How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Kentucky From Out of State
New Kentucky residents bringing motor vehicles previously titled in another state must complete registration within 15 days of establishing residency or obtaining employment in Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet administers all motor vehicle titling and registration functions through county clerk offices in Kentucky's 120 counties.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Vehicle registration transfer from out-of-state to Kentucky encompasses registration fees, certificate of title charges, usage tax, and clerk processing fees. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing establishes uniform fee schedules implemented throughout all county clerk offices statewide.
Standard State Fees
Kentucky assesses annual registration fees based on vehicle weight and classification. Complete fee schedules are maintained through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Vehicle Titling page.
Annual Registration Fees by Vehicle Weight:
| Vehicle Weight Range | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard vehicles (under 10,000 lbs) | $21.00 |
| Standard vehicles (10,000 lbs or greater) | varies by weight |
| Commercial and heavy vehicles (10,000 to 14,000 lbs) | $30.00 |
| Commercial and heavy vehicles (14,001 to 18,000 lbs) | $50.00 |
| Commercial and heavy vehicles (18,001 to 22,000 lbs) | $132.00 |
| Commercial and heavy vehicles (22,001 to 26,000 lbs) | $160.00 |
| Commercial and heavy vehicles (26,001 to 32,000 lbs) | $216.00 |
| Commercial and heavy vehicles (32,001 to 38,000 lbs) | $300.00 |
| Commercial and heavy vehicles (38,001 to 44,000 lbs) | $474.00 |
| Commercial and heavy vehicles (44,001 to 55,000 lbs) | $669.00 |
| Commercial and heavy vehicles (55,001 to 62,000 lbs) | $1,007.00 |
| Commercial and heavy vehicles (62,001 to 73,280 lbs) | $1,250.00 |
| Commercial and heavy vehicles (73,001 to 80,000 lbs) | $1,410.00 |
Additional Registration Components:
- Plate fee: $25.00
- IRP registration fee for vehicles over 55,000 pounds: $30.00
- Ownership fee for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid EVs: $126.00
- Ownership fee for electric motorcycles: $63.00
Title Fees
Kentucky requires a certificate of title for all motor vehicles, trailers, and manufactured homes. Title transaction fees are detailed through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Vehicle Titling page.
Certificate of Title Transaction Fees:
| Transaction Description | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Title application | $9.00 |
| Speed title | $25.00 |
| Title lien statement | $22.00 |
| Motor vehicle transfer | $17 + 6% sales tax |
County Clerk Processing Fees
Kentucky county clerks assess service charges for processing vehicle registration and title transactions. These administrative fees support county-level motor vehicle operations as specified in KRS 186.050.
County Clerk Administrative Fees:
| Service Type | Clerk Fee |
|---|---|
| Notary fee | $2.00 |
| Mail-in service fee | $2.00 |
County clerk fees apply consistently throughout Kentucky's 120 counties. Individual counties may not impose additional charges beyond the standardized state-established fees.
Usage Tax
Kentucky levies a motor vehicle usage tax on vehicles registered in the state for the first time.
Motor Vehicle Usage Tax Rate:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle usage tax | 6.0% of average retail value |
Kentucky allows credit for sales or use tax paid to another state on the same vehicle. If the previous state imposed a tax equal to or greater than Kentucky's 6% rate, no additional usage tax is due. If the prior state's tax was lower, Kentucky collects the difference.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing
200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone: (502) 564-1257
Official Website: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing establishes policies and procedures for vehicle titling, registration, and driver licensing throughout Kentucky. The division coordinates with county clerks in all 120 counties, who serve as agents for processing motor vehicle registration transactions and title applications.
Kentucky Vehicle Licensing Offices
Kentucky provides motor vehicle registration services through county clerk offices in each of Kentucky's 120 counties. County clerk contact information is available through the Kentucky County Clerks Page.
Jefferson County Clerk
527 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 574-5700
Official Website: Jefferson County Clerk
Fayette County Clerk
162 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 253-3344
Official Website: Fayette County Clerk
Kenton County Clerk
1840 Simon Kenton Way, Covington, KY 41011
Phone: (859) 392-1600
Official Website: Kenton County Clerk
Boone County Clerk
2950 Washington Square, Burlington, KY 41005
Phone: (859) 334-2108
Official Website: Boone County Clerk
Warren County Clerk
429 East 10th Avenue, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: (270) 842-9416
Official Website: Warren County Clerk
Hardin County Clerk
14 Public Square, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Phone: (270) 765-2171
Official Website: Hardin County Clerk
Daviess County Clerk
212 St. Ann Street, Owensboro, KY 42303
Phone: (270) 685-8434
Official Website: Daviess County Clerk
Campbell County Clerk
1098 Monmouth Street, Newport, KY 41071
Phone: (859) 292-3850
Official Website: Campbell County Clerk
Madison County Clerk
101 West Main Street, Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 624-4703
Official Website: Madison County Clerk
McCracken County Clerk
301 South 6th Street, Paducah, KY 42003
Phone: (270) 444-4700
Official Website: McCracken County Clerk
