Title Information
Please select from the links below to learn more about:
- Corrected or Updated Titles
- Duplicate Titles
- First Time or Out-of-State Titling and Registration
- New Vehicle Titling and Registration
- Transfer of a Kentucky Titled Vehicle
- Salvaged Titles
- Junked Vehicles
- Out-of-State Transfer of Kentucky Vehicles
- Mobile Homes
- Mobile Homes – Conversion to Real Estate
Corrected or Updated Titles
- Application for title/registration must be completed, signed by all registered owners and notarized. Persons that have power of attorney for the owner(s) may sign, but a copy of the power of attorney must be submitted with the application. If County Clerk staff notarizes signatures, identification must be presented.
Note: Titles that contain AND (instead of OR) between names of owners requires signature of all owners. - The current vehicle title must be submitted with the application for updated title.
- If the application is for the purpose of applying for a loan, the owner needs to indicate this on the application. A pending lien will be noted and the owner will be given a goldenrod copy of the registration to present to the lending institution. The lending institution will use the registration and a Title Lien Statement to record the lien.
Fees:
| Title Fee: | $6.00 |
| Notary fee: | $2.00 (if applicable) |
Note: The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Title Branch will mail the updated title within 10-14 business days of application.
(If a pending lien is filed, printing of the title is held for 30 days.)
Duplicate Titles
If you have lost your original title, you must apply for a duplicate title before any change of ownership; updates or lien recordings may be done. Application is made at your local County Clerk’s office. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet prints the title the following work day and mails the title to the owner. Duplicate titles cannot be picked up on a walk-thru basis.
- Application for title/registration must be completed, signed by all registered owners and notarized. Persons that have power of attorney for the owner(s) may sign, but a copy of the power of attorney must be submitted with the application. If County Clerk staff notarizes signatures, identification must be presented. Note: Titles that contain AND (instead of OR) between names of owners requires signature of all owners.
- If the application is for the purpose of applying for a loan, the owner needs to indicate this on the application. A pending lien will be noted and the owner will be given a goldenrod copy of the registration to present to the lending institution. The lending institution will use the registration and a Title Lien Statement to record the lien.
Fees:
| Title Fee: | $6.00 |
| Notary fee: | $2.00 (if applicable) |
Note: The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Title Branch will print the duplicate title the next business day and mail it to the owner. (If a pending lien is filed, printing of the title is held for 30 days.)
First Time or Out of State Title and Registration
A person who purchases a vehicle or brings a vehicle from another state is required to title the vehicle(s) within 15 days. If the owner of a motor vehicle does not reside in Kentucky, the vehicle shall be registered with the County Clerk of the county in which the motor vehicle is principally operated (KRS 186.020).
New residents titling vehicles in Kentucky must present the current out of state title. In some states, if the money were borrowed to purchase the vehicle, the lien holder would keep the title. In those cases, the County Clerk’s office must contact the lien holder and have the title sent directly to the County Clerk. Information concerning the lien holder must be submitted to the Clerk. While waiting for the title to be sent, a temporary one time (30 day) license plate may be issued. The owner must provide proof of insurance and current out of state registration before the temporary “tag” may be issued.
The following documents & information are required:
- Out of state title–a photocopy is not acceptable.
- If purchasing from out-of-state dealer or individual, assignment portion of title must be properly completed. Kentucky Affidavit of Consideration must be completed.
- Proof of sales tax paid in another state. A credit equal to the amount paid in the other state will be applied to amount owed in Kentucky. The proof must identify taxpayer, type of tax paid, dollar amount paid and serial number of vehicle.
The following types of proof are acceptable:
- Tax shown on certificate of title
- Dealer purchase contract
- Financing statement from lender
- Receipt or letter from tax agency
If proof of sales tax paid is not available, presumed credit can be given on vehicles that are being titled in the same name. The owner must show proof of current registration from the other state. The credit is the same percentage charged in the other state and is applied toward the amount owed in Kentucky, which is 6% of the current trade-in value as listed in the NADA (National Auto Dealers Assoc.) Official Used Car Guide.
