Vehicle owners wondering how to perform an out of state car title transfer in Kentucky must note that they will be required to submit the necessary documents and fee payments through their local county clerk’s office. When completing the out of state car title transfer procedure, motorists may be required to obtain a car registration as well.

Also, the requirements to transfer an out of state car title may vary slightly depending on the applicant’s circumstances. To learn more about completing the transfer process devised by the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing (MVL) of the state Transportation Cabinet (TC), continue reading the sections below.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Kentucky?

Prior to initiating a cross state car title transfer in Kentucky, vehicle owners are encouraged to get more information about the procedure to transfer a car title that was issued outside of the state. The transaction to re-title a car in another state DMV’s database entails replacing an invalid out-of-state title with a certificate of title issued by the applicant’s new state.

Finalizing an out of state vehicle title transfer is a mandatory step that must be completed as soon as possible, since the MVL division will only issue license plates for properly titled vehicles.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Kentucky?

New and current residents looking to do an out of state title transfer in Kentucky must keep in mind that the transfer process can only take place if the nonresident vehicle was already titled. Therefore, if you would like to know when is an out of state car title transfer necessary in KY, take note that you will be required to apply for a new title when you relocate within Kentucky or when you purchase an out of state vehicle as a current state resident.

Failure to complete a title transfer within 15 days of bringing a nonresident vehicle within the state will lead to penalties and fines under current Kentucky law.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out of State Title Transfer in Kentucky

To successfully complete the process of transferring an out of state car title in Kentucky, vehicle owners will be required to meet the applicable title transfer requirements, such as submitting the necessary paperwork and fee payments. Note that the documents needed for an out of state title transfer may vary slightly depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

For instance, the KY out of state title transfer paperwork necessary to title and register a nonresident vehicle after moving within the state is outlined below:

  • A filled out application for a Kentucky car title and registration.
  • The original title and the current car registration.
  • A sheriff’s inspection statement of the vehicle identification number.
  • Proof of a vehicle insurance policy with an effective date no later than 45 days from the date of application.
  • Proof of payment of the applicable taxes.
  • A valid photo ID document, such as a driving license, and proof of a Social Security Number.

Note: If the title is in the possession of a lienholder, the applicant must request a release of the title, which will arrive at his or her county clerk’s office.

When completing the process of transferring an out of state vehicle title in KY under different circumstances, you may be required to provide additional information. For example, if you are an existing state resident transferring a vehicle purchased from outside of the state, you will be required to prove the transfer of ownership with a properly assigned title. You may also be required to provide a valid bill of sale as proof of the transition.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Kentucky as a New Resident

Completing an out of state title transfer as a new state resident in Kentucky is a process that includes several steps, such as making a visit to the corresponding county clerk’s site, submitting the necessary forms and paying the applicable fees. Note that you cannot complete an out of state title transfer online, since the division does not yet offer that option.

After processing your application to finalize an out of state transfer, your county clerk will forward a request for the issuance of a new title. When completing the title transfer process, you will also have the option of expediting your title request at an extra fee. If you choose the option to expedite the titling process, you can either have your title mailed to your address on file or pick it up within two days.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Kentucky After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

The process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car in Kentucky follows very similar steps as those that apply when titling and registering a vehicle as a new state resident. Therefore, in order to finalize the out of state title transfer after buying a car, you will be required to submit the necessary items in person or mail them in a complete package, provided your county clerk allows you to apply by mail.

Note that, in addition to completing the in-person out of state title transfer after buying a vehicle, you will also be required to obtain a new title if you have received the vehicle as a gift or by means of inheritance. Under such circumstances, however, you will be required to submit additional paperwork proving that you are the new legal owner of the vehicle.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Kentucky

Car owners wondering how much a cross state title transfer in Kentucky costs must note that its total price will include several small fees, since motorists are required to title and register their vehicles simultaneously. As an example, the speed title certificate cost in Kentucky is $25.

In addition to paying the standard titling fee and the usage tax, applicants will also be required to pay varying registration costs and smaller processing fees. Note that the cost of transferring an out of state car title in KY may also include costs related to whether the vehicle owner must pay for a lien release request or a mandatory car inspection.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.