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 the signature of the clerk or judge. If you don’t have a certified copy, 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 judge. S/he will read over it and add any information that is necessary for entry into the Law Information Network of Kentucky (LINK) system. LINK is a statewide database of protection orders in Kentucky that all law enforcement officers have access to. If you need to enforce your order, officers will check the LINK system to help make sure it is valid.¹ That’s why it can be helpful to register your order in Kentucky.

Once your order has been reviewed by the judge and entered into the LINK system, it will be considered authenticated. You will receive a certified copy of an affidavit that declares your order authenticated. Your order can then be enforced in any county in Kentucky, just as if it were a Kentucky protective order.²

To find a courthouse near you, go to our Kentucky 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 on our Kentucky Advocates and Shelters page.

¹ Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 403.7527(1)-(3); 456.140(1)-(3)
² Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 403.7529); 456.150