Vehicle Ownership

What You Need to Title & Register the Vehicle:

1. Original Out-of-State Title

• Must be properly signed by the seller
• Notarized if required by that state

2. Application for Title/Registration – (Form TC96-182)
(See example on the clerk’s website)

3. Proof of Commonwealth of Kentucky Liability Insurance

• Must be in the buyer’s name and match the vehicle

4. Photo ID – For the buyer

5. Social Security Number for all listed owners
(or Federal Tax ID for businesses)

6. Vehicle Inspection by Sheriff

• Available Mon–Fri, 8 AM to 3 PM at the County Clerk’s Office
• Park in the “Auto Inspections” spots in the Helix Garage
• Or call the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at (859) 252-1771 to schedule an inspection at vehicle location
• Leased vehicles with a Kentucky U-Drive-It Permit do not require inspection

7. Title Lien Statement – (Form TC96-187), if the vehicle has a loan

• Must be provided by your lienholder

How will Road Usage Tax be calculated?

• Kentucky charges a 6% tax on either the retail value of the vehicle or purchase price
  • The purchase price with the notarized bill of sale.
  • The NADA retail value — whichever is lower

If You’re Using the Purchase Price:

• The Seller must:
  • Write the price on the Total Consideration Affidavit (part of Form TC96-182)
  • Sign the form
  • Have it notarized

The taxable value must be at least 50% of the NADA “trade-in” value — even if the purchase price is lower.

Fees:

• $9 – Title Fee
• $6 – Clerk Fee
• $21 – Annual Registration/Plate Fee
• $15 – VIN Inspection
• $22 – Lien Filing Fee (If Applicable)
• $2 – Late Lien Filing Penalty (If Applicable)

Moving to Kentucky: How to Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you move to Kentucky, you must apply for a Kentucky title within 15 days.

What You Need:

1. Original Title from your previous state (no copies).
2. Application Form (Form TC96-182) – you can find an example online.
3. Proof of Valid Commonwealth of Kentucky Insurance – must show the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and match the name on the registration.
4. Photo ID
5. Proof You Paid Sales Tax when you bought the vehicle – often found on:

• The buyer’s order from the dealer
• The title
• Your first registration (Canceled checks are not accepted)

6. Social Security Number for each owner listed on the title (or a Federal Tax ID for businesses).

7. Vehicle Inspection – must be done by a certified sheriff’s deputy:

• You can get it inspected at the county clerk’s office (8 AM–3 PM).
• Park in the “Reserved for Auto Inspections” spots in the Helix Garage next to the office.
• Or, call the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at (859) 252-1771 to schedule an inspection elsewhere.
• Note: Leased vehicles with a Kentucky U-Drive-It Permit don’t need an inspection.

8. Lien Paperwork (Form TC96-187) – only if you have a loan on the car.

Extra Notes:

• RVs need a B Seal of Approval from fire marshal.
• If a lienholder holds your title, request it using the “Request for Title” letter form. It will be mailed directly to the clerk’s office.
• If your car is leased, use the “Request for Leased Title” form.
• If you’ve lost your out-of-state title, contact that state to get a duplicate.

Taxes:

• Kentucky charges 6% road usage tax based on the trade-in value of your vehicle.
• You can get credit for taxes already paid in another state if they qualify (SEE #5 Proof You Paid Sales Tax).

Fees:

• $9 – Title Fee
• $3 – Clerk Fee
• $21 – Plate Fee
• $22 – Lien Filing Fee (If Applicable)
• $15 – Inspection

What you will need:

Getting a Salvage Receipt in Kentucky

(If requested by your insurance company)

You’ll need to bring the following:

1. Original Title
2. License Plate from the vehicle
3. Photo ID
4. Odometer Reading

Speed titles are available for an additional fee.

Fees:

• $9 – Title Fee
  • $25 (If Speed Title)
• $3 – Clerk Fee
• Current Year Property Tax

Rebuilt Vehicle: What You Need to Do

Once you’ve finished repairing a salvaged vehicle, follow these steps to title and register it in Kentucky:

1. Salvage Title
2. Certified Vehicle Inspection – required after all repairs are done and you’ve received your salvage title. (This inspection verifies the vehicle has been properly rebuilt.)
3. Application for Title/Registration – Form TC96-182
4. Affidavit of Assembled Vehicle – Form TC96-215 (Follow the instructions on the back of the form carefully.)
5. Receipts for All Repairs – Include parts and labor – Form TC 96-353.
6. Submit all documents (forms and receipts) to:
   Kentucky Department of Transportation
   200 Mero Street
   Frankfort, KY 40622
7. Wait for written approval or email from the Department of Transportation. You cannot register or title the vehicle until you get this.
8. Proof of Commonwealth of Kentucky Liability Insurance

Fees:

• $9 – Title Fee
  • $25 (If Speed Title)
• $3 – Clerk Fee
• $21 – Plate Fee
• $15 – Inspection
  • $35 (If the Inspector Comes to You)

To arrange for an inspector to come to you, call the Fayette County Sheriff at (859) 252-1771.