English: Great Seal of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels represents the benevolent goodwill of the organization through the philanthropy of individuals that have been recognized as Kentucky colonels by one of the Kentucky governors. The "Great Seal of the HOKC" is based on the Seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and it appears on license plates in other states and jurisdictions. The organization a 501(c)(3) charity claims exclusive use of the seal to identify and distinguish the customers of its online store and honorary members wherever they reside. This image is depicted on t-shirts, ball caps, license plates, patches, rings, and dozens of other items to identify them.

The Great Seal of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels can be used by any Kentucky colonel, because the organization encourages the use of the image to be displayed publicly. The Great Seal of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is a common-law trademark of the organization, it is sold as a collectible. This image covers the defined requirements as an unofficial (non-governmental) emblem, flag, seal, and symbol for colonels and official historical emblem, flag, seal, and symbol of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

The original Great Seal was round from 1933 until 1980 when it changed to an oval shape as not to ambiguate or confuse the organization as a nonprofit with the state government.