What is a Kentucky Vehicle Registration?
A state of Kentucky vehicle registration is required documentation residents of Kentucky are required to have to operate a motor vehicle on the state’s roadways.
Step-by-Step Kentucky Vehicle Registration Guide
All residents of the state of Kentucky must register their vehicles with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC).
Registering New Cars in Kentucky
New residents of Kentucky need to register their vehicle at the county clerk’s office within 15 days of establishing residency. Individuals need to go to the county clerk’s office and present:
- A certified vehicle inspection performed by a sheriff of the individual’s residing county
- A completed Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration (Form TC 96-182)
- The original title from the individual’s previous state of residence
- If no title is available because of a loan on the vehicle, the county clerk’s office of Kentucky will have to request it from the lienholder or the individual who has the vehicle title.
- Individuals who are registering a leased vehicle, please see “Leased Vehicle Registration in Kentucky.”
- The current registration from the individual’s previous residing state
- Proof of a valid Kentucky auto insurance policy
- Valid driver’s license or photo ID
- Receipt or proof of payment for all taxes from the individual’s previous residing state
- Payment of all taxes and registration fees in Kentucky (see Vehicle Registration Fees)
Leased Vehicle Registration in Kentucky
New residents of Kentucky who wish to register a leased vehicle in the state of Kentucky must visit the county clerk’s office in Kentucky must and provide the following documentation and information:
- A certified vehicle inspection report by a sheriff from the individual’s new residing county
- The power of attorney from the leasing business that allowed the individual to register the vehicle
- Contact information for the leasing company, including the address of the business. The county clerk’s office will need to contact the company that leased the vehicle to receive the title information
- A completed Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration (Form TC 96-182).
- Proof of a valid Kentucky car insurance policy
- Statement of paid sales tax on leasing company’s letterhead
- Valid driver’s license or photo ID
- Payment of all registration fees and taxes in the state of Kentucky
Registering a Vehicle Purchased from a Dealer in Kentucky
Once an individual purchases a vehicle from a dealership in Kentucky, they need to visit the county clerk’s office and provide the following:
- Certificate of Origin from the manufacturer that’s signed over to the individual
- Certified sheriff’s inspection of the vehicle listed on the registration application
- Completed Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration (Form TC 96-182)
- Individuals will need photo identification for the county clerk to notarize the signature
- A completed Total Consideration part revealing the total cost of the vehicle for tax purposes, or individuals can submit a dealer invoice or window sticker showing the price of the vehicle
- Proof of a valid Kentucky auto insurance policy
- Social security numbers for all listed names on the vehicle title
- Lien statement (if applicable)
- Payment of all applicable vehicle registration taxes and frees (see Vehicle Registration Fees”)
Purchased Vehicles from a Private Party
Individuals who purchase a vehicle from a private party that is currently titled in Kentucky will need to visit the county clerk’s office to submit:
- The vehicle’s title
- Vehicle titles that are issued before February 2000 need to be submitted with an Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration (Form TC 96-182)
- Titles that are issued February 2000 or after need the assignment and transaction form on the back needs to be completed instead of using the application for title and registration.
- Proof of a valid Kentucky auto insurance policy
- Social security number
- Payment for all taxes and fees required (see “Vehicle Registration Fees)
Registering Foreign Vehicles in Kentucky
Individuals who have vehicles from other countries are allowed in Kentucky, but they must have proper U.S. Customs forms HS-7 or 7501.
Primary countries that Kentucky registers vehicle from are:
- Canada: Canadian vehicle registration is required.
- Germany: German vehicle title required.
- Switzerland: Swiss car registration required.
Individuals who have vehicles from other countries need to call (502) 564-1257 to inquire about the requirements for vehicle registration. All documents need to be translated to English.
For information regarding military members and Kentucky vehicle registration, and vehicles that are purchased overseas, click here.
Vehicle Registration Fees in Kentucky
The state of Kentucky has fixed fees for titling and registering vehicles. Kentucky’s drivers need to pay a usage tax based on a percentage of the vehicle’s price. Use the list below to get an idea of the cost of different fees. To receive the exact price of the fees, individuals need to contact their county clerk’s office.
- Title fee: $9
- Speed title: $25
- Speed titles must be made available within one business day of receipt of the title application.
- Transfer fee: $17
- Annual car registration fee: $25
- Title lien statement fee: $22
- Notary fee: this fee varies depending on the county
- Vehicle inspection fee: $5
- Usage tax: 6% of the total cost of the vehicle
Vehicle Inspections in Kentucky
Vehicles that are registered in the state of Kentucky are not required to have safety or emissions inspections performed. In Kentucky, vehicles must have a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection performed by a sheriff before the vehicle can be registered for the first time.
Registering a Motorcycle in Kentucky
Before a motorcycle can be ridden in Kentucky, individuals must register it with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC).
New Residents of Kentucky
Once individuals who are new to Kentucky establish residency, they have 15 days to register their motorcycle at their local county clerk’s office.
Before individuals can register their motorcycle, they need:
- A Kentucky title for the motorcycle
- Proof of a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection
- Motorcycle inspections can be performed at the county clerk’s office or at the county sheriff’s office. Learn more about VIN inspections here.
