Which of the following statements about the penalties for failing to renew a license is true?

The correct statement emphasizes that fees apply immediately after expiration. In Kentucky, once a professional license expires, the licensee typically becomes subject to immediate financial penalties. This means that as soon as the license is no longer valid due to non-renewal, the obligation to pay any associated renewal fees kicks in right away. This regulation encourages practitioners to remain diligent about maintaining their licensure in order to avoid unnecessary fees.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the typical penalties for failing to renew a professional license. The assertion that there are no penalties does not align with standard practices, as licenses generally have renewal fees that apply post-expiration. The idea that fines are set solely by local government may be misleading since licensing authorities, typically at the state level, establish fees and penalties. Lastly, while penalties may escalate with the length of time a license remains expired, the immediate application of fees is a critical factor in prompting timely renewals.