FRANKFORT - Forget the lines at the county clerk's office. And you won't need any stamps. You can now renew the registration of your passenger vehicle with a few clicks of the computer.

        Computerized registration will cost a few dollars more and is now limited to motorists who get their insurance coverage from the four companies participating in the program. But more companies are signing on and computer access in Kentucky, although among the lowest in the nation, is also improving.

        Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw has been a test site for the online registration for several months and declared it a success Wednesday.

        “We have had absolutely no problems. It's great,” Mr. Holsclaw said.

        Gov. Paul Patton, on hand for a demonstration of the renewal system at a Capitol press conference, said it was part of the effort of his administration to change some of the culture of the bureaucracy.

        “We fully recognize that they are our customers and we in government intend to treat them that way,” Mr. Patton said.

        The system will not be available to everyone. Only people renewing registrations on vehicles they own - not lease - will be eligible. The first page of the Web site on registration renewal includes all the information required, such as the latest vehicle registration and title certificates, plus a Visa or MasterCard credit card.

        The registration will include payment of property taxes on the vehicle, and there can be no overdue taxes.

        As of this week, only Kentucky Farm Bureau, The Hartford, Prudential and USAA companies are providing the electronic information about proof of insurance required for renewal on line. Mack Bushart, director of the Division of Vehicle Regulation, said those companies insure about a third of Kentucky motorists and more than 40 companies have expressed interest in participating.

        There will be a $5 fee charged for online renewals. That is $5 more than the cost of renewal in-person at a county clerk's office and $3 more than registering through the mail. The additional fee is designed to cover the charge from the credit card company on the transaction.

        Mr. Bushart said there should be no change in receipts to state government or county clerks.

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Motorists can use computer to renew