A person who purchases a vehicle – or brings a vehicle into Kentucky from another state – is required to make application for title within fifteen (15) days. If the owner of a motor vehicle does not reside in Kentucky, the motor vehicle shall be registered with the County Clerk of the county in which the motor vehicle is principally operated.
The following documents and information are required:
• Official Title – photocopies are not acceptable
• Proof of sales tax paid in another state – must identify type of tax paid, dollar amount, serial number of vehicle and name of the taxpayer (Canceled checks are not acceptable). One of the following is acceptable as proof:
• Tax shown on certificate of title/registration
• Dealer purchase contract
• Financing statement from lender
• Receipt or letter from taxing agency
• Application for title/registration form (VTR form TC-96-182)
• Certified inspection of serial number (Sheriff’s inspection section on form VTR form TC-96-182)
• Completed form(s) and fee of $4.00 must be returned to the County Clerk’s office for processing.
• Title Lien Statement (when applicable)
• Proof of insurance
• Owner/Buyer personal ID
• Social Security number for each party appearing on the title or federal ID tax number for companies.
• Odometer disclosure statement
• Completed assigned title if transferring ownership
TAXES
Usage Tax – Six percent (6%) motor vehicle usage tax is levied upon the “retail price” of vehicles registered for the first time in Kentucky. In the case of new vehicles, “retail price” is either 100% of the total consideration or 90% of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), including all additional equipment and transportation charges. Usage tax is determined by the information provided on the VTR regarding Total Consideration paid or by the MSRP of the vehicle. NOTE: Penalty provisions for any person who willfully and fraudulently gives a false statement as to the total and actual consideration paid for a motor vehicle shall be guilty of a Class D felony and shall be fined not less than $2,000 per offense.
APPLICATION FEES
Kentucky Title Fee – received within 4-6 weeks $6.00
Kentucky Speed Title Fee – printed & mailed the day of application: $25.00
Title Lien Statement Recording Fee: $17.00
Maximum registration fee for twelve months is $15.00
NOTE: Additional fees apply if the application is prepared and notarized by the County Clerk’s office.