Ky.gov

Vehicle Titling

Vehicle Titling

Vehicles

Vehicle Titling

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A​ title is a legal document establishing a person or business as the legal owner of a vehicle or vessel. When a vehicle/ vessel is sold from one citizen/business to another in Kentucky, the title must be transferred to the new owner within 15 days. All motor vehicles operated upon Kentucky roadways must be titled and registered. Any vehicle owned by a Kentucky resident or primarily operated upon the Commonwealth's roadways may apply for a Kentucky Certificate of Title and Registration at the County Clerk's office in the owner's county of residence or the county where the vehicle is primarily operated.

APPLYING FOR A TITLE

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Warning:

Do not use liquid paper/white-out on your title. Do not scratch through or mark out information on the title. Do not erase or mutilate. Provide an affidavit with new information signed and notarized.​

In-State Vehicles:

​Take the following items​ to your local County Clerk's office to apply for a title:

  • Proof of Kentucky insurance (issue date within 45 days)

  • Kentucky Driver's License, Kentucky ID Card or Social Security card. ​

  • Signed over Kentucky title. (signatures must be notarized)

  • If the name listed on your title differs from the name on your ID, you must provide an affidavit showing they are the same. A marriage license or divorce decree is a good example.  

  • Any vehicle owned by a business that is licensed by the Secretary of State shall be titled using a Federal Employer Identification Number ​​

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Out-of-State Vehicles:

​Take the following items​ to your local County Clerk's office to apply for a title:

  • Proof of Kentucky Insurance (issue date within 45 days)

  • Kentucky Driver's License, Kentucky ID Card or Social Security card. ​​

  • Completed TC96-182 form and signed over title. If your state only issues a registration or bill of sale, bring those in place of the signed-over title. (signatures must be notarize​d)

  • If the name listed on your title differs from the name on your ID, you must provide an affidavit showing they are the same. A marriage license or divorce decree is a good example.  

  • Any vehicle owned by a business that is licensed by the Secretary of State shall be titled using a Federal Employer Identification Number 

  • Proof of a passed Sheriff's Inspection​

Title Lien Statements must be submitted to the County Clerk's office, where the Clerk will process the Title and Registration. The office will return all Title Lien documents and/or payments the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet received to the sender. A County Clerk may request the title from the lien holder. ​

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​TRANSIT TAGS

  • ​​​If an individual from another state purchases a Kentucky vehicle and wants to relocate it to their home jurisdiction, they may purchase a transit tag from the Motor Vehicle Licensing Division. Applicants for the transit tag cannot reside in Kentucky.​

  • The tag costs $5.00 and is valid for fifteen days. The tag can be obtained in Frankfort via mail or in person. Dealers can issue a second temporary tag for not submitting the required paperwork promptly as required for the customer.

  • Transit tags are unavailable to Kentucky citizens for moving out-of-state vehicle purchases back into the Commonwealth. The sellers' DMV should provide temporary registration.​


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REPLACEMENT/DUPLICATE TITLES​​​​

​Take the following items​ to your local County Clerk's office to apply for a duplicate title:

  • ​Form (TC96-182), properly completed, including the owner and vehicle identification sections.

  • Title number OR license plate number

  • $6.00 (U.S.) plus the cost of a notary 

  • Picture ID or driver's license

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​APPLICATION TYPES

​You may apply for a speed title at your local County Clerk's office​. You cannot apply for a speed title at the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing in Frankfort. A speed title allows you to have it mailed to you the following business day. The fee for a speed title is $25.00.

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​A speed title cannot be done on the following: Classic vehicles, Boats, Mechanics Lien, Towing & Storage, Affidavit of Ownership or Bill of Sale, Duplicates, Correction, Restored Title, Out-of-Country, Court Order, KY -assigned vehicle identification number, Salvage title from "junk or unrebuildable," or Kit vehicle.
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For more information, visit the Rebuilt Page

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​This title applies to a vehicle 25 years old or older and not in a roadworthy condition. The vehicle cannot have been previously titled in K.Y. The vehicle can come into Kentucky on an out-of-state title/bill of sale/affidavit of ownership but cannot bear any brands such as salvage, rebuilt water damage, or hail damage. Must also have a sheriff's inspection for VIN verification and ownership documents.​

​After a classic motor vehicle project vehicle has been restored to roadworthy condition, the customer takes the vehicle and the classic project title to the Sheriff's office for an inspection. The vehicle is required to meet the requirements of KRS 189 about vehicle equipment. After passing the K.Y. sheriff's inspection for roadworthy condition, the owner vehicle can apply for a new original certificate of title and registration. Contact your County Clerk's office​.

​For vehicles purchased or titled in a foreign country coming into Kentucky, customs papers (Active military person(s) are not required to have custom papers) and a sheriff’s inspection are required, along with a completed Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration form (TC 96-182). If the registration document is not in English, translation papers are required from the vehicle manufacturer, or a certified translator.  For questions, contact your County Clerk's office.

