $46 | * |
| Inheritance Tax Lien | Encumbrance | $5 | |
| Inheritance Tax Lien Release | Miscellaneous | $5 | |
| Judgment Lien | Encumbrance | $46 | * |
| Land Use Restrictions | Land Use | $50 | |
| Lease-Real Estate and/or Equipment | Deed | $50 | * |
| Limited Partnership or Partnership Agreement | Corporate Records | $46 | * |
| Lis Pendens Notice | Encumbrance | $46 | * |
| Lis Pendens Notice Release | Release | $46 | * |
| Marital Agreement | Deed | $46 | * |
| Master Deed for Condominiums | Condo Deed/Deed | $50 | * |
| Mechanic Lien | Mechanic Lien | $46 | * |
| Mechanic Lien Release | Release | $46 | * |
| Mortgage | Mortgage/Condo Mtg | $80 | # |
| Mortgage Modification Agreement | Mortgage/Condo Mtg | $46 | * |
| Mortgage (Real Estate) with Assignment | Mortgage/Condo Mtg | $126 | # |
| Option Agreement-Real Estate | Deed | $50 | * |
| Plat | Plat Cabinet | $50 | |
| Power of Attorney | Deed | $50 | * |
| Release of Mortgage-Full or Partial | Release | $46 | * |
| Revocation of Power of Attorney | Deed | $46 | * |
| Subordination Agreement | Mortgage | $46 | * |
| Tax Lien-Federal | Encumbrance | $46 | * |
| Tax Lien-State | Encumbrance | $5 | |
| Tax Lien Release-Federal | Release | $46 | * |
| Tax Lien Release-State | Release | $5 | |
| Will | Will | $47 | * |
| Renunciation of Will | Will | $46 | * |
| Disclaimer of Will | Will | $46 | * |
| Filing with statutory authority for which no specific fee is set | Varies | $46 | * |
Recording FAQs
"What if I don't know the book and page, or am unsure of the validity of the information I currently have?"
Unfortunately, the Clerk’s staff is unable to perform any type of search. Multiple pieces of identifying information are required for clerk assistance.
In addition, most historic records are not as easily obtained as some of the more current records due to the lack of the inquirer’s known identifying information. However, we often consult a member of the Georgetown/Breckinridge County Historic Society to assist us.
"Are your records available online?"
"How can I find out who owns a piece of property?"
Our index is based strictly on names and does not recognize addresses. For assistance with this information, you should contact the Property Valuation Administration at 270-756-5154. Essentially, you can give them an address and they will tell you who the current property owner is based on their tax records.
"Where do I pay my tax bill?"
The Breckinridge County Sheriff’s Department is the collector of the current tax year. Tax bills are typically mailed during the last week of October. The Sheriff will collect those taxes until April 15th of the following year, when he will then transfer the uncollected bills to the County Clerk for collection. When they arrive at the County Clerk’s office, their status becomes “delinquent”. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 208 S Main St #210, Hardinsburg, KY 40143.
"How do I know if I have any liens against my property?"
The Breckinridge County Clerk’s Office is open for public inspection 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays. As deputy clerks, the staff is prohibited from performing any type of “title searching”. That means that we cannot look up records and definitively answer any questions. The Recordings Department staff is available to assist you in your search, but ultimately, your own conclusion must be drawn. Our staff has a list of reputable attorneys, paralegals, and abstractors that you can commission to perform an insured title search.
Elections
Our goal is to always provide accurate up-to-date information to voters as well as potential candidates who wish to run for office.
Military and Overseas Voters
Military personnel, their dependents, and citizens who live overseas (temporarily or indefinitely) are permitted to cast an absentee ballot in one of the following ways:
- The voter may vote on the voting machine in the County Clerk’s office if the voter will be absent from the county on Election Day, or if the voter learns he/she will be confined to a base within the county on Election Day.
- Voters who will be out of the county may apply for a mail-in ballot that will be sent to the voters out of county address, their fax or email address at the voter’s request. A Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) may be used to make this request. It can be found at www.fvap.gov and it must reach us seven (7) days prior to the election. The ballot must be returned to our office by mail no later than Election Day.
Voter Registration
The Voter Registration Department performs a wide variety of duties related to the election process. We are responsible for registering voters, keeping the voter registrations up-to-date, providing voting locations, recruiting poll workers for election day, maintaining and securing the voting machines, and providing election results once the election process is complete.
Our goal is to always provide accurate up-to-date information to voters as well as potential candidates who wish to run for office.
