Kentucky
Title Fee
$9.00
Sales Tax Rate
6.00%
Other Tax Rate
Who must title a vehicle in Kentucky?
All motor vehicles, trailers, motorboats, ATVs, and manufactured homes must be titled.
Exempt: U.S. government vehicles, vehicles moved by animal power, implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, self-propelled wheelchairs/invalid tricycles, pole trailers, mopeds, low-speed scooters, snowmobiles, and documented vessels.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing.
Application for title is on the back of the Kentucky title. If no KY title exists, use TC 96-182 (vehicles) or TC 96-184 (boats), submitted to the County Clerk in buyer’s county of residence or dealer’s county.
Fee: $9.00 ($15.00 for ATVs); additional fee for liens. Speed title: +$25.00.
Electronic signatures accepted with visible software inscription (KyELT system coming soon).
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin; window sticker or dealer invoice if price not on title.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Valid registration and notarized bill of sale.
Government surplus: SF97-1 (+ Military Surplus Vehicle Inspection TC-96-344).
Foreign vehicles: Ownership docs, EPA/DOT bond release, NHTSA HS-7 or CBP 7501, and English translation if needed.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Classic Project Title: For vehicles 25+ years old, not roadworthy, never titled/branded in KY.
Brands: Exceeds Mechanical Limits, Hail Damage, Non-Rebuildable, Not Actual Mileage, Rebuilt, Salvage, Water Damage. Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: Required if damages >75% of retail value. Application (TC 96-182, Salvage box checked) within 15 days of paperwork.
Rebuilt: Must pass Sheriff’s Inspection; submit Affidavit of Assembly (TC 96-215), salvage title, notarized Labor Statement (TC 96-353), parts receipts, and lien termination.
Junk: Application to Junk a Vehicle Title (TC 96-351) with title and fee; title must be clear of liens and taxes paid.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: TC 96-182, $6.00 fee ($10.00 for ATVs); notarization fee may apply.
Corrected: Application and supporting docs to County Clerk.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required for all out-of-state/country vehicles ($5.00 onsite/$15.00 offsite).
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, for most forms if software inscription is visible; dealers must get pre-approval.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Motor Vehicle Usage Tax: 6.0% of retail price (minimum $6.00).Credit allowed for trade-in; if info not provided, % of MSRP or clean retail/trade-in value used.
Exemptions: Government/public charities, dealer resales, certain commercial vehicles, immediate family transfers, inheritance, insurance/junk claims, and more.
Other taxes/fees:
Sales/Use Tax: 6.0% on boats, mopeds, ATVs, manufactured/mobile homes, trailers, etc. (not on vehicles subject to usage tax).
Property/Ad Valorem Tax: Annual, assessed Jan 1 on vehicles, RVs, mobile homes, trailers, motorboats. Paid to County Clerk. Delinquent taxes accrue penalties/interest, and state has lien on vehicles for unpaid taxes.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Lien noted on title application or Kentucky title. Title Lien Statement (TC 96-187) to County Clerk with $22.00 fee.
Up to two liens per title.
Lien perfected at time of attachment if filed within 30 days; otherwise, at time of filing.
Pending liens must be resolved within 30 days for title issuance.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder must file Title Lien Statement or termination statement with County Clerk within 10 days of payment.
Assignment: Same process as adding/removing a lien.
How does repossession work in Kentucky?
Lienholder may repossess without judicial process if peaceful.
Must submit proof of notification to all interested parties and a termination statement within 15 days of disposition.
To transfer, submit Affidavit Supporting Repossession and Disposition (TC 96-192), title application, and security agreement.
Out-of-state lienholders must follow KY guidelines.
Other notes:
Mechanic’s/towing/storage/self-storage liens require notice to owner/lienholder, certified mail, publication, and affidavit of sale.
Lien lasts 10 years (30 for manufactured homes); can be extended.
KyELT:
Electronic title application and registration system for dealers/lienholders (no electronic titles yet).
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing
200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622
502.564.1257
Enforcement Agency:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing200 Mero St, Frankfort, KY 40622
502.564.1257
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Kentucky State Police: 919 Versailles Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601, 502.782.1800
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 or $60,000 CSL, $10,000 PIP, $25,000/$50,000 UM/UIM.
Proof of insurance required at registration.
Motor vehicle safety inspection only for natural gas conversions.
No emission inspection.
One plate issued (two for historic vehicles); plates stay with vehicle.
Title records retained for five years.
Fees and Forms
□ Auto Sale:
Kentucky Title Application (TC 96-182), Certified Inspector Section may NOT be completed by dealer. It may be completed by Law Enforcement. Signatures MUST be notarized.
Vehicle Inspection Performed in Another State (for Servicemen TC 96-229)
Title Lien Statement (TC96-187E)
Surrender Title/MCO
Odometer Statement
□ ORV Sale:
Kentucky Title Application (TC 96-182), Certified Inspector Section may NOT be completed by dealer. It may be completed by Law Enforcement. Signatures MUST be notarized.
Title Lien Statement (TC96-187E)
Kentucky Out-of-State Purchase-Use Tax Affidavit (51A280 7-13)
□ Vessel Sale:
Motor Boat for Title and/or Registration (TC 96-184)
Affidavit for Boat Hull Identification Number (TC 96-343)
□ Surrender Title/MCO
□ Odometer Statement (TC 96-5) (Leased, TC 96-4)
□ POA (if applicable), and other title attachments (KY POA)
□ Purchase/Sales/Buyer's Agreement OR Lease Agreement
□ Driver's License for all customers (front and back)
□ Social Security Number for all purchasers
_________________________
_________________________
If buyer is a business, please provide Federal Tax ID #:_________________________________
□ Proof of Insurance w/VIN of purchased unit
Copy of ID card or Policy Page
MUST be KY insurance with an issue date within the past 45 days
MUST reflect VIN # of new vehicle
MUST have current effective/expiration dates
MUST indicate Owner/Lessee name
MUST reflect 5 digit NAIC #
Verification of insurance or an agreement to provide will not be accepted as proof
NOTE:Out of state insurance is acceptable for military members if they are stationed out of state and orders are provided
□ Check made payable to (local County Clerk) for the following:
Title Fee: $9.00 (autos) / $15.00 (ORV) / $7.50 (vessels)
Lien Fee: $22.00 (if filed within 20 days; $24 if late)
Registration: $_________ ($9/yr Motorcycles; $21/yr Autos)(Prorated by month of birth) (example: Birth Month is July, unit purchased in February, purchased Motorcycle: $9/12 x 5 months of registration = $3.75)
Sales Tax: + $_________ (6%) - $__________ (IL taxes paid)
Taxable Items Include:
Purchase Price Paint/Window Prot. Accessories PrePaid Maint. Freight Service Contract
Dealer Prep Doc Fee Tire & Wheel
Total: = $__________
ILTS Fee: $65.00