If the occupant is in default for a period of more than forty-five (45) days, the operator may enforce a lien by selling the property stored in the leased space at a public or private sale, for cash. Before conducting a sale, the operator shall:

1. Notify ​the occupant of the default by regular or verified electronic mail at the occupant’s last known address. 

2. A second notice shall be sent by regular or verified electronic mail to the occupant at the occupant’s last known address. 
The second notice will need to include:
  • A statement that the contents of the occupant’s leased space are subject to the operator’s lien.
  • A statement of operator’s claim, indicating charges due on date of notice, amount of any additional charges which shall become due before the date of sale, and the date those additional charges shall become due.
  • Demand for payment of charges due within a specified time, not less than (14) days after the date of the notice.
  • Statement that unless the claim is paid within the time given, the contents of the leased space will be sold at a specified time and place.
  • The name, street address, and phone number of the operator whom the occupant may contact to respond to the notice.

3. At least (3) days before the sale, advertise the time, place, and terms of sale in a local newspaper in jurisdiction where the sale is to be held. Sale should be held at storage facility where the personal property is stored.

4. A completed and notarized Kentucky Self-Service Storage Act form (TC 96-179).

5. A copy of the lease agreement and pay record is required.

6. A completed Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title form (TC 96-182​).

7. Sheriff inspection completed by a certified inspector (If vehicle was registered out of state).

No speed titles are allowed on Self-Storage.

Out of State lienholders go through their local authority.

"Special purpose vehicle" means an all-terrain vehicle, utility terrain vehicle, minitruck, pneumatic-tired military vehicle, or full-size special purpose-built vehicle, including a vehicle that is self-constructed or built by the original equipment manufacturer and a vehicle that has been modified.  

 "Special purpose vehicle" does not include a low-speed vehicle as defined in KRS 186.010; and  

"Street-legal special purpose vehicle" means a special purpose vehicle that meets the requirements per KRS 186.077 (7/15-2026 through 1/1/2028) and KRS 186.077 (1/1/2028). 

​Requirements for highway use: 

A person shall not operate a street-legal special purpose vehicle on a highway if:  

(a) The highway is located within the jurisdictional boundaries of a local government where the operation of special purpose vehicles has not been allowed by local ordinance;  

(b) Cannot exceed a 20-mile distance on roads with centerline markings, nor travel on interstates/parkways. KRS 186.077​.  Please ​check your local ordinances before titling and registering. The highway is a controlled-access system, including but not limited to an interstate or parkway; or  

(c) The United States Department of Agriculture prohibits special purpose vehicles where the highway is located. 

(d) Valid insurance is required. 


Inspection Fee KRS 186A.115 


Registration Fee KRS 186.050 ​


An owner of a military surplus vehicle seeking title in this state shall, before submitting his or her application to the county clerk, have the vehicle, together with his or her application for title and its supporting documents, inspected by a certified inspector in the county in which the application for title is to be submitted to the county clerk.

Documents that are required are:
  1. Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration (TC 96-182 form).
  2. The United States Government Certificate to obtain a Title to a Vehicle, an out-of-state title, or a Bill of Sale.
  3. Sheriff Inspection using Military Surplus Vehicle Inspection.

The title can be assigned to an individual, a dealer, or to Iron Planet.
  • If assigned to the individual, they will have to title it in their name.
  • If assigned to a dealer, they can be reassigned on the Kentucky Reassignment form.
  • If assigned to Iron Planet, they will complete a Reassignment on the SF-97 form.


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TRANSFERRING OWNERSHIP​​​​

​In the sale of a vehicle, the seller must sign the back of the title in the presence of a notary. This will sign over ownership of the vehicle. The buyer takes the signed title, proof of Kentucky Insurance, proof of Identification, and money for fees and applicable taxes to their local County Clerk's office for transfer. Older Titles before 2000 may require a completed TC96-182​ to complete the transfer process.

​You will need to notify your County Clerk's office of the name and state of the new owner. You will need to complete form TC96-3 Affidavit of Incomplete Transfer​ if the vehicle has not been transferred within 15 days. You will also need to return the Kentucky license plate to your Kentucky County Clerk's office. If you were a resident of Kentucky and the vehicle owner on January 1st, you might have property taxes due on that vehicle.  


If you suspect fraudulent title practices by Dealers or Private Sellers within the Commonwealth of Kentucky, please email us​
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POLICE IMPOUND

For vehicles that are purchased from the police impound by an individual, a completed Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration (TC 96-182 form), A Bill of Sale on law enforcements letterhead (stipulating compliance with KRS 82.630), certified mail notifying registered owner(s) and lienholder(s), and a sheriff inspection if vehicle is coming from out of state. See form TC 96-331​ for further instructions on how to process your request.

