Buying and Selling Boats
Titling and Registering a Brand New Boat
What you will need:
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
- Application for Title and Registration (TC96-184) (See Example)
- Proof of sales/use tax paid to the dealer (Buyer’s order)
- Out-of-State Purchase – Use Tax Affidavit (51A3280) (See Example)
- Picture identification
- Social Security Number for each new owner(s) appearing on the title or Federal Tax ID Number for companies.
Fees:
- $9 title fee
- $6 clerk fee
- Registration fee
- $31 – 1 ft. to 16 ft.
- $50 – 16 ft. to 26 ft.
- $60 – 26 ft to 40 ft.
- $75 – 40 ft. and over
- $20 – Trolling Motors
- $53- All inboards and inboard/outboard motors
- $22 – $24 lien filing fee if applicable
- 6% use tax if applicable
Any delinquent property tax owed may prohibit title/registration.
Boat Purchased Out of State
What you will need:
- Original Out-of-State Title (Original registration if other state does not title boats.)
- Application for Title/Registration (TC96-184) (See Example)
- Out-of-State Purchase – Use Tax Affidavit (51A280) (See Example)
- Proof of sales/use tax paid to the dealer (if applicable)
- Valid Kentucky Photo ID
- Social Security Number for each new owner(s) or Federal Tax ID Number for companies
- Bill of Sale
*All liens must be terminated prior to transfer.
Fees:
- $9 title fee
- $6 clerk fee
- Registration fee
- $31 – 1 ft. to 16 ft.
- $50 – 16 ft. to 26 ft.
- $60 – 26 ft to 40 ft.
- $75 – 40 ft. and over
- $20 – Trolling Motors
- $53- All inboards and inboard/outboard motors
- $22- $24 lien filing fee if applicable
- 6% use tax if applicable
Any delinquent property tax owed may prohibit title/registration.
Titling and Registering Your Out of State Boat
What you will need:
- Original Out-of-State Title or Certificate of Registration if a title is not issued by that state
- Application for Title/Registration (TC96-184) (See Example)
- Out-of-State Purchase – Use Tax Affidavit (51A280) (See Example)
- Picture identification
- Social Security Number for each new owner(s) or Federal Tax ID Number for companies
Fees:
- $9 title fee
- $6 clerk fee
- Registration fee
- $31 – 1 ft. to 16 ft.
- $50 – 16 ft. to 26 ft.
- $60 – 26 ft to 40 ft.
- $75 – 40 ft. and over
- $20 – Trolling Motors
- $53 – All inboards and inboard/outboard motors
- $22 – $24 lien filing fee if applicable
Buying or Selling a Kentucky Titled Boat
What you will need:
- Original Kentucky Title or Certificate of Registration if no title was issued
- Application for Title/Registration (TC96-184) (See Example)
- Picture identification for buyer and seller
- Social Security Number for each new owner(s) or Federal Tax ID Number for companies
- Title Lien Statement (TC96-187) if applicable
*All liens must be terminated prior to transfer.
If you have lost your Kentucky title you will need to order a duplicate title.
Fees:
- $18 title fee
- $6 clerk fee
- Registration fee
- $31 – 1 ft. to 16 ft.
- $50 – 16 ft. to 26 ft.
- $60 – 26 ft to 40 ft.
- $75 – 40 ft. and over
- $20 – Trolling Motors
- $53 – All inboards and inboard/outboard motors
- $22 – $24 lien filing fee if applicable
- 6% use tax if applicable
Any delinquent property tax owed may prohibit title/registration.
Boats Leaving Kentucky to be Retitled in Another State
What you will need:
If you are relocating out of state or transferring your Kentucky title to an out-of-state resident or business, the following documents and information are required to cancel your Kentucky vehicle record:
- Affidavit for Correction/Exoneration (62A044)
- Current year property tax must be paid
NOTE: If your boat was registered in Kentucky on January 1st of the current tax year, you will be responsible for the taxes.