- Application for title/registration must be completed, signed by all registered owners and notarized. Persons that have power of attorney for the owner(s) may sign, but a copy of the power of attorney must be submitted with the application. If County Clerk staff notarizes signatures, identification must be presented.
Note: Titles that contain AND (instead of OR) between the names of owners requires the signature of all owners. - Certified Sheriff’s inspection of serial number (Sheriff’s inspection section is on the application for title/registration VTR form # TC96-182. The Sheriff will not do the inspection until the VTR is signed and notarized.)
- Proof of insurance on the vehicle being titled and registered
- Social Security Number of each individual listed on title or Federal ID number for companies.
- Title Lien Statement, if applicable.
New Vehicle Titling and Registration
The following documents and information are required:
- Manufacturers’ certificate of origin properly assigned to the buyer by the selling dealer
- Application for vehicle title/registration: If using total consideration as usage tax value, Total Consideration portion must be completed. If County Clerk staff notarizes signature(s), identification must be presented.
- Window sticker or dealer invoice showing MSRP plus options & destination charges if not using Total Consideration as usage tax value.
- Certified Sheriff inspection of serial number if purchased out of state: The sheriff will not do inspection without VTR signed & notarized.
- Proof of insurance
- Social Security number for each party listed on title or federal ID number for companies.
- Title lien statement, if applicable
Transfer of a Kentucky Titled Vehicle
A person who purchases a vehicle or brings a vehicle from another state is required to title the vehicle(s) within 15 days. If the owner of a motor vehicle does not reside in Kentucky, the vehicle shall be registered with the County Clerk of the county in which the motor vehicle is principally operated (KRS 186.020).
Currently, there are several types of Kentucky Titles that have been issued. The procedures followed are based on what type of title the seller was issued. Titles issued after February 2000 have the assignment portion and vehicle transaction record form combined on the back of the Certificate of Title. These titles would not require the VTR form # TC96-182 in order to transfer a vehicle.
Titles issued prior to February 2000 only have the assignment portion on back of the Certificate of Title and would require the VTR form # TC96-182 submitted along with the Title.
The following documents and information are required:
- Kentucky Certificate of Title clear of all liens, with assignment portion properly completed by buyer & seller. Depending on what year your title was issued determines the procedure that you follow for a transfer.
- Application for title/registration: If title issued before February 2000 must be completed, signed by all registered owners and notarized. Persons that have power of attorney for the owner(s) may sign, but a copy of the power of attorney must be submitted with the application. If County Clerk staff notarizes signatures, identification must be presented.
Note: Titles that contain AND (instead of OR) between the names of owners requires the signature of all owners and/or requires both to sign & notarize. - Buyer Proof of Insurance (in their name) for vehicle purchasing. Title Only transfers may be done if insurance is not available or if vehicle is inoperable, but license plate must be surrendered.
-
Social Security Number for each party appearing on the title or Federal ID Number for companies.
Notes
Property tax: The owner of a vehicle as of January 1st of each tax year is responsible for the tax for that year. If at the time of transfer, the property tax has not been paid, the seller will be responsible for the tax. To avoid delinquent tax, it is recommended that the seller pay taxes at the time of transfer. If not, the seller will be sent notification by the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet of the tax due. This does not relinquished responsibility to pay property tax timely.
Usage Tax
A six percent (6%) motor vehicle usage tax is levied upon the “retail price” of vehicles transferred in Kentucky. On used vehicles, the usage tax is 6% of the current average retail as listed in the NADA Used Car Guide or 6% of total consideration paid. On used vehicles, total consideration paid is the total given less any trade-in allowance, if applicable. Trade- in allowance applies to used vehicles only and the vehicle being traded must be previously registered in Kentucky.
