How To Get a Car Title in Kentucky 2026
Kentucky law mandates that all motor vehicles operated on Commonwealth roadways must be titled and registered. Under [Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 186A](Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 186A), vehicle owners must apply for a certificate of title within 15 days following purchase, transfer of ownership, or establishment of Kentucky residency. The certificate of title serves as the legal document establishing ownership.
Where to Apply for a Kentucky Certificate of Title
Applications for a Kentucky certificate of title must be submitted to authorized officials designated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:
- County Clerk Motor Vehicle Offices – Available in all 120 Kentucky counties; applications must be filed at the county clerk's office in the owner's county of residence or the county where the vehicle is primarily operated
- Licensed Kentucky Motor Vehicle Dealers – Franchised dealerships authorized to submit title applications through the electronic title and registration system on behalf of purchasers
- Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing – Direct applications accepted in Frankfort for specific circumstances, including transit tags for non-residents relocating vehicles out of state
Required Documents for Title Application in Kentucky
Applicants must present documentation to the county clerk establishing legal ownership and satisfying Commonwealth requirements. Required documents vary depending on whether the vehicle was previously titled in Kentucky or originates from another jurisdiction.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Kentucky Insurance | Policy issued within 45 days | Must show owner name, vehicle information, effective dates, and policy number |
| Kentucky Identification | Driver's license, Kentucky ID card, or Social Security card | Required for all listed owners; businesses use Federal Employer Identification Number |
| Certificate of Title | Properly assigned with notarized signatures | For Kentucky titles: signed by seller; For out-of-state: may require TC 96-182 form |
| Application for Title (TC 96-182) | Completed and notarized | Required for out-of-state vehicles and certain in-state transactions |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Supplemental documents may be necessary based on transaction circumstances:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sheriff's Inspection | Verify Vehicle Identification Number | Required for out-of-state titles, vehicles without titles, and certain specialized vehicles |
| Lien Release | Establish clear title | Must be notarized; required if previous title showed security interest |
| Affidavit of Name Change | Document name discrepancies | Marriage license or divorce decree acceptable when name on title differs from identification |
| Power of Attorney | Authorize representative signature | Must be notarized; allows absent owner to be represented in transaction |
| Bill of Sale | Document private-party transaction | Required for vehicles sold without titles; must include year, make, and VIN |
Kentucky Title Fees and Costs
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has established standardized fee schedules for certificate of title transactions processed through county clerks' offices.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | $9.00 |
| Speed Title (expedited) | $25.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $6.00 |
| Title Lien Statement | $22.00 |
| Notary Fee | $2.00 |
| Transfer Fee | Varies by county |
Additional Processing Fees
Motor vehicle usage tax and registration fees apply to title transactions:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Usage Tax | 6% | Applied to retail price of vehicle less trade-in allowance |
| Annual Registration Fee | $21.00 | Standard passenger vehicle registration; prorated based on owner's birth month |
| Registration Transfer Fee | $11.00 | One-time fee to transfer existing registration to a different vehicle |
| Transit Tag (Non-Residents) | $5.00 | Valid 15 days; for relocating vehicles out of state |
| Salvage Title Processing | $9.00 | Plus applicable inspection fees |
Speed title service provides mailing the following business day by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Title Branch, but is not available for classic vehicles, boats, mechanics liens, towing and storage liens, affidavit of ownership transactions, duplicates, corrections, restored titles, out-of-country vehicles, court orders, Kentucky-assigned VINs, salvage titles from junk or unrebuildable designations, or kit vehicles.
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Required Inspection (If Applicable)
If your vehicle requires inspection under Kentucky law, schedule an appointment with a certified sheriff's inspector in your county. Inspection is required for:
- Vehicles titled in another state or country
- Vehicles without existing titles
- Military surplus vehicles
- Classic motor vehicle projects
- Rebuilt salvage vehicles
The certified inspector will verify the Vehicle Identification Number matches ownership documents and issue an inspection certificate. Retain this certificate for submission to the county clerk.
Step 2: Assemble Documentation Package
Collect all required documents before visiting the county clerk's office. For out-of-state titles, verify all seller signatures are complete and notarized. Kentucky requires notarization of title assignments. If your previous state issued only a registration or bill of sale instead of a title, bring those documents as proof of ownership.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
The county clerk will provide Form TC 96-182 for completion if required. Accurately enter:
- Owner and vehicle identification sections
- Vehicle year, make, model, and body style
- 17-character Vehicle Identification Number
- Purchase date and purchase price
- Lienholder information if financing arranged
- Current odometer reading
All listed owners must sign the application in the presence of a notary. The completed form must be notarized before submission. Businesses licensed by the Secretary of State must title vehicles using their Federal Employer Identification Number.
Step 4: Pay Applicable Fees and Taxes
Payment may be made by cash, check, money order, or in some counties by credit or debit card. The county clerk will process the application and forward it to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Title Branch in Frankfort for title printing.
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Title
Processing time depends on service level and lien status:
Standard Title Service
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet prints and mails certificates of title to the owner's address. Standard processing typically results in title receipt within 4 to 6 weeks from the application date. Contact your county clerk's office if your title has not arrived within 45 days of application.
Speed Title Service
Expedited processing mails the certificate of title the following business day by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Title Branch for an additional $25.00 fee. Speed title service is not available for certain transaction types, including classic vehicles, mechanics liens, duplicates, and salvage titles from junk or unrebuildable designations.
Titles With Liens
When a security interest is recorded on the title, the certificate is mailed to the lienholder's address rather than the owner. The lienholder retains possession of the title until the loan is satisfied. Upon loan payoff, the lienholder must provide a notarized lien release. The owner may then request the title be reissued without the lien notation.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
The following vehicles are exempt from Kentucky certificate of title requirements:
- Vehicles owned by the United States government, unless registered in Kentucky
- Vehicles owned by nonresidents of Kentucky, principally operated in another state, properly and currently registered and titled in another state
- Vehicles regularly engaged in interstate transportation of persons or property for which a currently effective lawful certificate of title has been issued in another state
- Vehicles moved solely by animal power
- Implements of husbandry used exclusively for agricultural purposes
- Special mobile equipment not designed for highway transportation
- Self-propelled wheelchairs or invalid tricycles
- Pole trailers
- Mopeds
- Electric low-speed scooters as defined in KRS 189.010
Contact Information
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Department of Vehicle Registration
200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone: (502) 564-1257
Official Website: DRIVE Kentucky
