Registration FAQs

Our FAQ section covers a variety of registration information that might not be specifically covered on our other pages. For more detailed information about fees and such, you'll need to visit our main Registration and Titling section or the official Kentucky Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing Web site.

I need a title and I need it in a hurry. How can I get one faster than it normally takes?

You can get a speed title processed overnight for an extra $25. You may pick it up in Frankfort, or have it mailed to you (which could take up to five days). Make sure that your application is eligible for a speed title.

My wife and I sold our vehicle to a buyer who lives in Tennessee. Are there any steps we need to take?

Yes. Return your Kentucky license plate to your County Clerk's office along with the name and state of residence of the new owner. If you still owned the vehicle January 1 and were a resident of Kentucky at that time, you might have property taxes due on that vehicle.

I moved to West Virginia last month. Will I still need to pay taxes on my vehicle?

Perhaps, if you were a Kentucky resident on January 1. Contact your County Clerk's office, and send a copy of your title, registration, and your Kentucky license plate.

I'm recently divorced, and I want my husband's name off my title. What do I do?

Head to your County Clerk's office and take the title, proof of insurance, the divorce decree signed by the judge, and the property settlement signed by both you and your ex-spouse.

My registration was canceled because I didn't have insurance. What do I do?

You must visit your County Clerk's office if your registration has been canceled for any reason. Take your current proof of insurance with you.

I'm trying to renew my registration online, but the information on the screen is wrong. Help!

Click cancel. If the information on the screen is incorrect, you'll need to see your County Clerk's office to make any changes or corrections, as well as complete your registration renewal.

I'm putting an outboard engine on my boat. It's a very small engine, so will I still need to register the boat?

Yes, you must register any boat with an outboard motor on it, regardless of what kind of waters (public or private) you'll be using it on.

My husband stopped at a yard sale on his way home from work last week and bought a boat. He didn't get any previous title or registration papers for it! How do we register it?

You're possibly in for some major paperwork and waiting time. Check out our Boat Registration section to find out the various steps you may have to take in order to register your boat if you don't have that crucial information.

I'm rebuilding my motorcycle using parts from other salvaged vehicles. What steps do I need to take?

You'll need to follow the same steps as outlined in our Salvaged Vehicles section, but you'll also need to submit tracings of the frame and engine identification numbers. Use a pencil to trace the numbers. If you're using a replacement engine, get the original motorcycle's frame number.

How can I get a duplicate registration?

To get a duplicate registration in Kentucky, you must go to your County Clerk's office and take the completed application, along with a copy of your insurance, your picture identification, and fees and taxes.

What about a duplicate title?

To get a duplicate title in Kentucky, head to the County Clerk's office with the completed application, the title or license plate number, your picture identification, and the $4 fee.

What if I don't get my registration?

Accidents happen, and the mail can be tricky. Contact your local County Clerk's office about the problem first, as you might need to take special steps. If not, plan to resubmit your information.

How do I get replacement tags?

It depends on the reason for replacing them. If they were lost or stolen, you'll need to apply for new tags since you can't request the same plate number for the same calendar year in which your plate has been lost or stolen.

If your tags were damaged, you can take them to your County Clerk's office, where the clerk will submit an application for replacement tags to be made.

Find details in our License Plates and Placards article.

Where can I find registration and titling forms?

Kentucky offers many online forms to help you with your registration and titling process.

Can I get a special registration for my nonoperational vehicle?

No. Kentucky does not offer a special registration for vehicles that are nonoperable or that will be placed in storage for an indefinite period of time.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.