Kentucky Title & Registration Guide

Exempt from Titling

U.S. government vehicles, vehicles moved solely by animal power, implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, self-propelled wheelchairs or invalid tricycles, pole trailers, mopeds, electric low-speed scooters, snowmobiles, and documented vessels.

Classic Project Title

Issued to vehicles 25 or more years old that are not roadworthy, have not had a Kentucky title, and have not been previously branded. May be updated to a regular title and eligible for registration once the vehicle is restored.

Title Brands

Brands are indicated with an asterisk (*) before and after the brand on the title. Out-of-state brands are carried forward onto Kentucky titles.

Nonrepairable titles are red. Rebuilt titles are red and issued with a brand of rebuilt, water damage, or hail damage.

Stolen Vehicle

If an insurance company becomes the lawful owner of a stolen vehicle, the insurer must apply for title in the company's name; however, a title will not be printed for a vehicle reported to NCIC as stolen. If recovered, a title will be issued upon receipt of a letter of clearance from the Kentucky State Police and verification on insurance company letterhead that the vehicle is a theft recovery with a description of damage. If the vehicle meets salvage requirements, a salvage certificate of title must be applied for.

Salvage Vehicle

Any motor vehicle with damages exceeding 75% of the retail value. An Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration (TC 96-182) with the Salvage box checked must be submitted within 15 days of receipt of all necessary paperwork along with the assigned title and a Lien Termination Statement.

When a salvage vehicle is transferred to the insurer, notarization is not required on the title, any power of attorney, odometer disclosure statement, or the application for salvage title. Salvage titles are red when the vehicle was previously branded "unrebuildable," "junk," or a similar classification from another state. A registration for highway use will not be issued while a salvage title is in force.

Rebuilt Vehicle

A Rebuilt Title Packet may be obtained from a County Clerk. If a salvage vehicle is made roadworthy, it must pass a Sheriff's Inspection. Required documents include:

• Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Assembled from Wrecked or Salvaged Motor Vehicles (TC 96-215)
• Application for title with properly assigned salvage title
• Notarized Labor Statement (TC 96-353)
• Receipts for parts purchased
• Lien Termination Statement for any liens
• Pencil tracings of frame and motor numbers (motorcycles)

Owner must apply for a rebuilt title and register the vehicle within 60 days of approval. Homemade boats must also go through the rebuilt vehicle process. Contact Rebuilt Support Section at 502.564.1257 for additional information.

Junked / Destroyed Vehicle

Vehicles damaged beyond resale value may be junked. Submit an Application to Junk a Vehicle Title (TC 96-351) with the title and a $1.00 fee to the County Clerk. Title must be clear of all liens and property taxes must be paid in full.

The title to any vehicle destroyed to the extent that repair cost exceeds retail value, or from which two or more VIN-bearing parts have been removed, must be surrendered for cancellation within 10 business days. No fee.

Filing Requirements

If a Title Lien Statement and required fees are not submitted at the time of application for title, a title will not be issued until the lien has been noted and fees paid — or in 30 days, whichever occurs first. The security interest is deemed perfected at the time it attaches if documents and fees are submitted within 30 days; otherwise, perfected at the time of submission.

Beginning January 1, 2025: The Title Lien Statement and required fees may be submitted to any County Clerk. If the application indicates a pending lien but no Title Lien Statement accompanies it, the County Clerk will note the pending lien and a title will not be issued until the statement and fees are submitted, or in 30 days.

Release of Lien

A Title Lien Statement (TC 96-187) or a termination statement must be completed by the secured party and submitted to the County Clerk in which the debtor resides no later than 10 days from receipt of payment to avoid penalty. Discharge is by notation on the title and entry into KAVIS. Beginning January 1, 2025, termination statements may be submitted to any County Clerk.

Dealer Requirements

Kentucky licensed dealers must submit a Notice to County Clerk of Vehicle Acquisition (TC 96-183) within 15 days of vehicle acquisition, unless titling in dealer's name. If transferring to a nonresident, an Affidavit of Incomplete Transfer (TC 96-3) should be submitted.

Damage Disclosure Statement

Sellers must make written disclosure of all damages of which they have direct knowledge, all damages resulting in repairs (other than wheels, tires, or glass) exceeding $2,000, or all damages occurring while in the seller's possession prior to delivery. Purchaser's signature acknowledging disclosure is required. Title Brand Disclosure section must be filled out on the application for title. A title brand must be disclosed to a prospective purchaser prior to sale.

Transfer Upon Death

If all owners are deceased and there is a Will, the Will must be probated and the executor may assign the title. Executor papers must be submitted. If there is no Will, an Order to Dispense with Administration must be obtained from a local Circuit Judge.

If the title is issued in joint tenancy and one party is deceased, the title may be transferred to the survivor upon submission of a death certificate, the title, and appropriate fees.

Transfer on Death (TOD): Kentucky does not allow beneficiaries to be placed on the title.

Requirements

• Lienholder must surrender the vehicle license plate if not retained by the owner
• Submit proof of notification to all interested parties and a termination statement (or proof that one has been filed) within 15 days of disposition
• To transfer title: submit an Affidavit Supporting Repossession and Disposition of a Vehicle (TC 96-192), an application for title, and a copy of the security agreement to the County Clerk where the lien is filed
• Title fee applies
• If the new title is in the name of the lienholder, use tax does not apply

Exempt from Registration

Snowmobiles, ATVs, OHVs, boats with trolling motors, boat trailers, some farm trailers, some noncommercial trailers, and mopeds.

