Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn in my damaged car title?

One thing to note about getting a Kentucky duplicate car title is that your original document becomes invalid the moment the copy is issued. Thus, it can no longer be used to prove your ownership of the vehicle. In the event you have a damaged vehicle title and are already in the process of requesting a car title copy, the Transportation Cabinet does recommend that you submit your damaged document. By doing so, a TC representative will be able to dispose of the title permanently, so as not to allow it to fall into the wrong hands. And you do not want the information that is featured on this ownership document to be seen by unknown parties.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Kentucky

How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen?

Dealing with a stolen car title in Kentucky can be a stressful experience. However, there is one way that you can make the whole process easier on yourself. That is by going down to your local police department and speaking to an officer about filing a police report. He or she will provide you with whatever paperwork the department requires, and once you fill it out, law enforcement will be able to keep tabs on your stolen driving credential. This is one of the best ways a driver in Kentucky can prevent identity theft and fraud.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Kentucky

How do I obtain a duplicate car title?

If your Kentucky car title was lost, stolen or damaged, it is your responsibility to order a replacement. Luckily, the steps to obtain an official car title copy in KY are easy to follow. They are:

  1. Complete an Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration TC 96-182.
  2. Get the car title replacement application notarized.
  3. Have your KY drivers license in hand.
  4. Write down your license plate number or your vehicle title number.
  5. Visit a local Circuit Court Clerk s office.
  6. Pay the $6 fee.

Following the same steps, applicants can also send the necessary forms and payment by mail to their nearest clerk s office.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Kentucky

How do I obtain a salvaged car title?

If you want to obtain salvage car title for your vehicle, there is only one way to do so. You must complete an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Assembled from Wrecked or Salvage Motor Vehicles TC 96-215. Once the form is completed, you can take it to a KY Transportation Cabinet One Stop Shop, Rebuilt Section. If you would rather not submit it in person, you can also mail it to a Circuit Court Clerk s office. The application may not be processed on the same day.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Kentucky

How do I transfer my car title between states?

One of the most common reasons for transferring car titles in Kentucky is because you are moving from the state. If that is the case, you need to learn the specific procedures associated with the state that you are moving to. Every state has its own list of steps that you must follow in order to obtain acar title. The best way to find out what your new state of residence requires is to contact them directly. Call a DMV office representative to find out everything you need to do to complete the titling process.

For more information: Kentucky State-to-State Title Transfers

How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?

In the event you have lost your original car title, you will not be able to transfer titles in Kentucky until you have obtained an official duplicate document. Luckily, it is not difficult to obtain this driving document. Applicants are simply required to appear in person at a nearby Circuit Court Clerk s office with the following:

Then you must pay the $8 fee. After doing so, you will receive your duplicate car title on the same day.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Kentucky

How do I transfer my car title?

If you are moving to the state of Kentucky, have purchased a vehicle from a private seller or experienced any of the other circumstances which require a title transfer in KY, you must follow the steps below:

  1. Visit a Circuit Court Clerk s office with the seller, if applicable.
  2. Bring your original car registration and a vehicle inspection report from the county sheriff, if you are a new resident OR complete an Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration TC 96-182, if you purchased the vehicle from a private party.
    • Applications should have an odometer disclosure statement.
  3. Bring the vehicle s Certificate of Title.
  4. Provide a photo identification, such as:
    • A KY drivers license
    • A US passport
  5. Show proof of auto insurance.
  6. Pay the applicable fees.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Kentucky

How do I transfer the title of my RV?

If you have recently purchased an RV from a private seller or have just moved to the state of Kentucky with a recreational vehicle, it is required that you transfer title and obtain KY car registration. Fortunately, the process to do so with a recreational vehicle is not unique. You will have to complete the same steps as standard passenger vehicle drivers. This means that you will have to provide proof of auto insurance, current registration and title, a completed Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration TC 96-182 and VIN inspection (if you are a new resident), and a photo ID. Then you will have to pay the fees, which will be slightly higher because your vehicle is an RV.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Kentucky

How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online?

When it comes to replacing car titles, one question that many applicants have involves the processing time. Drivers want to know when they will receive their duplicate car title. In the state of Kentucky, an Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration TC 96-182 is usually processed on the next business day. So you can expect this document to be delivered to you within four days. If you need a quicker service, only certain counties offer expedited delivery. To find out if your county is among them, contact your Circuit Court Clerk s office.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Kentucky

If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?

