Buying an Out of State Titled Vehicle

What you will need:

  1. Original Out-of-State Title properly assigned by the seller and notarized, if required in that state
  2. Application for Title/Registration (TC96-182) (See Example)
  3. Proof of current Kentucky liability insurance in the buyer's name for the purchased vehicle.
  4. Picture identification
  5. Social Security Number for each owner(s)appearing on the title or Federal Tax ID Number for companies.
  6. Certified Sheriff's inspection.  An inspector is available at the clerk's office from 8am-3pm.  Please park your vehicle in a "Reserved for Auto Inspections" space located in the Helix Garage next to our office.  If you are unable to bring the vehicle here, arrangements for vehicle inspections may instead be made through the Fayette County Sheriff's Office by calling (859) 252-1771. Leased vehicles operating on a Kentucky U-Drive-It Permit will not require an inspection.
  7. Title Lien Statement (TC96-187) if applicable, must be provided by the lienholder.

Recreational vehicles require a Seal of Approval

How will Road Usage Tax be calculated?

A 6% Kentucky road usage tax is collected on the retail value. The retail value is either the purchase price or the NADA retail value. If taxing on the purchase price, the seller must disclose the purchase price on the Total Consideration Affidavit (TC96-182), sign and have notarized. (See Example).  (Taxable value cannot be less than 50% of the NADA "trade in" value).

Fees:

Title fee:

$   9.00

Clerk fee:

$   6.00

Plate fee:

$ 21.00 annual registration

VIN inspection:

$ 15.00

Lien filing fee if applicable:

$ 22.00

Late lien filing penalty if applicable:

$   2.00

Any delinquent property tax owed may prohibit title/registration.

Special plates are available for additional fees. Click here to see our special plates.

Acceptable Methods of Payment