Performing a car title transfer in Kentucky is a procedure that individuals are required to complete when transferring the ownership rights over a motor vehicle to another legal entity. Motorists who are wondering “How do you transfer a title on a car?” need to first learn the process of selling or purchasing a motor vehicle prior to beginning the procedure.

Moreover, they need to find out the KY title transfer requirements that must be met in order to perform a title transfer successfully. Drivers may be able to perform procedures for title transfers for cars through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), by using the available methods. To learn more information about how to fill out a transfer of title in Kentucky, continue reading the sections below.

What is a car title transfer in Kentucky?

Motorists who want to perform title transfers for cars in Kentucky need to first discover what the process consists of and how to conduct it. Moreover, drivers who are wondering how to perform a motor vehicle title transfer are recommended to learn what a certificate of title is. A car title is a legal document issued by the KYTC that serves as proof of ownership over a motor vehicle.

Motorists may need to perform an auto title transfer procedure when they sell or purchase a motor vehicle and they need to transmit the ownership rights to another legal entity. Vehicle owners who are wondering how to transfer a title need to first learn the reasons for transferring the ownership rights over a motor vehicle and how to perform such a procedure.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Kentucky?

A process of title transfer for cars in Kentucky is required when two legal entities want to transfer the ownership rights over a motor vehicle between themselves. In most cases, a car title transfer is a mandatory procedure when selling or purchasing a motor vehicle.

Moreover, an auto title transfer may be performed regardless of whether you are dealing with new or used vehicles, although the most common reason for such a procedure is purchasing a used motor vehicle.

However, title transfers may be also conducted when a person receives a motor vehicle as a gift or as an inheritance from a deceased person. Therefore, motorists who want to find out how to fill out a transfer of title in Kentucky must first know in which situations they will be mandated to perform such procedure.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Kentucky

Vehicle owners may perform an auto title transfer in Kentucky by providing the necessary documentation at the KYTC. To complete a transfer of car title, motorists may be required to prepare and submit the following documents:

  • Certificate of title
  • Proof of Kentucky car insurance
  • Proof of identification
  • Payment for the applicable fees and taxes

In addition, motorists who want to perform a vehicle title transfer may be required to provide additional information that may vary based on their specific situation. For instance, when providing the above-mentioned KY car title transfer documents, owners of motor vehicles whose titles are older than the year 2000 may be also required to provide a specific form to complete the title transfer.

Furthermore, you may need to present a vehicle bill of sale in order to prove that the vehicle has changed ownership and was sold or gifted to the new owner.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Kentucky

When performing a transfer of car title in Kentucky, motorists may need to complete several steps in order to finalize the procedure. The first step of the car title transfer procedure is to get sellers of motor vehicles to sign the back of the car title before giving it to the buyer of the vehicle.

After that, the buyers need to continue the process of transferring a car title by taking the certificate of title and presenting it at a local KY County Clerk office along with the mandatory paperwork for their specific situation. Although individuals are required to perform a vehicle title transfer procedure personally, they may inquire whether there are other available methods.

Note: Keep in mind that you cannot complete a title transfer online in Kentucky and must attend a local Kentucky County Clerk office in person in order to finalize the transfer of title from one owner to the another.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Kentucky

Vehicle owners who want to order a new car title in Kentucky must first discover the differences between applying for a new car title and transferring an existing one to another legal entity. The state’s Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) issues a new title for a car when motorists are purchasing a brand-new vehicle.

Moreover, drivers may also have to apply for a new certificate of title in a situation when they are moving from out-of-state to KY. However, in each case, motorists will have to prepare certain documentation according to their specific situation.

Unlike the process of getting a new car title in Kentucky, the title transfer procedure must be performed when changing the ownership rights over a vehicle. Therefore, a title transfer typically happens as a result of purchasing or selling a car. Moreover, drivers may transfer a DMV new title when they obtain a vehicle as a gift, donation or as part of an inheritance.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Kentucky

To finalize a Kentucky car title transfer procedure, vehicle owners may be required to provide payment for the applicable fees. In general, the titling fee in KY is $25 for a speed certificate.

Keep in mind that electronic title transfers are not available in Kentucky. Thus, drivers wishing to transfer the tile of a vehicle from one party to another are required to visit their local county clerk in person in order to do so. If both parties are not able to attend in person, a signature on the form will suffice. However, that signature must be notarized.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.