Absentee Ballot Information
You may obtain a paper absentee ballot if you are unable to get to the polls on election day and you meet any one of the following requirements:
- due to advanced age, disability, illness or medical emergency
- you are a member of the Armed forces
- you are the dependent of a member of the Armed forces
- you are a U. S. citizen residing overseas
- you are a student attending school outside the county of your voter registration
- you temporarily reside outside the state but are still eligible to vote in Kentucky
- you are incarcerated in jail and have been charged but not convicted of a crime
Please be advised that these regulations are reviewed by the State Board of Elections and are subject to change.
Find My Polling Place
Breckinridge County Precinct Locations
The year 2020 was challenging in so many ways. The election process that we had come so accustom to took on an entirely different look and form. Voting locations and accessibility are just a couple of examples of the changes implemented to better serve our voters. This year, 2021, is a re-districting year which means that after the census is fully reported, district lines may change or be amended.
In efforts to avoid confusion and save you time on election day we will provide you with a county-wide list of precincts and their corresponding addresses when the process is finalized. As with all things election, we await decisions and directives from the State Board. Please check back with us later this year for an updated map and/or plan that will help you determine where you can cast your next ballot.
Additional Information
The deadline for applying for a paper absentee ballot is 14 days before an election. You may apply for a paper absentee ballot due to a medical emergency up to the day of the election. You may request an application in person, by mail, by phone, or by fax.
If you are going to be out of the county on election day and you do not qualify for a paper absentee ballot (as listed above), you may vote in the County Clerk’s office any of the 14 business days preceding the election.
Important Election Dates
Mail-In Absentee Ballot –
Saturday, September 21st – Online mail-in absentee request portal to open
(45 days before the election).
Tuesday, October 22nd – online mail-in absentee request portal to close
(14 days before the election) at 11:59PM
Ballots for the November 2024 General may be returned by mail, or to the secure drop box located outside the Breckinridge County Courthouse during normal business hours of 8:00AM-4:00PM, Monday-Friday. Ballots must be received in the clerk’s office by November 5th, 2024 at 6:00PM.
In-Person Excuse Absentee –
October 23rd-25th and 28th-30th, 2024, 8:00AM-4:00PM in County Clerk’s Office
In-Person No-Excuse Absentee –
October 31st & November 1st & 2nd, 2024, 8:00AM-4:00PM in County Clerk’s Office
Election Day –
Tuesday, November 5th, 2024. Polls open 6:00AM-6:00PM.
Plan your visit
Contact Us
Heritage
Breckinridge County was formed in 1800 and is located in the Pennyrile region of the state. The Pennyrile region of Kentucky stretches from the Land Between the Lakes in the west, across the state to the Pottsville Escarpment in the east. It is a Mississippian plateau with a large karst (landscape underlain by limestone) region that includes Mammoth Cave. The elevation in the county ranges from 383 to 920 feet above sea level. The region takes its name from the Pennyroyal (Hedeoma puligiodes – a summer wildflower).
Learn more about the county that we call home.
Communities
Breckinridge County has three incorporated cities:
Hardinsburg
Visit Hardinsburg, the local seat of government for Breckinridge County.
Irvington
Visit Irvington to see railroad and coal mining history.
Cloverport
Visit Cloverport to enjoy unmatched scenery along the Ohio River.
Voter Registration FAQ’s
Absentee Ballot
"Who is qualified to vote by Absentee Ballot?"
To be qualified to vote by walk-in absentee ballot, you must be:
- Person who due to age, disability, or illness will be unable to go to the polls on election day.
- Voter who will be outside of the county on election day from 6am to 6pm.
- Student who temporarily resides outside the county in which he is registered who will be out of the county on election day.
- Voter who is a member of the Armed Forces, a dependent of a member of Armed Forces, or an overseas citizen, and will be out of the county on election day.
- Voter who is a member of the Armed Forces who will be confined to base within the county on election day and who learns of that confinement within 7 days or less of the election.
- Voter or spouse of voter who has surgery scheduled that will require hospitalization on election day.
- Precinct Election Officer serving in a precinct other than that in which he is registered or an Alternate Precinct Election Officer.
- Member or any staff for the County Board of Elections; Any deputy county clerk; Any staff for the State Board of Elections.
- FOR PRESIDENTIAL BALLOT ONLY: Moved to another state after its registration books closed.
- A woman in her last trimester of pregnancy.
To be qualified to vote by mail-in absentee ballot, you must be:
- Person who due to age, disability, or illness will be unable to go to the polls on election day.