- Charitable/Education Organization
- Corporation/Proprietorship (LLC) *
- Corporation/Subsidiary (LLC) *
- Court Order/Will *
- Dealer Registration
- Grandparent/Grandchild
- Husband/Wife
- Local Government
- Military Exempt *
- Name Change
- Parent/Child
- Repossession *
- State Government
- Stepparent/Stepchild
- US Government
* Documentation must be provided
Fees
|
Kentucky Title Fee:
|
$9.00 |
| Notary Fee: | $2.00 (The title is mailed to the owner by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Title Branch, Frankfort, KY 40601. Expect the title in about 4-6 weeks.) |
| Kentucky Speed Title: | $25.00 (A speed title is mailed to the owner the following business day by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Title Branch, Frankfort, KY 40601.) |
| Transfer Fee | $8.00 |
| Yearly Renewal Registration Fee: | $21.00 |
| Usage Tax: | 6% of “retail price” (See Usage Tax definition above) |
| Title Lien Statement recording fee: | $22.00 |
Liens
Title Lien Statements
The perfection and discharge of a security interest in any property which has been issued a Kentucky certificate of title shall be by notation on the certificate of title (KRS 186A.190)(1). The lien is effective from the date on which the security interest is noted on the certificate of title for a period of seven (7) years, or in the case of a manufactured home for a period of thirty (30) years or until discharged. A continuation statement can be filed within six months preceding the expiration of the initial notation that extends the notation’s effectiveness for seven additional years. (KRS 186A.190)(1). Effective July 1, 2001.
Requirements for Filing a Title Lien Statement
- The name(s) of the debtor and their mailing address
- The name of the secured party and their mailing address
- Date executed
- Description of collateral (year, make, ID number)
- Title or goldenrod copy of form (TC-96-181)
- Required fee ($22 if filed within twenty (20) days of execution. $24 if not)
The Title Lien Statement is the only recognized form for transmitting the required information needed to establish a lien on the certificate of title.
- Place of Filing
Generally, a title lien filing should be made in the county of the debtor’s residence, if an individual, and in the county of principal headquarters of a resident business or in the county of principal use of the titled property, if the business or individual is a nonresident. Like all other terminations, only the County Clerk’s office where the original lien was filed will be allowed to remove an expired lien from the AVIS system. - Late Filing of Title Liens
Statutory laws requires the secured party to file the lien within twenty (20) days of its execution by the debtor. If not timely filed, a penalty of $2.00 is assessed by the County Clerk as a prerequisite for filing, together with the regular fee. - Transfer of Ownership
Ownership transfer is prohibited until the secured party of record terminates any and all existing lien notations in writing. This termination must be filed in the county where the lien was filed.
Continuation Statements
The filing of a continuation statement within six (6) months preceding the expiration of the initial period of a notation’s effectiveness extends the expiration date for seven (7) additional years for all titled property (including mobile or manufactured homes).
The original file date is the date used to determine the expiration date. The continuation statement must be received in the County Clerk’s office by the expiration date. Do NOT process a continuation statement after the expiration date.
No fee is collected on a continuation statement for any titled property.
- Received by the county that filed the ORIGINAL TLS
- Name and address of debtor
- Name and address of secured party
- Date of original notation on title
- Original File number
- States that it is a continuation, submitted by the lien holder
Terminations
The secured party is required by statute to file a termination within one (1) month after the loan is paid in full or within twenty (20) days after the secured party receives an authenticated demand from a debtor. (KRS 355.9-513 (2)). The termination must be filed in the county where the lien was originally filed. The termination must come from the secured party. Effective July 15, 2004 the termination statement must be signed by the secured party (KRS 186.045).
- The name of the secured party of record
- The name of the debtor
- The original file number
- The original date of filing
- The name and address of the assignee
- A description of the titled property assigned including the ID number
- The signature of the secured party
No fee is collected.
Boats and Motors
When filing liens on boats, motors and trailers use the following guidelines:
- Boat is titled property – file on a title lien statement
- Trailer is titled property – file on a title lien statement
Salvaged Titles
Complete Form #TC96-215 Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Assembled from Wrecked or Salvaged Motor Vehicles.
Submit completed application for Title/Registration (VTR form # TC96-182); this form must be signed and notarized. The following must be completed in full: (1) Seller Section, (2) Vehicle Identification Section, (3) Owner-Buyer Section, and (4) Certified Inspector Section. The Certified Inspector Section must be completed by a certified inspector in accordance with the provision of KRS 186A.115. The application for Title/Registration must be accompanied by a properly assigned Certificate of Title. In those limited cases where a Certificate of Title does not exist, the person selling the vehicle must give a notarized statement fully explaining ownership of the vehicle.