- Leasing documentation if applicable, including:
- The power of attorney from the leasing company
- The leasing company’s contact information
- A sales tax statement of paid-in-full from the lessor
Individuals who wish to register their motorcycle also need to submit the following documents to the local Kentucky county clerk’s office:
- A completed Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration (Form TC 96-182)
- Out-of-state registration and title
- Photo identification
- Proof of paid sales or usage tax in the previous residing state and proof of a valid Kentucky motorcycle insurance policy
- Individuals are required to show proof of motorcycle insurance when KY insurance is issued within the last 45 days. After this time, individuals are required to maintain year-round insurance.
- Payment for the registration fee of $18.50 and any other applicable taxes and fees
Registering a Motorcycle Purchased from a Dealership
KY residents who purchase a motorcycle from a dealership are issued 30-day temporary tags that are valid for 30 days. Individuals will also receive the motorcycle’s title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
Once either of these documents are provided, individuals can either grant the dealer permission to title their motorcycle with the county clerk or choose to title and register their motorcycle themselves. (see “Private Transfers” for more information)
Registering a Motorcycle Purchased from a Private Sale
Individuals who purchase a motorcycle from a private party, must have the seller:
- Fill out the title form and assign it over to the buyer
- Sign the title in the presence of a notary
Motorcycles that have original titles that were issued before the year 2000 may also be required to complete an Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration (Form TC 96-182).
When KY residents receive the notarized title, they need to visit their local county clerk’s office and present:
- Proof of ownership by showing:
- The signed and notarized title
- Odometer Disclosure Statement
- A Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- Completed application form if applicable
- Proof of:
- Identification
- A valid Kentucky motorcycle insurance policy (if the policy was started in the last 45 days).
- Motorcycles with insurance coverage lasting longer than 45 days is on record in the KYTC database.
- Payment for the motorcycle registration fee of $18.50, and any other applicable fees.
Motorcycle Registration Taxes and Fees in Kentucky
The exact total for the fees that is required when registering a motorcycle in Kentucky may vary depending on the county of residence. Here is an estimate of the cost of the fees KY residents must pay for motorcycle vehicle taxes and registration fees.
- Motorcycle registration: $18.50
- Title: $9
- Speed titles are available for $25. This type of title allows individuals to receive the motorcycle title the next day.
- VIN inspection: $5
- Usage/Sales Tax: 6% of the total purchase price
- Other applicable county taxes and fees: vary according to the county of residence
Registering a Boat in Kentucky
As of January 1, 2017, all vessels need to have a hull identification number (HIN) that is validated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC). Boats that do not have a valid HIN need to obtain one by applying for one through the KTC.
Individuals who wish to operate a boat on the Kentucky waters need to title and register their vessel with the KY Transportation Cabinet.
Vessels That Require a Kentucky Title and Registration
All mechanically-powered vessels that are used primarily on the state’s waterways are required to be registered and titled, except:
- Vessels that are currently registered in a different state or vessels used in KY for less than 60 consecutive days.
- A ship’s lifeboat that is used strictly as a ship’s lifeboat and no other purpose
- Boats that are registered in a different country temporarily using Kentucky’s waters
- Vessels that are owned by an entity of the U.S. government
Individuals who need clarification on boat titling and registration can contact the KTC at (502) 564-1257.
Titling and Registration for Boats in Kentucky
After an KY resident purchases a boat, they have 15 days to title and register it with the KTC by providing this required documentation at the local county clerk’s office:
- A completed Motorboat Transaction Record or Application for Registration and/or Title (Form TC 96-184).
- Proof of ownership documentation, which can include:
- The Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (for new boats)
- The vessel’s title (for new boats, the title must be properly assigned to the new owner).
- Individuals who are transferring ownership of a boat that was previously owned in a non-titling state, the boat’s most recent registration certificate must be submitted instead.
- Bill of Sale
- A pencil tracing or clear photo of the vessel’s HIN
- Photo identification (identification card or driver’s license)
- Payment for all applicable title and registration fees.
Kentucky boat registrations expire each year on April 30. The boat title and registration documentation must be kept on board whenever the vessel is being operated.
Vessel Title and Registration Fees in Kentucky
Title and registration fees for boats in Kentucky are as follows:
Registration/Renewal Fees:
- Class A (less than 16 ft in length): $21
- Class 1 (16 ft to 25 ft): $40
- Class 2 (26 ft to 39 ft): $50
- Class 3 (exceeding 40 ft): $65
Inboard boat registration for all sizes: $43
Registration for boats that possess an electric (or trolling) motor ONLY: $10
Original titling fee: varies according to the county
Duplicates:
- Title: $8
- Registration: varies according to the county
Property taxes: varies according to the county
For more information regarding county-specific fees and property taxes that may be owed, individuals can contact the clerk’s office in the county where the vessel is titled and registered.
Renewing and Replacing a Boat Title and Registration in Kentucky
Kentucky boat registrations expire on April 30 every year. The KTC will mail a renewal notice and the necessary forms before the registration expires.
To renew the registration, individuals must submit a completed renewal notice and the necessary fees to the address below to the KTC in person at their local county clerk’s office, or by mail to the address listed on the renewal notice. Individuals who choose to renew their registration by mail will need to provide $2 for postage and handling. In the event the registration lapses, renewals must be made in person.
Boating Qualifications in Kentucky
To operate a boat with 10 horsepower or more in Kentucky, individuals must be at least 12 years of age. Individuals who are 12 to 17 years of age must have a boater education certificate to operate a boat.