- Student who temporarily resides outside the county in which he is registered. Must be mailed to an out-of-state address.
- Voter who temporarily resides outside of the state but who is still eligible to vote in this state. Must be mailed to an out-of-state address.
- Person who is incarcerated in jail who has been charged with a crime but has yet to be convicted of the crime.
- Person whose employment location requires him to be absent from the county all hours and all days absentee voting by machine is conducted.
- Military personnel, their Dependents, or Overseas Citizens
- FOR PRESIDENTIAL BALLOT ONLY: moved to another state after its registration books closed
- Person who is a participant in the Office of the Secretary of State’s address confidentiality program
(For more information please review the Kentucky State Board of Elections Military and Overseas Citizens page at www. elect.ky.gov)
"When can I apply for a Walk-In/In-Office Absentee Ballot?"
A voting machine is available in the Election Department 12 (or more) working days before the election for those voters who are qualified to vote by absentee ballot.
"How can I request a Mail-In Absentee Ballot?"
You or your spouse, parents, or children may visit this website to apply for a Mail-in Absentee Ballot. Click Here
"When can I request an Absentee Ballot?"
You can request an absentee ballot any time before an election if you know you are eligible to vote absentee. We will send you a mail-in absentee ballot within 3 days of the state ballot printing deadline, which is 50 days before the election.
"What is the last day I can apply for an Absentee Ballot?"
The deadline for applying for a mail-in absentee ballot is October 22, 14 days before an election. The completed application must be received by our office by mail or in-person by the 14-day deadline. The absentee ballot must be received in our office by 6 PM local time on election day for the ballot to be counted.
"What should I do if I do not receive my mail-in Absentee Ballot?"
If you applied for an absentee ballot and, after a reasonable time, have not received your mail-in ballot, you must contact our office and ask for a second ballot. The Breckinridge County Board of Elections will only count the first properly returned voted ballot.
"What if I need help completing my Absentee Ballot?"
A voter may have assistance because of blindness, physical disability, or the inability to read English. Any person of the voter’s choice may assist the voter, except the voter’s employer or agent of the employer or an officer or agent of the voter’s union. The person assisting the voter must complete the portion of the voter assistance form on the absentee ballot inner envelope that we provide. The person assisting the voter must make an oath declaring that the assistor marked the ballot under the directions of the voter requiring assistance.
"What happens if I will be in the county on election day and want to vote at my precinct, but I have requested an Absentee Ballot?"
"When can I apply for a Medical Emergency Ballot?"
You can apply for a medical emergency absentee ballot if a medical emergency occurs within 14 days before an election. The spouse of the voter can also apply for a paper absentee ballot. The voter, voter’s spouse, parent or child or, if none exist, then a brother, sister, niece, nephew or designee of the voter may make the request for a medical emergency application for an absentee ballot. The absentee ballot can be hand-delivered to the voter and this may be done on Election Day
Voting FAQs
"If I have a driver's license am I automatically registered to vote?"
"Will I receive a voter registration ID card when I register to vote?"
"How often do I need to re-register?"
"I am a student. Do I vote here or in my home county?"
"Are seventeen year olds eligible to vote?"
"What should I do if I change my name?"
"I previously had a felony conviction. Can I still register to vote?"
"When I register to vote in Breckinridge County does that automatically delete me from the voter rolls elsewhere?
Polling FAQs
"Do I need to take anything with me when I go to the polls?"
- driver’s license or state-issued identification card
- social security card
- credit card
- personal acquaintance with one of the election officers in your precinct
- another form of identification that has both your picture and your signature
"What hours are the polls open? Can I go to a precinct near my office instead of the one where I live?
The polls are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You MUST be in line by 6:00 PM in order to vote. You may vote in any of your counties voting centers.
"What if I need assistance at the polls?"
- Voters who cannot operate the machine due to a physical disability
- Voters who are blind or visually impaired
- Voters who are unable to read English
"What if I can't get to the polls on Election Day?"
Some voters qualify to vote by absentee ballot either in person at the county clerk’s office or by mail. You may review the Absentee Voting section or call the voter registration office for more information, (270) 756-2246.
General Voting FAQs
"What should I do if I move?"
Moves outside of the county:Registration books close 28 days before each election. If you move to another Kentucky county you must register in your new county before the books close in order to be eligible to vote. If you move during the 28 day period that the books are closed, you may return to your previous county to vote in that one election only. You will need to change your registration to your new county as soon as the registration books reopen.
"Is voter registration proof of residency?
No. Your voter registration information only proves the date you registered to vote in the county.