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 with assignment of title properly completed. Photocopies are not acceptable. Vehicles cannot be transferred if there are liens appearing on the title of the vehicle that have not been released.
• The VTR Form #TC-96-182 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 Application for Title. The signature(s) on all forms must be notarized or the application cannot be accepted. NOTE: Titles that contain AND (instead of OR) between the names of the owners require that ALL owners sign this document.
• Affidavit of Total Consideration Given for a Motor Vehicle (71A100)
• Odometer disclosure statement
• BUYER must provide proof of insurance coverage for the transferred vehicle
• Buyer/Seller personal ID
• Social Security number for each party appearing on the title or federal ID tax number for companies
NOTES:
TITLE ONLY transfers require the vehicle plates be surrendered to the County Clerk.
Property Tax – All vehicles are assessed January 1 of each year. The January 1 owner of record is responsible for the tax for that year even if the vehicle is transferred to a new owner. To avoid having a delinquent account, taxes should be paid immediately upon transfer. Delinquent taxes (on any vehicle) owed by either the seller or buyer may prohibit transfer until all delinquencies are paid.
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.