REPOSSESSIONS

​Lienholders must follow the transfer process and present an affidavit supporting repossession (TC96-192), an application for the Kentucky Certificate of Title and Registration (TC96-182), and a security agreement (signed by the lien holder and vehicle owner) to the County Clerk's office​ in the county that the lien was filed.

​If, after 45 days, the reasonable or agreed charges for storage or towing of the motor vehicle have not been paid, the motor vehicle may be sold to pay for the charges.

  • The towing company must apply for the title by attempting to notify the current owner and lienholder (if applicable) via certified mail.
  • Certified mail should be sent out within 10 days of tow and 10 days prior to the sale of the vehicle.
  • If the tow company plans on selling the vehicle to another individual, a Bill of Sale (must list the vehicle’s year, make, and VIN number) from the tow company to the new purchaser will be required.
  • Tow companies must be registered with the Secretary of State. See form TC 96-159T​ for further instructions on how to process your request.

​A mechanic’s lien will only apply to vehicles that have been in the mechanic’s possession, and the reasonable agreed charge for repair has not been paid for at least 30 days.

  • Repair company must apply for the title by attempting to notify the current owner and lienholder (if applicable) via certified mail, run 3 newspaper ads (ad must include vehicle model, make, year, VIN number, name of registered owner(s) and lienholder(s), and the name, address, and phone number of the selling/repair business), and complete the Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Sale form (TC 96-159 ).
  • A Bill of Sale (must include year, make, and VIN number) from repair company to new purchaser is required if repair company decides to sale vehicle.
  • Repair companies must be registered with the Secretary of State. See form TC 96-159M​ for further instructions on how to process your request.​
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UPDATING INFORMATION OR CORRECTIONS

A photo I.D. and title must be presented to the owner's county of residence to update a misspelled name. 

​To update the address, you will need to present a photo I.D. or piece of physical mail (with a current postmark),​ along with the title, to the County Clerk​ of the owner's county of residence.​


​VIN and HIN CORRECTIONS

​Due to the various issues which could affect a VIN/HIN correction, contact your County Clerk for guidance/explanation. Updates will require a completed Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration (TC96-182 or TC96-184​) and photo I.D.


ODOMETER CORRECTIONS

​Only the seller can disclose the mileage when updating the title. If the title is already printed, the new owner must contact the seller, have them complete an Affidavit of Mileage Correction​ (T.C. 96-322), and have the mileage correction done by the County Clerk in the new owner's county. Photo ID is required. 

​To update a make/model/color/year/etc., a photo I.D. and title must be presented to the County Clerk​ in the owner's county of residence. Speak with the County Clerk for guidance.​

​To remove a co-owner from a Title that does not have a lienholder, both parties must sign the back of the existing title. If one party is unavailable, a Power of Attorney form signed (and notarized) by the absent party is acceptable. The County Clerk​ processes the transfer. 

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​​For a brand correction or removal, such as hail damage, salvage, water damage, non-rebuildable, etc., a photo I.D. and title must be presented to the County Clerk​ in the owner's county of residence. Speak with the County Clerk for special guidance.

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REQUESTING A TITLE USING COURT-ORDERED DOCUMENTS​

​The following documents required to apply for a title using a court order:

  1. Completed TC96-182 form​.
  2. Sheriff’s inspection. 
  3. Court order signed by a judge.
    • ​​Order must have specific info including the VIN number
    • ​Order needs to have whom the vehicle is to be transferred to

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  • ​Title having two names on the title connected by “or”, a death certificate or court documents can be used to transfer ownership. If one person is still living, only their signature is required to sign as seller on title. 

  • Title having two names on the title connected by “and”​
    • If the remaining title holder is a spouse a death certificate (stating their relation) alone can endorse the title transfer. If death certificate does not state relation than court documents will be required. Two signatures are required to sign as seller on title. 
    • If the remaining title holder is not a spouse than a death certificate and probate documents will be required. Two signatures are required to sign as seller on title. 



​ALL will must be probated

Documents requires for vehicles to be put in trust name: 

  1. ​Title, C of O, or MSO

  2. Copy of Trust papers: 
    • ​​The trust papers need to show the name of the trust and the signature page of the trust (must have signatures).
    • All trusts are done as transfers. 

Documents required for transferring a vehicle in “trust” status and the owner/owner’s die.

  1. ​Title

  2. Copy of the front page, the page listing the trustee(s), & signature page of the trust.
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  3. Death certificate(s)
    • ​​If the owner is not deceased, the trustee(s) cannot sign as seller.
    • Vehicle must be “Trust” name to use the trust to transfer. Otherwise, they will be required to have probate papers.
    • If the owner is not deceased, and the owner is selling their vehicle a copy of the trust documents is required. 

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FAILURE TO RECEIVE YOUR TITLE​

Contact your County Clerk's office if you have not received your title within 45 days of application.


​TAXES

​See Motor Vehicle Usage Tax. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


FILE A FRAUD COMPLAINT​

​See Fraud Reporting.

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