Kentucky

Title Fee

$9.00

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?

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).

Enforcement Agency:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing200 Mero St, Frankfort, KY 40622
502.564.1257

Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:

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.