Submit original receipts for all labor required to construct or reconstruct the vehicle. Whomever provided all labor, a descriptive notarized statement will be required stating what repairs were made.
Submit all original receipts for parts purchased. If the parts you buy are from individuals and not businesses, have the person who sold you the parts write a notarized statement giving his name, address and telephone number, the part or parts sold, and the vehicle identification number of the vehicle that the parts were taken from
If the vehicle has a license plate, regardless of decal expiration date, remove it and submit with this application.
Any vehicle with a lien against it will be rejected. A lien termination statement from the lien holder must be submitted to the County Clerk where the lien is recorded.
If you are rebuilding a motorcycle, turn in pencil tracings of both the engine and frame identification numbers. If you used a replacement engine, try to obtain the frame number of the motorcycle that the engine was taken from.
You will have 60 days from the date of approval to apply for the Title and register your vehicle. After 60 days, the application will be cancelled and you will need to reapply.
Junked Titles
In order to junk a vehicle, the current license plate and title must be turned into your local County Clerk’s Office. The title must be clear of all liens and all property taxes must be paid or exonerated by the Property Valuation Administrator. There is a $1.00 fee to junk a vehicle.
If the title and/or plate have been lost, and the owner still has possession of the vehicle, Form #TC96-167 must be signed and notarized by the owner.
If the vehicle has been disposed of to a junkyard or another individual and the title is lost, a duplicate title must be applied for. Vehicles can be junked once the duplicate title is received.
Out of State Transfer of KY Vehicle
Mobile Homes
Generally, mobile homes are transferred in the same manner as vehicles, except proof of insurance is not required.
Currently, there are several types of Kentucky Titles that have been issued. The procedures followed are based on what type of title the seller was issued. Titles issued after February 2000 have the assignment portion and vehicle transaction record form combined on the back of the Certificate of Title. These titles would not require the VTR form # TC96-182 in order to transfer a vehicle or trailer.
Titles issued prior to February 2000 only have the assignment portion on back of the Certificate of Title and would require the VTR form # TC96-182 submitted along with the Title.
The following documents & information are required:
- Kentucky Certificate of Title clears of all liens, with assignment portion properly completed by buyer & seller. Depending on what year your title was issued determines the procedure that you follow for a transfer.
- Application for title/registration (VTR form # TC96-182): If title issued before February 2000 must be completed, signed by all registered owners and notarized. Persons that have power of attorney for the owner(s) may sign, but a copy of the power of attorney must be submitted with the application. If County Clerk staff notarizes signatures, identification must be presented.
Note: Titles that contain AND (instead of OR) between the names of owners requires the signature of all owners. - Social Security Number for each party appearing on the title or Federal ID Number for companies
- If Mobile Home has been moved, a Fire Marshal inspection is required.
- If Mobile Home has NOT been moved, the AFFIDAVIT FOR PREVIOUSLY OWNED MANUFACTURED.pdf has to be signed and notarized.
Usage Tax & Fees
| Kentucky Title Fee: | $6.00 (The title is mailed to the owner by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Title Branch, Frankfort, KY 40601. Expect the title in about 4-6 weeks.) |
| Kentucky Speed Title: | $25.00 (A speed title is mailed to the owner the following business day by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Title Branch, Frankfort, KY 40601.) |
| Transfer Fee: | $3.00 |
| Title Lien Statement (if applicable): | $22.00 |
| Notary Fee: | $2.00 |
Mobile Home – Conversion to Real Estate
Mobile homes permanently attached to real estate may now be converted to real estate. Once the Mobile Home has been converted, the title is surrendered and can never be obtained.
- The Kentucky Certificate of Title (clear of all liens) must be surrendered to County Clerk
- AFFIDAVIT OF CONVERSION TO REAL ESTATE.pdf along with copy of Certificate of Title is filed in Real Estate section of County Clerk’s Office.
Fees
| Surrendered Title Fee: | $1.00 |
| Affidavit Recording Fee: | $15.00 |