Phone: (859) 885-4161

Motor Boats

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FIRST TIME TITLE AND REGISTRATION OF A NEW BOAT

The following documents and information are required:

. manufacturer's Certificate of Origin properly assigned to the buyer by the selling dealer

. Application for Boat Title/Registration (BTR Form: TC 96-184)

. Title Lien Statement (TLS) if a lien is to be filed. NOTE: Outboard motors require separate filings.

. Owner/Buyer personal ID

. social security number for each party appearing on the title or federal ID tax number for companies

. boat trailers must also be titled

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OUT OF STATE BOAT - NEW TITLE AND REGISTRATION

The following documents and information are required:

. Original Title -Some states do not issue boat titles. If your state does not title boats, you will need to supply the County Clerk with your current registration.

. Application for Boat Title/Registration (BTR Form: TC 96-184)

. Title Lien Statement if applicable

. Owner/Buyer personal ID

. Social Security number for each party appearing on the title or Federal ID tax number for companies

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TRANSFER OF A KENTUCKY TITLED BOAT

The following documents and information are required:

. original title with assignment of title properly completed. NOTE: Photocopies of the title document are not acceptable. Boats cannot be transferred if there are any liens on the title that have not been released. NOTE: Kentucky began titling boats in 1990.

. title application properly signed and notarized. NOTE: Titles that contain AND (instead of OR) between the names of the owners requires that ALL owners sign this document.

. buyer and seller personal ID

. social security number for each party appearing on the title or federal ID tax number for companies

PROPERTY TAX
Every boat titled in Kentucky is assessed by the property valuation administrator as of January 1 of each year. The tax rate is set by each taxing jurisdiction (county, school board, fire protection, etc.). The tax liability for the year is placed on the owner of record for each boat as of January 1. Taxes are due upon renewal or registration change. If a boat is transferred prior to renewal, the owner of record as of January 1 is liable for the taxes for that boat. To avoid having a delinquent account, taxes should be paid immediately upon transfer. Delinquent taxes owed by either seller or buyer may prohibit transfer until the taxes are paid.

APPLICATION FEES
Kentucky Title Fee - received within 4-6 weeks: $18.00
Registration fee for instate transfer: $18.00
Title Lien Statement Recording Fee: $22.00

Maximum registration fee for twelve months is $40.00 and is calculated according to the length of the boat and the type of motor.

NOTE: Additional fees apply if the application is prepared and notarized by the County Clerk's office.

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OUT OF STATE TRANSFER OF A KENTUCKY TITLED BOAT

The following documents and information are required:

. Affidavit of Non-Exchange (Form: TC 96-167) must be submitted for all boats sold or transferred out of state. This form must be signed by the registered owner or an individual possessing Power of Attorney for the owner. A copy of the Power of Attorney must be submitted with the Affidavit of Non-Exchange. The signature on all forms must be notarized or the affidavit cannot be accepted.

. Current advalorem taxes must be paid

. If your boat was registered in Kentucky on January 1st of the current tax year, you will be liable for the taxes under Kentucky law (KRS 134.810). If the sale or transfer occurred before January 1 of said tax year, a copy of the new title or a copy of the bill of sale will be required in order to exonerate the tax assessment.

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RENEWAL OF A KENTUCKY BOAT REGISTRATION

Renewal reminders will be mailed as a courtesy the month prior to the scheduled renewal month. It is your responsibility to renew your decal during the correct renewal month, even if you do not receive a renewal reminder in the mail.

The following documents are required:

. Original certificate of registration

. social security number if individual, or federal tax ID number for companies

. boat registrations are renewed yearly with the issuance of a decal. Boat registrations expire in the month of April.

A courtesy notice showing tax and registration fees due is mailed by the Department of Revenue the month prior to expiration.

FEES AND TAXES

PROPERTY TAX
Every boat titled in Kentucky is assessed by the property valuation administrator as of January 1 of each year. The tax rate is set by each taxing jurisdiction (county, school board, fire protection, etc.). The tax liability for the year is placed on the owner of record for each boat as of January 1. Taxes are due upon renewal or registration change. If a boat is transferred prior to renewal, the owner of record as of January 1 is liable for the taxes for that boat. To avoid having a delinquent account, taxes should be paid immediately upon transfer. Delinquent taxes owed by either seller or buyer may prohibit transfer until the taxes are paid.

REGISTRATION FEES
Based on Length:
. 1 ft. to 16 ft. (1 ft. thru 15 ft. 11 in.) $14.00
. 16 ft. to 26 ft. (16 ft. thru 25 ft. 11 in.) $18.00
. 26 ft. to 40 ft. (26 ft. thru 39 ft. 11 in.) $24.00
. 40 ft. $28.00

Based on Motors:
. Trolling Motors $ 9.00
. Inboard and inboard/outboard motors $28.00

MAIL-IN SERVICE
While vehicle renewals must be processed in the county of residence, they may be processed either in person at the County Clerk's office or by mail. If renewals are processed by mail, simply mail the required documents with the appropriate fees including the $2 postage and handling fees to the clerk's office. Your renewal will generally be returned to you within 2-3 days. NOTE: Expired registrations cannot be renewed by mail.

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