Title Transfers

The legal document that shows vehicle ownership is called a title.

Vehicles often have more than one owner; therefore, the owners' names are either joined by "and" or "and/or" on the title. If the names are joined by "and," both owners are required to sign the title documents in order for a title transfer or vehicle sale to be legal. If the names are joined by "and/or," either owner can sign the title document.

When the ownership of a vehicle changes, the current title and the application for a new title is handled in the County Clerk's office. Titles will be mailed to the vehicle owner.

Transferring Titles

You must title and register your vehicle in the county of primary use of the vehicle. If you are an out-of-state resident but will use the vehicle primarily in a Kentucky county, you'll still need to title and register the vehicle in that county.

If you're buying a car from a private seller in Kentucky, you need to transfer the title into your name at your County Clerk's office.

Bring your picture ID, the current title (signed over to you and lien-free), your proof of insurance, the application or back of the title completed by both you and the seller, and applicable fees and taxes.

Special Circumstances

Sometimes special circumstances in life require a few extra steps―when it comes to transferring your title, at least.

If you want to transfer the title to another Kentucky resident (say you've sold the vehicle or you're a nice person and just want to give it away), you must go to your County Clerk's office with the following:

• The lien-free title

• The new owner's proof of insurance (must be current and the original copy)

• Picture identification

• Fees and taxes

• Title application

When you're adding or deleting a person from a vehicle's title due to marriage or divorce, you'll need to head to your County Clerk's office with the title and proof of insurance, the above documents, and any other special documents required.

In the event of a divorce, for example, these documents include the divorce decree and property settlement. Contact the County Clerk's office for documents specific to your situation.

If you're transferring a title after the original owner's death, these special forms and terms are explained in the 98 RS HB 314/GA document.

Titling Fees

You can get a new title for a fee of $6. Titling can be taken care of at the same time as registration, so you'll want to visit our Car Registration section for additional information.

A licensed dealer can accept and submit your titling fees for you, just as with the registration process. This includes fees for a lien on the vehicle. The dealer can also transfer your license plate or issue you a temporary plate.

Speed Titles

A speed title is basically an overnight rush order on a regular title. The extra charge is $25. You'll have the choice of picking it up in Frankfort or having it mailed to you. If it's mailed, you should receive it in three to five days. Call the Motor Vehicle Licensing Division at (502) 564-2737 for details and restrictions.

Duplicate Title

In order to obtain a duplicate title, head to your County Clerk's office with the completed application, your picture ID, and either your license plate number or title number. The fee is $4 plus notary costs.

If you need to get a duplicate title due to a name change, contact the County Clerk's office about the appropriate documentation to bring, i.e. court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.

Paying Off Your Loan

After you make the final vehicle payment, you'll need to obtain a statement of termination from your financial institution. Take it, along with your title and application, to your County Clerk's office.

The lien will remain on record with the Motor Vehicle Licensing Division until you do so―this could pose problematic delays if you lose the title, as you would need to contact the original lienholder for a lien release.

Titling Facts to Remember

• Don't buy a vehicle from an individual seller unless he or she has the title, it is in his or her name, and he or she can put it in your hands at the time of the sale.

• Check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the title matches the VIN on the vehicle.

• Check that the odometer reading on the title is the same as recorded in the vehicle.

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

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