Kentucky DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title In Kentucky

Do you live in Kentucky and need to know how to transfer a car title? Maybe you have questions like, ” My car title signed but never transferred. What do I do? ” or, “How to transfer a car title to a family member?” Then there are details like how much is a title transfer in the first place? The following FAQ is here to answer all your questions.

In Kentucky, you will apply for a new title and registration for your new car at your County Clerk’s Office. While you can pick up an approved duplicate title or pre-registered plates at the One-Stop-Shop, you can’t file the application there. Make sure to call your clerk’s office or check their website for hours of operation and phone numbers.

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title In Kentucky?

Applying for a title isn’t all the expensive. The title transfer fees in Kentucky are just $9.  If there is a loan of the car, there is an additional $22 fee.

However, when buying or selling a car, you must have the title notarized during the sale. That costs an additional fee. There are insurance, registration, and usage taxes that are also due when you are putting the new car on the road.

What Do You Need To Transfer A Car Title?

You will need to bring the following documentation to the county clerk’s office:

• The original certificate of title that has been signed by both the buyer and seller and notarized.
• The Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration completely filled out.
• Proof of insurance card.
• The new owner’s driver’s license.

If you are missing any of these title transfer requirements, give your County Clerk’s office a call and ask which forms you will need to complete the transaction.

Download the DMV Title Transfer Form

Arrive at the clerk’s office with all your paperwork filled out ahead of time. Download the Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration here.

It is recommended to fill it in on the computer to avoid any confusion over illegible names and numbers.

How To Fill Out Transfer Of Title Form

There are two forms you need to fill out, the original certificate of title and the application for the new title.

On the back of the original title, the seller fills in their name, date, the odometer reading, and purchase price for the vehicle.

The buyer will sign on both the front and back of the title.

Both signatures are witnessed by the notary. If you complete the sale at the county clerk’s office, the clerk can serve as notary for a low fee and save you time.

On the Application, fill in the vehicle identification section and double check that all numbers match the original title. The odometer reading must match that entered on the original title. The seller’s information must match that on the original title, as does the buyer’s information.

The vehicle only needs to be inspected by the sheriff if you purchased the car out-of-state.

If attempts to alter the original title are observed, the transfer of title will not be accepted by the clerk.

How To Transfer Ownership Of A Car Without A Title

If the car is over 25 years old, there may no longer be a title associated with the car. However, every vehicle in Kentucky is required to have a title. If you buy a non-titled vehicle, you will need to apply for a new title at the county clerk’s office.

Bring with you:

• The notarized bill of sale that includes the VIN, Make, Model, Year of the car.
• The Application for Certificate of Title.
• Proof of insurance.

The clerk will conduct a VIN search to determine the status of the title. If delinquent property taxes are associated with the car, you will be responsible for them.

If the car is going to be a restoration project, you can complete a Title Transfer Only and pay the historic title fee of $59.50. You will not have to register the car until it can pass the sheriff’s safety inspection.

Maybe you are buying a car and the seller simply lost the title. They will need to apply for a duplicate title.

Requesting A Duplicate Title in Kentucky

As the current owner of the vehicle, you can request a duplicate title for just $6 at the county clerk’s office. You will need to bring the current registration, insurance card, your driver’s license, and the Application for Title. It is possible to have the duplicate delivered to the One-Stop-Shop by the following business day for an additional $25.

If you are replacing a damaged title, the illegible title must be surrendered upon application for the duplicate.

How To Transfer A Car Title When Owner Is Deceased

In Kentucky, the county clerk’s office encourages you to call them when looking to transfer the title after the owner dies. They want to make sure that you arrive at the office with all the proper paperwork.

In some instances, you will need just the title, application, and death certificate. In other cases, you may need a declaration from the court saying the car is able to have its ownership transferred or sold.

Giving The Car To A Charity Or Family Member

You can give your car to your child or charity by completing the assignment on the back of the title and have the transaction notarized at the clerk’s office. Make sure to write down, “Gift,” in the purchase price section. Property taxes will still be assessed based on the current book value of the car.

If you have any more questions about transferring a car’s title in Kentucky, give your County Clerk’s office a call for prompt assistance.

Kentucky DMV Hours And Contact Information

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of Kentucky, or for KY DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official Drive Kentucky website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Kentucky Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Kentucky.