Application for Registration

Submitted to the County Clerk in county of residence. If the owner is other than an individual residing in Kentucky, the vehicle must be registered with the County Clerk of either the county in which it is principally operated or the county where the owning entity is located. Registration must be carried in the vehicle.

Renewal

Reminders are sent to registered owners. Renewal may be made in person, at drop boxes, by mail, or online. Renewal by phone is available in some counties. A $2.00 fee covers mailing costs and a service fee is charged for online renewal. Credit/debit transactions are subject to a processing fee.

Military Registration

Military personnel stationed outside the U.S. must renew registrations within 30 days of return to Kentucky to avoid penalties and interest. Nonresident military personnel stationed in Kentucky are exempt from motor vehicle usage tax if the vehicle is purchased from a licensed Kentucky dealer (attach Leave and Earnings Statement to form 71A101).

Nonresident active-duty military stationed in Kentucky are exempt from Kentucky property/ad valorem tax. Disabled veterans issued a motor vehicle by the VA or declared 100% combat-related disabled are entitled to free license plates (form TC 96-217).

Usage Tax Exemptions

• Government or public charities and educational institutions (not for profit)
• Vehicles sold to licensed dealers for resale
• Commercial vehicles (excluding passenger vehicles seating 9 or less) owned by nonresidents in interstate commerce based in another state
• Transfers between immediate family
• Transfers by Will, court order, or inheritance (if titled in KY July 1, 2005 or later, or previously registered in KY)
• Vehicles repossessed by the lienholder and held for resale
• Vehicles transferred to an insurance company for settlement and held for resale or junked
• Motor carriers operating under a charter bus certificate
• Motor vehicles and farm trucks and any towed unit 44,001 lbs. or more declared GVW

Form 71A101 is used to apply for tax exemption for transfers to immediate family and military personnel.

Sales/Use Tax Exemptions

• Nonresidents: Certificate of Exemption – Out-of-State Delivery (51A154) submitted within 30 days of sale
• Farm/agricultural/aquacultural: Farm Exemption Certificate (51A158) with agriculture exemption number
• Occasional sales
• Vehicles held for resale with a Resale Certificate (51A105)
• Nonprofit educational, charitable, or religious institutions with Purchase Exemption Certificate (51A126)
• Ships and vessels used principally in transportation of property or conveyance of persons for hire

Late Payment Penalties

• Within 30 days of becoming delinquent: 3.0% penalty (waived if paid within 5 days of delinquency)
• After 30 days: 10% penalty plus 15.0% annual interest from the date of delinquency
• Filing and release of each lien from tax delinquency: $2.00 fee added to account

Special Classifications

Trucks, tractors, and buses operated on a route partly within and partly outside Kentucky are subject to an annual fee in lieu of ad valorem property tax. Semitrailers and trailers with a load capacity over 1,000 lbs. used on such routes are exempt from ad valorem tax.

Mobile homes, manufactured homes, and recreational vehicles are classified as real property if the wheels or mobile parts have been removed and the unit rests on a permanent, fixed foundation.

Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax

A Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return (IRS Form 2290) must be submitted to the County Clerk at time of renewal for vehicles 55,000 lbs. and over. The County Clerk will not transfer the registration of any vehicle against which taxes have not been paid.

Additional Per-Vehicle Fees

• Mailing fee: $2.00 per vehicle
• County Clerk fee: $6.00 per registration ($9.00 if registration exceeds 12 months)
• Clerk fee for vehicles 44,001+ lbs. GVW with towed unit: $30.00
• Technology improvement fee: $3.00 per registration
• Registrations exceeding 12 months: $1.00 per month over 12
• Electric vehicles: additional $120.00 annually
• Electric motorcycles and hybrid vehicles: additional $60.00 annually

Reduction of Fees & Refunds

Motorcycles, trailers, boats purchased from registered dealers, and vehicles brought in from other states are prorated monthly. Commercial trucks and trailers are prorated monthly.

Vehicles totally destroyed by fire or accident may apply for a refund of the license fee (form TC 96-171). Commercial vehicles over 18,000 lbs. transferred to a new owner are granted a refund of the unused portion (form TC 96-170). Overpayment of motor vehicle usage tax may be refunded if requested within four years. Property tax refund requests must be filed within two years.

Lease Information

Same procedures apply to leased vehicles as privately owned vehicles. Leased vehicles are titled in the name of the lessor. Registration shows both lessor and lessee names. A copy of the lease agreement is required to be carried in the vehicle. If someone other than the owner/applicant is signing documents, a notarized Power of Attorney signed by both parties is required.

A Kentucky IRP Apportioned Operational Lease Agreement (TC 95-641) must be signed by the lessor and lessee for title and registration of a leased apportioned vehicle.

Persons engaged in rental or leasing of motor vehicles to retail customers must obtain a U-Drive-It certificate. Application fee: $250.00 (form TC 95-16). Motor vehicle usage tax may be paid on the retail price or on gross rental/lease charges. The lessor is responsible for property tax on leased vehicles; however, tax may be passed on to the lessee.

Financial Responsibility Laws

Dealers must have $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 for vehicles to be operated and must provide no-fault. Proof of insurance is required at time of registration. Failure to maintain insurance may result in revocation of registration, a fine up to $1,000, and up to 90 days in jail.

Enforcement

Kentucky State Police, 919 Versailles Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601, 502.782.1800.