Restraining Orders

In order to register (authenticate) your out-of-state order in Kentucky, you can file a certified copy of your order in district court or circuit court.  A certified copy generally has a court seal or stamp and a signature on it from the clerk or judge.  If you do not have a certified copy, you can still file it in court.¹  See Can I register my protection order if I do not have a certified copy? for more information. 

Your order will then be presented to the district judge or circuit judge, who will read over the order and add any information that is necessary for entry into the Law Information Network of Kentucky system (LINK system), which is a statewide database of protection orders in Kentucky that all law enforcement officers have access to.  A law enforcement officer will check the LINK system when enforcing your order, which is why it is helpful to make sure that your order is registered in this system.¹ Once your order has been reviewed by the judge and entered into the LINK system, it will be considered authenticated and you will receive a certified copy of the affidavit that declares your order authenticated.²  Your order can then be enforced in any county in Kentucky, just as if it were a Kentucky domestic violence order.

To find a courthouse near you, go to our KY Courthouse Locations page. 

If you need help registering your protection order, you can contact a local domestic violence organization in Kentucky for assistance. You can find contact information for organizations in your area here on our KY Advocates and Shelters page.

¹ KRS § 403.7521(1)-(3)
² KRS § 403.7529(3)