What Is a Kentucky Colonel? The Commission and Honorable Order

A Kentucky Colonel is the highest honorary title the Commonwealth of Kentucky bestows, granted by the Governor to recognize individuals who have shown outstanding service or achievement.¹ It carries no military authority, no salary, and no government duties. More than 500,000 people have been commissioned since the late 1700s, and recipients live in all 50 states and 76 countries.

What the Commission Actually Means

The commission is a civilian honor. Holders have no command over the Kentucky National Guard or any other military branch, draw no state pay, and take on no official responsibilities. The Governor issues the commission under executive authority, and the certificate is signed by both the Governor and the Secretary of State, with the Great Seal of the Commonwealth affixed to validate it as an official state act.²

The title began in Kentucky’s frontier era, when a colonel often led both local civilian governance and militia forces. Over time it shifted from a functional military appointment to a purely honorary recognition, and by the twentieth century governors were routinely commissioning civilians for philanthropy, public service, or bringing positive attention to the state.³ Think of it as Kentucky’s state-level equivalent of a key to the city. It recognizes what someone has already done rather than assigning them anything new to do.

Who Gets Commissioned

Nominees must be at least 18 years old.⁴ Beyond age, the Governor’s office looks for a track record of service to others, whether through charitable work, professional accomplishment, or community contributions. High moral character and a genuine commitment to helping people weigh heavily in the review.

You do not need to live in Kentucky. The commission regularly goes to people around the country and the world who have brought positive recognition to the Commonwealth or embodied its traditions of hospitality and service.¹ Past recipients range from presidents and prime ministers to musicians, actors, athletes, and the restaurateur Harland Sanders, who received his commission in 1935.⁵

How Someone Becomes a Kentucky Colonel

The process starts with an online nomination form hosted through the Governor’s office. Anyone can submit one, and the form asks for the nominee’s details along with a narrative explaining why the person deserves the honor.⁶ Specific examples of service beyond ordinary professional duties strengthen a nomination considerably.

The nomination goes directly to the Governor’s office for review. If approved, the Governor signs the commission, the Secretary of State countersigns and seals it, and the recipient receives a formal certificate featuring ornate calligraphy and the state seal. The process typically takes four to six weeks.⁶

Using the Title

Kentucky Colonels can use “Colonel” or “Col.” as a prefix before their name in social and professional settings. The most proper written form is “Col. First Name Middle Name Surname, Kentucky Colonel.”³ Many recipients add the designation to letterheads, business cards, and email signatures.

What the title does not do is grant any public authority. Using it to claim military rank, access government services, or represent yourself as a state official crosses from honorary tradition into potential criminal territory. Under Kentucky law, pretending to be a public servant or acting with the authority of a public agency to get someone to rely on that pretense is a Class A misdemeanor.⁷

The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels

Receiving a commission makes you eligible to join the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates independently from the state government.⁸ Membership is voluntary and requires an annual donation to the organization’s Good Works Program.⁹

The Good Works Program distributes over $2.5 million in grants each year to Kentucky-based charities and nonprofits. Funded categories include community support and enhancement, health and rehabilitation services, youth programs, veterans services, historic preservation, and crisis assistance for disaster relief, shelters, and low-income families.¹ The Order’s board of trustees selects grant recipients and oversees distribution, which gives the honorary title a concrete philanthropic reach beyond the framed certificate itself.

Because the Order is a recognized 501(c)(3), annual membership donations are generally tax-deductible if you itemize on Schedule A. For contributions of $250 or more, you need a written acknowledgment from the organization confirming the amount and whether you received anything of value in return.¹⁰

1
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels
2
City of San Diego. Kentucky Colonel Commission
3
Wikipedia. Kentucky Colonel
4
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. How to Become a Colonel
5
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Famous Colonels
6
The Kentucky Colonels. Frequently Asked Questions
7
Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. Kentucky Revised Statutes 519.050 – Impersonating a Public Servant
8
ProPublica. Honorable Order Of Kentucky Colonels Inc – Nonprofit Explorer
9
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Members
10
Internal Revenue Service. Topic no. 506, Charitable Contributions