The process to transfer titles in Kentucky when a family member dies is not very complicated. In fact, it is very similar to the process that must be completed when transferring car title after a purchase from a private party. The only difference is that you must find out how the estate of the deceased person has been settled. Drivers will have to complete an Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration TC 96-182 and provide all necessary documentation, including the will of the deceased party or a similar document.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Kentucky

What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?

Regardless of what state you live in, there are a number of different reasons why you would have to transfer car titles. Some of the most common instances in Kentucky are as follows:

  • Transfer is necessary when moving to another state.
  • Transfer is necessary when a driver donates a vehicle.
  • Transfer is necessary when a lien is satisfied.
  • Transfer is necessary when a driver inherits a car.
  • Transfer is necessary when driver has a name change.
  • Transfer is necessary when a driver buys a vehicle from a private party.
  • Transfer is necessary when a driver adds an owner to the KY car title document.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Kentucky

What are the required fees to get a replacement car title?

As with most transactions that are completed at the Circuit Court Clerk s office, obtaining a duplicate car title in Kentucky comes with a cost. The good news is that the price for this credential is not very high. In addition to the various documents that you must provide when applying, drivers are required to give a payment of $6. The only other cost associated with the process is $2 for drivers getting their signature notarized at the local office.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Kentucky

What documents do I need to present for a replacement car title?

When applying to replace car titles in Kentucky, a driver must provide a number of documents. They range from applications to photo identification and more. As for the specific documents that are required, they are as follows:

These must be provided when visiting a nearby Circuit Court Clerk s office.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Kentucky

What documents do I need to transfer my car title?

When going through the process of transferring car titles in Kentucky, a number of different documents must be provided. These necessary documents vary based on your situation. For instance, if you are a new resident, you must provide the following:

  • Your out-of-state car registration and title
  • A vehicle inspection report from the Kentucky county sheriff
  • Photo identification, like a driving license
  • Proof of auto insurance

Additionally, drivers who purchased a vehicle from a private seller are required to provide all of the above, minus the inspection report, as well as complete an Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration TC 96-182.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Kentucky

What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title?

There is only one form that must be filled out when you are applying for a car title replacement in Kentucky: the Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title/Registration TC 96-182. As for what the application entails, all applicants must provide VIN information along with an odometer disclosure and their Social Security Number. Then the applicant must check that they are applying for a duplicate car title and give a reason why they require the copy. Once the form is completed, it must be notarized before it is submitted.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Kentucky

What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued?

In the state of Kentucky, a duplicate car title renders the original document invalid. Thus, the original car title no longer works as proof of titling with the Transportation Cabinet. In the event that you have found the original title after a copy has been issued, there are a few different things you can do. You can take the item to a local Circuit Court Clerk s office and give it to a worker for disposal. You can dispose of the document yourself at home. The final option is to keep it in your records for safekeeping.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Kentucky

What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?

Motorcycles and scooters must both be titled and registered in the state of Kentucky. Fortunately, the process to obtain these driving documents is not very different from the process to obtain car title and car registration for a standard passenger vehicle. If purchased from a dealership, the necessary steps will be taken care of for you. However, if you bought it used from a private party, you will have to go in person to a Circuit Court Clerk s office and provide the necessary documents and payment. New residents will also have to provide driving documents from their previous state of residence.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Kentucky

When should I complete a Bill of Sale?

Within the state of Kentucky, abill of sale is an important document but one that does not have too many uses. The only instance in which it is required is if the Certificate of Title does not feature the selling price, sale date and odometer reading. In the event that the car title is missing these important pieces of information, meet with the seller to complete aKentucky bill of sale to provide the details of the transaction. Both parties should receive copies, which feature the following information:

  • Information of the car buyer and seller:
    • Names
    • Addresses
    • Signatures
  • Car information:
    • Make
    • Model
    • Year
    • VIN
    • Odometer reading
  • Information of the transaction:
    • Sale price
    • Selling date

In addition to its primary use, these forms can also be employed as a secondary proof of the car transaction.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Kentucky

Where can I mail my request for a replacement title?

Residents of the state of Kentucky have a few different ways that they can turn in their request for a KY car title replacement. One such way is to send their request by mail. If this is the method you want to employ when applying to replace car titles, send your request to the address of the nearest Circuit Court Clerk s office. These offices are located all over the state of Kentucky, and you can choose any of them.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Kentucky

Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement?

No, you will not. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet asks that applicants bring a number of documents when they go to apply for a KY car title replacement. However, proof of coverage within the state is not one of the requirements. In any case, that is not to say you will never have to show proof of auto insurance in Kentucky. Certain transactions, especially those related to transferring titles and obtaining car registration, will require drivers to provide evidence of coverage.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Kentucky